Rebuilding 7 meter Bollinger ex-Navy boat - Page 2

Capt John · 02 May 2017, 02:06

Had some time today to measure, mark and drill all the holes to mount both motors.

Capt John · 02 May 2017, 02:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZSkibo

Wow! Great work thus far

Thanks

This has been a fun project. Finally feel like I'm getting somewhere.

Capt John · 29 January 2018, 23:54

Time to get back to work on this RIB. I have been swamped at work and did not have any time complete this project. Spring will be here soon so I am making the time to finish this this boat.

I installed both motors today.
Next will be installing controls.

Squid Boat · 30 January 2018, 03:47

Shes look awesome mate.

Cheers

Capt John · 13 February 2018, 01:14

I tried to installed the dual binnacle controls but as we all know things do not always go as planned.
The port side throttle handle would hit the grab rail before reaching full throttle.
I needed to make a wedge as a spacer plate so I could get full throttle range. I worked out the correct angle needed and finished the installation.

Next on the list is to make a panel out of 1/4" black starboard. The panel is covered in blue tape for now to protect it from getting scratched while I cut to the proper size openings for a Blue Sea System panel and ignition switches, kill switch and 12 volt outlet.

Capt John · 14 February 2018, 16:16

Installed the tachometers

zip · 14 February 2018, 19:18

Very nice

A1an · 14 February 2018, 20:11

Are those tachs on the SIDE of the console?

Capt John · 14 February 2018, 22:31

Yes, the tachs are on the side of the console. I would have preferred to have them front and center. However, when these boats were built with twin screws this is where they were mounted.

Capt John · 25 February 2018, 14:57

This week was mostly rigging and electrical work. I bounced around doing a few things just to cross them off the "to do" list.
I finished cutting and drilling all the holes for the switch panel. Installed a flush mounted horn, installed the remote oil tank using a stainless steel rivnut to hold the mounting bracket down since there was no way to reach underneath to hold the forward nut. Finished running and wiring up the engine harnesses and made all the battery cables. All the battery cables have been cut to length, run and will be connected to a Blue Sea Systems Dual circuit battery switch. A good friend had surprised me with a new switch that was hydro dipped in a cool black and gray Kryptek design to keep with the black and gray color scheme.
I had planned to install the switch today but the pouring rain has put that on hold.
If all goes well this coming week I should be ready for a sea trial soon.

Capt John · 03 March 2018, 23:45

Finished installing the batteries, battery switch and completed all the electrical wiring. When I tried to install the kill switch the panel was too thick so I had to remove it and mill the back of the panel so the switch would sit in it properly. Then put it all back together.
Hooked up the hydraulic lines for the steering and will bleed later.
I hope to have the motors up and running tomorrow.

Capt John · 05 March 2018, 12:51

Motors are running!
I ran the motors on a 50:1 mix to make sure there was enough lubrication with out oil in the VRO pumps. It took a few minutes before the VRO pumps picked up the prime once they did it got bit smokey but that was a clear indication that they were working properly. As expected, the no oil alarm sounded at start up and light stayed on until the VRO pumps had oil then alarm stopped and light went out. Started and stopped the motors several time to make sure they start up quickly. Just tap the key and they fire right up.
Just have to bleed the steering and then head to the ramp for a sea trial.
I will be looking for an A-frame to add at a later date so if anyone knows of one for sale in the US I would be interested. I would like to incorporate a dive ladder into the A-frame. If I can not find a used A-frame then I will be off the the local arch fabricator.

Capt John · 14 March 2018, 18:40

Steering system had a problem with the helm pump so that has been replaced and the system is now working properly.

Next step which will probably turn out to be the most challenging will be to take a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get the boat registered. This is the part I am dreading most.

Then it is off to sea trial.

ncp · 15 March 2018, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt John

Steering system had a problem with the helm pump so that has been replaced and the system is now working properly.

Next step which will probably turn out to be the most challenging will be to take a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get the boat registered. This is the part I am dreading most.

Then it is off to sea trial.

I've registered 3 auction ribs (actually 2 ribs and a sib) in CA, all without HIN numbers stamped on the transom. The first one took a while but the next two we're easier by being able to coach the DMV through it. Just bring all of the paperwork and pictures.

Capt John · 15 March 2018, 18:14

I hope it goes easy, we will see.

Capt John · 22 March 2018, 00:11

The boat is now registered

It was not as painful and frustrating as I expected.

Registration number plaques are made and mounted along with the original Navy numbers assigned to this boat.

However, due to the rain/ sleet /snow storm we are having right now I am not able to sea trial. I was hoping to get out tomorrow but the forecast is for 10-14" of heavy wet snow overnight and I know the boat ramp will not be usable in the morning. Guess I can wait another day or so...
so for now I will cover the boat before it fills with more snow and wait for another day.

Squid Boat · 22 March 2018, 01:51

Please be careful of the snow on hull pix..I almost had a heart attack

.
I have not touched snow since I left Conn in 78.

Cheers

Capt John · 22 March 2018, 02:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squid Boat

Please be careful of the snow on hull pix..I almost had a heart attack

.
I have not touched snow since I left Conn in 78.

Cheers

I was not planning on the boat being cover in snow, lol. By the time I got home the weather switched from rain / sleet to snow.
At present we have about 8" and counting. The forecast is for the snow to continue through the night so I expect to wake up to over 1'. It looks like tomorrows sea trial is definitely not going to happen. I'll take a ride to the ramp tomorrow morning after I dig out and see how it looks.

Capt John · 22 March 2018, 18:42

Woke up this morning to 14" of heavy wet snow. After digging out I took a ride to the town ramp and as expected it was not cleared yet. I guess I will have to wait another day to do a sea trial. The sun is out now so at least the snow will melt fast.

Capt John · 24 March 2018, 20:41

I was finally able to launch the boat and go for a sea trial today.
The ramp still had a pile of snow blocking it so my friend went down early this morning to shovel and cleared enough that we could launch both RIBS.
She performed great! We ran a total of 30 miles without an issue. Although it was cold we had a great time.