The stupid part of it all was that none of this needed to be done...it started out as a simple gauge replacement and once they were out, you stand back, scratch your head and say..."well, I might as well do this while the dash is apart..." It just snowballs from there...

Anyway, It'll be just the way I want it when its done---without it looking like a hack job.

I have no idea when I'll be done, I'm hoping Memorial Day...putting it back together will be easy, its just waiting on everyone else to do their part. And...I've just gotten word from my job that I'll be working 5 weekends this summer... Time to look for a new job.

Here's a before picture.

No hangover for me Wes...I was very surprised!

BTW, can I borrow your boat?

Gary, you got lucky dude, the DA is on vacation until the 28th of April...this is starting to turn into a nightmare...

Ya know I'd let you borrow it.....just promise to not take it apart while ya have it !!!!!

So Wes...you ready to sell that thing yet?? I hear there's a good deal on an Apache or Cigarette somewhere

no turning back now......

I love project boats, ya sure. I'm sure it will be all smiles in the end. The smile comes when you first start it and almost everything works.....at least it starts.......that worth a big SMILE. I'm working towards that day myself. Best, Craig

Sean, are you painting the helm area? Are you doing it?

Looks like a nice winter project for me next year...

Craig...I do enjoy projects...I'm already staring to think about next winter's project...

Cig...My pal Kirk at Kryptonite Powerboats is doing me the favor of re-gelcoating the dash. I don't have the experience or the equipment to do such a thing. I also did not want to go with paint because gelcoat is much more durable and original.

How's your boat? How's the new steering?

Everything is going great. She is almost pre-rigged. Not long now. Craig

Nice having friends like that. I just gelcoated a 14' boat for my son - what a pain in the ass.

Steering's doing good. I'm still waiting on a few "final" parts, but what I have now works. Haven't really stressed it yet (ie ocean). I hope to get out this Sunday - maybe a find a cruiser or two on the river and give it a good launch!