With winter upon us and the boat back in the barn, I have begun making some upgrades.

A nice little stereo unit that fits a 3" round hole, 160 Watts 4 channel output, has a jack to accept usb and ipods.

Didn't want to drill large holes anywhere for speakers, so mounted box speakers under the gunwales. Sounds pretty good.

I thought having a pair of oars would be a good idea so I started making some, the pic is of just the glued up blanks, I'll be sculpting them to their final shape next. I'm not planning on rowing this boat, just thought they might be good to have on board.

Going to install some strip led lighting for the interior under the gunwales next. I liked the look of the blue but red is supposed to be better for preserving night vision so I bought one small red unit to see how it looked....still not sure.

Spring is a long way off so I got to keep busy. I have a lot of other improvements in mind.

So what, if anything, will you do to your boat this winter to get ready for next season?

Not too much. Gonna have the back rest for the leaning post seat reupholstered. Change the races and wheel bearings on the trailer. That's pretty much it. I don't have much else to do except clean and wax.

I have blue LED lighting under my gunwales and prefer it to red which was on my last boat. Dealers choice here. The oars.....um, not really man...unless you just feel like making oars to get in your way.Do you plan on installing oar locks?

1kw ducer (B164 is a big goddamn hole)
PSS shaft seal
T Top
New raw water intake and seacock.

Repower...so a big job.

Anyone want a merc V6 with Gen II outdrive, runs well, BUT cylinder 2 is soft, leak down test seems to indicate valve. It is in my boat and runs well, never would have known if I wasn't looking for something else!
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1kw ducer (B164 is a big goddamn hole)
PSS shaft seal
T Top
New raw water intake and seacock.

You sure you want a tee top?
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I have blue LED lighting under my gunwales and prefer it to red which was on my last boat. Dealers choice here. The oars.....um, not really man...unless you just feel like making oars to get in your way.Do you plan on installing oar locks?

No oar locks, as I said, not going to be rowing this boat.
There were a few times this year I could have used an oar as a paddle or push pole though, and I have seen many boats similar to mine carrying one. It wont be in the way under the gunwale.

Going to order the blue led light strips. Do you have a dimmer switch on yours?

You sure you want a tee top?
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I'll probably decide against it again and just wear my tilly. :hihi:

There's an sc23 with a radar arch instead of a t top that the dude really likes. He does the same, just wear a hat.

Then ttop money = 4G radar and an arch

Likwid,

Have you tried that dripless teflon packing yet instead of going with a PSS seal? Was wondering how hot they get. If your rpm, fpm are lower than the suggested amount of travel. I was thinking of trying it at some point.

Likwid,

Have you tried that dripless teflon packing yet instead of going with a PSS seal? Was wondering how hot they get. If your rpm, fpm are lower than the suggested amount of travel. I was thinking of trying it at some point.

Yep, I run that now (the goretex), works great, but been needing to replace the stuffing box thru hull. So might as well go dripless while I'm at it.

No oar locks, as I said, not going to be rowing this boat.
There were a few times this year I could have used an oar as a paddle or push pole though, and I have seen many boats similar to mine carrying one. It wont be in the way under the gunwale.

Going to order the blue led light strips. Do you have a dimmer switch on yours?


I used my oars quite often, for those same reasons Bob. I could get my 13'dory in pretty close to spots that all I needed was a push off a rock or to paddle just a little bit closer...without fear of banging up the prop etc...then again, I can't drive fer#^&#^&#^&#^&, so paddling let's me do it slower :humpty:

Gilly, this past year I had a rope stuck in my prop, and was dangerously close to some rocks in choppy water.

I immediately deployed my anchor, but was getting pushed closer to the rocks as I tried to cut and untangle the rope.

With a paddle onboard I could have at least moved the boat a safe distance away from the rocks first.

Damaged a nerve on my left ring finger pulling on that freiking rope.

Lots of ideas of stuff to add but don't know if I will be in this boat next season...If I still own it I will add another roof-top rod rocket launcher (5 or 6 rods), maybe some electronic upgrades but I am in pretty good shape otherwise.

