Fletcher 170GTO - as if I don't have enough projects.

[Gazjen]

It looks excellent Ed would be nice to see it in the flesh some day.

[markanddawn]

That is amazing Ed, really a brilliant job, well done.

I repeat my previous comments, I would love to do something like that but don't have the skill or certainly the patience. Looking forward to seeing the project develop.

[Capn Jack]

I can understand why you are chuffed to bits with that Ed.

What are you going to do about the rubbing strip? Join it or replace it? I think I would go for a discrete join.

[Ed]

With the rubbing strip im going to join it. Removing the rest of it isn't an option as it was so hard to do in the first place. It will be fine and the rubber strip is not broken which covers around half of it.

Just need to get some deck hardware now. It had plastic cleats, but something like this would look nice: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400290980977 I'll see if the base fixings are similar, and a few other bits like towing eyes etc.

[Capn Jack]

Hmmm

A fiver eh? Cheap and cheerful, but only anodised ali???? In seawater???

I doubt you will get the exact size mate, there will be some adjustment somewhere, possibly best to go for a little bigger maybe?

Personally, I would go Stainless all day for marine use. How many do you need say 4 or 6, inlikely 6 so at £10 corner £40 against £20....worth it!

[Ed]

Half the boat is anodises ali! Windscreen, side rubbing strips etc etc

[Capn Jack]

I know, I know, but cleats seem to take more wear and tear, just a thought.

[Ed]

Holes don't match up and as it was a last moment thought I'll stick to the oem plastic ones for now. After all I don't intend to keep this one forever and all the fittings could add up to a great deal of money

Also I had the opportunity to do a little more today, but the boat is back home now here are some pics anyway:

Rubbing strips back on. They look fine, yes you can see the join bit its not any issue at all.


Cable cover things also now on. I didn't notice until it was time to fit them, but they are slightly different. The height difference is also intentional. I wanted them straight, but they were previously drilled holes (not by me).


One of the most terrifying jobs so far. Drilling into the brand new transom to fit the motor well drain tube.


And also the bilge drain plug. I did consider not doing this since the pump would be there at all times, but since its nice to leave open just in case over winter etc, I decided it could go on.


A perfectly dry core - and long may it stay that way! Obviously this was sealed up before the drain plug etc was fitted.


Back seats up in position and the drain plug just visible. I didn't take any close ups just yet.


Also had a bracket arrive today for the outboard. Need to get a newer style tilt/trim unit. That's proving tricky at the moment. Hopefully rapid progress on the engine front will happen now the hull is ready to accept an engine!!!

[Capn Jack]

yes you can see the join bit its not any issue at all.

Where????


Ed thats fantastic work and she's starting to come together nicely.

I know I keep harping on about stuff but if I were you I would thin down some Epoxy resin....only a small amount so it won't break the bank..... and coat the lining of the hole with it a couple of coats at least. That way if the bung does leak at any stage the coating should repel moisture and not act like a spong once it's good and wet.

[markanddawn]

yes you can see the join bit its not any issue at all.

Where????


Ed thats fantastic work and she's starting to come together nicely.

I know I keep harping on about stuff but if I were you I would thin down some Epoxy resin....only a small amount so it won't break the bank..... and coat the lining of the hole with it a couple of coats at least. That way if the bung does leak at any stage the coating should repel moisture and not act like a spong once it's good and wet.

I imagine being on Egg Heads one day and being asked "who invented epoxy resin.". At least now I can answer with 100% surety.......Cap'n Jack

Good advice nonetheless, you wouldn't want all the hard work to be undone

[Ed]

Yep its epoxy'd so should seal and keep the water out just fine!!! :)

[Capn Jack]

At least now I can answer with 100% surety.......Cap'n Jack

Oi!! I'm not that old!!

Actually I think it was first made or discovered before WW11 back in the 30's. Some yank wanted to share the acclaim with a Swiss chemist.

[Ed]

I took a large resolution pic here of the back. If you're interested click this link. Not embedding it as its a large ish pic

http://www.edsworld.co.uk/projects/17gt ... C00940.JPG

[Capn Jack]

She looks lovely Ed. It seems a shame to put an engine on her with the possibility of scratching the paint.

[Ed]

Indeed!! I'm sure wont be long before I scratch somewhere (hope not!), But to be honest the paint is easy to get and easy to repair now. Am quite seriously considering painting the rest of the top half depending on how long I keep it. My attention now will turn to the engine. I'm trying to get my hands on the later hydraulic tilt/trim used in the 1985 I6's not the 1970x ones. This will be more reliable and much more compact. At the moment I can only find this kind of thing for sale in the US, Just awaiting some shipping prices.