I haven't checked this thread in awhile......WOW!!!! I could never do that much of a restoration, I'm impressed with the dedication it takes to take on a project like this. I'll certainly be following it for updates!!!

Did the boat have volvo's originally? If it didnt, y did you go with them? How much difference in the transom cut out between merc's? OK I'M done.

The transom was already cut for the volvos, so I couldnt tell you the differences. my last 2 boats have been volvo powered boats and I've always been impressed with the quality. besides, silver is my favorite color.

put the bars and cleats on the tail end today. a little time on the buffer first and they look good as new. Not looking forward to the bow rails though!

Can you recommend a shop for a complete V/P engine and outdrive package?

I'm with you, running 600's/DPX-A's in a 382. The package you picked will run forever. They put that same drive behind the 420 hp 496's, so you'd be hard-pressed to hurt them with small blocks. The duoprops will cost some speed over 65 mph, but will give you a killer holeshot and way more efficient cruise that Merc's. Awesome control around the docks, too.

Who made the steering?

Great job. Far more work than my 382 project.

grate job. what materials did you use for the core, layup and fairing.

Nothing to recommend at this time. There are some good deals to be had, it'll just take a lot of leg work on your part. I'll let ya know if I run across anything. shoot me a pm with some more info on what your looking for.

You have a great looking boat! Lots of hard work in it I know. I wish I would have installed engine compartment lights like you did. I know you gotta love those dpx's. I still have a ways to go. i know its not going to be that fast, but should hopefully be a real nice low maintenance, turn-key ride. The great thing is, if need be the 496's could be swapped out in a day and be up another 200hp. The thought has crossed my mind. I think I'll like the fuel use of the sb's better though. As for the steering, it is imco rams and tiebar, and custom wingplates. I had most of the hardware and hoses already and the wingplates, so that made it a bit easier. Now if I could just find a cheap steering column I could hit the water.

Well, she made her maiden voyage today. Couple small problems, but nothing major. had a neutral safety switch work intermittently, one shifter hooked up backwards (fixed it on the water), and blew a fuse on a tab pump. other than that, performed flawlessly. The boat is seriously underpropped, but due to that was an absolute rocket out of the hole. Top speed 54 at 5000. it would get to that in about 5 sec from a dead stop and wanted to keep on spinning up. Going to have to go up at least one prop size to start and go from there. It rode great and handled excellent. All in all a superb trial run. Couldn't wait for the paint on the bow hatches to dry so we went without.