Ranger 354V facelift

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Finished the bilge area today. All the livewells plumbed and tested and decided to change the bilge pump (from 500 gph to 800 gph)
installed and tested as well. Didn't have to modify the start battery tray either so that is a plus. Next time I change transducers I think I will remote install the pumps (closer to underneath the livewells) to make a bit more room in the bilge area--but that will be at a later date. Getting closer to being finished.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Finished putting carpet on the last two lids today. Been busy with work and the weather hasn't been right for doing them for the last couple of weeks. The two that were left were the big ones--the rod box lid and the bilge lid. And were getting storms right now so I hope the wind doesn't blow the rear part of the boat cover up (it's happened before) cause that would be bad (I would have to recover the lid) One thing I have decided to do is drill new holes for the hinge rivets. Drilling out the old one's I had to use a 1/4 inch drill bit to get enough of the rivet so I could take it out and I have been having a hard time finding 1/4 inch rivets (with the right head on it) and I can get the new rivets local--going with 3/16. I plan on drilling new holes between the old ones (there is plenty of space) I should have thought of this earlier.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow so I hope to lay the carpet on the front deck and main floor. Started putting the hinges on the lids this evening (that's gonna take some time) Hope to have all done in the next couple of weeks (if the weather stays good)

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Got the front deck covered today--only the main floor and the rear trip left--whew. Also got the hinges for the rod box, front storage, and the live wells attached and installed. On the front lid and one of the live well lids seems there is an alignment issue as they dont close exactly the way they should. Not real sure if it is the lid side or the deck side of the hinge that is the issue--but I can always redo the hinge.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Almost done--mounted the last lid hinges today--hope to have pics tomorrow-depending on work

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Finally got the pics of the finished product (the inside of the boat) still got to get fishing seats but I can get out on the water now.
Replaced seats, carpet, redo on livewell systems, new bildge pump, TM quick plate, on board battery charger mounted--not too bad for a couple months of work.
Before

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

And after

 

[craigweaver]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Great work! That boat looks like new now. Your livewell plumbing and bilge area is tight!

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Great work! That boat looks like new now. Your livewell plumbing and bilge area is tight!

Thanks-I really appreciate it. I'ts kinda funny--after I finished the plumbing--I wanted to change it (remote mount the livewell pumps like the original) but decided to wait till next time--will only need a couple of fittings and some hose--but once I put everything back--I didn't want to pull it out again. I'll wait till I upgrade my electronics (which will be a good long while )

 

[craigweaver]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

That's the funny thing about us "A" types. We are anal about what we do and even what we consider "ok" work is better than most would ever attempt. If you're anything like me, and I suspect you are, it'll fester until you can't take it any longer and then you'll make it right for you, lol. Enjoy your baby man, I'll be livin through you for a while. At least stop in an give me fishin report.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

You are right about that. My neighbor was making fun when I just could not hold off any longer to do the carpet--I just couldn't wait for warmer weather--so I was laying the carpet when it was in the low to mid 50's--I am like that when I have an agenda I just can't think about anything else until it is done. I think the only thing keeping me from starting the wetsand is I'm just ready to get on the water so it will probably be this winter before I tackle that. That one thing on mine though--I just did cosmetic stuff--your building a NEW boat which is way cool. Fishings about to get good (crappie on Sardis and Arkabutla)

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

bump

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Well--thought I was done--but nope--decided to redo the livewll plumbing since I had to pull it all out to epoxy in a new transducer (upgraded from a 570 to a 597ci HD DI for the GPS) any way--I didn't want to but had to pull EVERYTHING. Will have it done tomorrow. Have to get it done NOW since I am fishing a tourney next weekend on Grenada. Will post pics. OH and I got fishing seats installed

 

[craigweaver]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Can't wait for the pics. Good luck on the tourney next weekend. I wish we were rigging ours now. it's almost 80 here this weekend and I'd love to be chasing walleye!

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Can't wait for the pics. Good luck on the tourney next weekend. I wish we were rigging ours now. it's almost 80 here this weekend and I'd love to be chasing walleye!

Ahmen--the 597 was a spur of the moment thing (wife would kill me ) but been holding off as long as possible to go fishing--but the time is right. I'ts been in the 80's here for the last week--so the weather is awesome--hope to have final--final pics tomorrow.
Hopefully will be the last work on it for the season. Hadn't seen any latest pics yet--you done with the paint?

 

[craigweaver]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

No, life has gotten in the way the last couple of weeks. Getting ready to put the final coat of white on right now. Then hopefully start the green stripes tomorrow or Monday. If I can get things wrapped up in the next few days I might get to flip her next weekend and start workin on the interior. They way it's going we'll be lucky to have her on the water by August, lol.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

No, life has gotten in the way the last couple of weeks. Getting ready to put the final coat of white on right now. Then hopefully start the green stripes tomorrow or Monday. If I can get things wrapped up in the next few days I might get to flip her next weekend and start workin on the interior. They way it's going we'll be lucky to have her on the water by August, lol.

Yeah--I hear you. The wife is getting tired of me working on the boat. Had to spend the last couple of weekends redoing our bedroom. I've got to get all the honeydos done before next weekend--plus the job has been driving me crazy for the last two months-heck as soon as I'm done with the tourny--I'll be on a plane to Indy--uggggh. Can't wait to see the final paint--bet it will be awsome. That interior stuff will be the worst part (not hard just tedious) but you will enjoy it. I'll keep watching

 

[craigweaver]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Thanks man, I can't wait for tedious, lol Work has been crazy here as well but my problem is I'm trying to build a boat while I train for a marathon. I really gotta learn to pick one time consuming hobby at a time

Enjoy Indy, I love that town. You can feel safe walking all over the place there.

I got the hull wet sanded tonight but thanks to the unseasonably warm weather we got bugs poppin all over the place. I'm gonna try an put the last coat of white on tomorrow before the sun goes down.

Glad to hear you'll stay around and keep up. Post some pics of the fish you catch to remind me why I'm doin mine, lol

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

Thanks man, I can't wait for tedious, lol Work has been crazy here as well but my problem is I'm trying to build a boat while I train for a marathon. I really gotta learn to pick one time consuming hobby at a time

Enjoy Indy, I love that town. You can feel safe walking all over the place there.

I got the hull wet sanded tonight but thanks to the unseasonably warm weather we got bugs poppin all over the place. I'm gonna try an put the last coat of white on tomorrow before the sun goes down.

Glad to hear you'll stay around and keep up. Post some pics of the fish you catch to remind me why I'm doin mine, lol

HA--it's a funny thing--my father in law runs. He's 72 and part of a group of older fellers that are the fastest in the country. The times they run are crazy. He's always on me to start running cause he says I'd be FAST (I'm 5 3) I tell him I used to be but now I have to turn twice as many RPM's just to keep up with normal people Yeah-Indy is very nice--even my wife will walk around down town (that's saying something). The only problem lately when I go--I don't have time to do anything--just days in a conf. room having meetings--but it's a job We have the bugs here too--got junk all in my 5200 I used to fill the screw holes in the transom.

Try not to work too hard--don't pull any hammys or anything either Good luck

 

[ratkiller]

Re: Ranger 354V facelift

And after

KDAVID1

Well you've been busy since the last time I logged in. Winter tends to do that up north. Hard to think bass boats when the ground:facepalm: is frozen. The boat looks great.
Ratkiller