Lectronix

After the engine compartment was painted in Imron white, Dan began to methodically rig. He set the battery boxes between the stringers to lower the center of gravity - and placed the fuel supply in the optimal location. He also fabricated new engine mounts which are through-bolted on the new, larger stringers. He also installed and sealed into place new drains to insure water always properly exits.

Lectronix

The 28 is actually Larry Smith's famous 26' bottom with a 28' Wellcraft designed deck which includes a 2' swim platform; it's a sit-down boat. Personally, I like sitting up higher than the original setup. Also, I was not satisfied with the throttle location. In addition, Dan, Jim and I wanted more gauges to monitor the engine (you want all the information you can monitor when you run a supercharged engine). The challenge was to find a way to retain the original 28 dash configuration to maintain the factory look while adding Livorsi Monster gauges. After tossing several ideas around (see pics), Dan molded a new dash panel & mocked it with temp gauges for my approval. Then he sprayed a finish which looks and feels just like the original dash panels. He built a throttle box and placed it in a location we both felt provided the best overall ergonomic feel and control. He constructed mock stands for the seat in order to determine the best seat height.

Lectronix

Here's the dash with with the final gauge layout. We are replacing all the switches and adding Pop-up indicators where the trim controls were previously installed. Trim switches were moved down closer to the new throttle location. A new panel will be added to support the hydraulic helm.

Lectronix

Originally the goal was to leave the bottom in the original red gelcoat, spray a the sides black & red - and then spray a clear coat. As good as it looked, something wasn't jumping at us correctly. Bingo! The red Dan sprayed was deeper red than the original gelcoat red which appeared to contain a purple hue. This was clearly unacceptable!

Lectronix

Since the two different reds weren't working, a decision had to be made; reshoot the new red to match the gelcoat red (on Dan's dime)..... or re-gelcoat the bottom in white (on my dime). Dan made sure the bottom was straight and shot it white. Personally, I think Dan did it on purpose (LOL) so I would be left with no choice but to re-gelcoat.... Now it looks right! BTW - it was a lot more than a dime.

sea6

Looks great. In my '88, I had bolsters from a later scarab 29. Short enough to still use as a sit down, but taller than original captains chairs. Please keep the original tube setup over the engine compartment vents. IMO one of the coolest parts of the boat.

Lectronix

Thanks Sea6! Our approach on the seats is to have a stainless steel setup like what you find in drop-downs tall enough to comfortably see and control. The bolsters will be the original '89 reupholstered. They'll look offshore but not drop down.

As for the tube vents, regretfully I must admit they went long ago when I first purchased the boat in 2000. I didn't mind the length and look on the sides, but I didn't like the wrap-around the back. I anticipated someone slipping off the swim platform and cutting or catching themselves on them as they fell into the water; I saw an accident waiting to happen and just didn't like the look on the back. SO, I cut them short going for a different look only to cover the vent looking forward to eventually installing 29 vents to bring it up-to-date and keep the factory look. Years later (as I contemplated the restoration and whether I should build new ones to replace them - and hearing the 29 vents made out of fiberglass for durability) I came up with a cool alternative (my opinion) that would keep the original grilles, eliminate the potential hazard, and give the back the look I wanted; cut the tubes approximately at 45 degrees matching the rear angle 5-7" before the turn and reinstall the stainless finish plate. I think that would look pretty cool! Your thoughts......

Our approach for this boat (for the moment) are to install stainless pieces made to look like the 29. Dan's made them before and they do look good. My modified tubular approach is a possibility; not 100% yet.

sea6

I still like the tubes better, but I'll allow it. (Jk). Look forward to seeing the finished product.

Lectronix

LOL - what about having the tubes only running along the sides? Any pics of yours?

sea6

Along the side would look nice. Had never considered the injury possibility. A little more true to the original look. Maybe the end cap would still work, just mounted on the side instead of the back.