Skater 368, from the beginning.

[Skinny Tire AH]

you have got to be a kid before Christmas waiting for a full body shot

I’m dying to see the damn deck!! It’s hard to get the full impact with cell phone pictures. I really want to make a trip back when it hits the rigging line but flying in these times doesn’t thrill me.

The interior guy is nearly done already.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

The rear steps look like they already have baby oil on them and slicker than shit as shiny as they are..... but how theF do you cover that paint with SeaDek or GatorStep??

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

The rear steps look like they already have baby oil on them and slicker than shit as shiny as they are..... but how theF do you cover that paint with SeaDek or GatorStep??

Yea, not gonna cover that art up. I'll just deal with it I guess? The waterline will be over the bottom of the last step. I think I can shimmy my way back in. The wife? might be a good show.

 

[McKay]

Yea, not gonna cover that art up. I'll just deal with it I guess? The waterline will be over the bottom of the last step. I think I can shimmy my way back in. The wife? might be a good show.

Steve they make a clear bra product with grip in it. Yes it is not perfectly clear but might be a compromise to have a few spots or strips on the steps.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Steve they make a clear bra product with grip in it. Yes it is not perfectly clear but might be a compromise to have a few spots or strips on the steps.

I'll make a point to talk to the Skater guys about it when I go back soon. I'm planning a trip while its on the rigging line.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Yikes.

 

[Singleton]

Now the painter is just messing with you

 

[ChevelleSB406]

Now the painter is just messing with you

When my chevelle was first painted they laid down a thin "guide coat" when starting to cut and buff the clear. My anxiety as they casually spray black paint over my blue and white car which already looked tits before final sanding and such. Obviously all comes out well, but hard to watch it go from 90% to 50%, so it can go to 100% looking good

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

When my chevelle was first painted they laid down a thin "guide coat" when starting to cut and buff the clear. My anxiety as they casually spray black paint over my blue and white car which already looked tits before final sanding and such. Obviously all comes out well, but hard to watch it go from 90% to 50%, so it can go to 100% looking good

Great point. If you look at this photo, you can clearly see the variation in texture due to paint depth. The sanding then more clear then more sanding and buff will leave it devoid of any perceptible difference

 

[poncho]

First time i have seen this thread, that is just stunning.....I don't say that easily.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Finally some deck shots. I'm amazed at the accuracy compared to the rendering.

 

[jnmn]

WOW It is so nice to see with all the damn type off!
Super Sweet Job.
next to the rigging dept.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

WOW It is so nice to see with all the damn type off!
Super Sweet Job.
next to the rigging dept.

Yep. One more coat of clear, final sand & buff.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Finally some deck shots. I'm amazed at the accuracy compared to the rendering.



View attachment 944216

View attachment 944217

That makes me sick to my stomach in a good way. So bad ass!
I am a red guy that’s green with envy.

 

[v6toy4x]

I think it looks like crap! I wouldn't let that thing even close to my garage!

 

[Instigator]

Yep. One more coat of clear, final sand & buff.

Are you out of hand lube yet or just using your drool?
Lmao

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Nganga.... Looks like your Skater Team might be eyeing April event.... I bet they'd enjoy having yours on display!

Inaugural Super Cat Fest West Event Dates Set

Just a month ago, Alvin Heathman, the organizer of Super Cat Fest at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri, was still exploring the possibility of bringing his annual celebration and exhibit of some of the world’s finest high-performance catamarans to Lake Havasu City, […]

www.speedonthewater.com

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Nganga.... Looks like your Skater Team might be eyeing April event.... I bet they'd enjoy having yours on display!

Inaugural Super Cat Fest West Event Dates Set

Just a month ago, Alvin Heathman, the organizer of Super Cat Fest at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri, was still exploring the possibility of bringing his annual celebration and exhibit of some of the world’s finest high-performance catamarans to Lake Havasu City, […]

www.speedonthewater.com

Yea, well...note to self: "Two weeks in April at Havasu, not one".

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I jumped on a spot at the islander for Super Cat Fest West. DS the following week is gonna be rough to get a spot.

@[email protected]

 

[Steve Combs]

Looks beautiful neighborhood, can't wait to see her roll through the neighborhood, you might have to trim your trees a bit lol, let me know if you need any help in April !

