Preparing the through hull fittings and installing the Prop Protector

[@TUMBLINJEST]

I worry about your feeling of motivation mate, I`m 71, sitting in my little "office" been following you for ages, christ mate, your motivating me to do more little jobs that I do, your never alone with us following you.. Your doing great work with so much detail.. THANKS (Ian) UK..

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Ian, it does help to know you guys are following along. :)

[@cliffstevenson5773]

So glad to see your new video. Enjoyed the technical details as always, and the narrative. Please don't lose heart. What you are doing is inspiring to many of us. I only wish I could drop by with a beer and kibbitz!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Cliff!

[@MikeM-of2if]

Taking on a big project like you are doing can definitely be tough to get through, I think I can speak for everyone here, we are all rooting for you and can't wait to see you get through it. Keep up the great work, you are getting so close. Stay well!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Mike, getting close now, just over that engine bay!

[@ProjectBrupeg]

She’s coming along great. It’s nice seeing you get to these last underwater jobs. Can’t wait till she is floating again!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, me either! :)

[@stephenreese5921]

Every job done, is motivating enough. At each section completed, another milestone is accomplished. Keep going!

[@stephensimpson5283]

Keep going mate, you are so close now. I don't mind slinging you $$$ for the build. Its something small on my end but what we get in return is massive. Such enjoyment! Thanks.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stephen, I appreciate you support! :)

[@adolfofrancisco4551]

Motivation is easy just seeing one of the first videos of the project and see how far you came. You’re doing a great job. Love the Chanel

[@DangarMarine]

That is a good point. :)

[@randynovick7972]

Nice update. Good to see the packing. I was wondering when it might turn up. Glad to hear you're coming stateside, sorry you won't be coming through Colorado. If you do, stop for a bite and a beer. We're pretty much a lock for steak and suds. Whatever you've heard, we're actually pretty easygoing people as a rule (and no, we're not all high on dope), but we move at a slower pace, and that bugs both Californians and New Yorkers in equal measure. I hope everybody's nice to you when you're here.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Randy, I'm really looking forward to the trip, particularly the drive through the midwest where we have organised to meet a few people along the way. :)

[@randynovick7972]

@@DangarMarine I have family in Door County, Wisconsin, right in the middle of the great lakes (at Death's Door). Get a fried Perch dinner, or Walleye when you're in the midwest. Both are lovely fish, out there, and you'll be at a good time of year for either. one Those people up there are not as friendly as we are at the headwater, but we forgive them. Have a nice time.

[@adventure002006]

Great video. Getting excited that build is nearing the end. You will end up with one amazing solid and reliable boat. Treasure hunting is on my bucket list. keep telling my wife we will retire into treasure hunting. Efficient boat, side scan radar, ROV, Scuba gear, dredge and drone would be a great treasure hunting package.

[@DangarMarine]

I'm really looking forward to that phase of the project. Planning to head up to the Barrier Reef and do some diving up there.

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

You are the king of digging deep Stu,Keep up the good work buddy. Rossco

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@Nick75au1]

Great to hear that Jeff has had good input

[@markbrailsford4681]

Keep your chin up boats looking really great watch you every Sunday morning in uk love the show part of my Sunday’s now I don’t even own a boat but enjoy you podcasts

[@rossprivate5456]

6: 50 ,i know how you feel and especially since you are doing most of the work yourself it becomes more of a chore than a project.sometimes its good to just have someone there beside you as emotional support even if they arent actually helping you . cant wait to see the boat in action

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, won't be long at it will be on the water again. :)

[@Mike-qh5bn]

You are right, motivation is a major issue. I wish I had done what you are doing, getting an old boat and renovating it - everything is already designed, sized and made, a major factor is designing from scratch. You not only have to make everything but also decide how big , where and how it fits with the item next to it. I have been doing this for 5 years now on a 24 foot trawler yacht and just want the project to end.

