Skater 368, from the beginning.

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is where I'm at now. Tony sent me these pictures Monday. I'm sure they have some more done but I try not to bug them. Windshield register on, all hatch registers in. Once they place and laminate the register on, the boat will be in body for 6-8 weeks. Paint ~one month, rigging ~6 weeks.

In the last picture, you can see how wide the gunnel is at the windshield. Ton of room to get around the windshield.

 

[lenmann]

Congrats on what is stacking up to be an incredible boat, and thanks for sharing the process.

I am fascinated by how much different Skaters process is from the West coast builders. I wonder what led it's evolution to the direction it went.

 

[rivrrts429]

Another thing Skater offers is an 8 man cockpit in a 368. 4 up front, 4 in the rear. To accomplish this, they cut the cockpit opening 7 inches wider. I opted for the standard 6 man cockpit. I didn't want to give up the wider gunnel width you get to walk around the windshield.

This is the windshield mock-up guy. This give you an idea of just how big the cockpit is in a 6 man 388. (This isn't mine)

View attachment 825188

That picture puts a lot into perspective. Best thread on RDP right now [emoji106]

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

That picture puts a lot into perspective. Best thread on RDP right now [emoji106]

And I was retired.

 

[rivrrts429]

And I was retired.

Hahahahaha, like Instigator, I too called bullshit [emoji23]

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Just trying to be a nice guy:
If it comes out of paint & you don't like it, I will trade you my Skater for yours..........

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Just trying to be a nice guy:
If it comes out of paint & you don't like it, I will trade you my Skater for yours..........

Your generosity is noble.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

As to my dash/controls. This is pretty much exactly what we are doing. Garmin 8612 in the center. Vessel view on each side. Two analog tachs and a speedometer per side. Also analog gas gauges. Not doing dual helm.

 

[precisiondetails]

Oh you gotta do the dual helm.

 

[Instigator]

Not doing dual helm.

View attachment 825295

So which seat is mine?

 

[ToMorrow44]

Another thing Skater offers is an 8 man cockpit in a 368. 4 up front, 4 in the rear. To accomplish this, they cut the cockpit opening 7 inches wider. I opted for the standard 6 man cockpit. I didn't want to give up the wider gunnel width you get to walk around the windshield.

This is the windshield mock-up guy. This give you an idea of just how big the cockpit is in a 6 man 388. (This isn't mine)

View attachment 825188

Is making a template for the windshield or what is he doing there?

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Oh you gotta do the dual helm.

Talked to Tony extensively about it. He really doesn't see a single reason for it. Neither do I. Gotta quit spending at some point. I was going to do the trim-tabs as well but was talked out of it by "Late Fees 2". Theres another adder some guys recommended, the knife edges on the rear sponsons. Peter likes them but said they are really only for the 180-190 MPH guys, which mine will NEVER be. (Top Cat has them) its easy to keep throwing money at em'. I'm spending money where it makes sense to me, like doing exactly the paint I want, not settling.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Is making a template for the windshield or what is he doing there?

I'm not 100% sure thats actual windshield material but I believe it to be. I didn't take that shot. They fit each windshield the the register its going on. They also want the owner to be on site to cut the windshield down to the lowest height that keeps you out of the wind.

 

[ToMorrow44]

I'm not 100% sure thats actual windshield material but I believe it to be. I didn't take that shot. They fit each windshield the the register its going on. They also want the owner to be on site to cut the windshield down to the lowest height that keeps you out of the wind.

Oh ok interesting! I figured since it looks like the windshield register comes out of a mold, they would have a premade pattern with the windshield manufacturer. But that’s very cool they build it one off for each customer!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Oh ok interesting! I figured since it looks like the windshield register comes out of a mold, they would have a premade pattern with the windshield manufacturer. But that’s very cool they build it one off for each customer!

When you add up all these seemingly small things you're seeing, that Skater does different or by hand, it becomes clear exactly why these things take the time they do. Wait until you see the amount of body work involved in just smoothing out and finishing the bustle.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Bustle body work is moving pretty fast. I'm really liking the style we picked. You can't see it in these pictures but it "dove-tails" along the tunnel extension, back to front.