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Lots of small stuff happening right now. Upholstery guy is nearing completion. Seat-backs are done, power is due this week.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Lots of small stuff happening right now. Upholstery guy is nearing completion. Seat-backs are done, power is due this week.


View attachment 948069

I know some young gals going through their hallucinogenic mushroom phase.... I think they'd just sit and stare at this for hours.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I know some young gals going through their hallucinogenic mushroom phase.... I think they'd just sit and stare at this for hours.

I'm sober (usually), and can look at that for hours!

This is going to be another show piece...
If I'm ecited to see the finished product, I can't imagine @nganga !

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Ready for the rigging line.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Ready for the rigging line.




View attachment 948498

View attachment 948499

View attachment 948500

HUBBA HUBBA

 

[Instigator]

SSM 1's

 

[monkeyswrench]

They'd look great under my Christmas tree!
(Need a bigger tree I think...)

 

[rivrrts429]

It’s not typical that boating websites get to see such great detail and step-by-step build pics from one of the most iconic boat builders today.

We read about them long after the owner has taken possession but rarely have behind the scene step-by-step commentary.

A Skater build is what dreams are made of.

Speed On The Water, thankfully, has done a couple articles on this boat but this is what boating forums should encourage.

Hats off to Nganga and I look forward to seeing this build on the tilt trailer at DS 2021. You’ve built one hell of a beautiful Skater and I can’t wait to see it in rigging and across the finish line.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

So fkn cool!

Great story!

My dad and I visited the Eliminator factory when they started rigging the 36' 1350 boat. I was shuffling around the shop with Jake discussing my new build, checking shit out... My dad kinda falls back and is looking at other things, really not all that interested (hates boats, loves HP).......... 5-10 minutes later we are headed back towards the showroom, and I see my dad, and he's HEAD FIRST into this box behind the 36. Comes up for air, and yells "WTF are these, they have turbos on them".................. It was the 1350s and the drives sitting next to the boat.... I about died laughing..... Jake didn't say much, I scamper by and say "don't look at those, we can't afford them"......... I later explained what they were. He's still in awe.

What most don't realize, even on the 700s, the motors and drives are HUGE!! Pics don't remotely do them justice!

Nganga (Steve I believe)- THANK YOU for taking us on this journey, its something I know I don't want to go through. Your vision, and patience are something Ill NEVER have! Excited to see the delivered boat and smiles from you!

 

[lake p.a.l.]

It’s not typical that boating websites get to see such great detail and step-by-step build pics from one of the most iconic boat builders today.

We read about them long after the owner has taken possession but rarely have behind the scene step-by-step commentary.

A Skater build is what dreams are made of.

Speed On The Water, thankfully, has done a couple articles on this boat but this is what boating forums should encourage.

Hats off to Nganga and I look forward to seeing this build on the tilt trailer at DS 2021. You’ve built one hell of a beautiful Skater and I can’t wait to see it in rigging and across the finish line.

I fully agree. This boat will be an incredibly reliable 130+ mph & absofrickinlutely DESTROY any water Havapuddle has for it.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Thanks guys for all the supportive comments.

The patients required are just that, required. If you can’t wait for 18-24 months, a new Skater probably isn’t for you. Keep in mind Michigan was shut down for 10-12 weeks right in the middle of my build also. (Covid)

I learned patients and “enjoying the ride” in my international hunting and fishing travels. I learned to enjoy the marathon travel that sometimes takes 4-5 days to get to Safari camp. It’s a mandatory part of the journey, learn to enjoy it and the people you meet along the way.

Meeting and working closely with: Peter Hledin, Tony Cutsuries, Steve and Jake Schulte (the painters) Craig from Appearance Products (interior) have made my life better and I’ve learned things I never could even fathom from them. They’re all open books, you just need to be willing to read.

If I could go back, I’d change nothing.

Steve

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Thanks guys for all the supportive comments.

The patients required are just that, required. If you can’t wait for 18-24 months, a new Skater probably isn’t for you. Keep in mind Michigan was shut down for 10-12 weeks right in the middle of my build also. (Covid)

I learned patients and “enjoying the ride” in my international hunting and fishing travels. I learned to enjoy the marathon travel that sometimes takes 4-5 days to get to Safari camp. It’s a mandatory part of the journey, learn to enjoy it and the people you meet along the way.

