Test post for new HHO Blog

I'm trying out this blogging software on my iPhone, as I'm more likely to keep it up to date.

Another unexpected delay

My knee has recovered so that I can get back in the boat and get to work. Last weekend I got in the boat and started to clean up from the past couple months when all of a sudden a bird flew out from behind me. It landed on the fence a few feet away and watched me. I loked around to find a little nest nestled in under the front windshield. The nest had two little eggs. I carefully put back everything I started to work on and crawled out of the boat.

Here are a couple of pictures of the momma and her nest.

Update: The above pictures were taken on Sunday. There have been developments in this story, see below...




Once these little guys leave the nest, I'll get started again.

On hold.

I have done nothing since re-building the carburteor. I twisted my knee a couple weeks ago and I am unble to climb into the boat to do any work. It looks like this will really be a winter project as I will have to wait for the "procedure on my knee" to be completly healed.

At least I can now upload some more pictures with my extra time.

It's official!

I am now the official owner of the boat. The previous owner had pulled the title out of his filing cabinet when he decided to sell the boat, but misplaced it while it was for sale. That is why I did not want to spent any money on the boat yet (remember the wash with just water I mentioned a couple days ago). Now it's mine and I can do what I want to with it.

I've been to the library and checked out the service manuals for my engine and numerous books on boat restoration and maintenance. I hit the 20 book limit for number of checkouts at one time.

As far as a list of things to do, here is a rough outline so far:

1. Get the boat and trailer registered in my name.
2. Purchase and install plug wires and spark plugs. Already done ... ( I know, I said I wasn't going to spend any money, but this is all I bought because my motor guy was available and I didn't want to pass on the opportunity.)

The engine runs great, but there is a slight miss and it runs a little rich. My motor guy and I will adjust the timing and the choke on the carburetor.

3. Purchase and install a new rubber boot for the front engine mount.
4. Purchase and install two trim cylinders (which raise and lower the propeller out of the water).
5. Purchase and install a propeller.

Then put the boat in the water for sea trials (while it's still warm outside). I want to learn if there is anything else mechanically I need to do before I start the interior work. If the sea trials go well, I'll definitely keep the boat and start pricing the interior work.

There are a couple of optional things I would like to do to the engine, but are not required. (in no particular order) First I want to upgrade the heat exchanger from 3" to 4"(it cools the water that cools the engine). I have read that this engine can run a little hot in warm water and the larger heat exchanger is a perfect fix. Second, I want to install an aftermarket kit that includes an alternator like a car. It's a marine grade alternator. The standard constant current stator and sea water cooled voltage regulator are prone to failure. The third thing I want to do is buy a second battery. There is a switch available that can select from none-one-the other-or both. I really like the added security the second battery provides.

First Things First

No pictures today as there is nothing new to show. Don't worry, there will be many of pictures to look at along the way.

I started out by just doing some really basic cleaning. I vacuumed out the interior and wiped down the hull with just a cotton rag and fresh water. I'm in the process of generating a "to do" list. I'll prioritize the list such that I spend the least amount of money as I figure out all the problems with winter project. I also accomplished the most vital element of this entire renovation process. I've recruited my next door neighbor (Really smart motor guy) to assist in the motor renovation. (I'm stocking my refrigerator with lots of cold beer)

First I'll invest in some outdrive water cups. These cover the cooling water intake grills on the outdrive so that I can feed cooling water to the engine. This allows me to run the engine without putting the boat in the water. Once I'm happy with the way the engine runs, I'll start investing time/money in the interior (floor/seats) and exterior (hull/brightwork/teak wood refinishing) of the boat.

Blank Canvas

Here is a first look at "Winter Project". This will be her name until the renovation is complete. Then she will be given her final name.

Here is a look at the starboard side.

...And the stern.

Here are the real pretty parts...

That's a Mercruiser 470, 3.7L 170Hp marine engine with power steering.

Overall "Winter Project" needs a floor (of course), two trim cylinders, dog house (engine cover), chairs, rear bench, and a good shine from top to bottom (wax, bright work shined or replaced, and some wood restoration). Depending on how things go, she might have a shinny new paint job as well this spring.