Minimum wake. Looks to be a bit higher. Ray, nice graphics. It's always nice to see a Fountain with a custom paint job. Not too many around.

innthered: Thanks for the picts, I can measure now.

Also I've beeen working on the bilge, I bought 2 quarts of Interlux "Bilgekote" It is working out very well. It leaves a nice gloss finish that seems very hard. I cleaned it off with simple green/ power washed it and then just before paint I wiped it off with Carbochlor (Sp?) de-greaser Also it kind of made the old paint a little tacky. I have about 1/3 rd done. I would like to have it all done before it goes off to be painted.

Ray,

I'm looking at a similar project on a 42. The bilge finish on Fountains is terrible. Not only does the chalky surface attract dirt and oil stains, it disolves and comes off with even the use of mild cleaners (Simple Green). Did you use a roller or brush on the finish?

Also, I'm in the process of installing a Whipple on the 27' Fountain. I saw the pics on your web site of the outdrives on your PQ. It looks like you've tried several outdrive upgrades, the latest being from Max Machine Worx. What was your experience with Max vs Imco vs ? I'm considering the Teague Platinum XR unit presently.

Thanks,

Mark S.

The bilgekote I just brushed on, It seems like rustolium (Sp?) It takes about 3 hours to dry to touch and 16 for full cure. It has a hard gloss finish. If you want to re-cote you need to scuff it up. It says 3 coats reccomended but the one coat I did looks fine.

On the drive issue I only run the IMCO's last season. They worked fine, The MMW drives were just completed and mounted when I had to winterize, 0 hours so far. I think the secret is the full tower in the MMW It looks like it is well designed and helps hold everything from flexing. The IMCO's are designed with a two piece upper that helps eliminate case flex and I think this is why these work well too. The drives that came on the PQ were Teague upgrades and they showed signs of wear thats why I had them upgraded to MMW. Note these were pre XR drives too and teague would not put XR gears in them whereas MMW did. I have no info on the Teague "XR" upgrade. All I know is they said the could not change from pre- OM gears to XR.

Like new dude!
Now I need some too...:D

Still painting, now I have to do the Transom. I'm starting to get sick of painting :rolleyes:

Ray,

Outstanding job. Looks like you'll need Michalangelo for the transom with all the plumbing, etc! I pulled the heads on my '27 Whipple project and sent them to Teague for Inconel exh. valves Monday. I'm waiting for the CMI's and Teague switchables as well. I removed the wishbone exhaust plumbing as I won't be needing it with the Teague units. This should make the bilge job a little easier. I'm thinking of fabricating custom diamond plate treads in the engine comp. These will fit on both sides between the engine mount stringers and the hull sides. We've got all the fabrication equipment and CNC mills for the fire bottle, battery cutouts, etc. I'm thinking red powdercoat for the treads instead of polished alum. Did you need new battery holddowns for the Optimas?

Regards,

Mark S.

Mark,

Thanks for the comments, yes it will take a little delicate work on the transom. At least now I can wear socks in the bilge and not shoes and it will be cleaner. I need at least one more coat over it all with light sanding between.

I have optima boxes from eddie marine, blue powder coated. One complaint they all have a great big "eddie marine" logo etched into the tops, not a big deal but I would of rather not had it. Maybe I will get the to exchange.

Make sure you install the block off plates! I am planning on using my wishbones, I like it quiet for Idle.

The diamond plate is a good idea on the sides powder coating is the only way to go, the polished will always be dirty looking. Are you going to set the diamond plate in the pocket or trim it out even with the top? If flush with the top, how will you mount it to the sides and is that a good idea with hull flexing??? I guess you could use big angle brackets off the stringer... If yours would be the same as mine I would be interested in you doing a set for me. I was wondering how I could incorporate some diamond plate in the bilge like brend "C" Does

Is it just my computer, or can any one else NOT see the pics that raypanic has attached?

You may need to pay now to see the picts, see the memberships area. or go to the other OSO "ofni.staobtsaf.www" I have a post there ands it's free (FYI I spelled the link backward because it will not allow you to print it in this forum)

Ray,

My plan for the diamond plate was to install drilled & tapped aluminum "L" sections flush with the top of the stringers. The diamond plate will mount to these sections with stainless 1/4" flat head allen hardware. The holes in the diamond plate will be countersunk to accept these fasteners. The edge of the diamond plate adjacent to the hull sides will be supported with turned aluminum legs with neoprene rubber cushions against the bottom of the bilge. The cutouts for the fire bottle, access clearance for the motor mounts, etc. will be CNC machined. I plan to make a template from cardboard and transfer the dimns. to CAD for the plates. Additional features such as hinged access doors with stainless hardware, mounts for coolers, anchors (my 27' has no anchor locker) etc. could be customized as well. I'll keep you posted with pics as the project progresses.

