Spring Projects

[mcourson]

Just sittin here at work bored thinkin about the boat and all the projects I would like to do this spring/summer. Just had gravel poured to widen and extend my drive way. Carport get delivered Sat. for the boat. A few more weeks, then I will go get the boat out of storage at my dads. Then the work begins.

Here is my list:

1. replace bellows, fix trim and guage, tune up, and drive check up(look at how much to fix speedo)
2. get reg. stickers and name put on boat
3. need subs, amp, and replace all 6x9s
4. 2 new batteries
5. upgrade alternator and wiring for more output
6. install new hatch accuator
7. add depth finder
8. paint windscreen and add baja logo to it.
9. Think of how to pay for all this and a honeymoon to boot.

What are you spring projects?

[thosetwins]

Yup just brought the boat to the dealer in Dallas from OKC. My 1 year warrenty was about 12days from expiring. They put a new clarion head unit in, the motor for the cd was out. New swim ladder on the aluminum platform. And new cabin light. Then they sent the trailer over to roadrunner for some warrenty issues also. total cost zero..Did pick up a new 5 channel alpine amp and ordered the new JL audio marine 10" sub woofer. Ill have it installed and BANG ready for summer!

[Rusty Jug]

My goals :
1. 2 flame arrestors (breath baby)
2. rework the props (sell more BBQ or Bank bonus)
3. 2 new power chips from Vortech marine 20 HP ($235 x 2)
4. 2 new Optimums (?$)
5. New flame decals ($125 x 2)
6. Wax bottom of boat ( need new wax about out of Frenzy)
7. The one I hate the most "put hatch door back in its track after jumping 40 something Sea Ray wake at LOTO and it was not on Purpose!!!!!:huh My wife was not happy at all and lets say it cost me a weekend from the lake.:lol

[xZenxNemox]

Goals for spring

1. Sell 240

2. Buy one of TBM's very own 29 OL

3. Have fun.

[Summer Thunder 29 OL]

My goals are:
1. replace port trim motor
2. replace both impellers in sea pumps
3. replace the belts
4. install shore power
5. replace all gauges with monster gauges.
6. work a lot of overtime to pay for all this

[missouri]

1) Get warm...
2) Better sound system...
3) Baja decal on windscreen....
4) Get warmer.......
5) Pull lower unit and check alignment...
6) Find new place at lake and get lift installed....
7) If I cant relocate, sell boat and lift (which will really warm me up, in fact steaming) and begin search for bigger boat for 2006...

[haulinvols]

Mine:-----------------------1. Buy new truck -----------------------2. install Eddie Marine tips-----------------------3. replace factory speakers with Polk units-----------------------4. possibly add subs and amp-----------------------5. wonder where all my money went

[steelware]

1) Powder coat swim platform candy purple. It's in the back of the truck now.
2) Install GPS and VHF
3) Install refrigerator
4) Get all the plumbing installed for the A/C
5) Add Transom shower and larger fresh water tank
6) Install new decals, boat name, faring decal, and 33 Outlaw on the sides
7) Install new plexiglas windscreen, courtesy of the dealer.

I'm sure I left something out. Spring will be here before you know it, so we better get busy.

[Baja Boss]

Jeff, You are not finished yet?:rollin

Well, "Dock Holiday" has given us three wonderful boating seasons since we purchased her new in 2002. With close to 26,000 miles on the Myco now, 11 poker runs to date from Destin & Daytona, Fl., Savannah, Ga, Lake Hartwell, SC, Smith Mountain Lake up to Lake Cumberland we have had a lot of trouble free fun out of the twin 500's.

But as you know with performance boats you have to pay to play. With 280 hours on the engnes we felt it was time to make sure they continued to provide good service.

So with the help of Steelware we pulled the engines this winter to be freshened up. The only change was getting rid of the stock factory GM heads for World Merlin II cast heads, 100% new valve train complete with Crane Gold Roller Rockers, New bearings and rings, all new gaskets, thermostat, oil pump, and cleaned and flow tested injectors. We did bump the compression up from stock 8.7:1 to 9.1:1. The engines are finished and one was started on the test stand Thursday and it sounded awesome. It is going to the Dyno Monday to see what they actually are putting out. With the better flowing heads and higher compression we expect them to dyno around 525 Hp. The whole focus here was not performance, but many more season of reliability.

We have added a second bilge pump, relocated the trim pumps from the transom to the side for easier access, moved the drive fill bottles from the back of the engines to the front, and added a Keith Eickert pre-lubers to each engine that are plumbed to the oil pan drain for quick and complete oil changes.

Now for what the wife wanted. For Christmas, and this was actually her request, she got new Livorsi Polished Billet Controls with Blue knobs, they look great. Then she has always wanted the boat to sound much louder. When we first got it we took off the exhaust tips and replaced with straight tips. Well this year while the engines are out we pulled the silent choice out, blocked off the drives and have ordered new tail pipes that will dump the water at the end. Yeah it will sound bad! Then her last request was to pull the swim platform off and change the color from Red to Blue.

