Updated Pantera Project
 

Ok guys and gals, board has been real quite lately so I've decided to start sharing some pics of my new (to me) Pantera 28'.

It's currently at Pantera going through a complete redo.
:D

Here's what she looked like the day I got her.

Here's another look

Good luck...keep the photos comin

Thanks Bruce.. by the way yours came out real nice.
Should hopefully have it completed in the next few weeks.

one more

I was at the factory the other day, Joe & Pepe allready have it apart and It looks great, Good Luck. I will be getting a new 28 ready for Summer fun, Thanks Joe

Keep Us Posted!
 

I envy you guys in the Miami area......you all seem to stop in at the shop and shoot the sh!t.

Pantera24
Have fun with the refit. What things are being done to it? New power? Paint? Gauges? Interior?

Bruce
The race boat looks AWESOME! The short cockpit really lenghtens the deck!

I set in 2 2001 502MPI to replace the worn out 454 Mags last September. Widh we would have documented that process to share it with the board. I will in a couple years, when we put in some power worthy of the 28!

:)
Bruce

Thirsty Turtle,

Well besides the power which is fine and sounds mighty nice, at least to me.:D

Almost everything else is being refit.

-Old Fairing was removed and new fiberglass fairing was installed.
-Complete Cockpit Interior
-Pirelli flooring
-New rub rail
-Wet sand and buff
-Flush mounted cleats
-Cabin interior redone completely
-Engines pulled and bilge area redone
-Rewired complete electrical system
-New Gauges and bezels
-New decal package
-Cockpit cover

I must really commend Pepe, Jo, Barbara and Linda.
They have done a fantastic job and are a true pleasure
to deal with. :)

HebertNecessity is yours all ready being built? Which one is it? What power?? Details ..Details...


Angel Martinez

some progress phots

after the dash panel is put back in

finished dash

Nice Job!!

Bruce any engine pics???

I'll check here's some transome shots

extension box

finished drive installed

Great looking boat!
Here's what I'm going to do:
A 28 with the racing dash(like the white w/green eyes
all white w/white swim plat also green eyes
side/side 2 man bolster in the middle w/ walk around both sides
Rear bench
no cockpit liner so floor will be 6" lower
full cabin with portside entry no carpet very cleanable
pirelli floor like cig wave
hydr steering
believe it or not a single 496HO
we are looking for a family boat that can cruise at 45-50 all day and can handle sloppy water. I have looked long and hard and feel this fits the bill the best. I want a family truckster for the keys, something unique that is a blast to drive. Joe said removing the liner will save 100s of lbs and lower the floor.
I've got to close on a few more house to pay for this bad boy. I hope to splash by summer

Why not 500hp efi ?? is it that much more money?
The 496ho is a nice package ...just a question

pic of the motor 468/approx575hp

Looks like both of you have manual hatches with hydraulic assist?
Is there a brand name on those things?

I'll see if I can post a pic of what I've got, but they are springs. To close you have to reach in and tap each spring. I am always getting bonked in the head:mad: :mad:

I like the simplicity of the manual hatch, no motors, wires, switches, etc. but what you guys have looks like a better idea.

Well here's a shot of the cabin before stripping everything out.

Bruce that's some nice work...what's she running??

HebertNeccesity that's gonna be one nice layout.

I hope we can get the Pantera get together planned this year.

Here's after the cabin was stripped.

the gas actuators are available at any marine supply store.
I like them for the race boat. if we need to get into the engine quick, we dont want to wait for the power actuator to open it. plus if there is an electrical problem, especially a fire, we wont get in at all.

just make sure you place them so that the hatch opens relatively easy and stays closed with very little force. you will also need the
hood pins to keep it closed. it does work well though

Pantera 24...thanks

with that motor we were runnin about 71. but we should be at about 78. Im convinced that the drive is about 3" too high and the hull needs to be rubbed out. it was sittin for 6 years so theres quite a bit of drag. The get together sounds good. Im lookin to be down in Fla. for the Daytona , Miami and FT Meyers races. Maybe Ill see ya down there..