[@DangarMarine]

Five years is a long time Mike, I can understand you just wanting it to end. Hang in there though, I'm sure it will be well worth it in the end. :)

[@Mike-qh5bn]

@Toob247 Toob247 Know what you mean, I try to get it just good enough, you have to look at it for the next X years

[@DJRoach520]

you dont even know how tempted i am to make the 12 hr drive to tulsa to meet you both at the same time. love both of your projects!!!

[@DangarMarine]

That's a fair drive!

[@DJRoach520]

@@DangarMarine Man better and cheaper than another 29hr flight to Australia...

[@BigMkombe]

Hey brother Stu! love your clips from saving a sunk outboard to rebuilding your trawler and everything in between, you've helped millions and myself to getting their boats out of the drive and back on the water. Can't thank you enough. Let me know if you're ever in Darwin, would love to show you around with a couple of my green mates.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. I do have a vague plan to take this boat through the Barrier Reef and all the way around to Darwin. :)

[@vincebeneke1615]

Keep on hammering away at it you’ll get it done! These videos have been great, I look forward to them every weekend!!! You do a great job explaining what your doing on all your videos!

[@tkaald]

You need fire proof seacocks on all ship side hull penetrations. These are normally bolted directly to the hull but can be attached to a short steel pipe of substantial thickness if there is a need to fit a seacock slightly inboard.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I have heard that too, but I then wonder what they do in plastic boats.

[@tkaald]

Dangar Marine Areas of high fire risk such as engine room has the GRP coated in a fire retardant material.

[@jillgardiner8924]

Stu ,mate .Its time to chill.What will happen will happen.But make it happen when you are ready. With a project that you have undertaken,and the perfectionist that you are,it is going to take time.You are still learning,and with all the knowledge that is being imparted by others it is hard to get your head around.So sit back ,let it all soak in and go ahead when you are ready. We will still be here when you are ready to push on. Cheers from us down in vic!

[@DangarMarine]

I'm really looking forward to having the boat back in the water. Once it is floating again I will feel like the pressure is off and I can enjoy the rest of the journey. :)

[@robgw]

You mentioned a new channel with ‘Land Rover’ restoration lol! If I get fat sitting on this sofa with all these new channels I’ll send for an XL Dangar Marine T-shirt!

[@davidmc8110]

It's a good thing you marked all those cobwebs with grinder dust so you could find them easy. I knew there had to be some reason for pressure building and leaking out the gearbox, it's the only thing that made sense from your description. Hope your friend is healing well from his burns.

[@richardgroom8003]

Thanks stu from Miami. Appreciate ur time and effort. Ur great at telling the how’s and why’s. Can’t wait for the next one

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate!

[@MrHAPPYHAWAIIAN]

Sitting on Island of Kauai, this gem comes through. This is opposite of me cleaning out my car and bug bombing it today. Thank you for showing me things I thought not possible 😁👽

[@nicholasmcneill2763]

Hey Stu, Live in Florida, USA - We have a sulphur crested cockatoo; just like the one bugging you just feet away! HAHA! His name is Jake; He will give a scream once and awhile when he wants attention or his way. Such cheeky buggers those birds are! Great progress on the troller! Best, Nick.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Nick, they are cheeky birds!

[@tyspoonus252]

Great seeing a big spring in your step mate! 2 weeks have done you wonders.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, a strategic rest can go a long way.

[@WallysPlace66]

Stu your hard work is paying off. The trawler is looking great.

[@b.w.22]

Dang Stu, I sure wish you’d consider some sort of meet-up in the Chesapeake area: though I’m in the mountains of West Virginia, I’m just now seeing off my neighbors back to their home on the bay in Virginia, he being a retired Navy Captain living in Matthews Co. Virginia near Norfolk and all the naval facilities there. If you reconsider and add some sort of meetup while near the Bay, I’d gladly impose on my friends for lodging to be a part of it. I’m sure you have more fans in the South than just I! Regardless, I’m happy you’re coming for a pretty comprehensive visit and I hope your wife will be joining you. And I just might be able to talk my wife into a trip up North, so keep us all posted. Cheers! B

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, I'll see what I can do!

