:clap::clap::clap:

Does anybody know what the dry weight was on a 1974 steplift? would love to get everyones opinion on wether Ive lost or gained weight on the boat? Using 3/4 ply on the floor,mostly 1708 on all my glassing, double 2x6 for gunwale supports, 2x4 for inner cap rail, and 3/4 ply for my cap, I have to ask myself if this boat lost weight after the conversion? What do you guys think?:head:

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...021_Medium.jpg

From this site under the history tab. Probably close to this (1920 LBS) but my guess is that weight was added. I know mine is than new but not significantly more than when restoration started with all the water-logged foam.

Think about the production line workers with the company looking over their shoulders/teaching their labor to save on materials where they could. You added more glass here and there because you wanted it heavy duty. They used a chopper gun for some of the liners, you hand-laid every piece and have done a great job IMO. So probably a little heavier than it was.
BTW- Kudos to you. Your progress is amazing, mine took forever. I must say I really like the ribs, one off cap and T-top. They make yours truly custom. AND
What power are you going with again??

Ridge I have a family owned 135 hp evinrude that im only the third owner of its a 1979 evinrude with extremely low hours. Me personally thats gonna be enough power to get me thru a year or two. I then want repower with a 150 or better. Im basiclly dealing with what I have for now.

Fellas so what do you think about me runnin a 135 hp evinrude on this build? I want it to get me by atleast a year or two. Im not expecting a ocean racer its a fishing boat. What is the projected mph with this motor? Has anybody on this forum run a v20 with with 135? 135 seemed to be pretty popular on the v20 back in the 70's. once again as always thanks for the help guys.

I would think at least 30mph for a 135 in good running order.

Kracker are you using 1708 with a mat backing or without and where are you purchasing it?

It has the 3/4 ounce stitched backing. In multiple layer layups I've been changings the directions of the of the next layer for added strength. It's some beautiful stuff!!!!!! Kind off a pain to wet out but not to bad. I'm getting my material from Eastern Burlap of Norfolk. They are about 10 minutes from my house. I'm getting some fresh high end poly from them for 25 dollars a gallon with Gardner and my 1708 for $9.25 a yard. I go there for the convinience and decent prices.

Thanks Kracker. I cannot find biax here local. Next best price is US Composites.

I have found 5 gallons of MarPro Polyester Resin for $125 local.

I worked on my console tonight. Im basiclly glueing and glassing some ply inside the console in certain spot so I can beef it up for the t-top. I did learn a new trick tonight!!!!! when trying to get cloth to wrap a fairly tight outside radius you can mix your resin then pour some pre catalized resin in another container and add just a little cabosil to it to create a paintable paste, then paint the paste on your radius and the cloth stays perfectly while you wet out your cloth with no bubbles. Just an idea.:hi: