Finally removed silent thunder...now what???
 

just my opinion, but I have always hated the silent thunder on formulas. Especially on the older models like my 272 sr1!

it is one thing that these hulls are notoriously slow, but at least we should sound like 100 mph! Again, my opinion.

So I finally removed the silent thunder platform from my 1988 272 SR1. Wow, that thing was pretty heavy for one guy. Now that it is gone the boat sounds absolutely awesome. I am so happy!!!!

2 problems though.....first and foremost....the transom is stained so very bad from exhaust. I have power washed it, spray nine'd it, bleche whited, Davis FSR, magic eraser...still nasty looking. Any suggestions???

Second, I still want a swim platform. I am going with a tubular aluminum I believe. Does anyone know if I need a custom one made or would one from a baja outlaw do it?

Fixx
 

Dont do a tube one,it hurts your a$$ after a whyle sitting on the tubes..i would go fiberglass..

as for the exhaust srains, the stains may be burnt in the gel..try the http://www.fountainofyouthrestore.co...wer_One_1.html

saeems to work good on anything you put it on..if its inbeaded you may have to wetsant and buff it off..

I would try On-Off or if you don't want to pay for the marine markup, go to a pool store or Home Depot and get Muriatic Acid.

I took mine off and used acetone to clean the stains and then buffed with rubbing compoud and 3m finesse. Came out great.

I Removed My Silent Thunder And What I Did Was Wet Sand With 1200 Grit And Then Buff The Gel Coat .

I just compounded the transom today. It is alot better than it was before. However, still looks like crap!!!

I think I may try wet sanding and buffing. I am just a little worried as my boat is painted. I am afraid I will just totally wreck the finish....

If you dont feel good wet sanding and buffing it yourself, any local bodyshop or good detail guy can do it.

There is nothing to it tho, start with 2500grit wet and if that does not knock it down, go to 2000grit wet. Then go to 2500, 3000, buff. Keep the paper and surface wet, use a block, and keep it flat. Careful on edges as it will burn through quickly. Dont get crazy with the buffer speed or angle as it will burn through as well.

Is your paint Base coat/clear coat or single stage?

Hope this helps, good luck.

Brad

A good friend of mine owns a classic car restoration business. He does all body work and paint, gonna have him give me a hand.

Sounds good, let us know how it turns out.
Good luck!

Brad

it is working, looking better, but it is going to be a bit of a project.

That seems to be the story of my life:lolhit:

It always sounds sooo simple, until you get into it:eek:

Good luck
Brad

Ain't that the truth! This entire boat is turning out like that. I thought hey, get it cheap, make a few quick changes and go run it.........until I started on it and decided I wanted to change everything and spend ALL of my money!!!

B.O.A.T

BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND:eek:

Sh$t is worse than cocaine I believe:lolhit:

Brad

Honestly never ever tried the stuff.......but I do have an addiction to Big Block Chevy's in boats.....and no matter how hard I try I keep relapsing!!!!!

Anyway, anybody out there take the silent thunder off and have a platform made?

:lolhit: Me either, I am a narcotics agent in Afghanistan!!

I googled custom fiberglass swim platforms the other day and a lot popped up. Just google it, as my 8 year old tells all the time!! Check it out.

Brad

Cut the bottom pods of the ST box and bolt it back on!

You can 90 degree cut the out side pods and glass the ends back together and shazam factory look factory holes but open underneath!!!!

Good idea if you like that platform. I do not. I want to have something custom made. I gues nobody else has done so?

Got it!!! I don't recall if anyone has had a glass one put on a 272 or a 311 that was not ST? Good luck and let us know what you come up with!!!:drink:

I want an aluminum one...just don"t know where to get it. Will one from a baja outlaw fit?

fountain of youth restorer power one then viba cut then totaly buff

Can anyone post some pics of b4 and after. I assume a 89' 311 comes with the same set up. I was looking into to purchasing a 311.

I don't know how to post pics here but after wet sanding and adding new Hardin Marine exhaust tips the boat looks great!!! I do miss the added length the platform gave it so I will be adding a new one once I decide on exactly who I want to make it.

Can't beat the sound without the silent thunder though!!!

So is the swim platform just a hollow chamber that muffles the sound or is there some kind of baffling in there. If either case couldnt straight pipes be added in from the transom to the end of the platform?

Yeah, that is kind of the idea. There is a fiberglass chamber in there that holds water and muffles the exhaust. You can cut through it with a hole saw and make up some custiom pipes if you wanted. It has been done. There is even a thread here about doing it. But the exhaust ports on the platform are far from being just straight in line with the exhaust on the transom!!!!

Besides, these platforms are big, ugly, and heavy. In my opinion, and again it is my opinion, Silent thunder platforms are garbage.

Newer formulas have an integrated platform with the silent thunder box bolted under it. When removed you still have the platform. Way better design!!!!

Ditched mine three years ago on the 311....wow!...what a difference. Got my platform from extreme machine. Awesome quality! But big $$$$ Call me if you have any questions, it was a rather involved project restoring the transom. 217-246-4411 Tyler

My transom is looking great after alot of work and elbow grease!!! And I mean alot!!!

Do you have any pics of your boat with the new platform?

What did that run you if you don't mind me asking?

I'm pulling my ST box off as well? Anyone recommend a good place to get the rubber exhaust flapper cheap?

Pm sent

Check out some older posts of my 292SR1 .I have a extreme marine swim platform made for it.IT WEIGHS ABOUT 80POUNDS.Im happy with it..

I found the pics. Looks pretty good. How long did it take them to make it?

I have a picture of mine now witht the transom cleaned up and new exhaust tips....can anyone post it for me?

I`ll try over the weekend send it to [email protected]

email sent

I did recieve it but, I am having trouble posting it.

Anyone else help with pics???

Oh....Just oredered my new platform from extreme marine. I can't wait to get it!!!

So what are you guys doing with the silent thunder boxes? I may be interested in the older style that's thr whole platform.

Send the pics to [email protected], I will post them for you.

Brad

Mine is for sale in the swap shop

Tom

Don't think the Silent Thunder platforms will fit on the 26. I think the transoms are a different angle to bolt right on.