Finish both sides equally or it will likely curl. Also use a dark pore filler first with mahogany for a better end result.

Thanks Numby That is good advise.

Interlux makes a mahogany filler stain that I have used before. It will keep all the wood a more consistant color, and fill the pores. Then it will get Interlux two-part varnish.

Worked on the console some more ...almost finished
It was too hot yesterday to mix fairing compound.

Always a stones buster :grins: Welcome aboard knees, good luck with your build.

RMarsh you have mad skills... :drool:

Console needs more holes for gauges and switches and door panel below...

Thank you for sharing. I had that dream but never the time.

The console looks great... nice build quality. You are in the home stretch now.

Thanks.
I'm trying to decide on instument gauges and layout.
Theres alot of sanding and fairing to do before priming.

great project, been lurking until now. definitely some real craftsmanship.
one thing to think about is your guages. I saw your guage layout and if you are going with Yamaha digital guages then you only need the tach and speedo. they include the trim and fuel, I forget which does what but with both it covers everything. makes for a super clean install.

Great looking Boat. Congrats to you and your son.

wow!!
 

Very nice build. quality work. can't wait to see the finish project.:buds:
jake

Thanks freebie: When I put up that picture I was hoping someone would notice that and comment. You are correct about the Yamaha multifunction gauges. I was a little taken aback by the price (about $350) but I now agree it would be best for a cleaner look, less holes, less wires, and more space for other things.

Spent the weekend fairing and sanding the interior of the boat. Not much fun, but closer to being ready for primer.

I appreciate the compliments on the craftsman ship, I can tell you that it didn't come naturally. When I first started working as a carpenter helper (1973) I was awful. My first boss, a master carpenter, constantly busted my balls about being a slambanger (hacker), but I stayed with it and learned.

Now almost 40 years later i'm doing work I never dreamed I could do.
The accumulation of knowledge and skill was a slow process, but allows me to take on projects that might intimadate some.

done with primer
 

After weeks and weeks of fairing and sanding it's primed and ready for first coat of finish. All the mechanical stuff (rigging) is here and waiting.
Home stretch now.

Fantastic!

Thats is coming out awesome.......Real nice job!

That is looking mighty fine
won't be long now

Installed the console, shift and throttle cables, and wireing harness.
Painted interior with two coats of oyster white.

WOW!

I get so jealous when I see stuff like this. I can barely drive a nail straight. Looks awesome.

Awesome!

total Awesome.

awesome build. Love the enclosed transom

Man is that sweat looking, almost too pretty to get bloody:).

Ditto.

Thanks for all the moral support. Not intending to make anyone jealous.or show off really. just want to share the building experience with those that are interested.
There are many, many things I am not so good at.

Hey there Gotstripers! She is looking pretty, I think, but I won't be worried about blood on her decks or wear and tear, I intend to use this boat, and a few battle scars will just add character.:)


Here is a pic of inside the console. Built a cover over the fuel tank to keep fumes away from electrical work. There are two 3" vents below that cover.
Bought some electrical supplies, a Blueseas switch/fuse panel, a couple of busbars for positive and negative conections. and some 16 gauge wire for navagation lights. Installed a pos. and neg. wire from the switch panel to the bow light.

Ordered some 6 ga. duplex (all marine grade) from GenuineDealz.com, to run from the console to the battery which is in the port stern locker. West marine prices are terrible but it is a 15 miute ride and I do most of my purchases with cash. Much better deals from internet vendors for sure.

Electrical wiring
 

Just about finished with the electrical. Connections were all heat shrunk by my son, who said it was his favorite job so far.
Says he doesn't miss all that sticky epoxy and dusty sanding.

Hardware next, then final painting.

Still need a bunk style trailer.

First time in this forum. What an awesome project looks great. Can't wait to see her in the water.

I love that console :btu:
everything is so clean and neat
You are really gonna enjoy that boat

project is coming along nicely...glad to see you put a breaken in the main.. most peole dont bother.. it's important..
West marine, while expensive has a price match gaurentee... if you find the same product elsewhere they will match the price.. it's in the fine print in their catolog... I do it all the time...

Thanks Rockfish...Do you need to go to the store manager each time?
And show a competitors catalouge like Defender?
I still need alot of stuff so I will try it.

Pictures show the console door finished...It's a little bit like a glove compartment. I didn't realize the binoculars would fit until It was finished. Room for an air horn, flare gun and a small tool kit as well.