[@b.w.22]

Dangar Marine - I just had my family out here from Singapore, so I get how awful that jet-lag can be, so if you’re just planning on getting acclimated I totally understand. I appreciate the replies and really just hope you have a good time while you’re here. But keep us all updated! BW

[@samwhitehead7695]

Great content as always, I pick up all kinds of tips and tricks, having spent over 20 years on the water and being a qualified BMTROUBLE YOU Mechanic, its always nice to see the adaptive work you do, Great work, Cheers Sam.

[@TheOakRoom]

It's getting exciting. Can't wait for you to get it into the water.

[@tonysargent1699]

Great video Stu. Really enjoyed the catch up. Thanks for sharing.

[@jayben00]

No doubt this boat will grow old gracefully with you.

[@DangarMarine]

I hope so!

[@tallman8ft]

sv seeker can't wait for the video with you and him

[@trevorhanlon8241]

Hiya Stu, good to hear you after a holiday.Keep up the good work.

[@garybaris139]

I feel for you on the motivation aspect, I've got a back problem and there are days that I find it really hard to get going. That being said, I wish I lived close by because I'd have been there so often to help it would have bordered on me making a nuisance of myself. I know it doesn't help much when you are in the engine bay getting covered in old paint but you are doing an awesome job and all this hard work will pay off in the end. On the through hull fittings, I was watching a video of a young couple that bought a steel hull sailing boat that was abandoned for 20 years and they were commenting on how all the pipes exiting the hull at the bottom had a metal pipe on the inside that took it to above water level (on the inside of the hull) before the ball valves were fitted which meant you could remove everything, including the ball valve while in the water and without any water entering the boat. I thought that was a brilliant idea. Almost no chance of flooding the boat through broken fittings etc.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, the sea cock in Delstar II has the same arrangements with the pipe going up above waterlevel.

[@davehurst2543]

You are making good progress, I agree with your decision on ball valves and tubing. Keep your chin up you will get there. That bright prop shaft poking out of the stuffing box is inspring.

[@DangarMarine]

It's always nice to see a few cleaned up bits ready to go!

[@miguelfatman6066]

Nice one Stu, thanks for the update and I love the hallowe'en webs for the hair even though it is a bit early for it

[@DangarMarine]

I'll save it in a plastic bag. ;)

[@RoadhogRNA]

Nice work your boat is coming right along. Good Luck with your upcoming trip.

[@jamesharmon5963]

Thanks for sharing. She’s getting closer 👊

[@joshyboyes]

Hi Stu, great to meet you at the boat show the other week. It probably overkill for you but you should get one of the makita battery caulking guns. So good for our boat with timber decks. Saves your wrist, leaves a perfectly consistent bead and doesn't dribble when you stop. (:

[@DangarMarine]

I was sure wishing I had one that day. Those long runs certainly get you cramping by the end!

[@hasanaydin22]

İ said its going to be big challenge storing the steel boat but you have being doing such a good job puting all that know how swet and at some points blood in to this project be wel and keep the good work going stu thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, it's getting close now. :)

[@edreilley657]

First, love the Tenacious D shirt! Second, rocking my Dangar Marine t-shirt my wife just gave me for my birthday. And third, definitely up for an east coast US meetup!

[@DangarMarine]

Go The D!

[@rossy2998]

Maate so keen to see it back on the water

[@DangarMarine]

Me too!

[@markhoffman4061]

loving the whole series very informative and lots of thoughts for doing projects like this

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate.

[@volvogt21]

Great video Stu. Loved its randomness. She is going to be a beauty!

