Project StressEliminator Restomod-23 Daytona

[Fonz69]

There’s a ton of theories on that, and I’ve actually been involved with a pretty broad spectrum of them. None of them have stood out as superior, and without really hard data taken same day, boat, weight, driver, conditions and course, I think it’s extremely hard to argue.

The general average I’ve seen is 400-1000 grit. I know that some guys swear by speedcoat, and others that have run it say it’s a waste of money.

Even your “raw casting” gearcases aren’t raw, they’re generally DA’d with 400. Some guys like the random marks from the DA, some like sanding directionally with water flow, and others like to polish.

I can tell you that the wet sand water runs off faster after I’ve sanded than before I’ve sanded.

I think there’s a balance somewhere in that window I described above.

I think being straight and not having big bumps or pockets will gain you less friction than the minimal differences in surface finish. Especially considering how little of the boat is in the water at speed.

There’s also a reason bottom paint slows a boat down considerably. Like, multiple MPH.

I have also heard it explained like this, take 2 sections of glass and add a little water between them now try and pull them apart...not so easy. Now add a little imperfections such as a few grains of sand for example and the glass comes right apart. Heard everything from dimpling the bottom of the hull to a high polish, there is speed coat on certain areas of my stealth whether or not it helps it I’m not really sure I suppose a test would have to be done before and after to confirm any real change.
Your boats looking great keep it up!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with the outcome of the gel application.

It’s my own fault for trying to get things done with a schedule instead of when it’s really ready.

The prep before gel was pretty good, but it wasn’t great. This, coupled with the fact that I didn’t put enough gel on to make up for that mistake means that the StressEliminator is getting another coat of frosting.

With the help of Hula, I’m receiving sanding help from an excellent resource that does a great job painting local boats, and although he’s primarily a painter, realizes the need for proper prep work. He’s helped me for the last two nights and we’re ready to touch up the remaining low spots with filler and give this another try.

I will admit it’s nice to see the hull in white again, although I’d rather it didn’t have the sand-through spots. The center pod looks like it’s always been there, and that has been my goal all along.

We’ll see if the gel people can do a better job of matching color this time...

 

[monkeyswrench]

Being a newbie to this stuff, what didn't turn out the way you wanted? I would think the transitions from the grafted parts, but don't know what aspect or areas in particular are causing grief.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

I basically needed to run one whole batch of filler over the entire work area and then block sand it, much like you would sandable primer for paint.

So the two coats of gel did most of that, but there’s some sand-through areas, plus we need to block sand with at least two more grit progressions. There’s not enough material currently to do that, so one more good layer will take care of it.

Also, I just got off the phone with the gel supplier. They indeed sent the wrong color mix, and are doing a batch and shipping it today. Unfortunately gel is considered a hazardous material and cannot be air shipped. That’s OK, because it will give me time to make a well-lit temporary spray booth. I won’t have to be a trapeze artist this time, as it’s only getting one coat.

I’m going to learn from my previous mistakes and it’s going to come out bitchin.

 

[lenmann]

Just a minor detour, the good news is that it will be really flat and straight when it’s done.

I remember asking Kornowski if he used a gel based high fill primer and he said they always have enough left over gel at the shop to use for primer. Not your original plan, but it turns out you’re doing the same way the best in the biz does it.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Ok, so in this case, the first gel application will become like a filler primer. This gives you the cushion to sand smooth, and then sand out sanding marks. Cool, will be like glass on the next go around.

Lighting is important...learned that shooting clear. Looked good, but had serious orange peel. The stuff was House of Color "Kosmic Klear"....F'n bulletproof candy coating. Hard as a rock, took a while to knock down!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Ok, so in this case, the first gel application will become like a filler primer. This gives you the cushion to sand smooth, and then sand out sanding marks. Cool, will be like glass on the next go around.

Yes, this gel session was the "filler primer", and yes, now that she's flat, it'll be slick after the next application.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

We’re done block sanding, filling, and re-block sanding.

With the balmy 40° temps we’re having, we rolled open the garage door and blew the boat and shop out.

Front view

Rear view

Spray rail detail

I absolutely could not be happier with the level of prep this is at now.

We’re not going to use the suspended plank this time, just one really good coat front to back will do with this as straight as it is now.

Gel is supposed to be on its way, but won’t be here until Wednesday or Thursday. In the meantime, we’ll prep the shop and boat for spraying. I’m definitely going to use all of my lessons learned from the previous session to have things go more smoothly and net better results. An air hose reel clamped to Hula’s beam is job #1.