 

[CLA]

Best thread on RD. Keep the pics rolling.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Got this one yesterday. I told Tony "Tell him to get his damn boots off my deck" . The sleek lines of the boat are beginning to show.

I don't know what they are but if you look at the side of the hull, there are two markers sticking up. I'm just guessing they are gauges for correct register placement, fore-aft.

 

[Icky]

Got this one yesterday. I told Tony "Tell him to get his damn boots off my deck" . The sleek lines of the boat are beginning to show.

I don't know what they are but if you look at the side of the hull, there are two markers sticking up. I'm just guessing they are gauges for correct register placement, fore-aft.

View attachment 826055

Open bow?

 

[MooreMoney]

Very cool build to watch. Thanks for sharing

 

[precisiondetails]

Very good progress

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Deck hatches in. The scoops will be laminated to them soon. These things look a mile wide from the back.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

These are "Pro-Stock" scoops. I am doing these. There are a multitude of choices. They would also make you whatever your mind can come up with. For my application, having the low profile cut and supercharged engines, I needed to go with some type of raised scoops.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Different view

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I was asking Tony about which direction the hatches open. They can open side to side, but in that case cannot use hidden hinges. They will open from the rear to the front and the hinges will not be visible.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Thank u VERY much for allowing us this access to your build. The Skater factory is an incredible place. Sure hope I get the opportunity to build a new boat someday. Congrats

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Thank u VERY much for allowing us this access to your build. The Skater factory is an incredible place. Sure hope I get the opportunity to build a new boat someday. Congrats

You're very welcome. Their process is so different than what most folks are used to seeing, I thought sharing it would be informative for everyone. When folks look at a Skater after this thread, they will see it through a bit of a different prism. They will appreciate seeing a detailed bustle, or be able to discern a standard cut from a low profile cut.

Im actually very happy with the progress. Tony is sending me update pictures nearly every day now. They close for the holidays I think tomorrow? So nothing for a couple weeks now.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I'll be honest, I am just getting to a point where I can identify some of the cat type hulls. Mostly it comes from pics I've seen on this site.

Seeing the "behind the scenes" at Skater is a lot different than other build threads. I love the other boats too, don't get me wrong. It just seems like they go from 2 molds, and poof, there's a boat in rigging. Seeing what Skater does as seperate steps gives a more incremental view. Yes, it takes longer. (I feel bad for @nganga and others in his shoes. I would be walking walls, being impatient and excited.) For those of us spectators though, it's kind of neat to see a build in "slow motion" as opposed to "time lapse". Seeing things like the cutting down of the hull, and the build up of the bustle, are different aspects that would be glossed over.

I definitely appreciate the opportunity to see what and how on a build like this. I'm not skilled enough to fully appreciate how it's done, but can appreciate what is being done

 

[Swain]

Thing will be bad ass. Congrats

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I'll be honest, I am just getting to a point where I can identify some of the cat type hulls. Mostly it comes from pics I've seen on this site.

Seeing the "behind the scenes" at Skater is a lot different than other build threads. I love the other boats too, don't get me wrong. It just seems like they go from 2 molds, and poof, there's a boat in rigging. Seeing what Skater does as seperate steps gives a more incremental view. Yes, it takes longer. (I feel bad for @nganga and others in his shoes. I would be walking walls, being impatient and excited.) For those of us spectators though, it's kind of neat to see a build in "slow motion" as opposed to "time lapse". Seeing things like the cutting down of the hull, and the build up of the bustle, are different aspects that would be glossed over.

I definitely appreciate the opportunity to see what and how on a build like this. I'm not skilled enough to fully appreciate how it's done, but can appreciate what is being done

Thanks for that! It doesn't take that much patience. Its all part of the deal. I looked at used Skaters for almost three years. I finally came away with...I want it the way I want it with my colors/graphics/power/ interior and electronics. It would be painful to buy a new to me boat and everyone says "Oh..thats such and such's old boat." If I want it my way, waiting is part of the deal.

I'm enjoying the process of building this boat. I'm 58, it will most likely be my last boat. I keep things forever anyway.

Its not unlike international travel to get to the exotic places I hunt and fish. The extreme travel is part of the process, I've learned to enjoy that part of it as well.

 

[AZMIDLYF]

You know it...the journey is the true joy. Good stuff nganga.

