My boat hasn't been in the water in eight years thanks to crud in my gas tank that constantly clogged my carburetor - and this after I paid to have the tank removed and cleaned by a well-known, reputable, offshore performance boat specialist which everyone here would know and/or recognize. I discovered the tank still had crap including pieces of gas hose among other things. So, I made the decision to yank and install a brand new tank from Imco Marine.

In doing so I discovered how poorly installed the tank had been by that reputable shop; found that the drains weren't working properly and water was unable to drain from the the bow under the floor, eventually rotting out the stringers & bulkhead among other things. In addition, the rear bulkhead and stringers were also rotted. Somehow, the transom was solid.

So, thanks to Jim Shofner (proprietor of Arizona Speed & Marine, Phoenix, AZ), Mike Ambrose (Mike Ambrose Custom Upholstery, Van Nuys, CA), and Dan MacNamara (proprietor of Archer Marine in Costa Mesa, CA), the restoration began mid June 2016 with the goal to have her in the water mid August 2016. The experience and knowledge these men have in their respective fields has been invaluable - and the boat we are assembling will be unique & custom boat. I'll post pictures (could use some help in how to do it).

ready for the pics and updates... had one a while back.

I'm working on a 28 excel myself. I could use any good leads on a windshield, dash, cabin door.

Question: How do I load pictures?

sorry for late response... I think you have to upgrade to a higher level in OSO or use the Photo-bucket link method ( search for the method on here if you can, insert the link into you response on here )

The original gelcoat was in excellent condition. However, the goal was to freshen the look by changing the color scheme.

First, I had the tank removed in order to replace. That's when I noticed a small cut in the glass along the bottom of the stringer - and I didn't have a good feeling about what I saw. Took the boat to Dan @ Team Archer Marine - and he confirmed my fear; rotted stringers, bulkheads, and then some. So, Dan cleaned it all up - and began to restore with composites and improved stringers. Dan made sure to properly install the drain tubes the previous company had failed in doing which lead to the water not draining and ultimate rot.

Before Dan began to work on the hull, I sent the engine to Jim Shofner @ Arizona Speed & Marine for evaluation - and he determined it needed to be rebuilt.

The engine is assembled - and then dynoed; 682HP @ 4900 RPMs / 769lb-ft @ 4000 RPMs with a Density Altitude of 4,710 ft. I'm quite certain the engine will push over 700HP @ sea level.

Hydraulic steering is a must to handle the HP - and to properly achieve the maximum performance, Dan recommended we raise the X Dimension 2" - and for a cleaner-look we chose to install a Mercury Racing ITS setback box. Before installing Dan sprayed the transom in white gelcoat. 380-S K-planes will stabilize the ride.