SPECTRALEN's 20 Rebuild

[SPECTRALEN]

Lenny, looks great but your motor is in back wards unless you are going to run a right hand drive gear box like a circle boat.. Oh I forgot it's a jet boat... Just kidding you, great job man looks like you are cranking it out man.

Gears? The only gears this thing is running are the timing chain kind.
Yeah, It's all good. There's a lot of great Spectras getting worked on here, what's new with your boat?

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

Hey Lenny, the Spectra has been sitting waiting for stripes since last October. The man who is going to lay out the design, Uncle Ken, has had some major life changes over the past year and he has just not been working, heck he is 76 almost 77. But I can wait for him, since I was alittle kid I wanted a boat painted by Uncle Ken and it will get done eventually. I have my flat bottom that we use at the river so we are not dry docked. Was by the shop last week and Ken looked great, he was getting ready to finish up some final glass work on a Patterson that has been sitting as well. Mine will be in behing that one. We did go pick some colors and talked about some designs, he really is an artist and thinks through every single step before he gets started. I really am looking forward to getting it done though, as I will be using it locally and yes I will be putting the Spectra in salt water, we have a great ski stadium about 10 minutes from me and no one is there in the late afternoons to early evenings, will be a great week night activity for the kids and their friends.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

I'm still working on this thing, slowly but surely.
Drilling and mounting the fuel tanks.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Glassing down the rear and final floor supports and tacking downd the bulkheads.
Trying to finish glassing all this wood before the weather turns south.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Pretty much got most of the structure of the inside glassed in.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

I shuold have posted these first.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Now I'm going after the trailer. Mocking up some diamond plate, drilling all the holes before blast and then paint.:blah:
Couple extra bulkhead pics.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

I feel like I'm about to become a patient.

Thanks for the support and any kind words, they do help.

 

[spectra3279]

Looks like a very thorough rebuild. Looks nice.

 

[spectra 224]

Nice build! I do have one question for you... Where did you find those nice shiny fuel tanks? I need to replace the ones in my 74 and need to find a place that sells or builds them? If you would like I can trade you for some nice well used, leaky fiberglass ones:skull

 

[SPECTRALEN]

I will have to pass on the trade deal.
I found these on Ebay. The size is probably more for a 19 footer, and the dimensions aren't perfect, but after I jacked them up on the blocks I made, it looks like they're going to work. When I got them they were dull and needed the mounting brackets fabbed and welded and they only hold 20 gallons each, but for $135 shipped, they'll be just fine.
#1000 grit wet sand paper and then a brillo pad does wonders for dull aluminum.

 

[The Violater]

Nice job on the resto ! You definately have a good work ethic and a lot of patience! I'm in Saginaw and have a 20 Spectra that should be running in about a month, just sprinting the last 50 yards of a 3 year overhaul myself. There are some pic's of mine in the Michigan Hot Boat site on Performance Boats Forums. Hope to see yours in the water in 2012 possibly anchored next to mine !!!!!!

 

[SPECTRALEN]

That sounds like a plan.
I believe with a little investigative work we could have a nice little Spectra Regatta here in the Great Lake State. There are a lot of Spectras in Michigan.
I'm getting ready to post some pics of my interior build so bare with me.:blah:

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Hopefully I can have the interior built by the time the weather breaks and allows me to glass in the boxes and glass up the seat and hatch frames.
I went with these hidden hinges that are made for casement windows. If you think about it, the swivel out action of a casement window is what you would want in a hatch hinge. These hinges are rated for a 65 lb. window and that would be standing up. They are stainless and brass construction and seem to work fine so far. Hey, for $39 bucks shipped, How can I go wrong?

I put an 80 degree slant seat back instead of 90. I just have to figure out how to line up the backs with the seat boxes as they come together as the hatch closes. I'll figure it out.

Hardware Source in San Diego has the hinges.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Doing some more mocking up with foam poster board. It helps me make up my mind on the angle and sizes of this thing.:thumbsup

 

[SPECTRALEN]

It's a lot harder making things fit with all these angles.:grumble:

 

[specrocz]

Looks good so far bro! So it'll be ready for the 4th of July at Lake Ogemaw?:drnkfr

 

[the.perv]

Hey can you modify the original motor mount setup? I would like to cut out the cross member on mine and re modify it if possible without dumping a ton of $ on the motor plate setup like yours. Reason being is because I would like to put a 10qt oil pan in. Any thoughts??? If you need a picture reference look @ the 1st page of this thread 2nd picture down, my mounting setup is identical. Thanks -Bill

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Hey can you modify the original motor mount setup? I would like to cut out the cross member on mine and re modify it if possible without dumping a ton of $ on the motor plate setup like yours. Reason being is because I would like to put a 10qt oil pan in. Any thoughts??? If you need a picture reference look @ the 1st page of this thread 2nd picture down, my mounting setup is identical. Thanks -Bill

10 qt. pan is my reason for the new mount set-up.
This motor mount set up I have is not expensive. All you need is a front mount @ $50 to $75 used, use your original bell housing, and replace a couple of the bolts to the bell housing with studs to mount some rear supports that you can make out of some scrap pieces of plate aluminum. You can see the pics of mine in detail in this thread.
I'm still hoping to find a deal on the 10 qt. pan as of yet.

I also think I saw someone just cut out the center piece? Not sure if I'd do that or not. Also heard of BBC side mounts being redrilled for BBF application.

 

[the.perv]

Thanks, ill have to look into it. What website did you find this used peice? So does your bellhouseing still mount to your pump?

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Thanks, ill have to look into it. What website did you find this used peice? So does your bellhouseing still mount to your pump?

Check craigslist, throughout Ca. Nv. Also socaljetboats.com always has alot of jet mount stuff in their classified section.

