Saved From a Trip to the Scrapyard

[Shlbyntro]

I’ve scanned this thread a few times, i see why people say that it’s these types of threads that make RDP so awesome. Love seeing each persons ways around and personal skills. I’ve used other tricks and hints on my rebuild, really dig the layout on the new deck hatch I’ll be stealing that I’m sure.
Rather than hide all your amps why not do an exposed wall over them?
View attachment 723874 View attachment 723875 Cannot find a pic in my roll of the setup with the three instead of just two that i recently did lit up but they all look flush mounted that way.

I've been scanning your thread as well and really dig what you did with your amps, they look awesome! But there are a couple reasons I didn't opt to do the same, the first being that I like sleepers. At first glance, she's just gonna look like a really nice basic Ultra with no frills. The reaction you get from people when that engine first fires up and has that lopey cackle, or when you crank up that seamingly normal stereo for the first time and everybody does a double take in their heads.....That's what does it for me!

The other being. I am so damn tired of working on this boat, it has consumed every weekend of mine for what is now more than half a year. I am really just pushing to get it done before spring so I can enjoy using it vs working on it. I am in the no change order phase at this point. All the changes I want to make are already made by this point and now it's full push to the finish to fix what's there with no more add ons.

To put it in perspective:

I have 20hrs in engine parts cleaning, painting, assembling with new engine block, engine break in

25hrs rebuilding rotten wood and some of the simpler upholstery that I was capable of doing myself

15hrs in stripping carpet, cleaning the deck and recarpetting

10 hrs in installing a new trim tab system from scratch

10 hrs in a complete gimbal ring and backend rubbers overhaul

5 hours in water damage cleanup including new bilge coat

10 hours in rewiring the boat so that the stereo is properly isolated from all other electrical systems of the boat

25 hours in building the stereo and running new wires for amps, signal processor, speakers, subs, head unit, and 2 remotes alone.

And I still have to reinstall the engine, install all the wiring I built in the engine room just to immediately rip out. Remount the engine hatch that I just got back from my upholsterer. Do my shakedown runs on the boat. Then it gets sent off for cosmetics while I keep the trailer to do a complete overhaul on it because it is in as bad of shape as the boat originally was when I got it. This will include all new bunks, fender liners, carpet, lighting, electrical, bearings, doing some work on the fenders, winch and strap, overhaul on the brakes, and new paint. There is also about 15 hours of cleaning up odds and ends as well.

And there is a 25 hour detail at the end of all this....

And this is just this boat....

I'M F*ING TIRED.... lol

 

[Marlo]

Just curious question, why did you cut the transom housing to do gimbal? Also who’s kit is that? I have done the MerCruiser “plug” style to do this before, that setup you used looks cleaner than the plugs.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Just curious question, why did you cut the transom housing to do gimbal? Also who’s kit is that? I have done the MerCruiser “plug” style to do this before, that setup you used looks cleaner than the plugs.

The plugs suck and look like shit when you're done. Not to mention, you never quite know if you're tight enough because your running the nut around with a punch instead of a wrench. I've only ever done one plug kit, I've probably done about fifty of what I call "window kits." You're right they are a much cleaner end result, they actually look good when theyre done right and you have easy access now if you ever need to get back in there.


They are made by a company called JR Marine. JR marine also makes stainless steel swivel pins that I always replace the Merc ones with while I'm in there

 

[HydroSkreamin]

I've been scanning your thread as well and really dig what you did with your amps, they look awesome! But there are a couple reasons I didn't opt to do the same, the first being that I like sleepers. At first glance, she's just gonna look like a really nice basic Ultra with no frills. The reaction you get from people when that engine first fires up and has that lopey cackle, or when you crank up that seamingly normal stereo for the first time and everybody does a double take in their heads.....That's what does it for me!

The other being. I am so damn tired of working on this boat, it has consumed every weekend of mine for what is now more than half a year. I am really just pushing to get it done before spring so I can enjoy using it vs working on it. I am in the no change order phase at this point. All the changes I want to make are already made by this point and now it's full push to the finish to fix what's there with no more add ons.

