Tahoe 23

[Tony Hain]

Been a long time since I have last posted. Mostly blame it on Covid. Ordered the trailer in early May last year. I picked it up just before Christmas. Had engine vents on order from about the same time. Got in November. The vents slowed the finish clear coats on the boat as I wanted to cut the holes for the vents first and didn't want to cut them until I had the vents So the long and the short of it is I have done the final clear coat and water line. Not totally satisfied with the clear coat as their are some dust specks in the finish coat so have decided to give it a light cut and buff.
Once I have completed the cut and buff I can hoist the hull off the cradle onto the trailer and start on the final install of fuel tank, seats, dash etc.

[Roberta]

Great boat and love the trailer.

Roberta

[Bluesman]

Beautiful boat & trailer Tony!

[Hercdrvr]

The color is perfect! Very nice.
Matt B

[Tony Hain]

Thanks Roberta, Bluesman and Matt.

[vupilot]

The boat and trailer both look like masterpieces!

[steveh41]

Looking great!

[Tony Hain]

thanks Steve and Vupilot. Yes I am generally happy with the result.

[Thomas H]

Looks fantastic Tony!

[Tony Hain]

Finished the cut and polish. Didn't do my shoulder a lot of good. Especially the sides and under-curves of the bow. Used two chain blocks and slings slung off the rafters to lift the boat and slip in the trailer. Took a couple of goes before I was happy with how it was sitting on the trailer. First go it was sitting too high but to have it sit lower I had to cut down the winch post by 4". Have fitted the hatch which is pivotted at the back so your main access is from the front cockpit. Instead of bolts I have used quick release pins bushed through the timber with brass tubes. Makes life a lot eassier to install and remove without having to try and reach under to get a spanner on to remove a nut from a bolt. I used two gas struts to assist with raising and lowering the hatch.

[Roberta]

Looking Great, Tony!

Roberta

[Tony Hain]

I have installed some of the deck fittings but before I start on the cockpits I want to take the boat to a ramp and back the arse end into the water to check the rudder port, prop shaft gland and exhaust port for leaks. Once I am sure they are ok I can fit the tank and finalise the fuel lines etc. Then it's on to installing floor, seats, dash. These have been made. I have run the electrics so will only need to hook up the switches and gauges.
The to do list is getting shorter:
. get windscreen glass cut and install. Have made the templates
. upholstery
. rub rails, cutwater and banding around engine hatch
. buy two batteries
I can carry out sea trials before the upholsteryis done. just use a cushion for padding.
Some photos of progress so far.

[Tony Hain]

A couple more photos

[steveh41]

Looks very sharp Tony!

Steve

PS: I've been meaning to ask if your neighbor was getting some flying time on that Spitfire replica?

And great Heinlein quote BTW !

[Tony Hain]

Thanks Steve and Roberta. The neighbour put the prop into the dirt. Wrecked the prop and bush on the prop which allows the prop to be feathered. I believe it is fixed but haven't seen him in it. Only the Mooney.
Yes it is my favourite quote. You see the reality of it almost on a daily basis.