 

[HBCraig]

Nice

Keep the pics coming dude. Wish I had the balls to do this.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

We’re done block sanding, filling, and re-block sanding.

With the balmy 40° temps we’re having, we rolled open the garage door and blew the boat and shop out.

View attachment 979578

Front view

View attachment 979577

Rear view

View attachment 979579

Spray rail detail

View attachment 979580

I absolutely could not be happier with the level of prep this is at now.

We’re not going to use the suspended plank this time, just one really good coat front to back will do with this as straight as it is now.

Gel is supposed to be on its way, but won’t be here until Wednesday or Thursday. In the meantime, we’ll prep the shop and boat for spraying. I’m definitely going to use all of my lessons learned from the previous session to have things go more smoothly and net better results. An air hose reel clamped to Hula’s beam is job #1.

I’m sure you and Shawn have discussed this, but could you roll the boat 90° to shoot it, was thinking it needed to be flat, but they gel the sides of a boat at the same 90° I’m thinking of.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

I’m sure you and Shawn have discussed this, but could you roll the boat 90° to shoot it, was thinking it needed to be flat, but they gel the sides of a boat at the same 90° I’m thinking of.

Spraying in the position it is now really isn’t much different than spraying inside the mold.

I’ll be able to stand on the tunnel tops and put one good coat on. We used the plank because we couldn’t hatch a feasible plan for traversing the boat for the second coat. Unfortunately, the plank was also in the way, and spraying 23’ of boat on your belly just flat sucks. All the overspray blowing back in your face from the tunnel corners.

As I’ve said before, I’m using lessons learned to make this go way smoother. We moved the boat back 3’ to have more working room around the front. It also centers it under the 2 LED work lights better, and we’ll be adding more around the perimeter. The gun has the kinks worked out and will be setup better. Spraying while standing up will give me much more mobility, and I won’t have the overspray hitting me right in the face. Having hose reel centered on the ceiling above me will fix my hose management problems. Fittings on the air inlet to the spray gun will also help with hose direction/management. Time wise, I’ll have more than 3-4 hours of sleep and there’s no schedule to get people home.

Experience is a good thing, and I’m cool as a cucumber about it this time. It’ll be good, wait and see. It’s so straight right now...

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Boat is ready for gel after final wipe down and tape.

Got the sides up for the temporary spray booth, with some extra LED lights hanging from the ceiling.

Thanks to Brian and Remington for all of the prep help.

I got the mixing bench ready for action and tore down the bench behind the boat. We’re nearing the end...

The HulaHut is changing hands, and the new owner gets the keys on April 1, so I need to be outta here 3 weeks from today. All of the help I’ve received is so greatly appreciated, I couldn’t do this without everyone.

Gel is supposed to be delivered tomorrow, we spray the next night (Thursday). Updates then.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

She’s white again

Brian set up a simple fan system for evacuation. It worked very well.

Having a tasty beverage while waiting for the gel to dry enough to put the PVA on.

We’ll sand this weekend.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

PVA is on, enough of the temporary booth is down to run the heater and let it cure.

I’ll let it sit like this until Saturday, when we will peel the PVA and start sanding.

I’ll probably clean up the shop tomorrow night and sit and stare at it for a while

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Started by peeling off the PVA and shooting some guide coat.

Brian worked on the center pod while I concentrated on the sponson tips and front wing. It was nice enough (50°) to have the doors open for a bit.

I’m liking how this is turning out.

Well, tomorrow is another day. Except it’s tomorrow already, and with Daylight Savings it’s a short one.

More later...

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Got quite a lot accomplished with Brian’s help today.

Pod, vertical sponson faces, and the port tunnel top are all at final sand. Transom just needs final grit.

Had a couple of minor rub-through areas. I masked them off and prepped them for gel.

Shot the gelled areas with PVA and pulled the masking.

If all goes as planned, tomorrow night should wrap up the hull sanding. I thought it would never come...

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Looks fantastic

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Looks fantastic

Thanks. I’m a little close to the situation, but I think it’s starting to look like it could have come from the factory this way.

I’m extremely pleased with the front cap job. Capping has been on my mind since I bought this thing, and it’s really clean and flowing. There’s a lot going on up there with all of those edges in close proximity, but I think it looks natural now.

What do you think?