Nice upgrade on the sound system you did there...you might think about adding a bluetooth dongle to the system, they are cheap (30-50 bucks) and you (or your buddies) can wirelessly play tunes from anyones phone. I added one and its been a great feature.


While I am not plugging anyones company I have to give kudus to that auto-tether company that makes that wireless kill switch. I set that up last year and now for the almost two seasons have been using it when I am alone. I have had only one false alarm (when climbing into a fishbox below decks and either it hit something and triggered it or it lost its signal for a second) But other than that it has worked (tested it several times in the water) and it makes my wife a lot more comfortable when I take off for the day alone. It is not that expensive and it is pretty simple...really simple for outboards, a little wiring need for diesels. It would make a very good addition to any boat IMO and frankly should be considered standard equipment.

Thanks Sandman
I am definately going to look into the wireless kill switch.
Really good suggestion.
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Before and....ready for varnish.

Your skill level is hard to fathom Bob 😄, looks great

Oak?

Great work (as expected). Bob, where or rather how, do you plan on mounting those? I notice your gunnels looked finished.

Jim, wireless kill-switch...works off a blue-tooth-dongle? Off the VHF or Radio?

Your skill level is hard to fathom Bob ��, looks great

Oak?

Thanks Gup. They really aren't too hard to make.
Made from spruce 2x3 under ten dollars. Had to go through the pile to find some with no knots.
I made templates for the blade and handle, then a die for the handle to check it as I shape.

[QUOTE=bloocrab;1024860]Great work (as expected). Bob, where or rather how, do you plan on mounting those? I notice your gunnels looked finished.

I had made these pvc rod holders in a hurry last year, not sure if I like them much. I was thinking of cutting a notch there at the top
and using a small bungee to hold the oars.

Looked up the wireless kill swich. Not sure if its the same one Sandman mentioned.

Small size unit easy to install on the dash connected to the existing kill switch with a sensor worn on your belt.

Was around $180... well worth it I think.

Aside from adding some electronics (Garmin 740s and a Uniden vhf), I changed out an 8" access hole in the splashwell and upgraded it to a 13"x23" aft-hatch opening (better, or rather easier access to the bilge and seacock area <<KUDOS to Goose for suggesting it to me>>.
I also replaced some caulking, fixed the rod-holders moved the fuse-block so as not to interfere with the Garmin or VHF and bought a custom cover which seems to be working out very well.

Where are the USB ports for that radio? inside the console, on the backside?

Can't tell from photo. What kind of radio is that. I have a great spot for one.

Thanks in advance
Jack

Jack: The radio is a Jenson Ms30. The usb and ipod jack doesn't always come with it, but can be purchased separately.

Great. Thanks for the response

Jack

Aside from adding some electronics (Garmin 740s and a Uniden vhf), I changed out an 8" access hole in the splashwell and upgraded it to a 13"x23" aft-hatch opening (better, or rather easier access to the bilge and seacock area <<KUDOS to Goose for suggesting it to me>>.
I also replaced some caulking, fixed the rod-holders moved the fuse-block so as not to interfere with the Garmin or VHF and bought a custom cover which seems to be working out very well.

Where are the USB ports for that radio? inside the console, on the backside?

The new hatch you put in looks great Gilly.
Now you can actually get your hand in there and see what your doing at the same time.

I put the usb port for the radio under the dash next to the 12v plug.
It could be rotated 90 degrees
It also could have gone in the dash beside the radio unit.

adding a doghouse enclosure to the console to get out of the weather.... it'll be made from aluminum (like the rest of the boat) and shouldn't be too heavy or expensive. if it ever stops snowing maybe I can at least get measurements to get started

adding a doghouse enclosure to the console to get out of the weather.... it'll be made from aluminum (like the rest of the boat) and shouldn't be too heavy or expensive. if it ever stops snowing maybe I can at least get measurements to get started

Interesting project bobber.....something like this perhaps?
Lots of glass, good visibility. Will you be doing the fabricating yourself? You could do a mock up with cheap luan plywood to tweek the design to your liking. Good Luck

Gonna try to get my skiff into my buddy's barn at some point this winter to redo much of the oak trim. Possibly sand and paint the hull.
I'm also re-powering this winter. Already sold the Yammi 2 stroke and have a nice four stroke sitting on the stand waiting to go on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMG_0105_zpse85e49c5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMG_0105_zpse85e49c5.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/IMG_0106_zpscbce7904.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bospa/media/IMG_0106_zpscbce7904.jpg.html)

Interesting project bobber.....something like this perhaps?
Lots of glass, good visibility. Will you be doing the fabricating yourself? You could do a mock up with cheap luan plywood to tweek the design to your liking. Good Luck

is it me or does that trailer look too small?

