1968 Hatteras 34 project

micky · Post by **micky** » Mar 12th, '22, 14:05

Decided to replace the galley counter top laminate so removed the old one and faired around the stove. Hope to install the new one next weekend.

Rawleigh · Post by **Rawleigh** » Mar 17th, '22, 14:53

Glad it wasn't me sanding around that glass top stove!

micky · Post by **micky** » Mar 20th, '22, 19:59

New countertops are done. The sink didn't want to go down on that corner unless pushed to I used a littler persuation.

micky · Post by **micky** » Mar 21st, '22, 18:58

DONE!!!

Rawleigh · Post by **Rawleigh** » Mar 22nd, '22, 11:51

Looks great!!

micky · Post by **micky** » Mar 26th, '22, 15:43

I was able to replace the 2 v-berth lamps today. It had 80's spot lights. The new one as you can see you can turn on the big lamp, the reading lamp or both at the same time. Also it has a usb charger on the bottom. Also installed 2 Shadow Caster underwater lights.

micky · Post by **micky** » Apr 2nd, '22, 17:38

Few more things done today. Started by replacing the original 1968 12v light on the head, installed a hand towel holder, toilet paper holder, toilet paper bag holder and shower curtain. Then finally opened the salon carpet that had been rolled up since November and installed the sofa bed in the salon. Exterior polishing should be done this week and I ordered another 12v lamp for the galley as the lamp there is also original to the boat. After that is insurance which I'm having a hard time getting because of the year of the hull, bottom paint and SALTWATER.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Apr 2nd, '22, 22:04

I have to say, she is really coming out looking like she just came off the showroom floor. Really nice work and planning the layout.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Apr 4th, '22, 12:10

I'm glad to hear SALTWATER made it to your list.

She's looking great!

micky · Post by **micky** » Apr 5th, '22, 20:33

Polishing started yesterday. 1 coat of rubbing compound, 1 coat of glaze and 2 of wax. After he's done he will ceramic coat the whole boat.

https://imgur.com/H7B8XQT

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Apr 5th, '22, 22:37

She comes up really nice. How long does he say the ceramic will last?

micky · Post by **micky** » Apr 17th, '22, 19:44

I've been finishing some small details on the interior. Replaced the original 1968 12v galley light and also refinished and installed the wood pieces on top and below the oven. Boat is 99.9% done. Only thing left to do is the bottom paint. I'm still searching for insurance as it has been pretty hard for someone locally to insure the boat.

micky · Post by **micky** » Apr 24th, '22, 20:12

Finishing touches, teak table and chairs. All marinas in Fajardo (east side of the island) are full and with a waiting list of +1 year so I'm taking it to one of the marinas on the north side of the island for a few months. This way I can test all the systems, run her and haul her out to do the flotation line. Insurance will be done with a company in the states as no one will insure it here in PR. It should be a few weeks before splashing.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 1st, '22, 13:24

Well guys, the finish line is just 3 weeks away. Already paid for my slip. Went today and installed the dock box. Splash date is Friday, May 20.

mike ohlstein · Post by **mike ohlstein** » May 1st, '22, 22:08

Those other boats are going to feel so inadequate with you there......

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 2nd, '22, 07:41

18 days and counting!!!

I am so glad to hear the finish line is only days away.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 5th, '22, 19:43

Marked the flotation line but 5" lower than where it was originally. Originally it started covering 3/4 of the exhaust and now I started it right under the exhaust as I don't know how many inches the boat will float higher. Plan is to take the boat out of the water a month after putting it to paint the water line at the correct height and put the stripe.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 6th, '22, 18:50

Finished covering the shafts, props and rudders. Used aluminum foil and trash bags. Also taped the trim tab zincs.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 7th, '22, 18:09

Bottom paint is done!!! 2 coats of primer (3 gallons) and 3 coats of paint (4 gallons). Also lowered the hardtop for the last time.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 8th, '22, 08:44

Painted the running gear (need to finish the rudders), transducer, underwater lights and moved the stands to paint those areas.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 9th, '22, 06:29

I'm starting to get excited for you!!

micky · Post by **micky** » May 9th, '22, 06:56

Yeah!! Next weekend I’ll polish the hardtop and wash the whole boat

micky · Post by **micky** » May 9th, '22, 20:25

Went to the marina today to finish installing a few things. Installed a hook on both front pilons so I can hang the front lines when using the boat. Also installed a piece of pipe behind the dock box so I can hang the water hose and installed 1 more fender on the walkway.

mike ohlstein · Post by **mike ohlstein** » May 10th, '22, 11:56

What is the average tide at the marina?

DanielM · Post by **DanielM** » May 10th, '22, 22:50

Looking forward to seeing her splash! She looks beautiful.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 12th, '22, 12:41

mike ohlstein wrote: ↑May 10th, '22, 11:56 What is the average tide at the marina?

I really have no idea.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 12th, '22, 13:42

Its somewhere in the middle of high and low...

