Building a '93 Caravelle 1750 Classic Bowrider

[Reserector_]

It was cool one morning so I slapped on a coat of paste wax to make her shiny.



Then I got started on the trim tabs. I went with Bennett SLT-10 self-leveling tabs.
Installation would have been easy if it weren't for a few things like a transom with a lot of angle, two large protrusions and trailer bunks that stuck out past the transom.

The first thing I needed to do was remove the tie-down straps and trim back the bunks. To keep from hitting the hull with the oscillating saw, I used an engine hoist to lift one side at a time to create a gap. Worked like a charm.





Cut off and re-wrapped.


With the hinge installed, I used a straight edge to set the actuators. They come with a pin in place to set them in the correct part of the stroke. They are not bottomed out. They actually allow a bit of upward travel, but mostly downward.


Installed, but still pinned. I had to position them inward from the ideal location due to clearance. These were the shortest actuators they offer. Still within the range they give, though.

 

[Reserector_]

More pics


Pins are removed. Tie-downs are on. Everything clears.


Initial angle. They raise on their own as speed increases water pressure against them.

 

[redneck joe]

No, you were

Did I say bow? Sorry if I did. Tabs help raise the stern.

Correct I mis read.

Go Bennet

 

[Reserector_]

Way back when I was restoring this boat, I thought it was odd that there were no cleats at the middle. Only the back corners and one at the bow.
I made sure that those areas were reinforced with glassed-in plywood while the cap was upside down so I would have the option of adding them later.

Well, "later" finally came. It needed mid-cleats.

Since I moved the Bimini, I no longer needed the loops for the strap clips, and I was able to reuse one of those holes. The other got plugged with 5200.
Lucky for me, the removable cup holders gave me access to install the washers and nuts without needing a helper.





These will make docking SOOOO much easier.

 

[Reserector_]

Ever since deciding on the American flag motif, I have been struggling with how to make stars on the upholstery. There is no ease way to make them from upholstery material and have them look finished and neat. Embroidery would be hard to do and even harder to clean.
I though about using vinyl paint, but the execution worried me. So may ways it could go wrong.
Then there was the design. How many? How big? What pattern?

Well, it's been almost five years. I just decided to go for it. I ordered the expensive aerosol coating, costly stencils, and some sticky stuff to hold the stencils in place.
It was not a fun project, but I am happy with the result. I was planning to add a bunch more stars, but when I got this far, I had to stop myself from doing more, because I feel that more would look cluttered and messy.

Some pics from the project.











FUN FACT: My CG-required throw-able device is designed into the bow seating. it is held in by the other cushions, but is easy to grab and throw to a person in the water. I always know where it is, and it is never cluttering up the interior.

 

[Scott Danforth]

we embroidered stars on a seat a few years ago. the seat looked great from 5' or more, however you are right, embroidered stars, even with a CNC machine just do not look right up-close

 

[kd4pbs]

Looking at this, I had a fond flashback to 1975-1976 when the whole country had the stars and stripes everywhere and on everything, and nobody -even those not native to the USA- would have even thought about waving a non-US flag anyplace but on the grounds of a foreign consul.
I love it!
At least with the aerosol option, it can easily be retouched if it ever needs it.

 

[Reserector_]

Looking at this, I had a fond flashback to 1975-1976 when the whole country had the stars and stripes everywhere and on everything, and nobody -even those not native to the USA- would have even thought about waving a non-US flag anyplace but on the grounds of a foreign consul.
I love it!
At least with the aerosol option, it can easily be retouched if it ever needs it.

Back then, as a kid, I had a stars and stripes sleeping bag and I LOVED IT!! It was one of my favorite Christmas gifts of all time. I just loved to look at it. I always had a smile when I climbed into it.

 

[redneck joe]

I had the bl
Atman sign done on my gofast boat about 10 years ago.

 

[todhunter]

You're gonna love the trim tabs.

 

[redneck joe]

I had the bl
Atman sign done on my gofast boat about 10 years ago.

That was supposed to say batman sign....