Meeting and working closely with: Peter Hledin, Tony Cutsuries, Steve and Jake Schulte (the painters) Craig from Appearance Products (interior) have made my life better and I’ve learned things I never could even fathom from them. They’re all open books, you just need to be willing to read.

If I could go back, I’d change nothing.

Steve

Someday I would LOVE to build a new Skater. This has been an incredible journey watching your new boat be "born"

 

[Tony DCB Boats]

Thanks guys for all the supportive comments.

The patients required are just that, required. If you can’t wait for 18-24 months, a new Skater probably isn’t for you. Keep in mind Michigan was shut down for 10-12 weeks right in the middle of my build also. (Covid)

I learned patients and “enjoying the ride” in my international hunting and fishing travels. I learned to enjoy the marathon travel that sometimes takes 4-5 days to get to Safari camp. It’s a mandatory part of the journey, learn to enjoy it and the people you meet along the way.

Meeting and working closely with: Peter Hledin, Tony Cutsuries, Steve and Jake Schulte (the painters) Craig from Appearance Products (interior) have made my life better and I’ve learned things I never could even fathom from them. They’re all open books, you just need to be willing to read.

If I could go back, I’d change nothing.

Steve

This is perfectly said and this year for manufacturing has been a very big challenge. everything, and I mean everything is hard to get and or on back order.
Like I tell my clients and customers... Good things take time and you will get what you pay for.

We are running behind as well and trying to pick up every day we can.

Your boat will be great and have no or less issues if you give them the time they need.

-Tony

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is perfectly said and this year for manufacturing has been a very big challenge. everything, and I mean everything is hard to get and or on back order.
Like I tell my clients and customers... Good things take time and you will get what you pay for.

We are running behind as well and trying to pick up every day we can.

Your boat will be great and have no or less issues if you give them the time they need.

-Tony

"I want it right, not right now"

Steve

 

[v6toy4x]

"I want it right, not right now"

Steve

I am stealing this one!!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I am stealing this one!!

I’ll need to credit someone else for it.

I think maybe Gelcoater?

 

[MeCasa16]

This is probably one of the best build threads RDP has ever had. I've enjoyed every step of the process we got to share in. I hope I get to see it in Havasu someday.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

I’ll need to credit someone else for it.

I think maybe Gelcoater?

Honestly I think it started with the chicks while back...... "I want Mr. Right.... not Mr. Right now"
Just saying before we start handing our awards

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is probably one of the best build threads RDP has ever had. I've enjoyed every step of the process we got to share in. I hope I get to see it in Havasu someday.

Thanks very much for that. I have several iphone videos the interior guy has sent me. I'd put them up but don't know how to upload stuff. He Facetime called me today to show me the crazy LED shit he's doing on the side panels.

 

[rivrrts429]

Here ya go Nganga. Seats are unreal [emoji106]

 

[rivrrts429]

This is one of my favorites. One of the nicest Skaters to come out of Douglas Marine, paint is rich and classy.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is probably one of the best build threads RDP has ever had. I've enjoyed every step of the process we got to share in. I hope I get to see it in Havasu someday.

I'm planning on both SuperCat Fest and DS in April. So, if you're around.

 

[MeCasa16]

I'm planning on both SuperCat Fest and DS in April. So, if you're around.

I'll definitely be here and look forward to it.

 

[rivrrts429]

Backseat...

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

@rivrrts429

Thanks for supporting your technically challenged friends.

That step down in the center is getting some milled Aluminum steps installed on them. I was assured they coat them in a manner that they won't burn your feet.

 

[BHC Vic]

I'm planning on both SuperCat Fest and DS in April. So, if you're around.

I’ve never done DS but I think I will go just to see this thing. I’m sure my boys would love to see why dad works so many hours

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I’ve never done DS but I think I will go just to see this thing. I’m sure my boys would love to see why dad works so many hours

And it would be my pleasure to meet you and your boys.

 

[Singleton]

I’ve never done DS but I think I will go just to see this thing. I’m sure my boys would love to see why dad works so many hours

your boys would love the street party and all the boats

 

[02HoWaRd26]

And it would be my pleasure to meet you and your boys.

Careful what you wish for

 

[FROGMAN524]

So is this a 388 or 368? Thread title says 368, backseat says 388.


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