Only thing i need to do is run a AUX plug from my stereo to the console. Having no Pandora or Spotify on the boat is a PIA.

adding a doghouse enclosure to the console to get out of the weather.... it'll be made from aluminum (like the rest of the boat) and shouldn't be too heavy or expensive. if it ever stops snowing maybe I can at least get measurements to get started
Bobber. Saw this and thought of your project. Probably more $$ than you want to shell out though. Still a good looking unit.

http://capecod.craigslist.org/boa/4249255030.html

is it me or does that trailer look too small?

I'd say yes, looks like the bunks are sticking out the back to make up for it,,, weak!

I needed drink holders...used some leftover 1/2" pvc.
Picture on left is the prototype to make sure it is functional.

I might drill some small holes to hang lures from.

I want to build a fold up bait and tackle/fillet table to go in my transom well area next.

This will fold down when not in use. Still have to cut some slots for pliers and knife. Nice working with the PVC material, don't have to paint it.

Great idea,how does it stay locked in the up position?

I'm pondering that .....I have a few ideas..maybe just use slide bolts ..Id like to lock it in down position too. .any suggestions?
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I don't have any suggestions other than make sure the motor will not hit the board under any circumstance when it is trimmed up.

Installed two more rod holders for the bow area....I had always intended on putting more than the original two that are near the stern.

Installed two more rod holders for the bow area....I had always intended on putting more than the original two that are near the stern.

She just keeps getting better,,, no the boat! :)

Thanks Guppy...I christened the boat last year, after an intense effort to get her ready for the water. My budget was depleted and I was just anxious to get to use the boat. Now I am adding all the accessories to it. Waiting for my order of LED lighting for the interior to arrive.

Bobber. Saw this and thought of your project. Probably more $$ than you want to shell out though. Still a good looking unit.

http://capecod.craigslist.org/boa/4249255030.html

that thing loooks awesome!! I've got a new console that I want to build the house on top of.... but it'll be (hopefully) just like that.

Well end of last season I purchased a new to me Carolina classic 25 diesel and 2nd trip out I popped the out drive due to picking up heavy mono in the props so here s the list of upgrades
New Volo penta dp-g outdrive(that one hurt the wallet)
2 new swivel rod holders
New bow roller ( cc 25's don't usually have them and I'm always afraid of dragging the anchor up side of the boat)
New led red /green bow lights
Replumb live well and add 1100gph pump from.factory these boats have a spray head set up that tends to get foamy and it uses the same pump for washdown/livewell& toilet. Gonna add a directional inlet so macs can live in it....
Then if I have $$$ left over auto pilot and trim tab indicators....
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Well end of last season I purchased a new to me Carolina classic 25 diesel and 2nd trip out I popped the out drive due to picking up heavy mono in the props so here s the list of upgrades
New Volo penta dp-g outdrive(that one hurt the wallet)

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Hmmm. Are you sure you damaged the outdrive? It takes a lot more than mono to break that. You need to hit a rock...hard. What probably "popped" was the splined coupling sleeve which acts like a shear pin and is designed to break well before any gear or bearing. I keep a spare at home in case I need to replace it. It is not too big of a job and you can do it. (I have a DP-G as well) You have to drop the lower half of the unit and separate the upper from lower parts. Then simply remove the sheared off sleeve and replace it with a new one. It is not as bad as it sounds, just take your time.
I am very familiar with the volvos engines and outdrives and have taken mine apart and helped others with various repairs.

What I think you need is volvo part number 3852268 "splined sleeve"
cost is $47. from marinepartsexpress.com (good source for VP stuff)
If you look at the picture I took of mine, it has a scored groove in the sleeve where it will shear off. I would bet that is what happened.