 

[RichL]

Thanks. I’m a little close to the situation, but I think it’s starting to look like it could have come from the factory this way.

I’m extremely pleased with the front cap job. Capping has been on my mind since I bought this thing, and it’s really clean and flowing. There’s a lot going on up there with all of those edges in close proximity, but I think it looks natural now.

What do you think?

Agreed

 

[Eliminator21vdrive]

Started by peeling off the PVA and shooting some guide coat.

View attachment 981761

Brian worked on the center pod while I concentrated on the sponson tips and front wing. It was nice enough (50°) to have the doors open for a bit.

View attachment 981758

I’m liking how this is turning out.

View attachment 981759

View attachment 981760

Well, tomorrow is another day. Except it’s tomorrow already, and with Daylight Savings it’s a short one.

More later...

Looks awesome! Did it lay down better the second time? Seems like you have less time sanding?

 

[lenmann]

Looking great and yes the cap came out really nice. There are lots of surfaces coming together up there and getting and
all of the radii consistent and blended correctly really takes time and a lot of patience. Nicely done sir!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Looks awesome! Did it lay down better the second time? Seems like you have less time sanding?

It’s magnitudes flatter this time. Makes all the difference in the world.

Having two guys sanding every night makes a large difference as well, more so when you employ the help of an experienced paint guy.

Brian’s help, wisdom, tools and supplies are a monumental asset to this project. No way I’d be where I am now, and definitely not with the results we’re achieving.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Looking great and yes the cap came out really nice. There are lots of surfaces coming together up there and getting and
all of the radii consistent and blended correctly really takes time and a lot of patience. Nicely done sir!

Thanks Lenmann, I appreciate your appreciation. I’m going to say on form, Bob’s my uncle. We’ll see shortly about function

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Brian wasn’t happy with the finish I left on the tunnel top up front by the wing, so it’s going to get 1500 DA wet sanded to remove the scratches, then buff that portion again.

Not too shabby, I say. I’m going to stare at it just a bit longer while I enjoy my beverage. It’s been a long time coming...

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Oh fuck yes. This looks killer!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Brian finished sanding and buffing up front while I started peeling all of the protective film off.

I cleaned shop while he cleaned up the boat bottom one last time. We checked to see what the rubrail looks like with the cap job and it looks killer. I’m going to leave it off until the boat is flipped, hopefully Saturday.

I had to knock those panels out of the dock light mounting holes and see what they look like in there. If I was starting from scratch knowing that I was going to regel the bottom, I would have deleted them, but since they’re original and there’s a dedicated switch labeled and lit for them, they’re staying.

 

[ChrisV]

love it man

 

[HydroSkreamin]

love it man

Thanks! I’m getting really excited about running it, not gonna lie!

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Nice work guys!!

@HydroSkreamin it looks like it rolled out of the factory as is!!

You do some amazing work and have some great friends!!

Cant wait to see what it does on the water now.. hopefully your goal of taking the "hop out" is accomplished. Hats off to you and everyone that has made this happen!!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Nice work guys!!

@HydroSkreamin it looks like it rolled out of the factory as is!!

Thanks, man, that was the goal!

You do some amazing work and have some great friends!!

Thanks again, and I certainly couldn’t have done this without my awesome network of friends.

I’ve been contemplating how much work this really was, and am seriously evaluating how I look at tackling projects. This has been going on 9-1/2 months, and I feel I’ve been wearing everyone out. Even though I try to do all of the dirty grunt work up front, I still had a large quantity of my friends contribute, and for that I’m very grateful.

Cant wait to see what it does on the water now.. hopefully your goal of taking the "hop out" is accomplished.

You and me both!!

 

[OkHallett270]

That thing looks awesome, you guys are an inspiration for real! So when do we get to see pics and video of the maiden run??

Thanks! I’m getting really excited about running it, not gonna lie!

 

[KingofBeers]

Im chopping at the bit to see this back in the water and its not even my boat and im ~2500 away! I hope for the sake of your sanity you achieve the performance gains you were shooting for!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

That thing looks awesome, you guys are an inspiration for real! So when do we get to see pics and video of the maiden run??

Thanks! ASAP on pics and vid. There's still ice on the lakes around here, but the rivers are open. Problem is, all the junk in the water. I'll scope the situation out once it's on the water. If I need to, I'll travel south and run it.

When I have updates, they'll be here!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Im chopping at the bit to see this back in the water and its not even my boat and im ~2500 away! I hope for the sake of your sanity you achieve the performance gains you were shooting for!