So we have been busy and all is going very smooth. The boat is currently in Jacksonville, Fl and I look forward to water testing it in about two to three weeks.

I have one more surprise that UPS brought yesterday, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. I want to surprise Steelware on this first!

Should be enough for this year for me. We have really enjoyed our boat and unless Baja comes to us with a super deal to campaign a poker run boat for them on the East Coast we will be keeping her for a long time.

I will say this. You can run a boat is salt water and never see signs of it. Our boat has been in salt water 10 times for up to 4 days straight and we would flush it out like crazy and there was no sign at all of corrosion when we tore down the engines.

Next I ran Mobile 1 15W50 and changed the oil at no more than 20 hours, or after every poker run and I did not have a single broken valve spring and the entire top end looked good. The only problem we found was with head gaskets, they were all bad with one so thin it probably would have blown in another 10 hours tops. I did have one cylinder slightly scored, but everything else looked great. Take care of them and they will give you good service.

[steelware]

What could UPS have brought you that you don't already have?

[YELLOW OUTLAW]

Rusty Jug,

Where are you finding the Vortech power chips?:dancinbanana

[H2X on LBL]

Well

1. Install new stereo, 2 amps 2 pair 6.5" coaxial mids 4 10" subs
2. Install depth finder
3. Prop work
4. Led in cuddy
5. Upholstery re-done on hatch
6. Wax

[Baja Boss]

Well, I got the phone call I've been waiting for today.

The first engine hit the dyno at about 4Pm and we are totally blown away in the results.

On the first pull it made 598 HP at 5200 RPM and 604 ft lbs of torque. It made max torque of 642 pounds at 4300 RPM.

Unbelievable considering we were expecting only 530-540 at best. This is of course without the accessories, so you can drop 35HP off in the real world.

[steelware]

Cool man those are some good numbers.

This should really make that monster fly. <img border=0 src="http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/party/550.gif" />

Can't wait to ride in it with those new motors. Let's go get it this weekend. There isn't supposed to be more than 3-5 inches of snow in the upstate.

[Baja Boss]

The cold air is getting to you Jeff.

You are going to have to put some long pants on before your brain freezes!

The the Fridge, TV and A/C hooked up yet?

[steelware]

What Brain?

I don't have anything complete yet, still in the planning and buying stage. I sure wish I could get out of the buying stage. It will be ready by March.

[Rusty Jug]

Chris, Sorry it took so long to get back to you I have not read this thread for awhile and it didn't send me a response. Vortech Marine.com is where I found the chip. I have not bought one yet,but my plans are in April to purchase.:party

[BDannecker]

BBoss,
Now that you are crowding the 600HP mark, what are you going to do about your drives?

Bruce...

[Baja Boss]

Bruce,

You must know first hand how hard on drives these bad boys are.

I have one new drive on there with less than 100 hours and one completely rebuilt drive with about 5 hours.

Steelware can tell you that I really do not hammer a drive out of the hole, however I have been a real bad boy when it comes to flying this baby out of the water every chance I get.

Rule #1 and promise to the wife is that I will keep the boat in the water at all times.

Rule #2 Same as Rule #1

I hope to get through this season without any drive issues, then next winter I'm doing what several of my friends have done and send the drives to Max Machine Worxs to be rebuilt with all their good stuff.

One friend has a 36 Apache with 625's and he was eating drives like crazy. He did this and has had two trouble free seasons.

Wish me luck!

[YELLOW OUTLAW]

Rusty Jug,

I have checked on their site and still can't seem to find them. When I think of power chip i'm thinking of something like hypertech makes for on road vehicles. Are we talking about the same thing? :dancinbanana

[Baja Boss]

Guys, not sure I have ever heard of a power chip for marine engines. I believe what you are refering to is reprograming the "ECM", Electronic Control Module, AKA computer.

There are several guys out there that sell new better flowing air filters and reprogram the ECM's claiming horsepower improvements.

From what I have read, they actually do increase HP, but not enough to notice. Not a good investment from the reports I have read.

Usually cost $600 to $900 dollars, add about 20-25 HP and you may see 1 MPH if any.

[showdown25]

new tips to replace the factory mufflers.

also have not heard good comments on the ECU reprogramming/flame arrestor investment.

[Rusty Jug]

When I went to the site I emailed them my motor size and they responded with a new ECU and flame arrestor for about $500 per motor. They said I would see around a 2-3 MPH gain.(25-35 HP over stock motor) I figured 1-2 and then reworking the prop with Darin in late spring. I am shooting for 3-4 MPH gain. (66.3 GPS 4 = 70.3);)

$1,600 divided by 4 = $400 per MPH :huh Not Cheap!:lol

68 MPH friends Bass boat getting beat. (PRICELESS) :lol

[BDannecker]

Wish me luck!
Good luck! :tiphat

Bruce...

