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by bflaherty
Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:44 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Best way to secure transome to trailer?
Replies: 25
Views: 17268

Re: Best way to secure transome to trailer?

From experience the biggest issue with strapping up and over the back of the boat is that the total length of strap is too long to safely keep the boat in place! This is how I used to strap our boat down until I had my first ever near miss while towing and had to make an evasive swerve while heavily...
by bflaherty
Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:09 pm
Forum: Research Related
Topic: 1957-58 18' Holiday.
Replies: 6
Views: 5480

Re: 1957-58 18' Holiday.

Chris Craft has a long history of using whatever pieces were available that day for production. Many boats that were built near the end of series or at the start of a design change will have pieces that were not supposed to be used that year! Especially hardware! Many boats built in the late 40's le...
by bflaherty
Tue Oct 24, 2017 2:07 pm
Forum: Fiberglass - Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Lonely in fiberglass territory
Replies: 4
Views: 6207

Re: Lonely in fiberglass territory

In our '69 Cavalier Ski Boat with the original 327Q the wet exhaust hose goes down from engine to hull bottom (actually rests on bottom for about 4 feet) then enters a copper pipe tip that takes it up and out the transom at a rather steep angle. The exhaust tips are just at water level (mush like a ...
by bflaherty
Wed Aug 30, 2017 5:19 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Spar Varnish versus gasoline
Replies: 21
Views: 18669

Re: Spar Varnish versus gasoline

I just solved this exact issue on our '69 Cavalier by cutting the horizontal section of vent tubing out and replacing it with EPA approved fuel hose that I looped up to the bottom side of the aft deck, then back down to the factory vent. I can now safely fill the gas tank to the full mark on the Chr...
by bflaherty
Thu Aug 10, 2017 11:36 am
Forum: Hardware & Rigging
Topic: Stern Ensign For a 1961 Ski Boat
Replies: 3
Views: 2978

Re: Stern Ensign For a 1961 Ski Boat

I currently fly a 16x24 ensign on the back of our '69 Cavalier 17' Ski Boat. It will get wet if I come of plane too quickly and have a big stern wave roll up, otherwise it just gets some exhaust spray on it. The 12x18 is probably more correct for this size of vessel but it just looks too small.
by bflaherty
Tue Jun 27, 2017 2:40 pm
Forum: Fiberglass - Hull Construction
Topic: UH-OH!
Replies: 14
Views: 10567

Re: UH-OH!

I am really confused by this post... Everyone talks about how great the Commanders were and how over built the fiberglass hulls are. Yet my lowly '69 Cavalier Ski Boat has Hollow preformed engine stringers with only a 4x4 embedded in the top of the stringers below the engine! Never have to worry abo...
by bflaherty
Thu Jun 15, 2017 6:14 pm
Forum: Cavalier Division Enthusiast Group
Topic: Got an old Cavalier as my first boat!
Replies: 6
Views: 8284

Re: Got an old Cavalier as my first boat!

Holy smokes!! Vapor blasting is a treatment I have never heard of but dang the results speak for themselves! Welcome to the club and congrats on getting a great original boat! Once you pull the one bad head, take a good look thru all the components if anything shows wear then you be well off to pull...
by bflaherty
Wed Jun 07, 2017 2:27 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Facebook CC Website
Replies: 14
Views: 7170

Re: Facebook CC Website

I think MFine is on to something there... The idea behind groups like this having a Facebook account was to get the attention of folks who may not know this group exists, more specifically it was to target new boaters who might be convinced to go classic rather than buying new. The issue we have no ...
by bflaherty
Mon Jun 05, 2017 5:22 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Facebook CC Website
Replies: 14
Views: 7170

Re: Facebook CC Website

I am one of three administrators for PNW chapter of ACBS on Facebook... We are seeing similar effects, in that we have 500+ members on FB but less than 200 real paid chapter members. We have discussed at length, several options for controlling the facebook page. One such solution was the idea to loc...
by bflaherty
Wed May 31, 2017 2:23 pm
Forum: Fiberglass - Hardware & Rigging
Topic: Lifting rings for 23 Lancer/Commander
Replies: 8
Views: 8809

Re: Lifting rings for 23 Lancer/Commander

I just replaced the originals on our 1969 Cavalier Ski boat. I still have the originals if you aren't worried about being top quality... One is a little bent but otherwise a good polish would clean them up. I bought a set from classic boat connection and then drilled and tapped for the larger thread...
by bflaherty
Thu May 04, 2017 6:42 pm
Forum: Research Related
Topic: Fakebook hurting Boat Buzz?
Replies: 27
Views: 12954

Re: Fakebook hurting Boat Buzz?

I recently saw a post on the CCABC Facebook page from someone who actually stated that they decided not to renew their CCABC membership because they can see everything they need on Facebook for free... To me, this just seems wrong! Other boat clubs I am involved with are experience similar declines ...
by bflaherty
Sat Feb 11, 2017 3:05 am
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Paragon 32a rotation
Replies: 7
Views: 3575

Re: Paragon 32a rotation

May I suggest a consultation with a professional? Everyone needs good advice now and then. My father has been working on boats for 35+ years in the Seattle area, he has also been a go-to mechanic for the ACBS-PNW group since joining in 1982. Give him a call and he can offer advice, services, and lik...
by bflaherty
Wed Feb 08, 2017 6:11 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: 59 chris craft ski boat repower
Replies: 6
Views: 4264

Re: 59 chris craft ski boat repower

I wouldn't recommend going to a larger shaft as that would require bottom modifications, and new strut. I would suggest going with a new stainless steel shaft that can easily handle the power of any small block.
by bflaherty
Thu Jan 19, 2017 6:10 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Can I wax my topside paint?
Replies: 6
Views: 5516

Re: Can I wax my topside paint?

That is where I am as well. I have buffed/polished my top coat but I was very careful to read all the product labels as to avoid any kind of silicone, carnauba, or the like. After a full season of use my paint has finally hardened, and still looks pretty good... I will likely buff/polish the top sid...
by bflaherty
Mon Jan 16, 2017 3:32 pm
Forum: Finishing
Topic: Can I wax my topside paint?
Replies: 6
Views: 5516

Re: Can I wax my topside paint?

I am curious what you found out, if anything, from Interlux... I used their brightside paint last winter and it took all summer to fully cure!! If I had applied wax at any point last year it would have been a disaster! I know the paint, any paint, needs time in the sun (or a paint booth oven) to bre...
by bflaherty
Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:35 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: instrument lights
Replies: 11
Views: 10703

Re: instrument lights

I am now reconsidering replacing my incandescent bulbs in my instrument panel with brighter LED bulbs. It may not be a good idea. The reason is that when I am running at night (which is rare, so I don't have a lot of hours in those conditions), I don't want excessive brightlight distraction from th...
by bflaherty
Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:29 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: instrument lights
Replies: 11
Views: 10703

Re: instrument lights

I have the LED version of the 1156 single element bayonet bulb in our the anchor light on our '69 Ski Boat. It is amazingly bright! and I can leave it on all night and not worry about the battery not being to start the motor in the morning! It looks funky when not illuminated but who is really looki...
by bflaherty
Tue Dec 20, 2016 12:25 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: My new 1958 Slick Craft
Replies: 17
Views: 7019

Re: My new 1958 Slick Craft

It is not just an outboard thing.. All boats have the driver positioned to offset engine torque while being solo operated. I had a '65 Performer Havoc with a Mercury 1000 (100 hp tower or power) and it had starboard helm. I do not believe that Mercury and Johnson used different rotations. It is more...
by bflaherty
Thu Dec 15, 2016 6:10 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: My new 1958 Slick Craft
Replies: 17
Views: 7019

Re: My new 1958 Slick Craft

The Antique Outboard Motor Club would be a good start. Otherwise, a lot of the fiberglass clubs have folks knowledgeable about the classic outboards, and most of those clubs don't really care what the material of your hull is. I am active with Northwest Classic Boat Club (based out of Seattle Washin...
by bflaherty
Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:34 am
Forum: On the Hard
Topic: Trailer Guides
Replies: 15
Views: 9313

Re: Trailer Guides

Tom Gruenauer wrote:Take a look at the Black ring (electrical Tape) on my PVC guide poles. If you launch and retrieve at the same ramp you can mark how far you need to back the trailer in the water. Works great.
That's brilliantly simple!
by bflaherty
Wed Oct 12, 2016 11:38 am
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: In search of a replacement bow light lens/ Attwood 9000-1
Replies: 40
Views: 15073

Re: In search of a replacement bow light lens/ Attwood 9000-

WOW! :shock: That seems like a lot of work for a bow light lens, but if they aren't available you have to get creative.