[@tonyhill3638]

Welcome back to the grind, Stu. You have held up amazingly well so far. A buddy with a positive outlook really helps keep the fire going. I'll try to free some time the week of Sep. 4, as IAD is only about an hour away. Let me know your general plans, and maybe I can help you sequence it in a logical way, since I know the area. You want to pack in various activities, but not so much that it's grueling for the family. And if you would like, I can take you out on the water. Went fishing after work yesterday, and it was very good! You and you family would probably enjoy it, if they are into that kind of thing. My little nephews LOVE going out there. Anyway, thanks for another installment, and keep up the good work.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Tony. The only real plan for Chesapeake at the moment is to head down south to Hampton and stay with a viewer at one of his marinas so we can check out his boat project. www.north37management.com/ Would definitely be keen to catch up and see what else there is to see down that way. :) Send me an email to [e-mail] if you want to try to organise something together.

[@cliffthelondoncabbie]

Living the dream and nightmare at the same time stew. As I said before, one day at a time and before you know it your finished. Admire your grit and tenacity. Another great addition to your story and May there be many more. Boat drinks to you and your misses stew 🍻Cliff the London cabbie

[@Michael-pc9yx]

Hey Stu I'm sure you know I'm checking but I use that packing and I actually tap it with a hammer to flatten it a bit so it's easy to install then go with three bits with of set joins that's in a booster pump glan but same thing and don't tighten it until your prop is spinning it's easy to burn that stuff out and then it will never hold water well if you over tight it hope I help I've watched the whole project keep it up thanks for the content

[@DangarMarine]

Good tip about flattening it a bit first. You are dead right about not over tightening it an burning it up.

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Gearbox looks nice and the rope cutter is a good idea. Now back to the engine bay for some painting.

[@dongorsegner4607]

Stu I completely understand the motivation going away, spent many months remodeling my home. Also fixed the power isssue on the Invader, junked the Mercury and bought a newer Yamaha.

[@mattbelding8694]

Stuey, Your worldwide fans were patient during your much needed time off. The US trip will be fun for you and your wife. Are you planning an event for Chicago? That Chicago to LA trip will be a tough one. Oh, make sure you drive on the correct side of the road.

[@DangarMarine]

I think Chicago would be a good place to organise a meetup, I'm just not sure where or how to organise it.

[@mattbelding8694]

@@DangarMarine Maybe next time.

[@desolatemetro]

Don't know if you've seen it but there's a channel called Acorn to Arabella. Couple guys in New Hampshire doing an incredible wood boat build from scratch. They have meetups some times, so you might try contacting them to see if you can set something up in the Northeast US. In the process of buying a house in NH myself so things are a little crazy, but I will try and make it out if you do something in this area. Sounds like you're seeing a lot of the US on your trip! Definitely enjoy. Long haul from Oz but sounds like you're making the most of it!

[@bobw222]

Great idea to drive to L.A. from Chicago. Most foreigners cannot understand why Americans love their cars, pickups, etc. until they get out of the main cities. Take a short side trip and visit the Grand Canyon on the trip. I have a friend whose parents came over from England. They were shocked that we had "a hole in the ground big enough to drop London in" and that "you have to drive through 100+ miles of nothing just to see it." I suspect most Europeans can't grasp the vastness of Australia either.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey mate, I'm really looking forward to the drive. We have a trip to the Grand Canyon planned! :)

[@ladydi4runner]

Dangar Marine Sweet Stu. You WILL be awestruck by The Grand Canyon no doubt. 👏🏻👍 Just stay away from the perilous edges, will ya please?! 😀

[@supershane1960]

Great video Stu. Looking forward to the US trip, especially you hooking up with Doug from SV Seeker. Ok, have a great week, cheers for now... ;-}

[@FlyNineVictor]

Hi Stu, My wife and I really enjoy your videos. We live very close to Zion National Park in Utah and 1.5 hrs from Lake Powell and Lee's Ferry. We have two extra bedrooms and would be happy to host you and your wife for a day or two, could even take the boat out if you have time. Drive time to LA from our house is about 7 hrs.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, that's a very kind offer!

