Howard 288 SD

[LAPII]

After meeting with Gene (RIP) back in 2/2022 and placing a down payment, I got the call from Mike and the process started back in July. I owned a Magic DB previously and decided to stay with that color scheme. When I did the Magic build, I don't remember it being so difficult, but that was 20 years ago and way faster build time (6 weeks)! Anyway, I come to RDP for the gossip in the lounge and all things Havasu, new builds, and the classifieds. New builds is lacking big time, so here we go.

 

[JFMFG]

After meeting with Gene (RIP) back in 2/2022 and placing a down payment, I got the call from Mike and the process started back in July. I owned a Magic DB previously and decided to stay with that color scheme. When I did the Magic build, I don't remember it being so difficult, but that was 20 years ago and way faster build time (6 weeks)! Anyway, I come to RDP for the gossip in the lounge and all things Havasu, new builds, and the classifieds. New builds is lacking big time, so here we go. View attachment 1314159

Awesome what power?

 

[LAPII]

Was torn between 600 and 1050.

 

[LAPII]

 

[JFMFG]

Was torn between 600 and 1050.

Merc and Teague can’t go wrong with either. There is nothing like that Teague power sound imo

 

[Mikemo_SDS]

About time you posted the build!

 

[LAPII]

About time you posted the build!

Yeah I was contemplating on posting or not...haha. Shout out to you and Sean Kelly for the advice and conversation!

 

[LAPII]

So, the build is further along than my posts, but was going to try and keep it interesting. Ready to pop.

 

[LAPII]

The pop! I will drop more on Christmas! Merry Christmas to all fellow enthusiasts!

 

[LAPII]

So I was lil nervous about the final design and lines, but I think it worked out.

 

[LAPII]

So I knew wanted certain things on this build that I wanted incorporated, which I think will work well with what I have mind, like cockpit stuff and buttons, and one other lil tech trick which I hope will execute well. Mike has been very accommodating as expected. I'll divulge motor details News Year Eve Here are few more of mold coming together.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Looks awesome!!!!! How far away are you from the shop And how often are you dropping by? Or were the images sent to you?

 

[LAPII]

I'm ten minutes from the shop, almost there weekly! Plus my son works there also.

 

[Mr. C]

Looks awesome. Nice being close by to drop in and see progress. I know you’re holding off on spilling the beans for power. But I assume it’s just going next door or down the block now I guess.

 

[LAPII]

Man Mr. C.......you're good!.....but remember Howard is an authorized Mercury dealer! My ole Magic, the one thing I loved about it, was there no issues with the "turn key" mercury 496.

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

I'm ten minutes from the shop, almost there weekly! Plus my son works there also.

Boat looks great. just curious if Howard gave you a price break for your son working there.

 

[LAPII]

No, he started there after the build, they have a business to run. Just glad he enjoys learning a passion he grew up seeing at the river.

 

[LAPII]

 

[JFMFG]

View attachment 1318481

Teague power lol

 

[LAPII]

 

[LAPII]

Started the final processes, moving into the interior and mechanical rigging. One of my requests was no headrest on front bench seat backs. I also knew going in I wanted the new style back lit push buttons. Boat prior to mine also went that route, I believe. There's some other requests I wanted, I'll point out as they develop.

 

[HNL2LHC]

It is coming together nicely. Keep the updates coming….

 

[LAPII]

It is coming together nicely. Keep the updates coming….

Most definitely, a little nerve racking trying to see everything separately hoping it executes!

 

[LAPII]

So, wanted try and incorporate some tech in this build, and was really set on having a Garmin screen due to the connectivity to the fusion head unit, my watch, and another trick I wanted to try. But after talking with the experts because of my choice of motor, Simrad is the way to go having to communicate with the T-motor. I guess Simrad is technically vessel view. Fusion head unit got scratched, in favor of the JL MM. I went with back up gauges also. Also went with different style shifter.

 

[Englewood]

Looks perfect. Love the orange. Exactly how I'd build one also.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Please take good care of my next boat sir. Thank you.

Amazing.

