26 Bertram Converrtable

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » Jan 29th, '18, 22:25

Chris thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you ran across a good deal. Glad to hear they work as intended.

I might need to look around some to see what’s available. I also have an old heavy trailer that came with the shop I bought a few years ago that I don’t use. I’ve been thinking about adding a cradle to that as well. That would at least give me the ability to pull it in and out of the shop.

Good luck with your 26.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Jan 30th, '18, 12:19

Danny
One thing I notice on the steel caster wheels on these dollies is that they have a crown to them, they are not flat, so I think that helps them roll easier, so if you make something look for crowned profile wheels I think
Chris

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » Jan 30th, '18, 23:39

10-4. Good info. Thanks

Bertramp · Post by **Bertramp** » Jan 31st, '18, 08:45

Original 26 (after the discontinue of the 25) had I/Os.
26.2 had either straight inboards or (a very few) had outboards.
There is an outboard one near me in Sag Harbor.
I would love to get hold of one of the outboard ones.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Jan 31st, '18, 09:47

If I ever do another one I would like to find an original O/B to restore

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » Feb 1st, '18, 00:10

I have an 1984 B26’ outboard model. It’s a neat boat. I bought mine a couple years ago with the intent to restore but other issues trumped it. So it sits in the shop waiting.

Keep the pictures coming Chris, it’ll be fun to follow your progress.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 2nd, '18, 17:27

Decided to replace the brass shaft logs, I didn't like the tight clearance of the 1 1/4" shaft going through the original log that was for a 1" shaft. Buck Algonquin makes the same log only with a 1 3/4" ID for a 1 1/4" shaft, the only difference is the flange is 1/4" bigger around but I have room for it. And they sell for $68.00 each so not too bad.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4x83f0p5mpqzz ... 6.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/67gsciyqk5ez7 ... 7.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/easqo0k2ftsxw ... 0.JPG?dl=0

Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 2nd, '18, 17:33

When I blasted my hull I only went deep enough to get to the barrier coat, but since then I decided to remove the barrier coat by sanding with 80 grit, I didn't like the roughness of the barrier coat after blasting, I used walnut shells. I started to sand it with 80 and found it took not much effort to get down to the gelcoat. I plan to put white barrier coat back on then white bottom paint.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qytzl2v17tq4o ... 1.JPG?dl=0

Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 4th, '18, 20:03

Got a couple coats of paint in the bilges today

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uyn71e5bre7k1 ... 2.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/di9kthk0m6abt ... 4.JPG?dl=0

Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 13th, '18, 09:56

Set in the stb engine, everything fits pretty good so far.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y7km5bt6cla0o ... 1.JPG?dl=0

Chris

CamB25 · Post by **CamB25** » Feb 14th, '18, 11:30

Moving at light speed! I like your boat cradles. where did you get them?

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 14th, '18, 14:05

Maybe I can get light speed from it when finished.
I got the dollies at a yard auction. They are Yard Arm brand. I got 5 of them and they are rated at 5000# each, they are handy.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 23rd, '18, 16:46

So the only thing I ran into with the new engines so far is the remote mount oil filter sticks out to far to close the engine box. But not a big deal, I will mount it down in the middle of the bilge where the sea strainer is, and i will also mount it right side up for less mess when removing.
As for mounting the engines I am lag bolting them into the wooden engine mounting blocks like original. I scrapped my idea of making a through bolt aluminum mount to bolt onto the wood engine mount block.
Chris

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7ii677vcxe2f9 ... 9.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/au0yyzouhw0m3 ... 0.JPG?dl=0

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Feb 23rd, '18, 16:51

Started to get things lined up for the port side engine now. Had to take a little break.
Found my new strut is a little different for lining up to the trans from a lateral standpoint. So I need to remove the strut backing plate, fill and re drill the mounting holes.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rluzjhk3mxo2n ... 6.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ng57f1a6ryyi9 ... 6.JPG?dl=0

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Mar 16th, '18, 15:43

Both engines are in now, lined up bolted down. I am waiting for exhaust elbows from Centek, then will button the engines up. Next will be paint.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8lkt5mpfhevtc ... 5.JPG?dl=0

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Mar 17th, '18, 00:27

As I look at these pics of gas boats, I realize how easy it is to make that modification and cut away the part of the in-between the engines deck, and put it back at the level of the rest of the deck.
That way you don't have to step up, just before you step down into the cabin.
In diesel boats, at least in my configuration, it is more difficult because parts of the engine are just under that part of the deck so it cannot be done.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Mar 28th, '18, 09:56

I have the bottom faired and 6 coats of white epoxy barrier coat on it.
Next is prepping the topside for paint, I will paint the white first then the non skid. What I find amazing on this 35 year boat with original gelcoat finish is there is not even one stress or spider crack in the gelcoat any where on the top side. The only repair work Is some fairing where I filled the holes where my bow rails where mounted and various other holes that are no longer needed.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aaaejhu4tqt6e ... 1.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j3tw5ecgsevps ... 5.JPG?dl=0
Chris

cariedl · Post by **cariedl** » Mar 28th, '18, 16:34

Looking good, keep the pictures/updates coming.

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » Mar 28th, '18, 22:39

Looks nice. You’re really making progress.

Craig Mac · Post by **Craig Mac** » Mar 29th, '18, 07:30

Looks like you will be painting boat as well----are you going with original or changing color?

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Mar 29th, '18, 08:51

Yes, changing color, White bottom, Fighting Lady Yellow hull, White on the top side, FLY under hardtop and white on top.
Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Mar 29th, '18, 08:56

DanielM wrote:Looks nice. You’re really making progress.

