bertram31.com

Volvo Penta 4.3 GXiE with Duoprop DPS-B drive.

Getting there.



Battery shelf




Helical Splines on prop shafts.


Ian.

Ian,

Looking good! Don't let that blue tape stay too long on the new paint job. It can be really nasty stuff to get off after just a few days, and especially once it absorbs enough atmospheric moisture to break down the paper... The only tape I'd trust for more than 3 days would be the 3M green low tack, and I wouldn't trust that for more than a week.

Well noted. I will have him remove all and reapply the necessary pcs.

Ian.

Ian:

That is a work of art -- when I need my heart bypasses done in the future, I hope you are available so it comes out as neat!

Tom

Thanks Tom - The beauty of fiberglass is you can always add more and grind again. Not sure that is the same with surgery. ;)

Looks like the next time I see the boat it will be effectively mechanically ready for sea trial. I will still do the final wiring myself (lights, bilge, etc.).

Seating is going to be thrown together this year and I also think I am running out of time to have the windshield rebuilt. Where would the fun be if it was perfect from day 1.

Ian.

Ian-

Its really nice to see a B20 brought back in such spectacular fashion. She's a beauty. When you splash and run her, please post up some performance numbers.

Jhn

Nothing quite as exciting, scary and pleasurable as the first splash! Very nice Ian!!

Photos look like they are from an original factory installation the work is so precise! Congrats Ian.

Ian - Why is the engine compartment so long? Are you placing batteries in front of the engine? Will the engine hatch cover this entire area, or is there a deck hatchplate? What's that black piece installed in front of the engine?

I'm getting excited just looking at the photos!!

Cam

I have another picture to post.

The black "thing" is a battery tray. There are 2 and will be a secondary bilge pump in between.

As to the question of why the engine bay is so long. With the rear deck the engine needs to be wedged in there. If the engine compartment were shorter it would be even more difficult. The batteries will be covered with a removable section of floor. I wouldn't call it a hatch since it probably won't need to be removed unless the engine is coming out. I think the batteries can be removed with floor piece in place.

Ian.

Cam,
The engine bay is so long because all these B20's originally came powered with a straight 6 engine, which is much longer than a V configured engine of comparable horsepower.

Agree with Michael. The reason I did not simply shorten the compartment when all the glass work was done was to maintain access for engine install, etc.

Might be nice to have a seat molded into the engine hatch forward of the Volvo. Since it drains to the bilge, you could use the void between the seat and the deck as a storage comparpment for "wet" items like a stern anchor and rode, or make it a built-in cooler. I know you are ready for more glass work!

A few more pictures.





Ian.

Everything but steering is in, engine has been run, all calibrated etc. I still have to hook up the battery switch, and finish wiring the running lights, bilge pumps, and blower. There will be a Blue Seas 6 position switch panel between the display and the key / horn.



Transducer installed for depth, temp and paddle wheel speed.



Ian.

Now we just need to let all of this melt to get into the boat.

My oldest son on one of my uncle's snowmobiles.

Ian

Beautiful work.......its obvious that a lot of time and sweat went into that project.

Your right.......now its time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! ! !


hb

Thanks Harry -

I wish I had been able to do more of the final install and wiring. Work is in the way of things right now and the weather has not cooperated much either.

I need to get it on the water and put the first scratch on it to get that part of the angst behind me.

Ian.

Don't hold your breath Ian.
We were at camp Sunday and Monday.
Kids wanted to go fishing.
2' of ice in the bay there.
Made 1.5" overnight on Sunday (-24C)
2'6" of ice out front of QCM.
-16C tonight.
Some say ice won't be out til end of April.
Michigan will be sooner no doubt...good shake down period.

BTW your boat looks incredible.
That 1st bruise is going to hurt.

My only concern with the batteries mounted at the bottom of the bilge is that if you have that small compartment flood to the top of the battery, with salt water. The batteries will short, the engine will stop running, the bilge pump(s) stop and your two way radio would be dead. If the batteries are higher they buy you a little more time in a critical situation. Just a thought.

Ian, Looks great, nice neat organized work..it all pays off..trust me..the first scratch wont take long, first weekend on the mooring borrowed a dinghy, no guard on the rub rail...ouch..got over it quick..ENJOY..BH

bob no hits on the sides from gaff ? swinging sinkers ? your a lucky guy or perhaps i fish with idiots!

Been out of touch for a while.

Final mechanical install is complete. I will still do the electrical stuff myself. It could be dropped in the water and run right now if it were not for the ice. I might have some pictures tomorrow of her floating at the ramp to establish the water line.

Steering system is installed. It is Teleflex HPS rotary. Was told this was best system for minimal free play at the wheel. Pretty tight with 3 turns lock to lock.

GemLux Bluewater wheel.



Ian.

Nice Ian, very clean. Many years of fun ahead. Hard to beat a new engine, right out of the box is like Christmas.