I think Stellings still makes exhaust. They told they would charge to much to fix them v/s what the guy they recommended could do it for. In fact they said they don't repair them anymore they send them to that guy. I have the receipt with the guys name and # at home but I don't remember it.

http://www.stellingsmarineproducts.com/home/index.php

They'll let me run a race or two ? I'd love that .
What are their basic rules for a 30 cat ?

After a days work I'm so burnt out I just kept buying boats I didn't really love so I'd have a fast boat to play with and not have to deal with a project .
I just sold my 42 Fountain and I'm staying out of the classifieds so the Chris is getting my undivided attention . This boat means a lot to me . I mean I was in my 20's winning races and having a blast with this boat . The funny thing is I originally bought this three man hull for pleasure use . I added the canopies and two man cockpit in the winter of 1989 .
I just ordered a bunch of engine parts but really need to get on the cockpit and fuel tanks . My boat builders are slowing up a little so the time is right to bang out these two items .

Thanks buddy , I'll give Stellings a shout and if they can't help I'll let you know to dig up that guys # .
Thanks , Jimmy

Yup! Class 3 is up to 95 MPH and includes the How Sweet It Is 32 Skater raceboat. Class 2 (if brought back) is 105mph. There are plenty of boats who only run 1 or 2 local races a year

Hang in there man. I know the feeling of working all day to go home to work on the boat. I have a twin outboard Talon and I'm toying with the idea of trading it for a race cat that will need minor rigging in comparison to your project.
To have all that history with the boat will make it that much more rewarding once finished.

Today I spoke again with Bucky at Itchiban , they will take the Chris in November for cockpit and fuel tanks . I also ordered cams , gears , pistons , bearings , rod bolts , etc .
Boy this hobby ain't cheap !
Any of you guys lookin' for part time help ?

Thanks for the words of encouragement .
Talon or Race cat ? Nice decision to ponder , either way you win . Good luck .

Input Please
 

I'd like opinions on integral hull tanks .
It is my understanding that notable manufacturers have had problems due to changes in fuel formulation . It is also my understanding that vinylester resins are compatible with the new fuel and is the resin used to correct failures .
Integral tanks would add structure to the hull as there never was any in this area without adding any extra weight .

We were having this discussion last night while plumbing secondary fuel systems in a Doug Wright. For the money go with the intergral tanks, just build a removable lid for the tank for service. I suggested blatters but, they are pricey and from what I was told they only last a few years before they break down.
The money wasn't right for me to do the trade. It was a Doug Wright also. Keep us posted. Bob

The Wright boat has integral tanks ?

Peter from Skater. Who else ?
 

After browsing the Skater forums I finally decide to give Skater a call . I'm quickly referred to Peter and open the conversation with " Hi , I'm redoing an old Chris Cat and am calling to get advice on building in hull fuel tanks for this boat" . His reply , " Sure , but I'm with a salesperson , give me your name , number and I'll call you".
I'm thinking he just gave me the flick , however two hours later my secretary tells me there's a gentleman , Peter from Skater boats on two for you .
Wow , here we go ! Peter in detail described the process and materials involved . When I asked about tank fittings he even offered to send Skater fixtures so I wouldn't have to go through the process of having them made from scratch . He even actually remembered my boat and mentioned some names from my era that brought back good memories .
Peter , I can't emphasize how grateful I am for you taking time out of a busy day to advise me .
Thank You .

Class act. :drink: Refreshing.

Engines at machine shop , heads are done , drives apart .
Hull going in two weeks for fuel tanks . I'm still debating the cockpit .

Any pics of your fuel tank project aex ?

Have same issue, need to build new fuel tanks.

HAve a plan to make two separate aluminium tanks in a row
and connected them together via big rubber pipes (one upper
part of tanks and other down side of the tanks).
plan is insert new tanks inside of old tank by pulling
them inside in cabin area.

What do you think this plan good / bad or are there
better way to do this ?

picture: older tank are cut open in cabin area, place to insert new tanks in.

No photos yet . I'm having the tanks built into the hull as Skater does using the appropriate materials . This will add structure to the boat without a major weight difference .
I've seen one Chris Cat where they cut the bulkhead in front of the tank yanked them out and slid the new ones in .
Make sure you have the tanks under the cockpit , those forward tanks will kill the cg .

Unexpected setback
 

Opened up the drive drive yesterday and found this . The drives have been sitting since '93 . These are # fives . I do have two pairs of fours but back in the day I was cracking the # four lower gear cases between the propshaft and cavitation plate . After I switched to fives all went well .
Those fives were fresh when I pulled them so I presume some seal allowed water in , too bad I didn't drain and refill them back then .
I'm sure you are all aware the expense of a project of this magnitude is immense . This mishap probably just added 10k to the restoration . Anyway no tears , I'm over it .

Well I think a can of WD 40 will get rid of that brown stuff.....

Have Galen at Speedmaters clean them up.

Wannabe

He did my fours way back . Good organization and good service . I'll give him a call to get a guesstimate .

BTW , I think I almost bought your Chris when it was on the market a few years ago . Was it in New England when you acquired it ? It looked like a really great , clean boat . Please post some photos .
Back then I was trying to avoid the rebuild of this old racehorse .

Yes that boat was in Vermont. I( bought it on an EBAY auction) and picked it up in Buffalo meeting the owner.

Wannabe

Post some pics !!

Pipes
 

These Stellings are OLD !!
I know they leak so last week I contacted Stellings about having them tested and repaired . The gal I talked to was really nice but something about the conversation left me with the impression this isn't something they routinely do however she was willing to check them out if I ship them .
Has anyone had experience trying to get old pipes reconditioned ? As you are all well aware a header failure can cost big $ and new pipes are equally expensive . I was planning on running the Y pipes which I think are cool 'cause guys have commented "Look , it's a single engine "
Is there a point where the metal is just to work hardened to be reliable ?
What are my repair options ? What are your opinions and experiences on this matter ?

Hey Aex, a couple things.

First off, great build! Intense and badass. Secondly, I'd send the stellings in for an estimate on repairing them. Even if it's around $2k to fix, it's still much cheaper than new ones, and the build quality on stellings headers is simply ... ART. Gorgeous welds, hand polished everything... get them redone! Lastly, I'm a younger industrial designer and I had a couple questions about your company. Can you email me @ [email protected]?

I don't think Stellings does their own repair. They sub it out to someone.

Try Lilly Sport Boats,1193 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.,Arnold, MD 21012, (410) 384-1666

I know they have done stillings in the past.

PM me .

Thank You , I'll contact them and post the result .

The only real problem with the drives is the propshafts have rust around the seals . Fortunately I had a few # IV big shafts that have some decent shafts . I'm considering having them coated or perhaps there is a sleeve I can use .
I still haven't done anything with the Stellings and need to figure this out .
The engines are just waiting for the pistons , machine work and heads are done .
I'd like to enter a race or two this season so the push is on , and I may be trying to pull and old friend out of retirement to wheel the thing .
Cockpit ???? Still debating this this one .

https://skydrive.live.com/?sc=photos...1108&sc=photos

Random pics and one before canopies . I think that last pic was taken in Atlantic City .

Nice work, Jimmy. Good luck! I would love to see it when it gets finished. I just love those damn Chris Cats!

Thank You .
Hopefully you can join me for a run . Do you ever come up to Newport ?

Did the tapes come in?

All the time! I was there Christmas week closing title on a boat sale we made. Is your shop in Rhode Island?

Not yet , but I'll let you know and return them promptly .

Yes Tom . My business is near Providence .
I live 15 mins from Newport and boat through there almost every summer weekend .

Take your time buddy! Talk to ya soon

The drives with Brian at Offshore In FLL getting checked out . I was reffered to him by Herb Stotler whom I've known for many years and had all good dealings with .

Herb is a good guy! Him and my dad worked together at Harbor 1 in the late 70s through the 80s.

Yeah good man .
John , you gotta be a lot younger than us .
Do you remember my Chris ? My Jag ? My Rodeo ? ( that I sank first race )
AND , thanks for the vids . I'd like to return them but didn't save your address .
Never mind I know your website .
http://perfmar.com/

No, but my Father remembers all of that, and you! He said youve actually been to our shop once or twice and that in Rochester (I think) you and him teamed up to fix someone else boat. Jason Saris. He was probably racing a Pro-Stock Skater called Stylin at that time

Of course , I remember Stylin .
We always helped each other out on and off the course .
At one race a single engine "A" boat was having MSD issues . With no solution or spare parts in sight I suggested they swap in their Chevy tow vehicle's HEI distributor and ign wires . These guys looked at me cross eyed but guess what 30 minutes later we had them ready to race .
I've always been hands on and somewhat mechanical . I enjoy being out in the shop far more than being in the office .

Yes sir! Would to see your boat at our event this spring, your boat would look great there!
www.lakegeorgeperformanceweekend.com