To put it in perspective:

I have 20hrs in engine parts cleaning, painting, assembling with new engine block, engine break in

25hrs rebuilding rotten wood and some of the simpler upholstery that I was capable of doing myself

15hrs in stripping carpet, cleaning the deck and recarpetting

10 hrs in installing a new trim tab system from scratch

10 hrs in a complete gimbal ring and backend rubbers overhaul

5 hours in water damage cleanup including new bilge coat

10 hours in rewiring the boat so that the stereo is properly isolated from all other electrical systems of the boat

25 hours in building the stereo and running new wires for amps, signal processor, speakers, subs, head unit, and 2 remotes alone.

And I still have to reinstall the engine, install all the wiring I built in the engine room just to immediately rip out. Remount the engine hatch that I just got back from my upholsterer. Do my shakedown runs on the boat. Then it gets sent off for cosmetics while I keep the trailer to do a complete overhaul on it because it is in as bad of shape as the boat originally was when I got it. This will include all new bunks, fender liners, carpet, lighting, electrical, bearings, doing some work on the fenders, winch and strap, overhaul on the brakes, and new paint. There is also about 15 hours of cleaning up odds and ends as well.

And there is a 25 hour detail at the end of all this....

And this is just this boat....

I'M F*ING TIRED.... lol

Dood...I’m in year 5!!!

You’ll get there. You’re thinking things through and methodically tackling everything. I certainly get it on wanting to use it this season. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a lawyer otherwise...

 

[Shlbyntro]

Dood...I’m in year 5!!!

You’ll get there. You’re thinking things through and methodically tackling everything. I certainly get it on wanting to use it this season. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a lawyer otherwise...

My flatty is the same story. I'm so reluctant to work on it because I know how much work it takes to just inch forward just a hair. This one was supposed to be single winter project which it is still on track for but I'm tired. I'm gonna be glad when it's done

 

[Marlo]

Was curious as to why you didn’t just do repair thru transom as it appeared the motor was already out? I had always recommended to customers to do it that way (removing the motor), but many didn’t want to spend the extra labor $$$ to r&r motor so just did the plug kits. Those kits definitely look nicer than the plugs.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Cutout in the transom was too small to get a wrench on the nuts for full disassembly. I would've had to remove the transom assy completely from the boat which I realize I was only a couple steps away from. However IMO, it's easier to rebuild these things on the boat than it is on the bench where it's flopping around. Ultimately, I decided it was more important to have access to the back after the fact if I ever needed to get back in than it was to not have a plate there. I'm a strong believer in serviceability!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Already gearing up for the next project as soon as the Ultra is finished. A long wanted 4x4 conversion for the Excursion.

Bought this complete Dana 50 front end w/ warn lockers, drive shafts, controller, and NV273 Transfer case out of a wrecked f250 for $900

 

[coolchange]

Please refer to post 101 LOL.
I admire your tenacity.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Please refer to post 101 LOL.
I admire your tenacity.

It's a sickness. I'll work myself into the ground at some point

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'm Hiding from the weather again today, but I had some pieces at home that needed recovered so I went ahead and did those today. I know I still owe you guys those pictures of the upholstery too.

 

[Shlbyntro]

As promised and long overdue, a pic of the new engine hatch cover. Complete with embossed Ultra logo. The logo alone cost me $150 but it was well worth it IMO. I do need to do a minor adjustment sideways on the seat bolster but otherwise it is perfect

Also, I do believe it is safe to say I'm in the home stretch for mechanical! It's only in the hole and mounted and I still have to plumb it, fuel it, and electrify it. I have to say, I knew it was going to be a pretty engine but am honestly amazed at how much that thing pops now that it is in the boat. It's amazing how different something looks on a pallet vs. where it's supposed to be.

 

[farmo83]

This is an awesome build! Everything looks top class. I don't know where you boat in Austin but if you're ever around the north end of Lake Austin, wave me down. I have the only Schiada on the lake.

