368 Skater build
 

Hey Gents, I stated in a previous thread I was going to check out my 368 build last week. Mission accomplished. Couple members mentioned maybe a build thread...Here we go!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1128565f79.jpg

Hull is essentially ready to pull from mold. They want to install floor, which will be done this week. They are just finishing up laminating the baffles in the fuel tanks (140 per side)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8b6f05966b.jpg

These pictures give you an idea of just how big a 368 is.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4b0f7d01a9.jpg

close up of bulkhead material. foam core/balsa sandwiched between carbon fiber.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...67bbedd72e.jpg
engine bay.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...92c0f4b720.jpg

Looking at the materials used and build process, you begin to understand what makes a Skater

Will update as I get progress pictures from Tony.

Look forward to watching you new baby be created! This site needed some new life. :nicethread:

Power? Thanks for sharing!! Love these threads.

Decided on 700SC's.

Great start

Wife and I made a TON of decisions. Spent quite a lot of time with the painter. Met with the interior guy, decided on seat shells, dash layout, stereo choice, Deck hatch size and placement, engine hatches and scoop style. Deck cleat/style quantity and placement, bustle design and made final decision on profile. We decided on a low-profile cut. which is pictured.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a6a211fa9d.jpg
this is an outboard boat.

Congrats!

Awesome - cant wait to follow this through the build process

Thanks for the thread. Lots of decisions involved in a full custom build.

What is the advantage of building integrated fuel tanks vs. drop in aluminum tanks? I know the aluminum tanks can and do sometimes crack.
But no one foresaw what ethanol was going to do to fiberglass tanks. And a lot of Skater and other owners had to fork out a lot of money to have them redone in some fashion.

Who knows what the next fuel additive or other BS might bring. I'm NOT throwing rocks at Skater. I'm just curious as to why they stick with this build method.

Thanks for posting this and Congrats!!

I really cannot answer why they do integral tanks. BUT, I did talk to Tony about this and the Ethanol problem. He assured me their materials are good for the modern fuels, they learned from that. I cannot fathom Peter building something that won't do the job. But I do get why you ask.

Soooooo cool that you guys spent some time with the crew at Skater. Congrats on an awesome new baby being born. You will love this next chapter in your boating life. Let me know when you are coming up to ride on our slow turd.

Looking forward to following this one! Thanks for sharing.

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please keep us posted with lots 'o pics




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Thanks for posting, awesome thread, boy am I jealous Should be a screamer! keep the updates comming!!!:popcorn:

Thanks for that. I for one, really appreciate the heritage, culture and tradition that exudes from Skater when there. Just some of the picture on the walls and the knowing & confident grins you see tell a story, all their own. To say I'm excited about this would be the understatement of the century.

Congratulation's and thanks again for the build thread! We get to live vicariously through your build. Superstitious thank you for your build thread also. I hope to see both of your new rides in person at some point in the not to distant future.

Probably the hardest decision was the bustle design. I had one thing in mind, the wife had another. (imagine that) So we decided on this style, since we both liked it. Skater will literally build you ANY bustle you desire. The interesting part is that the flat deck material extends beyond the end of the hull to form the top of the bustle. They also include tunnel extension into the bustle design. This is on a 388. Another custom option we are having done is a way to hold an umbrella stationary. Arizona sun demands a way to get out of it somehow.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...7820af69a1.jpg

Yeah, me too. :D

I was promised I'd have the boat for DS 2020. So my guess would be end of March.

Amazing how clean the inside of that hull is, you are building my dreamboat :) Although I think I will have to settle for a used one in a few more years.

That is my personal fav design from them however me and the better half are also water rats so the ease of getting in and out of the boat from the water is a big deal to us.

I actually received a "re-promise" Monday. :D

Same for us. The bottom step will also allow side by comfortable seating for 2.

As far as delivery date goes. I am obviously anxious, however; I have always taken an attitude on things like this that I want it right, It takes as long as it takes. I just had a Pro-Street/Pro Tour 66 Chevelle built. It took 3 years. People were always asking me when it was going to be done. I answered the same, it takes as long as it takes. All pushing does is sour relationships and makes you hate something before you even get it. Whether its a house, a car or a boat, I will love it and enjoy the process.

Keep up with that attitude and enjoy the build process! Make as many trips as you can back there during the build, and take as many pictures as you can - you'll look back on it years from now with many fond memories. There's nothing like building a one-of-a-kind Skater, I don't care how long it takes!

Hi Skater30. You're right, besides, I really enjoy just being there amongst the awesome machines, the culture and history of Skater. My wife chastised me on the drive back to Chicago that I compressed our trip and made it difficult and the days too long. She's right, I did it as i would a business trip, in...out....home. I need to schedule a trip with no real rush. I need to drive back there in a couple months anyway. I bought a gently used tilt from a fellow boater in Havasu that I need to get back there.

I mentioned a 66 Chevelle build. I figure most guys here are motor heads so heres a couple pictures.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0e53ce2a58.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...05ca78d3b7.jpg

Chevelle looks like a fun ride.

66-67 Chevelle SS 396 is my dream car, Marina Blue, they had a nice light metal flake green that was nice too.

What race boat is that being built in the background?

I have no idea? I didn't even notice it till you said something.