One of a kind
 

I have been too busy to join the message board. I am building a one of a kind Pantera 24. Pantera took my 1991 Pantera 24 in trade. I am building a 24' with a single 250 Salt Water Yamaha outboard. The boat is all white with white bolsters with red piping, the Pantera lettering is red and yellow, the sides are painted red with a fade through to orange and then to yellow with a blue lightening bolt pattern. It was built with a reinforced transom in case I want twins someday and an extra bulkhead for rigidity. The Stainless Marine bracket with welded ladder provides 24" of set back. The rigging is top notch and the boat is almost done. Jo and Pepe are shooting for 60 mph and I hope they are right. I saw the Viper and it is an aluminum engine with closed cooling and SS manifolds. The whole family has been great working on my one of a kind outboard Pantera. I will post some pictures as soon as it is ready.

GaryMMM,

Yea I saw your 24 in the shop last Friday and it's coming out real nice!

Keep us up to date.

Pantera24

2 or 4?
 

Is the Yamaha a 2 or 4 stroke? It sounds like a very interesting project either way.

Good question Ironman, I am going with the 2-stroke, 3.1 liter, Salt Water, OX66, 250 HP since it is proven technology and very reliable. My neighbors have an Intrepid with twin Yamaha's and they are bullit proof. The biggest 4-stroke is 225 HP and it weighs 583 pounds (too much hanging 24" behind the transom of a 24' v hull). The 2-stroke weighs 493 pounds (about 700 pounds less then the old 454 Magnum Bravo I in my previous Pantera). The Yahama factory had a special warranty deal this year that provided the 3rd and 4th years for free (a aving of about $1,800). This motor can idle all day or run WOT all day. Jo is work hard on selecting the right prop and it will probably be an adapter and a 23" 3- blade Mirage type prop. I like Hydromotive but we'll see. Stay tuned for pictures and performance data.

Kewl,

What stage is the construction in?

GOT PIX??
 

Sounds all alright!! A fun boat.:D :D :D

The boat is being painted this week. The outboard rigging is simple. Maybe a few more weeks. I will take and post pictures when the boat is cleaned up and rigged. I saw the Viper boat on Friday and it will be in the SBI race on Sunday.

Come On GaryMMM,

Let's see some updated pics of the ride.

:D

Yeah.......more boat building pics! :D :D :D

I saw the boat today and it is being painted by Scott. Once the paint is done and the plastic covers are off I will take pics and post them on this message board. The blue is awesome. I talked to Pepe about speed again and the factors are reduced powerplant weigth, set back, and great props available. It is amazing to me that a 3000 lb boat will hit 60 with 250 HP. If it is too slow, I will get twins when the warranty expires. The transom is built to last.

Kewl,

Jo said he had one boat to paint before mine so that must be yours. Looking forward to seeing pictures of it!

I drove a superboat 24 with an old merc 300 and it could hit about 65 on the speedo. that engine probably made 300 at the flywheel on a good day and the hull is a copy of the pantera 24. It would be interesting how yours will handle with a true 250 at the prop. If you need more speed I think the 300X would get close to 70 at sea level because it is 300+ hp at the prop. and would handle very nicely. The Yamaha probably will have it beat in reliability and longevivity and could be modified to get 300 and 65+ speeds though. Let us know how it works out. The Ironman.

I would also try an over hub merc chopper if you do not intend on using the boat for skiing much. good luck The Ironman.

PICS OF PAINT
 

The paint is done and it looks great in person. Scott and Pepe came through. Von Bongo's boat is in the shop and get a major flag layout. What do you think about this paint? GaryM

Gary the paint looks awesome, that is one of the nicest boats I've ever seen. Congratulations you must be very pleased. I think I talked to you about your old boat when it was for sale and you sent me some pictures, it was white and red and had a 454 short block was that you? When do you think your new boat will be done? And keep the pictures coming, good luck

Kirk

Gary,

How's it coming???

The rigging is going well. Pepe picked out a beautiful red anodized steering wheel, red anodized bezels for the Yamaha instruments, red grap handles throughout (powder coated) and the wiring is race quality. The hydraulic steering is in and the hatch will be electrically activated. It needs engine installation (most of the wiring is plug in harnesses) and the interior is coming soon. It may be done in a week or so. You are next so when I see your paint, I will write again. GaryM