...and there you go.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » May 12th, '22, 21:39

Carl wrote: ↑May 12th, '22, 13:42 Its somewhere in the middle of high and low...
...and there you go.

That was so bad you should be banned.

Hueso · Post by **Hueso** » May 13th, '22, 08:22

mike ohlstein wrote: ↑May 10th, '22, 11:56 What is the average tide at the marina?

Two feet.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 19th, '22, 09:07

Splash day is tomorrow!!

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 19th, '22, 09:12

AWESOME, we need details and lots of pictures!

I splashed last Thursday in thick fog...almost coulnd't find my slip. Been blow-N hard and/or raining since. I have yet to leave my slip.

Best of Luck to you, I hope she exceeds your expectations, you earned it!

THESALTYSATO · Post by **THESALTYSATO** » May 19th, '22, 09:28

I am with Carl. You have had an incredible following keeping us up to date on your progress
With almost 412,000 views up to this point please keep the pictures coming of the final chapter of your dedication to your project. But do not stop there as a new chapter is just beginning. Best of luck and sit back and relax with a cold Medalla.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 19th, '22, 11:01

Hueso will be there helping me.

THESALTYSATO · Post by **THESALTYSATO** » May 19th, '22, 11:05

Is Hueso helping you with the boat or helping you with the Medalla?

micky · Post by **micky** » May 19th, '22, 12:14

He said with the boat.....

micky · Post by **micky** » May 19th, '22, 19:56

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 20th, '22, 08:55

Wow, she does look sweet!

I bet your dads is happy to reclaim his space after that "Few Week" project to get her spiffed up and back in the water.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 20th, '22, 20:25

The good news is everything worked except a tachometer and the engine alarms which are ON at all times. I'll trouble shoot them tomorrow. Also the trailer guy hit a bridge............. I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » May 20th, '22, 21:28

Mickey,
Congratulations on splashing her; you’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point! Now, enjoy the fruit of your labor!!

mike ohlstein · Post by **mike ohlstein** » May 21st, '22, 03:42

Other than a little road rash......VERY COOL!!!!

John F. · Post by **John F.** » May 21st, '22, 13:51

Great. Congratulations!!

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 22nd, '22, 07:03

She’s finally wet n ready to go !

Very nice, very nice, a much earned congratulations Micky !

The couple hiccups you’ll sort out in no time. And the road rash I’m sure hurts to see, but you know someone who can fix that good as new.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 22nd, '22, 07:17

Have some bad news, one engine is not making more than 12 psi of oil and is also leaking badly on the oil pan. I found all the bolts loose so the silicone didn’t do its job.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 22nd, '22, 19:34

https://imgur.com/WHwovHw

https://imgur.com/kSMyGnM

scenarioL113 · Post by **scenarioL113** » May 24th, '22, 19:30

That might be the best looking boat in PR

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » May 26th, '22, 21:52

Mickey

That is tuff. Sorry to hear about that. The boat looks great, I hope you can resolve the pressure and leaking problem.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 27th, '22, 06:32

Yesterday the mechanic came to the boat, started the engine and pressure was at 40…… at WOT pressure is 100 psi. He said not to worry about anything. We then removed the oil pan, I got under the engine to clean the old silicone, cleaned the edge on the oil pan, new silicone and installed it back. Will pour oil and start the engine today. I’ll keep you updated.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » May 27th, '22, 07:11

You must have such a feeling of relief! I know I do and it's not my boat...

Fingers crossed that was it!

micky · Post by **micky** » May 27th, '22, 17:58

No leaks!!! But I think I found the problem. The springs on both oil pumps have been altered…. Badly plus the relief valve inside the pump doesn’t want to come out so maybe its getting stuck and that's why sometimes I have pressure and sometimes I don't.

I’ll post pics of the springs on monday when I have a computer.

I already ordered the 2 springs and the 2 relief valves. Also contacted a mechanic that specializes in the 6LP and he’s coming next week. I told him to do a complete survey on both engines and give me a report so that I can have it if I need to go to court with the other guy.

micky · Post by **micky** » May 28th, '22, 18:22

Spring from the low pressure engine, you can see it stretched in the middle:

Spring from the good pressure engine:

Comparison between the 2:

Yesterday I wasn't able to remove the relief valve from the low pressure engine (goes in front of the spring), so decided to mess with it today and was able to take it out. As soon as I had it in my hands I know something was wrong as the 4 holes it has the edges had burr like if they had been drilled and all the edges of the relief valve were sharp, and it had scratches all over it so I sanded it with 2000 and 3000 grit and then using a file I eliminated the burr on the 4 holes. Installed it back and pressure went up to 40 psi, left the engine running and in 15 minutes, pressure was down to 15 psi.

Decided to remove the relief valve from the other engine and thats when I saw what had been done to the other one, the 4 holes had been drilled and also the piece had been cut.

Relief valve from the low pressure engine:

Relief valve from good engine:

The 3 differences between both relief valves are: the size of the holes, the distance between the holes and the lower part, the width of the lower part (has been cut).