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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:33 am
by alexander38
that looks so hot....

and I got the handles , thanks so much... :D

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:39 am
by Natchamp
Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 10:03 am
by prowlersfish
Thats sweet :D

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 10:49 am
by yorklyn
Great job. I have been trying to think of ideas that used the existing base with a larger top structure. I kept thinking along the lines of fiberglass but was concerned with the weight. never thought of aluminum.
Did you powdercoat it or just paint it? Looks awsome!

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 1:08 pm
by Mike Kulp
That is sweet what a great job, I would also like to thank you for the shifter handles, very nice :D

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:48 am
by Natchamp
Thanks all!

Todd, I sprayed it with Briteside. The gauge bezels I machined are black anodized.

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:11 am
by RWS
Nicely done Mark.

Youir attention to detail goes far beyond simply cosmetic and your background is a tremendous asset to your abilities to churn out some marvelous stuff.

This 10 Meter of yours will be truly outstanding..

It would be a safe bet that you could roll this project into a fine magazine article which would not only pay you a nice spot of cash, but would also provide for a significant addition to resale when that time comes.

I hope you have saved the factory dash & cluster as that actually would be of some value to someone down the road.

GREAT STUFF!

RWS

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:28 am
by Natchamp
Hey RWS,

Thanks so much. Your Express has been an inspiration to me. I never thought about a magazine article but that's a good idea. They still make magazines? :lol: Which ones are you thinking of?

I have wondered what my boat would be worth (hypothetically) when it's finished. Not that I plan on selling it, just for prides sake I guess. I sure am looking to the day of re-launch to start enjoying it! cheers.

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:24 pm
by EM63
The cockpit is OUTSTANDING :D

... but, why there is no IPad in the center ?

With navigation,fuel consumptin, engines temperature etc, ???

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:27 pm
by Natchamp
Fuel consumption is via the Floscan Tach's and GPH gauges. I plan on putting a Raymarine E or C series 9" MFD for chartplotting and Sonar.

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:29 pm
by EM63
OK - that will make sense 8)
_
Greetings - Heiner

Edit: Your restoration of that handlebars and the exhausts is still breathtaking :D

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:01 pm
by RWS
my Raymarine has had so many failures....

take it off my hands...

PLEASE

RWS

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 9:46 pm
by Natchamp
Which raymarine do you have? I'm looking at the new E and C series. The 9" just debuted at MIB so I doubt you are referring to those.

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 5:56 am
by RWS
I have the C series

the whole package


never again !

autopilot since 2004

radar & bottomfinder & cghartplotter & VHF since 2006

3 fluxgate compasses (2 under warranty)

failed radar dome - covered under warranty

now a failed autopilot CPU.

the tabs on the back of the C series unit are flimsy as hell.

seems like a high frequency of failures to me

I rate this equipment as unreliable and undependable

RWS

OMG... that's terrible

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:54 am
by BobCT
way too modern and reliable for my tastes :)

That is an amazing upgrade, I might have done something like this myself but the lack of connectors on the harness has stopped me from removing the cluster and mine is in pretty good shape. For us mid cabin guys, I think it would have to be a lower profile though because the deck and helm seat is higher relative to the windshield and might block too much of it. Doesn't look like an issue with the Express though.

Did you install TWO Floscan Twinscan units? It looks like you have one on each side. Word to the wise, replace the copper line from the crossover to the tank. I went through fits last year with GPH readings on my Stb engine. The Floscans are really sensitive and it's not uncommon for a line/fitting to leak air but not any fuel. If so, you get the type of problem I had. I finally just replaced the line with flex and problem solved.

Keep it going!

Bob