 

[LAPII]

So if you didn't know Mike W. does all the taping himself, from the boat to the seat backs, to the gunnel inserts. While watching him, still in amazement of the process and his skill.

 

[BUSTI]

Gorgeous!

These boats will never go out of style. The lines flow so well and the gel schemes seem to get better with every boat Howard builds.

Congrats! Nicely done.

 

[LAPII]

Gorgeous!

These boats will never go out of style. The lines flow so well and the gel schemes seem to get better with every boat Howard builds.

Congrats! Nicely done.

Appreciate it! Still a nerve wrecking process trying to see how everything will come together. Have a couple more updates this weekend!

 

[LAPII]

Interior in, turning final stretch...now to await final rigging processes...went with Adrenaline trailer. Well that's all I got for awhile. I went with different style Isotta steering wheel than the common ones that were being used. Hope you enjoyed. Now we wait and see execution

 

[the510]

My wife is pissed at me right now…. I drooled all over the floor.

 

[LAPII]

My wife is pissed at me right now…. I drooled all over the floor.

well now we wait for the completion, there's a trick or two or shall I call it a special request, that I will point out once its done.

Panels / Inserts

are done.

 

[v6toy4x]

BEAUTIFUL!

 

[02HoWaRd26]

Interior in, turning final stretch...now to await final rigging processes...went with Adrenaline trailer. Well that's all I got for awhile. I went with different style Isotta steering wheel than the common ones that were being used. Hope you enjoyed. Now we wait and see execution

View attachment 1320213 View attachment 1320214 View attachment 1320215

Who wrapped the steering wheel or did Howard do in house?

 

[LAPII]

They do send it out, I'll get you the info!

 

[LAPII]

BEAUTIFUL!

Saw yours being built when I would visit, loved the different color selection on yours, came out beautiful.

 

[v6toy4x]

Saw yours being built when I would visit, loved the different color selection on yours, came out beautiful.

Gene told me I could pick any color for the motor EXCEPT F-N ORANGE,

 

[LAPII]

Well I see you have some orange in there....funny he would say that, cuz he told me anything but blue or red

 

[LAPII]

Just in case someone is scrolling through pictures and not reading, so there's no confusion on the motor

 

[v6toy4x]

Just in case someone is scrolling through pictures and not reading, so there's no confusion on the motor

View attachment 1322611 View attachment 1322612 View attachment 1322613 View attachment 1322614 View attachment 1322615

I can smell it already!!!

 

[LAPII]

The surgery!

 

[NeedlesRat]

They do send it out, I'll get you the info!

Id love to know also where they send out the wheel to be wrapped. Will be doing something like that to mine. Boat looks bad ass, love the colors!

 

[Cole Trickle]

Beautiful!!

 

[MeCasa16]

Absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to see it on the water. Congratulations

 

[v6toy4x]

Looking good, I assume this is yours

Howard Custom Boats on Instagram: "Our rigging team dropping the TCM 1050 EFI into the Jeter 288 Sport Deck."

235 likes, 7 comments - howardcustomboats on January 25, 2024: "Our rigging team dropping the TCM 1050 EFI into the Jeter 288 Sport Deck.".

www.instagram.com

 

[LAPII]

Looking good, I assume this is yours

Howard Custom Boats on Instagram: "Our rigging team dropping the TCM 1050 EFI into the Jeter 288 Sport Deck."

235 likes, 7 comments - howardcustomboats on January 25, 2024: "Our rigging team dropping the TCM 1050 EFI into the Jeter 288 Sport Deck.".

www.instagram.com

Yes Sir!..... unfortunately at Shot Show....so I missed being there.

 

[JFMFG]

I can smell it already!!!

It’s not even the smell for me. Teague power just has a very distinct aggressive sexy sound.

 

[v6toy4x]

It’s not even the smell for me. Teague power just has a very distinct aggressive sexy sound.

FACT!!

 

[Mikemo_SDS]

We need more updates and pics!

 

[LAPII]

Ha!...sorry Mike.....don't have much right now....they're putting everything together and trying to get some other boats ready for upcoming boat show crunch time!