I must say, you work looks amazing! When can you start making other odd ball lenses? I could use replacements for my tiny bow light as they are both fading toward clear.
by bflaherty
Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:36 am
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: annual lay-up
Replies: 18
Views: 8215

Re: annual lay-up

I prefer the Blue antifreeze for just about everything! It is recommended by all the European car manufacturers, and starting to make it's way into the Japanese cars as well. It has anti-corrosion properties that protect cast iron, aluminum, and even the magnesium used in older VW stuff. Downside: i...
by bflaherty
Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:00 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Trailer Suspension Question
Replies: 31
Views: 12357

Re: Trailer Suspension Question

Facebook is a challenge to work with...

This link should work:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... c8846e2f15
by bflaherty
Thu Oct 06, 2016 2:06 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Trailer Suspension Question
Replies: 31
Views: 12357

Re: Trailer Suspension Question

Here is a link to my Facebook album of all the work we did with my trailer... Gives an idea of what can be done fairly easily to get a perfect fit.
https://www.facebook.com/bflaherty3632/ ... 0686899395
by bflaherty
Thu Oct 06, 2016 1:34 pm
Forum: On the Hard
Topic: Trailer Guides
Replies: 15
Views: 9313

Re: Trailer Guides

Both my father and I use 1" PVC pipes that slip over a 1" diameter steel post welded to the back step on the trailer. This metal post is only about 4" tall so once the PVC pipe is removed the centering system is nearly unnoticeable (we do some trailered displays around the PNW and I lost a PVC guide...
by bflaherty
Wed Oct 05, 2016 7:23 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Trailer Suspension Question
Replies: 31
Views: 12357

Re: Trailer Suspension Question

I would suggest getting the boat placed where you want it. Then determine what trailer mods need to be done around it. I bought an old used Vanson trailer that was originally setup for an I/O style, 19' boat. In order to get our 17' direct drive boat to sit properly I added 38" to the tail, took 36"...
by bflaherty
Wed Oct 05, 2016 11:46 am
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Trailer Suspension Question
Replies: 31
Views: 12357

Re: Trailer Suspension Question

If you go through with moving the boat forward on trailer you will want to move the axle forward as well. There is no fixed rule for distance from tongue to axle for any trailer... It is more important that you have proper balance. You want your tongue weight to be 10%-15% of total package weight. T...
by bflaherty
Mon Sep 19, 2016 2:28 pm
Forum: Odds & Ends
Topic: Trailer Suspension Question
Replies: 31
Views: 12357

Re: Trailer Suspension Question

Looks like its time to consider new springs... the left side appears to have lost almost all its camber as it is sitting almost flat. The bigger issue you may notice after a few hundred miles, is uneven tire wear as the axle is no longer square to the trailer. Typically the front mount is fixed to t...
by bflaherty
Fri Sep 09, 2016 1:11 am
Forum: Fiberglass - Odds & Ends
Topic: Hull stiffnes for trim tabs
Replies: 1
Views: 5858

Re: Hull stiffnes for trim tabs

I would suggest looking at a smaller trim tab... At work we have been using a lot of the Bennet Sport Tab series M80/M120 are compact 8" and 12" tabs that don't demand the space or strength like the bigger 12x12 tabs do..

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/m80m120- ... ab-system/
by bflaherty
Fri Sep 09, 2016 1:06 am
Forum: Fiberglass - Research Related
Topic: Manual for a 79 281 catalina
Replies: 1
Views: 6640

Re: Manual for a 79 281 catalina

Just saw this post... If you are still searching I may be able to scan the manual from my buddy's 1983 281..

Is there something specific you are looking for?