 

[Shlbyntro]

This is an awesome build! Everything looks top class. I don't know where you boat in Austin but if you're ever around the north end of Lake Austin, wave me down. I have the only Schiada on the lake.

My house is only a stones throw from Mary Quinlan Park so pretty close haha. I'll have to be on the lookout for that Schiada! Post a pic.

 

[farmo83]

My house is only a stones throw from Mary Quinlan Park so pretty close haha. I'll have to be on the lookout for that Schiada! Post a pic.

Lol small world



Where is your house at?



If you come down Quinlan park road and make the right on River Bend our lake place is on the left, been going there since the mid 70’s. There’s a few Cali boats around there, myself, My dad and uncle have matching Halletts, our next door neighbor is really into Rayson Craft’s and has several, and the local handy man has a blown Rayson Craft.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'm the 2nd to last house on the left on Quinlan Park right before you hit River Bend

 

[Shlbyntro]

I finally got the engine hatch and hatch ram mounted tonight as well as a couple battery trays. Drank too much beer to continue but Ill be back to work on her Sunday

 

[cofooter]

As promised and long overdue, a pic of the new engine hatch cover. Complete with embossed Ultra logo. The logo alone cost me $150 but it was well worth it IMO. I do need to do a minor adjustment sideways on the seat bolster but otherwise it is perfect

View attachment 726746

Also, I do believe it is safe to say I'm in the home stretch for mechanical! It's only in the hole and mounted and I still have to plumb it, fuel it, and electrify it. I have to say, I knew it was going to be a pretty engine but am honestly amazed at how much that thing pops now that it is in the boat. It's amazing how different something looks on a pallet vs. where it's supposed to be.

View attachment 726742 View attachment 726744 View attachment 726743 View attachment 726745

Wow, looks killer, man!!!

 

[Jed-O]

Lol small world



Where is your house at?



If you come down Quinlan park road and make the right on River Bend our lake place is on the left, been going there since the mid 70’s. There’s a few Cali boats around there, myself, My dad and uncle have matching Halletts, our next door neighbor is really into Rayson Craft’s and has several, and the local handy man has a blown Rayson Craft.

I'm the 2nd to last house on the left on Quinlan Park right before you hit River Bend

Sounds like you guys could stumble to each others houses! Funny deal for sure!

 

[Shlbyntro]

So I finally got the drive mounted over the weekend and the engine is finally wired up! I also had first fire in the boat tonight (using a remote tank) and she sounds even meaner than she did on the pallet.
Final install includes 3 batteries: 1 24m cranker running the engine and basic boat systems, and 2 31m deep cycles running the stereo which are completely isolated from the rest of the boat including a charging isolator from the alternator save an emergency parallel switch.

A few photos including just a tiny bit of wiring porn....

 

[farmo83]

Did you fire this at the Quinlan ramp Saturday evening? We were hanging out grilling after re stringing all lifts and heard something sounding meaner then hell fire up.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Must've been something else. My boats up at Hudson bend at the moment. Now I'm wondering what it was.... haha

 

[bocco]

I'm enjoying this project. I have a DCB 24 Extreme and it's interesting to see the little differences in rigging. I like your woofers mounted in the engine compartment. I'll be curious to hear how they sound with the engine running. It looks like your engine is set lower than mine which is nice because your hatch is flatter and it gives the boat a smoother look.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'm enjoying this project. I have a DCB 24 Extreme and it's interesting to see the little differences in rigging. I like your woofers mounted in the engine compartment. I'll be curious to hear how they sound with the engine running. It looks like your engine is set lower than mine which is nice because your hatch is flatter and it gives the boat a smoother look.

Thankyou on the woofers. I struggled a lot trying to figure out where I wanted to put them and ultimately decided on sealing up the cubby holes in the engine bay and putting them there. As far as the engine, it might just be an optical illusion unless you have a high rise manifold. To me it doesn't seam to be all that low, in fact, i noticed that my x dimension on the drive has been cheated up by about 3/4".


I also got all the gas pumped out today and fuuuuuuuck. I'm lucky it was only half full because I just learned through some simple math that I've got a 75+ gallon fuel tank.