[@jeffkatzer]

Man I love this channel. Looking froward to the future projects.

[@irgski]

I find having a brewski helps my motivation!

[@dingledooley9283]

When I drink in the morning I'm napping by mid day

[@barrylukebuilds7894]

Keep a good radius on the back corners of whatever swim platform you decide to build. You will hit those corners a few times if not more!

[@stephensimpson5283]

There you go mate, just up’d my support to $20. Easy done. 😁 That’s how much I enjoy them. My little bit to help you do things right the first time so you feel all warm and fuzzy out on the water.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stephen, that's very kind of you. Name in the credits now! :)

[@ImnotChuck.]

"demotivated," huh? I admire your dedication to the project...amazing!

[@Marcus_from_OZ]

Just when I've really had enough of working on my boat, up pops another vid to start the brain ticking over again. Cheers mate.

[@chrisbartrum3201]

Demotivated! "Finding a partner to do it with." You stole the words from my mouth, but then you've got us scurvy bunch out in TouTube land wishing you well. Keep going mon amie.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Chris, I can't tell you how much having you guys comment and encourage helps me keep going. :)

[@grumpyg9350]

I really enjoy your videos. Please don't stop!!!! You get stuff done.👍👍👍

[@NullaNulla]

Yep it snows here ... literally just got back from a run up the Barrington Tops (~2.5hrs north of Stu) and it was snowing up there rather heavy tonight. Very icy too :(.

[@CheersWarren]

Hi Stu, 3M 5200 comes in a black self leveling version which might have been a good option for that seam you just fixed. Having a partner when refitting a boat helps with motivation.......no truer words have ever been said! Working alone all the time sucks . Cheers Warren

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Warren.

[@tamaralee4108]

Great idea about the ROV! Would be a big help in your salvage operation. With respect to your through hulls, there is a company named Forespar, who make complete seacock assemblies out of a reinforced plastic they call Marelon. They would fit into your hull penetrations like the through hulls you showed, and they also have hose compatible inboard end pieces. The big advantage is they provide a robust sea valve that you can close either for repairs or if something breaks. Might be worth a look. Greg

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Greg, they are actually quite similar to the once I have order. They are the only two even worth considering.

[@rods907]

It’s hard to get back to the grind after being gone for 2 wks. The motivator is broke !!

[@waynebyerly9681]

rebuild it ... dunno where you'd get parts ...

[@kencramer1697]

Glad to hear your going to be "close" by while your here. I have the meet up on the calendar for Tulsa. 4 hours is close by Texas standards. :)

[@tomharrell1954]

I did not know Australia had snow! Never thought about it but it’s cool

[@dustyfarmer]

You should look up the Snowy mountains, it snows at Ayers rock in the middle of OZ. We get minus 10c with the tree's looking like glass.

[@paulg9314]

Hey Stu, remember to treat your Dad to a local US adventure like a blast on a Harley on Route 66. Also excellent to hear the gearbox on Delstar II is in better condition than initially feared. Hope Dave in equally good shape, and no skin graft required.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Paul, getting a Harley for a day is a good idea. Dave is slowly on the mend. Thanks again for all your help!

[@martyjames6204]

Hi Stu - know what you mean re getting demotivated - i started building an 8 foot folding dinghy (surprisingly complex!) about the time you bought your trawler - ive put 100's hours into it, on the home stretch now but really having to push myself to get into the work involved each day - cheers

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, the initial excitement does wear off but then you have the new motivation of knowing it is almost useable.

[@martyjames6204]

@@DangarMarine yes, hopefully not far off for either of use now! - cheers

[@Graveltrucking]

Having a 24 volt system is more efficient, not sure if that boat was old enough to have a 36 volt system. I'm guessing you are going with two battery systems starting and house batteries, a bank of deep cycle 6volts for the house batts and couple 4Ds for starting. The caveat about plastic fittings is vibration, you're going to get it from cavitation for sure. Any brackets that support the plastic piping should have some kind of rubber isolator. Never seen a rope cutter on the shaft, its a good idea, you know when your in trouble when the engine stalls because of a rope in the wheel lol. I watch the SV Seeker channel not sure how Doug has persisted for all those years he's taken on a monumental task that's for damn sure.