Day 1

Last one as the decals go on

Yea hopefully we can get the Pantera get together and all meet.
If not maybe at one of the races.

Do you know what the previous setup was on that boat?? What was it running before? Maybe the previous setup can give u some insight as to what the issue maybe?

Pantera 24...

No..apparently the boat was never rigged prior, so we are playin wit the set up.

Yes, they are gas. I think I said hydraulic. Sounds like thats the way to go. Is a manual hatch required for racing?

HebertNecessity
For the "family truckster" around the Keys, how about twin outboards??? You don't see many, but they've got to be a blast to drive. The Pantera likes power, give it as much as you can afford.

My GPS numbers are:

Tired 454 Mags-67@4600 B1 24

502MPIs-72@5000 B1 24 More throttle left!

502MPIs-75@4600 B1 28 Too much prop.

All speeds are full fuel and smooth water.

I have now B1 26. Hoping for an everyday 77@5000 with strong acceleration.

:cool:

speakin of outboards, I alway thought this was a cool setup

Bruce, I like the new tech, fresh water cool, distributorless, etc the 496 HP3 is doing great in racing(no engine failures) the 500efi is aprox$8k more. I like the fact that many co. will build mods for the 496 I can use after warrentee that is why I'm putting hyd steering. I think the 496 will be suffient for our needs.

the 496 IS NOT IN RACING....still the SAME 502 lower!

Hey Joe, I knew the superV lites were running a vortec 496 HP3 I didn't know it was a 502 lower? I like the 500efi but for a couple grand more I can get twin 6.2 320hp and for a couple grand more than that I can get twin 496mags, I have to set my budget and get the best I can within that concidering maintaining, gas, and insurance. If I had the $$$$ I'd buy your boat.
We have 2 boys ages 5 & 3 so top speed is not that important, we also are starting baseball soccer etc... so boat time will be limited.
See ya in the Keys!

Sounds reasonable to me.

Power is easy to change as needs and budgets allow. I'm slowly but surely inching my way up:D :D :cool:

HebertNeccesity,

Same thing here ..I have 2 kids and top speed is not my main issue right now.

Something you might want to consider if you want to go with twins is running twin 350MAG's with Bravo 1's they are rated at 300 HP, only 20hp less than the 6.2 but a couple of grand less in price! I personally think that dollar for dollar it's one of the best buys out there in power.

They yanked the power out and time to start re-doing the engine compartment. ;)

Other side

Pantera 24
 

Came home from skiing 2 weeks and cant view any pics. Guess ill have to drop down my $25 to see Angels new 28. Get ready for some rare air:eek: :eek: and good luck

Hey just give me your email and I'll send you some pics of my
project.

HerbertNecessary I have been thinking about the layout you will have it sounds perfect. If you decide to sell in 5 years call me.
Ironman.

Pantera Shop...
 

I still haven't kicked in the $25 to view pics..
For those of you that really like a custom boat.. Jo is building a 28 for a customer that is All Yellow. Yes All Yellow. This boat will be rigged with 525SCs.. Two, not one. Take a look at this pic of my boat in their shop, the yellow boat is directly behind it..

The floor thing- Jo cuts pockets in the floor for you to stand in. They drop you about 3-4 inches in the boat. It's a big difference and very cool. He's also started carving some new air ducts into the sides under the windscreen.
I'm sure Jo will see this post and throw up some pics of the yelllow boat.

I was going to order a new boat with a single 496HO. Then I thought about 6.2s because I want to run to the islands. Then I saw my 28 with 502 mags and that was all she wrote. I'd really recommend twins. The single 425hp might bee too lazy when you put 100 gallons in, and 4 hot chicks.
Be sure to upgrade the drive if you go with a single motor. The boat is right on the boarder for one drive. I have a friend who snaps the tower out of his Bravo at least once a season.. Go XR or XZ.

As far as a Pantera owners meeting.. That would be very cool. I just hope nobody gets hurt, or breaks anything expensive. I'm ready when you guys are.