Project "Freebie" (or very very cheap)

[Paul E]

I'm off to rescue a Ring hull tonight, that was destined to drown Larby in a couple of weeks for the Guernsey race series diver demo.

I was told it was an 18, but after a quick measure the other night it's a 20 or a 21. it's red (well pink as it's faded terribly), has a fuel tank and a floor and that's about it... It all seems very very solid with no signs of nasty cracks or stress anywhere, so it's going to be built up on a mega budget to race the series (going to aim for the June race as there's no hope for May!) I was going to be racing my RIB but this seems a much better option, as it can be left as a stripped out racer on a trailer, without the compromises I'd have to make on the RIB seeing as it's my leisure boat too.

My girlfriend's brother (who'll be co-driving) has a Merc Black Max doing nothing, so that'll take care of the power with a few tweaks, plus we'll fit in the 150hp bracket as opposed to the 200 & XR2 boys, meaning less laps due to the handicap system It won't be the fastest boat in the world but it could well be the cheapest

We've already sourced seats, teleflex steering (although we may still look for hydraulic - any views?) so it's just going to be a lot of hard graft to get it looking decent. My brother's a signwriter though so she'll definitely be getting a decent graphic job!

Pics tonight when we pick her up

[scooby_hugh]

You cant use single cable steering in anything over 1.3 litre as per the rya rules so the teleflex steerings not going to be allowed im afraid, try and find some cheap hydraulic

[Paul E]

I'm pretty sure it's twin cable, i'll fine out tonight

[Tony Davis]

Twin cable Teleflex has a lovely feel to it.

[Paul E]

well my SLR is buggered at the moment so it's a few crappy phone pics I'm afraid!







A test patch has shown that she'll polish up nicely, so we're going to make a start over the long weekend. All the nasty rivets holding the screen on will be drilled out, the screen bonded on and made to look a bit nicer, as well as totally replacing all of the crappy fendering. We're going to paint the interior black, the fuel tank which currently sits under the deck will probably get moved into the back, and I have an ali bow tank that should fit up under there instead.

Need to flip her over too to get rid of the antifouling and get the running surface nice and straight & polished.

I'm itching to get started!

[larby]

Sweet, got rid of that wheel! I should've left more crap i didn't want in it!!

I'm sure she'll look a lot better soon, please lose that bow rail!! If you need any bits just give me a shout eh

James

[Paul E]

Originally Posted by larby

Sweet, got rid of that wheel! I should've left more crap i didn't want in it!!

I'm sure she'll look a lot better soon, please lose that bow rail!! If you need any bits just give me a shout eh

James

The wheel is my seat!

[Paul E]

Well we had a pretty productive weekend I guess...

We've bought an old Avenger for £50 which has twin cable steering in perfect condition, as well as bits and pieces that will be useful such as switches, bilge pump etc. We're going to strip it of what we need, then it's going to take Larby to Davy Jones' Locker!

All the knackered old rivets have been drilled out and removed, the screen is off as well as the fendering. The hull is now upside down so we can remove the antifouling/paint and get her prepped for a repaint. We've decided on black for the running surface, up to the chines... black screen & interior, and the sides & deck battleship grey - then my brother can get to work and give her some old Navy style lettering, and a pin-up girl riding a bomb up on the bow Any suggestions for names are appreciated

The only specialist things we need to source now are a transom-mounted bow-tank pickup, and a decent foot throttle!

[topgun]

Originally Posted by Paul E

Well we had a pretty productive weekend I guess...

We've bought an old Avenger for £50 which has twin cable steering in perfect condition, as well as bits and pieces that will be useful such as switches, bilge pump etc. We're going to strip it of what we need, then it's going to take Larby to Davy Jones' Locker!

All the knackered old rivets have been drilled out and removed, the screen is off as well as the fendering. The hull is now upside down so we can remove the antifouling/paint and get her prepped for a repaint. We've decided on black for the running surface, up to the chines... black screen & interior, and the sides & deck battleship grey - then my brother can get to work and give her some old Navy style lettering, and a pin-up girl riding a bomb up on the bow Any suggestions for names are appreciated

The only specialist things we need to source now are a transom-mounted bow-tank pickup, and a decent foot throttle!

Hi Paul,

What size is the Avenger, I used to race a 19ft with a 200 Merc called Quicksilver.
I am also refurbing a 21 Avenger with a Volvo 300hp V8, great handling boats and solid.

Steve

[Paul E]

Originally Posted by topgun

Hi Paul,

What size is the Avenger, I used to race a 19ft with a 200 Merc called Quicksilver.
I am also refurbing a 21 Avenger with a Volvo 300hp V8, great handling boats and solid.

Steve

It is Quiksilver... very much the worse for wear now though!

[topgun]

Originally Posted by Paul E

It is Quiksilver... very much the worse for wear now though!

Wondered where that went, Raced it with Tony Lee from Follies.
The boat used to go so far onto its side in a turn the prop would slip.
Got some pics somewhere will dig them out for you.

Alan Corbally was the last to race it, got out to lower heads for the muster then realised he had launched it with no drain bung in, had to keep on the plane outside the harbour while someone backed his trailer in at Boatworks for him.

Steve

[Big Dutch]

That used to be Easy Rider G.Ps old boat
Originally raced wit the straight six !
£50 its a bargain-I'm well jealous

[larby]

You can have it if you like? I won't be needing it after it's done it's bit, it'll just be a bit cleaner!

James

[Paul E]

It's easily restorable, needs some 'glassing on the transom, and it's all very tired/faded/perished from sitting in a hot vinery for ages. Once we've pinched what we need I don't mind where it goes

'Alan' and 'Nikk' are the names on the windscreen, race number 101

[Big Dutch]

I will have it and give you yer £50 back
Also have foot throttle and bow tank filler if you want it
Could you drop it to my vinery ?

[Big V]

Great to see you have saved crave the wave paul, good man, its a nice boat! Looking forward to racing with you

Jacques

[Paul E]

Originally Posted by Big Dutch

I will have it and give you yer £50 back
Also have foot throttle and bow tank filler if you want it
Could you drop it to my vinery ?

£50, pickup & throttle pedal and yeah we can deliver it no probs! I'm not sure when we'll be going to get it but I'll send you a message when I know and we can arrange a time & date, should be within the next week or 2 though.

Larby I'll try and find you something else to drown in!

[topgun]

Originally Posted by Big Dutch

That used to be Easy Rider G.Ps old boat
Originally raced wit the straight six !
£50 its a bargain-I'm well jealous

Dave de la Mare had the boat after G.P. He had it silver metalflaked and laquered, looked great.
We were sponsored by Camus Brandy when we won the round the Island with it, another great hull worth saving its a real drivers boat.

Steve

[Paul E]

I was talking to my dad before, he remembered it and said about somebody De La Mare, used to live up Fort George... apparently both crew were thrown out by the Royal with no kill cords and it raced away up towards the Point I love all the old stories from back in the day

[Big Dutch]

North Beach race the Press had an amaaaazing photo of the crew bouncing along the water at well over 50mph
are these the scars that top gun was mentioning previously ?
Camus Cognac Tony Lee 19 foot Avenger and a wacking great 200hp Merc
What the worst that could happen ?