[Zoom3]

1. Get my boat home from Illinois
2. Buy all the tools, CG equip, ropes, bumpers etc. to outfit it
4. Get it detailed by Waterpolice
5. Put Baja decals on the windscreen
6. Plan/Design some graphics for the bow
7. Get the boat to Maine by Mother's Day
8. Install tab indicators


A lot to do in a little amount of time. But it's for a good cause !

[CDM]

thosetwins

Where did you take your boat for warranty work?

[haulinvols]

Well, I have everything here to go in the boat. -----------------------
*Pair of Eddie Marine long angle cut tips-----------------------*Blue cup holders from Eddie Marine-----------------------*Clarion remote for the stereo to go on the transom-----------------------*6 sets of Polk speakers to replace the factory jobs-----------------------*New registration numbers -----------------------*Blue bulbs to replace the interior lighting bulbs -----------------------Now I just need to get the boat out of storage so i can get to work.

[mcourson]

Here's my update:

Boat is in the shop. New bellows, trim fixed, depth finder installed.

At home, I have new subs, amp, and speaker boxes to install.

Bad News: I am out of cash right now for any more stuff.:( :( :( :(

Ordering registration stickers and name next month. Still need to get a couple of batteries. May try the tune up more towards summer. And going to try and sneak in some neon lighting.

[mikeandkimlovethelakeoftheo]

1. XM is in the boat but still no subscritption...no need to sign up if I am not using it yet.

2. Properly mount the two sub boxes so they don't bounce out and smash my toes again.

3. Clean, clean, clean.

4. get the prop reworked or get a new one.

5. Wire the new to vehicle for the trailer.

6. Convince my wife to get a second job to pay for the damn high fuel prices!

[hp500]

1 Set of IMCO lowers
2 new GPS speedo
3 coat of wax

[Summer Thunder 29 OL]

1. Repaint all 5 dash panels white with purple pearl
ex-owner painted all panels gray. Bad choice.

2. Waiting for Mike at VooDoo Marine to send all new Monster series gauges. Install after paint

3. Replace trailer rims with new 5-star aluminum rims

4. Adjust trailer bunks so boat sits better on trailer.
I hate aluminum trailers, but stuck with it for now.

5. Clean Clean Clean Wax Wax Wax

6. Call OPEC <img border=0 src="http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Samurai.gif" />

[haulinvols]

3 coat of wax-----------------------Gary, after what you have been through, I better not catch you waxing 36 feet of boat. :smokin

[mcourson]

Boats back out of the shop. Mech did a great job. Fixed a lot of little things that I didn't expect to be. Got all the play out of my drive. Said it should drive like a new boat.

Sitting at work right now fixing the water pick up for the speedo. So it should work now.

Thinking about stopping off after work and get some acetone to strip the powdercoat off the cleats. Powdercoat is already is coming and make it bad.

Now if the weather would stay warm so I can go install the stereo.

[fleg1]

New interior for me.

[steelware]

I finally have a check mark beside each thing to do.

1) Re-powdercoat swim platform candy purple (done)
2) Add refrigerator (done)
3) Add microwave (done)
4) Add Transom shower (done)
5) Add custom graphics (done courtesy of Kustom Kolors)
6) Add LCD TV / DVD combo (done)
7) Change out all 8 - 6 1/2" speakers (done)
8) Replace defective depth gauge (done)
9) Add v-berth sham (done)
10) Plumb for A/C in Cabin (done)
11) Buff entire boat (done)
12) Change steering wheel (done)
13) Re-wire numerous things (done)
14) Replace K&N flame arrestors (done)
15) Detail engine compartment (done)

All of this in 2 months. Now the only thing left to do is use this bad boy. See you guys on the water.

[fleg1]

Jeff, you forgot #16 Replenish checking account. Don't forget to put ( Done ) behind it when it happens.:lol

[haulinvols]

Jeff, I got tired just from reading your list. I bet the boat looks great. :biggrin

[haulinvols]

Well, I got a couple of things done over the weekend. -----------------------speakers front (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=25&pos=84)-----------------------speakers back (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=25&pos=83)-----------------------speakers and extiguisher bracket in cabin (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=25&pos=82)-----------------------Eddie Marine tips (http://www.teambajamarine.com/Coppermine/displayimage.php?album=51&pos=54)-----------------------Now, just a few more things and I will be done for a while.

[steelware]

Looking good Matt, can't wait too see it at Hartwell.

[haulinvols]

Thanks Jeff, a few more things to do and I'll have it about right.

[steelware]

I've got a couple more unexpected things to do now. I had a tire on the trailer blow, and I'm going to replace all the seals on the trailer.