Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

[chuck in WA]

Hi All,<br />I've been eyeballing wooden runabouts for some time now, and have considered building an 18' inboard Glen-L design called Miss Mist. I've been putting it off, as I'm not sure I have what it takes to do a project like this. My boat building experience is limited to a 17' stitch and glue kayak, which I had a great time building 3 years ago. Fast forward to last week when I found someone within a few hours drive selling a Miss Mist hull (no engine or hardware) built in '62. I figure a restoration project such as this may be more appropriate for my skills than new construction. According to the owner, the bottom has a hole in it, but the frames, keel, battens, and stem are all in great shape. I haven't seen the boat or any pictures yet, but before I put too much thought into this and make a road trip, I'd like to get an idea of what I would be in for. I think I can handle the wood/epoxy/fiberglass work OK, but I know next to nothing about inboard engine and drive component installation. I suppose appropriate power for this boat would be a V-6 or 305 or 350 V8. The owner says it was originally powered by a 292 Ford "y" block. Some questions:<br /><br />1. Would any of the new engines listed above fit the mounts already in the hull from the 292? If not, would I be able to use some type of adapter plate, or would I have to install new mounts? Does this depend at all on the transmission selected? <br /><br />2. What cost would I be looking at for an entire driveline to include new or rebuilt engine, tranny, shaft, prop, rudder and exhaust? I've seen remanufactured engines go for about $2000, but have no idea what a whole new/reman setup would cost. I'd lean toward a fuel injected, fresh water cooled motor depending on cost. Where have you guys ordered your parts from?<br /><br />3. Any good books on the subject of inboard engines you'd recommend?<br /><br />4. Other inputs?<br /><br />Thanks a bunch for your advice guys - this seems to be an exciting/challenging/rewarding project - I just want to make sure I don't bite off more than I can chew!<br /><br />Chuck<br />PS - sorry for the long post

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

Ask Glen-L themselves, they give good advice freely, and join the Glen-L Boatbuilder forum, we're a friendly and enthusiastic bunch.<br />Between there and here I've learned an awful lot about boats and motors in the past year.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

PETRO,locked you on good.. take his advise an contact glen-l.. see what the hardware list will cost you.. <br /><br />i think you'll change your mind on ownership.. especially if'n it's a 'V'drive..

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

Glen-L sell parts for inboard motors and they sell a book called "INBOARD MOTOR INSTALLATIONS"<br />BOOKS>><br /> http://www.glen-l.com/books/bookindex.html <br />PARTS>><br /> http://www.glen-l.com/inboard/8intro.html

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

Lets see... Inboards...<br /><br />Nothing will fit the 292 mounts, except a 292 or other Y block engines.. Rare engines, scarce parts.....<br /><br />I'd go with a 305 or 350 because of low cost and ample parts availabilty... Now, by the time you got done messing around with a reman engine (adding a carb, intake, distributor, alternator, exhaust, transmission, and everything i'm leaving out), you could probably buy new (with a warranty) for the same amount as rebuilt...<br /><br />$1500 long block<br />$500 exhaust manifolds<br />$500 intake manifold and carb<br />distributor, alternator, starter, add another $500..<br />$1600 for a new trans (borg/warner 71-c, 1:1 ratio, most common trans) and a bellhousing...<br />$???? for everything left out........<br /> <br />I believe Glen-l has a book "inboard engine installations", or something to that effect..<br /><br />Prop and shaft.. I would'nt skimp on those.. spend the $$$ there... Figure at least $200 for a one inch diameter shaft, and $300 for a prop... <br /><br />E-bay is a good place to find parts like rudders, struts, engine mounts, stuffing boxes, ect., if you know what you're looking for...

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

Chuck: This is a little bit of a different perspective, but maybe it will be helpful. I am currently building the Glen-L Minuet. It's a 15 foot sail boat. I have the hull built and I am close to painting it and then turning the hull to build decks and cabin. It is more expensive than I thought, and it takes more time than I thought it would. BUT, that is not why I'm building it. I'm building it because boats are my passion. I have truly enjoyed every minute of the process. I have put no completion deadlines on the project, I just build when time and money permit. It is very rewarding. The first response you received hit the nail right on the petrolhead. Glen-L has been very helpful to me during the entire process. Contact them and they will give you good direction. And I too have enjoyed the Glen-L forum. When I have had some problems like going out and finding that the chine snapped I came in and got on the forum and within a few minutes I had words of instruction and encouragement. The main reason I wanted to respond is just to say, it sounds like you want to build for the right reasons. If you want to build to save money - think again. Your time is not for sale that cheaply. And the cost will add up on you quickly. But if you want to build for the experience and the love of messing about in boats, then it will be a project you will cherish for the rest of your life.<br />Go for it Chuck!

 

[chuck in WA]

Re: Restoration of Glen-L Miss Mist

Thanks for the replys guys and giving me some direction. The Glen-L site has a handy breakdown of parts/prices for 16-18' inboards, so at least that question is answered. I certainly have a lot to think about!!