Some trim limit blocks are also getting added to the build. And the 2x4 trailer bunks are getting replaced with 4x4 bunks. The drive shower cost me quite a bit of drive clearance and the new ground clearance is even scarier than it was before. Good with the bad....

 

[Shlbyntro]

The carpet is officially 100% finished today. I've been avoiding these 3 pieces for a while but it was time.... I also made some headway on a deep clean on what's left of the original upholstery. It's still going to need some more work and stronger chemicals but I'm still confident I can get it like new.

 

[Andy B.]

Turning out nice I've been following this thread close great job!!!!!

 

[Shlbyntro]

so I had a customer let me take this off of his Cobalt that has an anchor light on his wakeboard tower. And he didn't need it anymore. Oh it also doesn't work surprise surprise.

I know they're very well known piles o shit and they're extremely hard to find for a reason but I figured maybe I could get it working again and put it on the Ultra being that there's not much storage space and it would be one less thing to stow. And it would be cool if it worked too

 

[Shlbyntro]

I found a break in the retractor cable about 18inches from the end but all the electrical components and cogs were perfectly fine. There was nothing I could do to reattach it so I amputated and had to shorten the fully extended length down to about 4ft which is still plenty long. It only took me 5 hours on the bench with a plastiwelder, soldering iron, drill and bits, taps and putting it together and taking it apart about 20 times to pull new measurements and recalibrate everything. Probably overkill but fuck it!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Excited for tomorrow morning! The Ultra will be hitting the water for the first time since I bought her 9 months ago. In addition to an all around shake down run, I will be doing prop testing.

I have these to play with:
22p 4b ss
25p 5b ss
26p 4b ss
28p 4b ss
29p 4b ss Cleaver.

Who know how she'll run but my best educated guess says I'm gonna land somewhere between the 26 and 28p props.

I even had time today to clean Bertha... (unofficial name) it's my favorite time of year!

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Good luck with the shakedown run. That’s going to feel great!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Good luck with the shakedown run. That’s going to feel great!

You're due for one soon aren't you?

 

[HydroSkreamin]

You're due for one soon aren't you?

Working on finishing up rigging. Soon enough. They’re still ice fishing on our lakes, and you have to let the debris settle out after the melting, so middle to end of May there’s usually safer water to run on.

Enjoy your day and be safe.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Results of the day:

22p 4 blade: got out of the water great but was hitting redline. Did not record speed.

25p 5 blade: boat did not like it at all. Constant blowouts, was barely able to get up on plane, and finally when I did, 55mph @ 4400

26p 4 blade: spun the hub on the first take off and did not have a spare for this prop unfortunately as I think it was probably the best one for my application.

28p 4 blade. I little slow out of the hole but would get up just fine without the use of tabs. Overall she ran great with this prop but it was just a little too much prop for my boat to turn. Best run was 58mph @ 3600rpm

29p cleaver: did not run after not being able to make rpm on the 28p

I will be having a new hub pressed into the 26p 4blade and also got a line on a vented 26p 3blade laser that I will be trying next time out after cosmetics.

Overall, a successful day!

There was one casualty for the day.... I lost a flip flop

 

[Racer56]

@Shlbyntro Don't bother with the 26p 3 blade. Get the 26p 4 blade fixed and run her. I bet you will end up with a labbed 26p 4 blade.

 

[96motorhead]

@Shlbyntro Don't bother with the 26p 3 blade. Get the 26p 4 blade fixed and run her. I bet you will end up with a labbed 26p 4 blade.

The laser will probably have a higher top speed but the 26p 4 blade will have a better cruise speed on this boat. The 4 blade will be the better overall prop I would imagine if top speed is not a concern. I'm looking forward to the results Shlbyntro.

 

[HydroSkreamin]

Sounds like a relatively successful first outing.

I’m surprised the 25 5-blade was blowing out. Does it have vent holes open, damaged blades, or small diameter?

It’d be interesting to try a 26 Rev4, 26 Bravo 1, or a 24 Maximus. The full Maximus props run about 2” pitch larger than their designation.