[@richardcranium5839]

really sounds interesting. ive looked at building a small rov but everything ive found is kit form. looking for discrete component plans. have fun with the blower. make sure you have two pullers cuz the gears have to come off at the same time. just a heads up. remember in america we drive on the right side of the road lol

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I do have to look at the details of servicing the blower. Might need to find someone who has done one before!

[@Chopatube]

When in Vermont go visit the Vergennes Maritime Museum. Some awesome old boats, including a huge collection of old outboards. Great underwater salvage exhibit too

[@davidanderton2437]

Another great video Stu. The plastic sitting lower than the hull makes me nervous. Also the prop protector looks like it would cause a fair bit of drag interference with the prop.

[@PittwaterMowingAustralia]

Love your work mate She's coming along nicely

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@iamtheverybestever]

How are Dave's burns from the gearbox oil healing?

[@johnmcclain4479]

Yes, how is Dave doing?

[@michelebeck4311]

He went home a had a dose of coopers harden the f##k up!

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Richard, he is coming along well now. Still in a fair bit of pain but he is getting excellent treatment and he is up and about. Thanks for checking in. :)

[@wildwestcoast8095]

Nice work Dangar Great video. I was just going to ask why you were going plastic then you explained thank you.

[@andrewtaylor1021]

Hey Stu! Looks like Renko is coming along quite nicely. An east coast meetup especially on the Chesapeake Bay would be awesome. My wife and I would love to take you and your dad out on our boat in Annapolis, MD if you have time!

[@markolav7017]

Nearly there mate..so close now. Great to see Dave back at it and helping out on Renko .. Bridge to bridge trawler race 2020 with Delstar II perhaps ? Also great to see you both at the boat show...don't worry...I didn't buy the Beneteau !

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Mark. Getting there now. I think Dave would win the bridge to bridge race, Delstar is quite fast being aluminium! :)

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

Talk about timing, I was just about headed for bed had to stay up and watch this. Yeah the Borg Warner Marine Transmissions are problematic and have been from the beginning. The mod of running all the oil through the heat exchanger is a good one should improve clutch life immensely. Seeing you in the engine bay with the grinder reminds me of the many hours I've spent in a boat's engine room grinding fiberglass doing repairs or modifications oh yes such fun.

[@DangarMarine]

I'm really happy Dave took that gearbox to Jason, he really knows his stuff.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

@@DangarMarine having someone that knows the ins and outs of those Borg Warner's or any Marine transmission for that matter, is a good thing.

[@cybersylo5786]

Back to the grind mate. That engine room demotivates me, and I'm not the one doing it. Have fun in America, can't wait to see you come back and get it in the water.

[@pilotguychris7217]

Amazing job looks fantastic.. Following along has been very educational.. Keep up the great work!

[@anttiroppola4414]

PVC drain pipe was viewed sceptically when it first started replacing clay pipes, but quickly demostrated far more positive traits. So easy to carry and install spares and they never corrode.

[@DangarMarine]

That's a good example. It takes people a while to trust new technology.

[@NebukedNezzer]

excellent plan to use 24 volts(eliminates the bad parallel connecting of batteries). . you can get a voltage reducer for individual electronics if needed.

[@derekwilkinson7939]

It can be hard to get motivated, but your doing a bloody good job so don’t despair. See you next video. 👍

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Derek.

[@ThePaulv12]

It's getting exciting now!

[@DangarMarine]

Exactly two weeks to launch day!

[@mikeskelly2356]

You know the needs of your craft better than I do, but I found shaft spurs worked great and only cost about 10% more. We had a lot of tough weeds and old nets in our bay, I'd hear the spurs whacking away, then see a load of minced up trash in the wake. Never had to dive on the prop to cut it clean...

