scarab63

iTrader: (5)

Any work started yet ?

OLD MAN

All the lettering is off the boat Mike, most of the cleaning is done, just haven't had the time to get to the motors yet. Right
now I'm working on the trailer changing the wobble rollers. I
hope I can find some extra time this fall to get to see where I
am with the Mercurys. Hope to see you soon.

scarab63

iTrader: (5)

So its ready to run after the motors are squared away? & cosmetic changes?
Email me a pic or two ill throw em up here.
[email protected]

OLD MAN

Sort of Mike. Unfortunately the stripes are painted on. I may try
the Bon Ami treatment to remove first, if not the sides will need to
be re-shot. Too bad, the Black is actually in decent shape. Also
the original transom plate has brackets that attach to the splashwell. I plan on extending those mounts on the back side
to the rear seat bulkhead for additional strength. This way the
whole back half is tied together. Did I say twin V-8's? Oh Boy!
The thought has passed my mind. Some day maybe!

slpcamaross97

We need pics

Air Dog

Hello Old Man,

I have not been on the banana site in quite awhile.

Congrats on finding a banana.

I have owned four banana boats over the last 13 years and currently still have two. I gave one of them to my brother. Mine is Mike Spirito's former 1979 I/O race boat. My brothers is a 1978 twin outboard set up.

Your idea on the transom brackets caught my eye.

The second Banana I owned was "spoiled banana" and it had similar brackets to what you described.

MrV8outboard, who had built and raced Spoiled Banana found out the hard way that if you tie the transom directly to anything, it will tear the boat apart.

The boat will flex for and aft with every wave that is crushed. If the transom is tied in a straight line to something, it will break at the weakest point.

The only way that I know to add strength to a transom and spread the stress point over a wider area is to fiberglass in transom knees that go from the top of the transom down to the stringers in an arc shape, either in a convex or concave shape.

If your boat has a splashwell, then your transom will be even weaker than one without so you definitely want to add some knees.

My first banana had no extra support and a single v8 OMC outboard tore it up in one season.

OLD MAN

Hi Air, Thanks for your input on this subject. Having owned as many Bananas that you have, both you and Mr.V8 are the real experts. My idea is not a totally fixed one. It would only require a 2" hole in the splashwell bulkhead on either side. I plan on using aluminum strut bars & heim joints from a Nascar Modified front end. This should allow enough flex both up & down and side to side. The only support would be front to rear. If the Black Max's check out ok, I'll leave them alone. The V8's either 1 or 2 was only an option. Your thought? George

Unlimited jd

iTrader: (5)

George, a friend of mine bought a new corsa back in the day and rigged it himself with twin outboards. He put 2 aluminum I beams at an angle from the transom to somewhere on the hull. It broke the hull open in between the 2 points. So that is a way not to do it lol. But agree some sort of transom support will be beneficial.

scarab63

iTrader: (5)

Any winter progress?

OLD MAN

Absolutely none Mike. Just trying to sell the engines. Nobody
has any money. Neither do I for that matter. 25 Ben Franklins
would be nice right now!