If you have any questions about them send me an email.


on the other stuff...
Take it from me....the next thing on your list should be autopilot. You want that before you get anything else. It makes running a boat fun and takes a load of stress off of you esp. on long runs. I would never get a boat without one and hate going on other peoples boats where someone always has to drive. uggggggg! If you want to go offshore (or anyplace outside your harbor) then you must have autopilot. Once you get it you will ask yourself why you did not get this sooner. (Over time it will pay for itself in fuel savings , reduced driver fatigue and stress.

The led lights that I ordered arrived from Hong Kong after five weeks.

These were so much cheaper than anywhere else I looked, so I had to see if it was too good to be true.

I bought four 20" waterproof IP65 with 30 led's per strip for $11 a piece.

Mounted them under the gunnels front and rear. Got a dimmer control hooked up to them.

Correction..these were 45 led per strip not 30

"Cat boat". :devil2:

Looks cool Bob



The led lights that I ordered arrived from Hong Kong after five weeks.

These were so much cheaper than anywhere else I looked, so I had to see if it was too good to be true.

I bought four 20" waterproof IP65 with 30 led's per strip for $11 a piece.

Mounted them under the gunnels front and rear. Got a dimmer control hooked up to them.

Those projects look great. Seadangles you cant do projects, sorry.
Replacing the fuse panel and removing and reenforcing the deck. Should be fun.

The only problem with the inexpensive lights is...the connections. I tried them and worked great for a season but broke down at some of the connections and a couple locations along the strip itself from behind. I had them sealed with dollops of silicon but I had some problems. I replaced them all with a much heavier continuous string and while more expensive they have held up now for several years. I put the old lights inside cabin cubbies and they worked out well.

Make sure you seal the hell out of the connections 360 deg around the connection. The connecting wires are pretty thin so it does not take much for them to fail.

The lights came with real nice male and female water proof connectors on each end, and I heat shrank all the other connections so time will tell.
These are the rigid body lights and look as well made as anything I've seen at West Marine
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Only thing i need to do is run a AUX plug from my stereo to the console. Having no Pandora or Spotify on the boat is a PIA.

Bassballer....After reading your post I downloaded Pandora to my smartphone. Plugs into the aux. jack....thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Instead of wiring a aux jack consider a bluetooth receiver. The are tiny, cheap and work great on boats. (they plug into the aux port and mount anyplace. Then anyone can stream anything you want to your stereo wirelessly. An open aux jack on a CC is just a matter of time before it becomes a crusty blob that gives an intermittent connection I added one for my fusion radio and it is great...it can be buried down below in a safe spot and is about the 1" square in size, I think it was 30 bucks.

All good points. Going to look into that , I agree that wireless would be the way to go.
thanks
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These are the waterproof DC type connectors the led lights came with. I bought some extra connectors to make extensions.

They look better than the cheap ones I had. They should hold up. The ones I had originally sucked. Moisture got in and you could hear them sizzle and eventually you could smell them cooking. They are history. Now I have a very few connections and they are much better.

You would be surprised how much abuse they see even under the gunnel. Esp when you see a buddy blasting under the gunnel with a pressure washer. :)

Still a couple of months to go until boating season:fury:
Couple more things I am thinking about doing.

Add a keel guard and rubrails. No damage yet, but just a matter of time.

Make a bow dodger. I need some shade for those hot summer days when my wife comes along. It could be shelter during a sudden downpour too. I don't think I like bimini tops and a tee top is not an option for me.

Also need to buy a battery charger. Need suggestions.

The lights came with real nice male and female water proof connectors on each end, and I heat shrank all the other connections so time will tell.
These are the rigid body lights and look as well made as anything I've seen at West Marine
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What brand are they and where did you get them. Sandman, same question to you. Are they bright enough to light up all or at least most of the deck?

What brand are they and where did you get them. Sandman, same question to you. Are they bright enough to light up all or at least most of the deck?

Ledlightworld.com.....good prices, shipping takes a while though.
4 / 20" strips lights up an 18' cc real good.... too bright actually..added a dimmer to make it adjustable.
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Thanks!