Me too! If I don't end up running here, I'll probably drag it to LOTO. When will you be there? I've got a few friends w/condos down there, so one way or another this will end up down there to do some pleasure boating.

 

[KingofBeers]

Me too! If I don't end up running here, I'll probably drag it to LOTO. When will you be there? I've got a few friends w/condos down there, so one way or another this will end up down there to do some pleasure boating.

We are scheduled to close escrow tomorrow. Should be there early to mid April. Have plenty of room if you need a home base. Looking forward to some new waters!

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Congrats! Boat looks great now get er wet!

 

[Toffen Gunnufsen]

Congratulations, it looks a killer machine ! Engine on and 110 mph here we come Time is flying and soon its nice summer breeze !

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Today is the day for flipping. It’s been a long time coming. More later...

 

[HydroSkreamin]

After taking the opportunity to reglue the headliner while it was carpeting (boat upside down), and adding a 3/8” aluminum plate for a bow eye backer, I asked my buddy Crash for some help flipping the old girl, and he obliged. I grabbed the straps and the forklift and we commenced flipping.

We realized one strap was too long, so we switched it to a shorter one before it went over center.

back level again!!

...and it’s back on its trailer, sitting 3” lower than it did previously.

The pod and spray rails look even more natural with the boat right side up. I’m mesmerized staring at it. Almost 10 months in this little escapade.

Tomorrow my buddy Nick is coming over to help me hang the engine, rerig, and put the interior back in.

I’ll work on getting mounts for the new stainless fenders cut and welded on, then I’m going to make a windshield for it.

 

[98special]

WOW!!! That looks Awesome.
My heart rate went up just seeing the flip picks.

 

[RichL]

Looking good.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

She looks fast right side up.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Badass!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Loaded up my truck with interior side panels, chop saw, batteries, on board charger, rugged radios, etc, to work on the boat and trailer.

My buddy Nick came over and helped me get the engine back on the boat, and my buddy Remington stopped by and helped wrap it up and also helped me start cleaning up the shop. It was trashed.

Had some extra help when the youngest daughter stopped by to check on padre. She’s been running hoisting devices while I’m working in the shop since she was 3. She ain’t 3 anymore but she still enjoys lifting stuff

The shop has a bit of order to it again. Enough to get the tasks at hand completed.

The boat is actually ready to fire right now, but interior needs to be installed and trailer needs fenders mounted. That’s what’s going on this next week. Oh, and all of the grunge needs to be removed as well.

There’s no water in this building, but the gentleman across the street offered to let me wash it over there. Going to be vacuuming every inch of the cabin and cockpit before one piece of interior goes in. It’s so dusty...

All of the cardboard is out as well as the garbage for the week. Time to go dump all that and face another week. After this next week we’ll be looking at seeing what our hull changes did. I know I’m looking forward to it!

 

[lantz]

This thread has been the best. I check in here twice a day to see if there happens to be anything going on on my stretch of water AND to look for updates on this. Thank you for all of the pics and the details. It's so good to see it right side up and on a trailer again.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

He’ll yes! Can’t wait to hear results! Summer is coming, and you’re going to be boating!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

This thread has been the best. I check in here twice a day to see if there happens to be anything going on on my stretch of water AND to look for updates on this. Thank you for all of the pics and the details. It's so good to see it right side up and on a trailer again.

Thanks for following along! Hopefully it’s entertaining and informative.

I’m going to agree with you on seeing it right side up on the trailer. It’s enjoyable to walk into the shop and the first thing I see is the cap job.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

He’ll yes! Can’t wait to hear results! Summer is coming, and you’re going to be boating!

I’ll be boating in spring! Once this thing is back operational, I’d like to catch up with you offline. You’ve been following this thread since day one.

I wish we all could have a virtual beer together...

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Good to see it back on the trailer!!

Cant wait for the pics of it on the water and the results of the improvements made!!

Nice work!!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Got all of the oil from the power steering and jackplate pump reservoirs cleaned up that ended up drooling on the floor in the rear storage area, and somehow ended up on my Seadek flooring next to the captain’s seat

I used some spray degreaser and it turned purple when it sat on the oil, then scrubbed and wiped it off.

Every square inch of the cabin got vacuumed, top, sides and floor.

Hopefully I can get some interior put back in tomorrow night. Then I won’t be sending grinding and welding sparks into any of it.