 

[monkeyswrench]

It is cool for it to be your boat, and not someone else's. Even if you had found one almost like what you wanted, not the the same as exactly what you wanted. It will be wild to see it moving into paint and rigging...

It will be neat to see that boat move from an idea, to a completed assembly on the water

 

[mjc]

Cost and money wise what percentage do they need upfront and how many steps need to be paid. I know on first they wanted enough to basically cover the hull up front.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Cost and money wise what percentage do they need upfront and how many steps need to be paid. I know on first they wanted enough to basically cover the hull up front.

1/3 at contract. 1/3 at deck on hull and a 1/3 sometime during rigging. My guess is its when they need to pay for power/drives. I just wired my second payment last week.

We just approved a paint sample for the motor color yesterday.

 

[575cat]

How much are these 1/3rd,s I have also spent 100,s of k,s in boat,s , engine,s , drive,s just would be curious ? I am 60 and I could never say my last boat .

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

This is the first rendering the painter sent me. Its not going to be the last. I like it, its bold but a bit to confusing to wrap my eyes around.

 

[mjc]

This is the first rendering the painter sent me. Its not going to be the last. I like it, its bold but a bit to confusing to wrap my eyes around.

View attachment 827666

it is a little busy, that said just go solid red and be done with it.

 

[CLA]

A little busy....but I kinda like it.

 

[chvynhra]

Yea too busy, but a good start.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Busy is a generous word.

He said a second would be coming later today. I'm holding off saying anything until I see that one. Gotta let an artist be creative.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Not sure about the "inter-color" design but the colors are very much to my liking.

 

[Riverryder]

Not sure about the "inter-color" design but the colors are very much to my liking.

View attachment 827711

Where’s is the boat gonna primarily stay? Scheme looks really East coast. I think I read your gonna use it in the big pond as well?Would stand out big time in the west coast!




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[Skinny Tire AH]

Where’s si the boat gonna primarily stay? Scheme looks really East coast


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In my garage in Arizona.

I will say this. The colors I've talked to the painter about in two visits are all in the second rendering. I'm communicating now about the graphics. My wife wanted pink, told her "sure, its your boat too."

 

[Riverryder]

Who’s gonna wipe that thing down? I’m sure with the price tag of it. You probably can afford a full time wiper as well.

So havi?


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[Skinny Tire AH]

Who’s gonna wipe that thing down? I’m sure with the price tag of it. You probably can afford a full time wiper as well.

So havi?


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And Powell. I see no difference in wiping down that, than a white boat. I'm gonna do it regardless the color. And no crew here. Just wifey and I.

 

[Riverryder]

And Powell. I see no difference in wiping down that, than a white boat. I'm gonna do it regardless the color. And no crew here. Just wifey and I.

I didn’t mean for the color. I meant for the size. It takes me an hour to do my 23ft boat just wonder what something like this takes? Was all. Hope one day I can see this thing in person. Red is mine and my sons favorite color he would shit if he ever saw this thing.


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[Skinny Tire AH]

I didn’t mean for the color. I meant for the size. It takes me an hour to do my 23ft boat just wonder what something like this takes? Was all. Hope one day I can see this thing in person. Red is mine and my sons favorite color he would shit if he ever saw this thing.


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I get it. I’ve always sorta stayed on top of it all day. Keeping the deck good is less work the taller the boat.

the sides I believe I can reach all of while on the trailer.

in all honesty, all of this went into our decision to do this boat. Specially since we typically boat by ourselves. This will be right on the edge of a two person boat for us. But I’m in no hurry, enjoy all of it so there’s no stress.

 

[Riverryder]

I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait! And to be one of very little skaters on this side! I’ll take a seat now! Thanks for sharing this with us!


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[noli]

,



Awesome build!

I heard there's a new 32 outboard being built at the factory, any progress on that






.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

,



Awesome build!

I heard there's a new 32 outboard being built at the factory, any progress on that






.

In all honesty, I'm not paying any attention. They all look the same until they hit the paint booth, rigging line, thats when they become interesting. There are probably 12-15 boats being built at a time. All phases of construction. The ones that get your attention are the 438's and 46's because they are just so massive.

It is cool to see one go through the process then see it at events.