[@pt4036]

stu use the empty 291 tube and wind the blue tape around it when you are finished it keeps everything clean rather than the way you were doing

[@donjohnson5307]

Nice job! red was used on the cannon decks on the ships of the line so that the blood would not over welm the crew. No too sure on Marlon below the water line seen them snap off at the out side mushroom. careful.hang in there you will have a great boat soon enough.

[@kellyrjohnson7693]

As a Chicagoan, I hope you enjoy your trip through the city. I apologize ahead of time for the endless traffic and construction.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate!

[@ustinman8446]

Coming along fine almost ready for the water. SV Seeker says ,you're coming to the states, looking forward to that. Can we ask why the visit?

[@DangarMarine]

My dad was going to do Route 66 so I said I'd come with him. It grew from there.

[@ladydi4runner]

Dangar Marine Road Trip! 👍 Have driven cross country ( east to west fashion) several times now. Things always come up so hopefully you’ve built some buffer time on all your engagements Stu. Gotta stop and smell the roses along the way! Some beautiful country and quite varied you’ll be driving thru. Sweet! Wish I was on your path but Central FL is way Deep South for you.

[@peterbeyer5755]

You can use plastic deck boards used for outdoor house decks on the marlin board, no maintenance if you use stainless screws.

[@DangarMarine]

That's a good thought, they could be an excellent choice.

[@peterbeyer5755]

Trex made by Replas a Victorian Company has some very pretty looking plastic boards. I will ask them I’d it’s suitable for a marlin board and get back to you.

[@dustyfarmer]

@@DangarMarine You might be able to get some Turpentine hardwood decking to match your rubbing strips or that Merbau decking, which is what that marlin board had, comes ready to fit looks great, lasts well & is cost effective.

[@mcpheonixx]

Great video Stu! If I might make a suggestion. Having worked in a marina/boat yard as a welder, I happen to know they make all sorts of different shaped tubing made especially for dive platforms. The tubing I'm thinking of is oval shaped with flat sides. The flat sides have a sanded texture for grip while wet. I've seen a lot of wood dive platforms and metal as well, the solid metal dive platforms last a lot longer and are much stronger, especially if you weld the flat tubing inside the platform frame!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks for the tip, I'll take a look and see if I can find some of that piping.

[@mikemilburn7823]

Hey Stu, as always a good video. The rope cutter, I think you should have got it bored out for the proper size shaft. Any chance of a rope getting caught in the groove? Just my 2 cents worth. As for the thru hull fittings, is there a PVC bushing you can use? Just figured it'd be easier than welding the hull. Good call on the 24V also......Mike

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Good Morning Stu, Nasty job grinding out that engine bay. Who says money isn't everything when you could pay someone to sandblast the thing for you;} Anyway the trip to the states sounds fun for you and renting a car to drive across to California rather than flying you will love for sure. You will love meeting the folks on your trip and the scenery is awesome. you will not want to go back home and the trip will be way to short. Like I said you have to make plans someday to come to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Tim, I'm really looking forward to the drive, should be a lot of fun!

[@davidwoods4366]

great video as always Stu

[@chrisnorman1183]

Perfect timing on the upload mate :) Just got home and this was posted 7mins ago :D yay!

[@chrisnorman1183]

@Toob247 Toob247 Its myself dressed as a Zombie*

[@page11racing89]

I love the cowling idea to avoid registration!

[@page11racing89]

Since the motor is so new could you just order a decal kit and remove the old one with a heatgun?

[@DangarMarine]

Probably. ;)

[@Bill23799]

When you said that through hull was the " Raw Water " inlet did you mean it was the " Raw Water / Oyster " inlet? It seems those things love to grow inside boats.

[@TheAaronmh]

With you on the staying motivated problem. You're doing great work though. Looking forward to the launch video.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, me too!