Thanks, I was hoping to be farther along at this point but time is fast, too many projects plus still have to work everyday.
Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Apr 24th, '18, 15:17

It's finally warming up here in IL enough to start spraying some paint. I am using paint from Lucid technologies call Northstar 928, It is an Imron copy but easier for me to get locally from my local PPG. Sprays and looks like Imron to me. Comes in FLY color too for the hull.
I even used the Northstar to do do some spot repair on my Hatteras hull which is Imron. and color match was perfect.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oiumhnzcwcj71 ... 5.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b5atiup6yqlst ... 6.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yxupq3eji27fx ... 7.JPG?dl=0

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » May 16th, '18, 09:57

I have the nonskid and white painting on the topside finished now, started putting hardware and gauges back together. Next step is to paint the hull.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8tm413hd23urn ... 7.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/obpf5iz4mb0fh ... 5.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/37jb3mny109w4 ... 3.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3kz2wbypkei5i ... 2.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ic0xbd9h8vi9 ... 9.JPG?dl=0

Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Jun 4th, '18, 13:40

Got the hull painted.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fkvz8kp90nylg ... 4.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7sfkv4bm6g5xc ... 1.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sbgra63jg31t3 ... 0.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xw8wb3opck6r4 ... 8.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u41c596fslald ... 9.JPG?dl=0
Chris

CamB25 · Post by **CamB25** » Jun 5th, '18, 09:04

slow down...you are making me dizzy.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Jun 5th, '18, 15:20

I don't think it's possible to go any slower

johnnyletrois · Post by **johnnyletrois** » Jun 13th, '18, 12:36

Chris Havener wrote:Got the hull painted.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fkvz8kp90nylg ... 4.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7sfkv4bm6g5xc ... 1.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sbgra63jg31t3 ... 0.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xw8wb3opck6r4 ... 8.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u41c596fslald ... 9.JPG?dl=0
Chris

Hot damn that is beautiful!

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Jun 21st, '18, 13:29

I now have my hardtop frame back, I had it sandblasted and powder coated.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tqlecl7uirono ... 2.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fpwnwszsk7kvb ... 0.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v67akwczs33li ... 9.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kjv2d0flg7ihz ... 7.JPG?dl=0

Chris

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Jun 21st, '18, 16:08

Nice curve, right height, I would just put two SS triangles at the top rear ends instead of that paralel mid tube.
Anyhow this looks sturdy enough even without the triangles.
Good job.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Jun 21st, '18, 21:04

looks great Chris.

Bertramp · Post by **Bertramp** » Jun 22nd, '18, 07:06

Anyone have an idea on how many of the outboard ones were produced ?

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » Jun 22nd, '18, 20:59

Really looks nice Chris. Top notch work.

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Aug 21st, '18, 16:18

Here is a progress update on my 26 convertible project.
New enclosure installed, Strataglass with White Stamoid.
Ready for a sea trial and engine break in procedure now.
I spent most of this summer rewiring.
Chris

https://www.dropbox.com/s/10h84hgv2hevk ... 5.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xoh2gingw8k8u ... 3.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ou1yl7j50mxi ... 7.jpg?dl=0

CamB25 · Post by **CamB25** » Aug 22nd, '18, 12:38

Looks great! Good luck in the water!

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Sep 23rd, '18, 21:00

So I have finished the break in routine on my new 5.7's and am finally running the boat normally.
Some numbers from GPS.
2000 rpm 12 mph
3000 rpm 19 mph
3400 rpm which seems like a nice cruise 24 mph
4000 rpm 28 mph
WOT is 5200 rpm and 36 mph.
I have 16" X 17" 3 blade props.
Seems with a WOT of 5200 maybe I could prop up a little, I wouldn't mind seeing 25-28 mph at 3200 rpm.
No flo scans but fuel consumption seems really good, as in low.
It runs out very smooth, no vibration at all and very quiet compared to the old V6 engines.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ul0ykrvcdocg ... 1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ait01g7bd4ej ... 3.jpg?dl=0
Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Sep 30th, '18, 20:29

Hi
I was thinking about adding an auto pilot to my 26. Does anybody have a reccomendation on what would be a good one for this size and type of boat.
Thanks
Chris

Lars · Post by **Lars** » Oct 1st, '18, 03:46

Hi Chris,

Boat looks gorgeous! I am using a Raymarine autopilot EV200 with P70R control unit on my B25 with 2x 5.7 inboards. Works a charm and integrates beautifully with rest of my Raymarine electronics. It manages to hold a straight course on one engine (as long as the side wind/sea isn't too strong) - which is notoriously hard with the original toothpick rudders.

CamB25 · Post by **CamB25** » Oct 1st, '18, 07:07

Great job, Chris! I can't wait for the day I can post the numbers!

Cam

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Oct 1st, '18, 16:44

Lars wrote:Hi Chris,

Boat looks gorgeous! I am using a Raymarine autopilot EV200 with P70R control unit on my B25 with 2x 5.7 inboards. Works a charm and integrates beautifully with rest of my Raymarine electronics. It manages to hold a straight course on one engine (as long as the side wind/sea isn't too strong) - which is notoriously hard with the original toothpick rudders.

Lars
Thanks for the info, this is next on my to do list
Chris

Chris Havener · Post by **Chris Havener** » Oct 1st, '18, 16:46

CamB25 wrote:Great job, Chris! I can't wait for the day I can post the numbers!

Cam

Cam
Thanks, lot of work but worth it, this is the best riding rough water boat I have had.
Chris

jprobins · Post by **jprobins** » Apr 7th, '19, 10:37

Congratulations, Chris. Beautiful boat and great work. I have a 1983 factory outboard version. It’s in the yard now still trying to complete repairs from Harvey damage, but almost done now. Unfortunately, marina was completely destroyed and not yet rebuilt. So, still seeking a safe place to berth her. They are wonderful and unique boats. You will love her.