Nikwho
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2019
- Messages
- 284
- Reaction score
- 254
Hello all,
I'll try to be specific enough that folks can actually answer my question. I've worked on many of my boats extensively in the past, R&R outdrive, repower, new upholstery, re-wiring, etc. I've built quite a few old cars and have a fair bit of mechanical aptitude.
With that said, I am considering building and rigging a boat myself. Kind of a big project, but I've often bit off more than I should chew in life. I am considering buying a 28' cat hull. It's never been rigged or powered before. I plan to do nearly all work, if not everything myself. I will paint the hull, wire it, install outdrive and engine, etc. I have a line on the hull and trailer.
Goals: My goal is to build a 28' cat as a family lake/river cruiser, with no boat loan or financing. I'd like it to be capable of 70-85 MPH. Planning on installing a single 650-ish HP BBC (496 cu. in.) and Bravo One outdrive. So, pretty basic setup. I'm not familiar with the efficiency of a catamaran style hull, so I am just throwing out a guess, here.
So, here's my question:
Aside from the cost of actual engine, outdrive, upholstery, paint stereo and gauges, what should I expect to pay for parts to wrap this boat up? Keep in mind, I'm thinking more simplistic. I'm no baller, I'm a fireman! The goal is to build a boat that I can be proud of, and pay for as I build it, with no boat loan. I plan to sell my built hot rod '68 GMC to kick start the process.
- Exhaust. Was planing on running an EMI Thunder exhaust for about $2700. Engine will be covered.
- Paint. I figure on about $2,500 in chemicals and consumables. I have paint/body work experience. I've painted a few complete cars, camper shells, a few bikes and one complete boat. Have access to a booth big enough for the hull and have all necessary equipment. 28' cat, I'm thinking about 3-4 gallons of color and a few gallons of clear. That'll be a whole other discussion/post.
- Provisions to mount BBC in hull. Looking to run my Mk. IV BBC.
- Throttle and steering (my Eliminator Eagle had manual rack and pinion steering. I'd prefer hydraulic, but could cut it as my Eliminator with a Bravo Pne has never been a problem for me). I'm thinking upgrade to hydraulic assist after the boat gets wet!
- All other asssociated hardware and accessories. Things like blower fan for engine compartment, perhaps a electric/hydraulic ram for engine hatch, bildge pumps, switches, cleats, grab handles, cup holders, drain plug(s), rub rails and so forth.
- I plan to build my hatch, seat frames and will have an upholstery shop cover them. I will build my seat frames, cut foam and prep for upholstery shop. What might I be looking at for basic upholstery work to cover two buckets and a bench, along with seat risers, and other associated parts and pieces.
Outdrive - I can figure out the cost of an outdrive. I'm curious about other expenses after purchasing the outdrive that I may not be considering.
I am aware that my question is akin to asking "how much is a bag of groceries". I'm just trying to make my best (somewhat educated) guess, then add about $10,000 in stuff that will nickel and dime the project to completion. I want to make sure that it's something that isn't going to be a tremendous waste of time and money.
So, ball park guess on the expense (parts, no labor) to rig a 28' cat hull, less engine, outdrive and trailer?
Just need a reality check to see if I'm grossly off base thinking that after sourcing a hull, trailer, engine, outdrive, upholstery and paint, that I could get the hull water worthy for a reasonable amount of money?
Would it be reasonable to think that I could rig this hull with an additional $10,000-$15,000?
Hopeful to get some opinions from folks that have actually done this. Not just be told by people that bought their boat from a dealer say that it's a waste of time and money.
Whew, okay, sorry for the novel! Let the flaming begin!
Nik
I'll try to be specific enough that folks can actually answer my question. I've worked on many of my boats extensively in the past, R&R outdrive, repower, new upholstery, re-wiring, etc. I've built quite a few old cars and have a fair bit of mechanical aptitude.
With that said, I am considering building and rigging a boat myself. Kind of a big project, but I've often bit off more than I should chew in life. I am considering buying a 28' cat hull. It's never been rigged or powered before. I plan to do nearly all work, if not everything myself. I will paint the hull, wire it, install outdrive and engine, etc. I have a line on the hull and trailer.
Goals: My goal is to build a 28' cat as a family lake/river cruiser, with no boat loan or financing. I'd like it to be capable of 70-85 MPH. Planning on installing a single 650-ish HP BBC (496 cu. in.) and Bravo One outdrive. So, pretty basic setup. I'm not familiar with the efficiency of a catamaran style hull, so I am just throwing out a guess, here.
So, here's my question:
Aside from the cost of actual engine, outdrive, upholstery, paint stereo and gauges, what should I expect to pay for parts to wrap this boat up? Keep in mind, I'm thinking more simplistic. I'm no baller, I'm a fireman! The goal is to build a boat that I can be proud of, and pay for as I build it, with no boat loan. I plan to sell my built hot rod '68 GMC to kick start the process.
- Exhaust. Was planing on running an EMI Thunder exhaust for about $2700. Engine will be covered.
- Paint. I figure on about $2,500 in chemicals and consumables. I have paint/body work experience. I've painted a few complete cars, camper shells, a few bikes and one complete boat. Have access to a booth big enough for the hull and have all necessary equipment. 28' cat, I'm thinking about 3-4 gallons of color and a few gallons of clear. That'll be a whole other discussion/post.
- Provisions to mount BBC in hull. Looking to run my Mk. IV BBC.
- Throttle and steering (my Eliminator Eagle had manual rack and pinion steering. I'd prefer hydraulic, but could cut it as my Eliminator with a Bravo Pne has never been a problem for me). I'm thinking upgrade to hydraulic assist after the boat gets wet!
- All other asssociated hardware and accessories. Things like blower fan for engine compartment, perhaps a electric/hydraulic ram for engine hatch, bildge pumps, switches, cleats, grab handles, cup holders, drain plug(s), rub rails and so forth.
- I plan to build my hatch, seat frames and will have an upholstery shop cover them. I will build my seat frames, cut foam and prep for upholstery shop. What might I be looking at for basic upholstery work to cover two buckets and a bench, along with seat risers, and other associated parts and pieces.
Outdrive - I can figure out the cost of an outdrive. I'm curious about other expenses after purchasing the outdrive that I may not be considering.
I am aware that my question is akin to asking "how much is a bag of groceries". I'm just trying to make my best (somewhat educated) guess, then add about $10,000 in stuff that will nickel and dime the project to completion. I want to make sure that it's something that isn't going to be a tremendous waste of time and money.
So, ball park guess on the expense (parts, no labor) to rig a 28' cat hull, less engine, outdrive and trailer?
Just need a reality check to see if I'm grossly off base thinking that after sourcing a hull, trailer, engine, outdrive, upholstery and paint, that I could get the hull water worthy for a reasonable amount of money?
Would it be reasonable to think that I could rig this hull with an additional $10,000-$15,000?
Hopeful to get some opinions from folks that have actually done this. Not just be told by people that bought their boat from a dealer say that it's a waste of time and money.
Whew, okay, sorry for the novel! Let the flaming begin!
Nik