2015 Season Begins - Captains Blog May 24th 2015

So it has been a long winter season, and a lot was planned to be done to Third Generation.  Here is what we accomplished during the long, long, long winter.

We have been struggling to deal with our bimany top over the years.  The material gets old, the top itself isn't very strong, etc.  I have always thought about adding a hard top that would resolve all the issues.  Here is what I came up with. . .

Nice and clean on the inside, insulated, and with the center teak stripe carried across the top as well.  Made from very light but structural old sign materials, and trimmed in teak, it has little impact as far as weight goes, and really performs well in the water (even on a windy day, as this first launch was).  Item #1 complete.

Next major item was replacing the old second modification wood floor (which was very heavy at 90+ lbs.), with much lighter and weather proof materials.  Again old sign panels made of alumilite we're used, as well as foam insulation panels and aluminum angle for bracing.  In the end it has a weight just under 6 lbs.  amazingly very sturdy and very quiet.  We put new indoor/outdoor carpet down and  item #2 complete.

This last shot also shows the next major item (#3), splitting the center row boat bench seat into seperate captains chairs.  Again old sign aluminum was used to complete the task (A very big thank you to the owners of Classic Signs (Paul Tripp & George Gagnon) for giving me the space and the discarded materials to accomplish all of this).  This walk through was essential in the decision to add a hard top.  It had to be easy to walk-through under the top.

Next hurdle was the electrical (#4).  The fuse system utized the old glass type fuses.  The wiring and connections were getting a little tired after so many years.  So the decision was made to gut it all and modernize with new.  Thanks to my son Rob for his expertise, without which, none of the re-wiring would have been possible.

In addition the the wiring, LED light modules (#5) were incorporated into the trunk & bow cooler.  Also an on board sound system (#6) was added with the aid of some old speakers and a computer speaker circuit board to power them.  An additional detail of custom speaker covers topped it all off (#7).  How nice just plugging my i-phone in and having music.  A must for any musician.  

Next on the to do list was to make a new housing for the bilge pump (#8).  The original housing was just too wimpy, and broke the first season we used it.  I fabricated a new one with 3/16" acrylic and a lazer machine.  It certainly helps to have this type of equipment available.  Thanks again boss's. 

Next was re-building the top section of the console in teak (#9).  This was strictly an asthetic wish list item.  I had the wood (which was donated a couple of seasons ago).  I also modified how the windshield mounts as well.  

#10 was installing a new horn (on the right side if the console).  The button is mounted in the steering wheel.  Just for fun I marked the button as "Nitrous Oxide (NO2)".

#11 was make the stern seat a little wider.  I just couldn't get comfortable enough.  So 3" wider, new teak trim, and a brand new cushion.  I also strengthened the bow seat, and put new trim as we'll (#12).

#13 was recovering all the existing cushions.  I wanted leather, but had to settle for a canvas instead.  Maybe next season (hint, hint, Santa!).  I also had to repair one of the captains chair back & recover (#14).

Next was a custom flag pole out of teak (#15), "just because!".

A small item, but helpful (#16) we're two small storage boxes (discarded plastic hardware containers) under the rear seat.  This allowed me to move some emergency items & tools to a more convienient spot.

Repaint the white interior (#17) and re-sand and varnish all the teak (#18).  Oiling the teak each season became such a hassle. Sanding, oiling, sanding oiling, and so on.  It looked crappy after a few weeks, and at least the varnish will last at least the season, and look good to whole time.

There are a million little things, that would allow me to keep going and going, but the above list if top eighteen pretty much covers it for this season.  It was starting to get warm, and I was feeling the call of the water.  Not to mention we had all had enough snow and cold, it was time to begin my favorite time of the year, Boating Season!

As for the river, it's very low right now.  We could really use some rain.  Not too much debris, but some areas are messy. All if our beach items survived the snow, and we had camp setup in short order.  Looking to make some improvements to the beach this year, I'll keep you posted.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about 

someone else besides yourself, was busting their butt!  It was all worth it to me.  I hope my entire family enjoy the ride.  So until next time, here are a few more pics, and see you on the river!