TOPIC: LAUNCH DAY!

At last!!

I spent the morning getting the last couple of things done- Registration stickers on, safety equipment aboard, DRAIN PLUGS (almost forgot those!), then hooked her up behind the jeep-





I live about a mile from the launch ramp, if that... So it was a quick trip-



I dropped it in the water... Nice flat, calm, sunny day. Perfect!



I may be a bit partial, But I think that it's a neat looking design... Looks even better in the water than it does in my driveway, too!



And, Here she is, underway under her own power for the first time-



The motor fired right up, and ran well. I've got a small issue with it, but I have it tracked down already, its either a bad primer bulb or tank fitting. I'm going to replace the fuel hose, and I should be good to go.



I've been REALLY excited to see how this boat handles since I had a chance to drive some Seafair and DelMar sedans this summer... They have very similar hulls, and I loved how they behaved in the water. This boat is a lot lighter, and a I suspected, is an even better performer. It's better than any boat I've ever owned... It's like a little sportscar on the water!!

After I drove it around a bit, and gained some confidence in my repair work, I decided to go for a 'hole shot'-



That Merc 850 doesn't waste ANY time getting her out of the water. I never did have it all the way to the stop, either- It doesn't need it!!

The wife will probably be a little mad, since she's at work... But I know what we'll be doing this weekend

-Andrew

Awesome Andy! good job! must have been a lot of fun taking that out! Now.. onto the Lake N Sea???? haha

She looks and sounds fantastic, Andrew, congrats on a job well done Sir! Supposed to be mid-seventies (Atl area) and sunny this weekend, enjoy.

enjoy!! good job

Congrats Andrew!!! You've done a super job on your boat and should be rightly proud of her. The vids were way cool!

The lines on your boat are similar to my '63 Starcraft Rocket w/ a '61 Lark III. Got her for a pretty good price and spent the summer going through things. We will be putting her in the water Saturday for the second time, first time actually starting and since the work. (Shakedown cruise didn't go so well - wouldn't start once we got her in the water - points needed cleaning!) Will tell you how that goes.

Lucky you. Congrats on a job well done. LOVE THE TOW VEHICLE!
Us older Cherokee owners have a leg up on everyone else.

To bad the season is all but done. Nice job and I know you'll love it after doing the work yourself.

Here's an 'action' shot-



Robert- I've still got a LOT of season left down here... I'll be boating right up 'till december, and even beyond when we get nice weekends!! I don't miss having to pack up my toys for the winter

retro54 wrote:

Now.. onto the Lake N Sea???? haha

Actually, I'm itching to get started on that one... Won't be long

Is 52 to old to be adopted?

robert-lorigan wrote:

Is 52 to old to be adopted?

Come on down- You'd have to live in the basement with the Lake N Sea, though

Don't worry- It's a nice basement.... Lots of old boat stuff down there

Andrew, You have no idea how envious I am of you squeezing a launch in this late in the year. Congrats!

way to go andrew,im very happy for you,i have watched as you restored this boat from the begining,you have alot to be proud of!
the boat and trailer look fantastic,and wow does it run great,congrats to you andrew,john

Thanks, John... It made all the work well worth it

Almost looks like it belongs in the ad-

Andgott,

numerous people from FG are likely going to show up at your house, as the VAST majority of us are "packrats" & "junque collectors".

rotflmRao!

yours, satx

Andrew,
I've also been watching this restoration from the start and I must say you did a phenominal job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She looks awesome and I love the action shots and vids. Well done buddy!
Bob

Andrew
Now just the routine maint. stuff and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Great boat.
Neil

Yeah- Now for the never ending part... Keeping it looking decent

I've stil got a lot of little things to fix here and there, and an electrical system to finish, but that stuff can wait for cold weather. Time to use it!!

-Andrew

Boat looks great. Can't wait for my first launch day. May be after summer or next spring.