Is your engine a 4800 or 5200 engine?

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'm honestly guessing but it's originally an L29 motor so I'd imagine it's at 4800. I just heard it bounce today and backed off without even checking the tach. Instant reflex....

I have a friend who has the 26p 3b (vented merc laser) on his Skeeter he said I could borrow today for lake testing after I already got off the lake. So it wouldn't cost me anything to try it out but I will be fixing my 26 4b anyway. I already own the 22p 4b, 25p 5b, and 26 4b. The others were on loan.

I'm also going to have my guy take the cupping out of the 26 to help with a couple 100 rpms.

In case any of you need a prop guy in tx. Jt Nettles at Nettles props is your guy! My old cali guys Cutting Edge sets the bar high and he can meet it!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Got some small items purchased that are a little harder to find outside of the west coast except. I had to split my order between Hardin and Marine Ind West to get everything I needed. New latch for the glovebox, new billet cleat to replace a missing one, dash switches for my billet switch panel, a missing cupholder.... things of that nature, and I am happy I found them

Thanks to all the guys who suggested looking at Marine Industries West for some of my items as they were the only ones who had a couple of them that I needed

 

[Shlbyntro]

Have my Ultra at home for the first time in about 6 months and it feels good! Unfortunately she will be headed back to Hudson bend around this time next week but at least for a good reason. I have it scheduled to be put on stands finally for a full bottom respray and I ordered the gel coat for it today! I also sent out the prop for refurb. I will be running a bravo1 26p 4b turned down to 25.5p and removed cupping which will hopefully land me right in that 4800-5000 wot sweet spot I'm looking for. I've realized that I will not be hitting that 80mph mark that I was hoping for but should at least be comfortably into the 70s

 

[Shlbyntro]

The Ultra is finally on stands having the bottom resprayed!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Progress is being made

Also here are some before pics of the trailer. I'm still working on the after. Trying to decide whether I want to try and hammer out the existing fenders or just go get new ones. Dont know yet

 

[Shlbyntro]

Only a day or so away from spray!

Final verdict after going back and forth probably about a dozen times is that the bottom will be resprayed in white and all the gouges below the absent rub rail will be filled and sealed and then wrapped where my wrap guy is duplicating the original color scheme at about 1/4 the price of a respray. And then the 5ish small doohickies above the rub rail will properly repaired with gel.

So opinions needed. I am half considering having the Ultra logo blown up to something like 10"×18" and incorporated into the wrap on the rear quarters of either side like an old cigarette logo would have been back in the day.... Thoughts?

 

[Singleton]

Don’t do the logo

 

[Shlbyntro]

Long day for me today. Knocked out 3 complete annual services on customers boats as well as an upper unit reseal on one of them. I was able to stop by and check on the Ultra at about 930 and they were spraying so I was excited!

 

[King295]

Awesome to see you got out on the water and now are onto cosmetics. Can't wait to see it fully done.

My personal opinion would be to put new fenders on the trailer.

 

[Shlbyntro]

So the trailer was a little worse off than I was expecting cosmetically speaking but I did get the fenders hammered out to almost perfect and acceptable for now. I'd grab a run of paint and it would just keep peeling. And then once I cleaned it all the little rust pot Mark's started showing and took quite a bit to get covered. I put 3 coats on tonight. I'm probably going to let it dry and lightly sand all the little pot marks from the rust that was on the trailer from before, before I lay some more paint on it there are a few runs that I have to sand down too.... oops! :/ I'll likely do at least 3 more coats after sanding but hey. Progress!!!

 

[farmo83]

Looks awesome ! Where did you get the bottom sprayed at ?

 

[Shlbyntro]

My buddy Danny who now does all the gel work for south Austin marine at his own facility on Hudson bend. He ain't cheap, but hes really good.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Trailer is nearly there. I went ahead and decided to replace the fenders. So I have new ones primed and painted. All is left is a polish on some of the long runs of the beams, install the replacement fenders, and install the new led lighting all around

 

[Dalton]

those are some thick bunks, I like the look, never seen them that thick before