Yes my bellhousing clamps around my pump. I like this bellhousing because it covers the drive line.

 

[Rickybobby]

Nice rebuild, like the level of workmanship... thanks for sharing....
rb

 

[the.perv]

Check craigslist, throughout Ca. Nv. Also socaljetboats.com always has alot of jet mount stuff in their classified section.

Yes my bellhousing clamps around my pump. I like this bellhousing because it covers the drive line.

I'm from California but I now live in Texas so it looks like ebay, or if I can get measurements ill get one machined

 

[stickman07]

I'm from California but I now live in Texas so it looks like ebay, or if I can get measurements ill get one machined

Check over on Texas Hot Boats maybe.....

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Still working on this thing. Trying to get this stuff built and upholstered so I can get it painted this winter.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

The top is just a little thicker than a 1/4 inch, but with the glass added it should be strong enough.

 

[stickman07]

Lookin great


Sent from my iPhone 4S bought with UNION Dollars ! 🇺🇸🚒

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Tacking down the seat boxes. The passenger box didn't come out real flush to the floor so after she sets up I'll squeze in some thick resin.
Also making sure drainage in the backs of anywhere water could get trapped.

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

Hi Lenny, looking good, your glass work is very nice a clean. What was the deciding factor in glassing in the seats rather than having them removable?

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Hi Cliff. There realy isn't enough room under the floor. I probably could have used tee nuts but having the floor all glassed down this should work out ok.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Worked all day in the sun glassing the outside of these front boxes.
Got to run this fan for a while as she cures to get the fumes out, other wise the fumes get in the garage and then the house then the wife and kids create their own fumes, if you know what I mean.:grumble:

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Filled the gap on the front box, glassed them all up, and had just enough material to glass the outsides of the back boxes.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

This things pretty much all glassed up, inside and out.
It's getting a little too cool to be fiberglassing today seeing it should be 65 degrees outside for the resin to kick, and I need that kick before she comes in the garage.:grumble:

 

[specrocz]

Looks great Bro! Time to watch the Lions "kick" off the season!:thumbsup

 

[t&y]

So is the entire hatch/dog house/seat back going to hinge up to allow access to the engine or will it lift up and out manually? How much does that setup weigh?

Solid build, looks like quality work:thumbsup

 

[SPECTRALEN]

So is the entire hatch/dog house/seat back going to hinge up to allow access to the engine or will it lift up and out manually? How much does that setup weigh?

Solid build, looks like quality work:thumbsup

Thanks,
The whole unit will hinge up manually. I was trying to work in the gas springs and I still may, but for now I am fabricating a couple of stainless steel telescoping tubing with snap buttons inside to lock this thing open, then you push in the buttons on each pole to close. It's weighing in at about 60lbs. right now. I tried to keep the weight down with thinner plywoods, 15/32 and then 1/4 for the top, but all the resin with the mat and cloth add up.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Got the driver side built, just needs to be glassed together. I'll do that while it's in the boat so it will fit as the glass dries.
Had to spend the extra money for the 1/2 in. import burch plywood because all the bc is just so wavy. I think this stuff feels alot lighter?
Just a tip....... When buying the pricey plywood, try and find a sheet that the fork lift ran into, then ask the manager if he can adjust the price some, you'll probably walk out of there spending the same price as the bc wavey crap.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Still working these frames. Put in the tee nuts, then popped them out and put some resin in the holes to seal the wood. Glassed the seems with the stronger biaxle cloth so they are less apt to come apart, I hope.:hmm

 

[Rickybobby]

SPA
Nice work, lots of ideas to use in my rebuild... Thanks for sharing...

 

[SPECTRALEN]

SPA
Nice work, lots of ideas to use in my rebuild... Thanks for sharing...

Thank you. And I hope your boat takes alot less time to finish than tis tug.

And when I say tug I mean what a ton of weight I seem to be putting in this thing. I just put in over a gallon of resin onto these seat frames.:headscratch:

I just hope this thing gets on plane. arty2:

Is it just me or is loading pictures under the new website BRUTAL?:headscratch:

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Cleaning up the edges, smoothing out any sharp glass, and clearing the openings to the tee nuts.:thumbsup

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Everything seams to fit pretty nice.:thumbsup

Now I'm sending these pics to some of the upholstery shops and hopefully get some good numbers.:rolleyes

 

[SPECTRALEN]

A few more.

 

[5akman]

Great work! Subscribed

 

[Wheeler]

Is it just me or is loading pictures under the new website BRUTAL?:headscratch:

It's not as easy as it once was, it's a pain at times.

Ps. Nice job on the boat! :thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[SPECTRALEN]

My seats are off to the upholsterer getting foamed. I had to get some new hatch hinges, the ones I was trying to use just had way too many issues. I realy wanted a hidden hinge but I am going to settle for these and call it a almost hidden hinge. What I like about these is they have a pin type screw that I can take out while the hatch is down, making it a whole lot easier and safer to remove this big lug. When the foam is added, just the knuckle of the hinge will be seen.

Also fabbed in some gas springs to assist and hold this thing up.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

The diamond plate was just for the mock up.

I made these so the pressure would be against the bottom of the hatch and with the tee nut holding it on, the upholstery can wrap all the way down with no screws going through.

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

Lenny, looking great! look forward to seeing the upholstry!

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Lenny, looking great! look forward to seeing the upholstry!

Thanks. George Paul @ softtrim.com is doing the work. A little more than some of the other estimates and less than some too. Seeing his shop and knowing he worked on 2 of Jay Leno's cars makes it easier to trust him and feel confident that a classic, custom look will be accomplished.:cool

Basically, Paint and Upholstery.......... Hand it over and hope for the best.:thumbsup

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Cleats, Fuel fills, Pop up ski-tow.