F26 Completely rebuilt

[rsciolino]

A few years back looked at new boats. Showroom pretty. VERY expensive. So I decided to go old and got my 1978 F26 that I paid $213.83 at a mechanics lien auction. Snowy February morning. I was the only one there.

Removed everything from the boat, and started from scratch. the boat has been completely changed, new cabin, new wiring, new controls new engine etc. Here are a few pictures.

[prowlersfish]

Looks great.

[P-Dogg]

Wowza!

[Boppy]

So sweet!

[Goran]

Nice

[AwayOnBusine$$]

More pics PLEASE!

[rsciolino]

Here are some more pics. Just need to finish the trim around windows and finish the head. as you may notice the layout was change quite a bit. VERY comfortable now.

[RWS]

Guess what y'all......

As compared to the NEW BOATS discussed by the OP, this boat owner has avoided the biggest expense of a new boat.

No, it's not fuel

not insurance

not interest expense, nor opportunity interest lost

not maintenance

it's

DEPRECIATION


RWS

[Boppy]

What engine did you go with the replace the old one? The fridge is an Isotherm? I’m replacing my original “Nevercold” at the end of this season (upstate NY, too) and thinking about the Isotherm. Really like what you’ve done to that old lady. I’ve had our 1977 F26 HT since 1999, and have replaced/upgraded a lot of items. Still have the original Chrysler 318 and she runs well. Good job on your F26!

[mrrudely]

nice job!

[rsciolino]

I replaced the original v8 with a 350 marine engine. nothing fancy. velvet drive was rebuilt and installed a PSS Shaft seal.

[rsciolino]

What engine did you go with the replace the old one? The fridge is an Isotherm? I’m replacing my original “Nevercold” at the end of this season (upstate NY, too) and thinking about the Isotherm. Really like what you’ve done to that old lady. I’ve had our 1977 F26 HT since 1999, and have replaced/upgraded a lot of items. Still have the original Chrysler 318 and she runs well. Good job on your F26!

Isotherm was the best choice for me. I was very pleased with the installation and operation. Engine is a 350 marine. not a performance build just a stock reliable engine.

[SillyGoose]

I would really like a full canvas enclosure like the one you have, where did you get it?

[prowlersfish]

I would really like a full canvas enclosure like the one you have, where did you get it?

Enclosures are normally custom-made. A marine canvas shop can do it. What Trojan do you have?

[Marko]

rsciolino (or anyone with a F26 that swapped a 318 for a 350), what adjustments did you have to do to physically fit a Chevy based 350 in the tight engine space and mate to the Velvet Drive 1:1? Which 350 did you put in? Carburetor or injected?

Existing 318 VERTICAL is almost touching engine hatch and maybe 1/2” from bilge.

Existing HORIZONTAL space is limited as well with with only 2-3” of movement of shaft when decoupled.

Beautiful reimagining of a F26!

-Marko