Thanks,

Mark S.

Yellow trim pump caps
 

looks good!

In your pictures I saw the notorious Yellow trim pump caps that leek!

Yuck...

check out my site to cure that problem!

I ordered the chrome -blue caps yesterday, They should look and work well with the battery holders.

I think this is how I am going to rig the batteries and water heater. The only thing I am weary of is what is below the boxes where the batteries are. I hope there is not a gas tank!, I will have to drill shallow and hope for the best.

Ray, Lookin' good! There shouldn't be anything under the batts, water heater or gen. The gas tanks are all under the cockpit floor.

Trim pump caps
 

Easy upgrade:

I have the hotwater heater and battries installed, Now I need to start rigging all the hoses, wires and drive line back up.

But First it's going off to Mitcher T on Monday for paint.

Man thats lookin real sweet!!
I talked to Mitchell this week and will have our 42 they by the end of March.
We are taking a field trip out there in a few weeks to see the shop, hope to see that bad boy 47 there.
Again....Looks nice!
Good luck with the graphics.

Mark,
Are you letting Mitcher get creative or did you come up with your own graphics? It sounds like custom paint is the way to go in '03. Maybe if I put some wild paint on my 35 the COPS photographer will take some pictures of me this year. :( :p :D

Ray,
Is Mitcher going to post pictures of the project? I'll keep an eye on the other board if he does.

Dan

I had a ruff idea of what I want so I told him the colors and he's going do a mockup.

Raypanic,
Great project to follow. The boat is look'n good! BTW, that is a huge difference in the bilge.


:frog:

candyman35: I believe he is going to post some pictures most likely on the other board, I will update this one as necessary.

I dropped it off to Mitcher T. Today, Say bye bye to the dragon. 3 hours there and 2 hours back. Got caught in the snow about 1/2 hour before arriving. Had to put it in 4 wheel drive in order to get it into his lot.

Mitch has a nice setup plus he just added a studio to the painting buildings, Very nice.

The paint is going on now see Mitcher T's post on the other website:

See Link on my website: http://www.raymondbaldwin.com/Fountain/index.htm

Paint is nearing completion,

It's done! here is a pict: now on to the engines :D

Here is a link to more pictures:
http://www.raymondbaldwin.com/47-paint/index.htm

another

Ray

Boat looks really great!!!!....very very cool!!........What a HUGE improvement over the dragon......3 shorepower hook ups eh....

2 for power one for phone and cable.:D

Purple or Red?
 

I bought the boat with purple carpet, I bough another carpet in red. I think I like the red better, I'm not changing the cabin wich is purple though.

RED

Ray,

I vote for the red.

Thanks for sharing this projects with everyone. I saw your web site and all the pics were very impressive. Your project was an inspiration for my 27' Fountain.

Thanks,

Mark

Awesome looking, cant wait till its finished:D By the way, what is the headroom.

Red it is
 

Boat looks great, I hate red and have purple in my boat.
But I can't deny what looks better. With the seat color
its the only way to go. Gonna be done in time to play?
Good luck, JC

WOW !!!!
I went ot the other site and looked at the other pics.
That looks so Freakin' COOL!
What line of paint does MitcherT use?

Head room, Not sure bu I would guess 5'11

I am still holding on the engines, I have enough work to do in the engine compartment now. I'm taking my time at it too. I ordered a Gantry Crane to put the engines in so I am getting things ready. Possibly Late summer.

As far as paint, I dont know for sure I Think a PPG? You better sak him.

Thanks on the headroom, you have an awesome boat, and a paint job to match:D

Well I managed to get the tips off, Not too hard about 2 hours worth of work.

500EFI's it is
 

I decided to go with HP500EFI's Not my first choice but I think the most reasonable. They are well known and can be upgraded later if need be.

I have found one engine, a 2002 with only a few hours, I need two more.

Inthered, What props are you using on your setup? Bravo1's or hydromotives? and what pitch. I have Bravo 1 's 30's and 32's but I need to buy one more to match for the center engine. I am thinking 30's would be a good place to start.

OSO has 2 500efis for sale, contact Steve

Thanks I have, They are asking 30K for both, I think that is too High. I can get new ones for about 20K each. For 5 K each I think it's worth having new ones. OSO's have abou 150 Hours oon them and I would feel better having the top end rebult.

how does your trailer tow i was looking to get a gooseneck triple