1970 Grand Raid MK!!

Bodge · 02 April 2016, 22:43

Hello Ribnet, a first post by a new member.

I have been reading posts on here for about a year following various adventures and learning a great deal in the process. Inspired, I purchased a 1970 grand raid when the opportunity arose. Although almost as old as me, it is in mint shape and looks like it might have a few more years left in her. I got it for dirt cheap from the Government auction., the Canadian version of Mod sales.

I have hauled it out of my living room (Yes I'm single and can get away with this sort of thing.) on to the deck to do some measurements as the transom is too low for my Evinrude 25 Hp. In total I need to raise the motor 4" to sit correctly. The existing cut out is 2" deep so I will effectively raise it 2" from the top of the transom. To counter associated dynamics, I am presently fitting transom support. Just makes me feel better considering the age of the boat.

The floor boards have been dissembled as they were beginning to delaminate, I fibreglassed them back together and applied 1/8 thick rubber sheet on top to deal with rough use. Great stuff, its made from recycled tires and reasonably priced. The same material was used as wear patches on top of the tubes and glued down with Z Marine 2 part glue. Time will tell if they stay in place....

I also lined the bottom of the tubes with a second layer of hypalon followed by rub strakes on both side, again all glued down with Z Marine 2 part glue.
2 additional D ring were also installed on the bow of the boat.

The glueing process went well as I used every tip I learned from this site, had a helper for the bigger pieces, had the house up to temperature and proper humidity, plenty of snacks and appropriate refreshments at hand.

I still need to build the console and rig the remote steering, throttle control.
Updates to come...

Lastly, thank you Ribnet for existing and freely sharing information. I do get much enjoyment from this forum, you all seem to be just the right amount of daft and helpful to boot. A great combination.

Best regards from Vancouver Island, BC Canada.

Bodge · 02 April 2016, 22:50

Transom support.

Squid Boat · 03 April 2016, 03:11

Aye, great job on the restore. I love GR's, so much quality, they've brought me home from stormy seas a few times.
Thanks for the post mate.

Cheers

Bodge · 03 April 2016, 16:03

Thank you Squid Boat.

I have a ways to go before I can throw her in the water, so far its all been quite fun.

LucasHartong · 03 April 2016, 19:30

Wow! Just wow! What a beautiful boat this Zodiac. Congratulations! I hope you'll enjoy it to the full. It will be quality time!

Bodge · 03 April 2016, 20:12

Thank you LucasHartong.

My work often takes me away from home so the build is a bit slow but I plan to use it this summer to explore the many islands in my area and do some wild camping and fishing. I live about 10 minutes from the ocean so it should get lots of use.

LucasHartong · 04 April 2016, 10:00

Great! I live 10 minutes from the North Sea coast in the southwest of Netherlands (Zeeland), so I know what pleasure it gives to discover the inlets and island by boat! We even have a small group of flamingos here now and then. It's possible to get near to them when you stop the outboard and row towards them. Then they just look up a bit disturbed, fly up for a few meters down the coastline and settle there to continue their gorgling up whatever is underneath the surface

Bodge · 04 April 2016, 17:44

Seems we are both fortunate to be near the water and to be able to appreciate the beauty that comes with it....like the flamingos you mentioned. Sounds wonderful!

It is also handy to come home with a free dinner from the sea to share with friends and family.

LucasHartong · 04 April 2016, 18:14

Yes indeed!

Squid Boat · 05 April 2016, 00:47

God Bless Mother Ocean.

Cheers

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 02:29

Completely out of chronological order, but this is how my extra layer of hypalon went down on the bottom of the tubes, wear patches were applied and rub strakes put on.

I tend to beach a lot here on the West coast to harvest clams, mussels and oysters so any extra protection is useful.

As far as tips go.....

Employ your most trusted but borderline helpful mate that is well into his cups to take on the most important aspects of the project.

After he has finished letting fireworks off on your front lawn.....

Review the plan several times speaking slowly and using a Power Point presentation when necessary to highlight critical aspects of the project. Lacking a computer, a napkin from last nights take out and a borrowed pencil will suffice.

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 03:01

Tape off the area were the hypalon and wear patches will live. Sand down the area within your taped off bits and wipe down with toluene twice.Do the same to your patches. Mix and apply 2 thin coats of your horribly expensive 2 part glue that you bought from Zodiac...

Next focus your mate on the task of applying the patches, make no sudden moves, approach in a friendly manner...

Roll all patches till your arm falls off the pass roller to your mate.

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 03:11

More pics....

Squid Boat · 05 April 2016, 03:33

Hey Bodge where did ya get that black rub rail in the last post mate?

Thanks

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 03:41

There is a Zodiac Milpro dealer close to me and they supplied me with all the odds and ends. Great service and a fascinating place to tour but the pricing is shocking....

Squid Boat · 05 April 2016, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodge

There is a Zodiac Milpro dealer close to me and they supplied me with all the odds and ends. Great service and a fascinating place to tour but the pricing is shocking....

Thanks mate, I'm on me second can of 100 buck glue this week.

Cheers

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 04:00

Oh dear.... that does sound like the same breed of glue I was using....

Mixing and applying the glue stresses me out for a number of reasons, applying two cans in a row seems to be pushing my personal limits.

More power to you!

Ummm.... by the way. What are you up to that eats ups that much glue?

Squid Boat · 05 April 2016, 05:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodge

Oh dear.... that does sound like the same breed of glue I was using....

Mixing and applying the glue stresses me out for a number of reasons, applying two cans in a row seems to be pushing my personal limits.

More power to you!

Ummm.... by the way. What are you up to that eats ups that much glue?

Don't want to dis-rail your post so just a couple of pix..
I'm putting FC470 spreedtube kits on a Avon CRRC 4.5., along with large wear panels under the MBT (main buoyancy tubes).

Cheers

Bodge · 05 April 2016, 05:38

Wow....

I had no idea that you could even do that. That is a serious boat you have there, that looks great!!!!

Your project makes my gluing adventures look infantile!!

Is there a thread I could follow on your build? I'd be very interested in knowing how you made it all come together.

Squid Boat · 05 April 2016, 05:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodge

Wow....

I had no idea that you could even do that. That is a serious boat you have there, that looks great!!!!

Your project makes my gluing adventures look infantile!!

Is there a thread I could follow on your build? I'd be very interested in knowing how you made it all come together.

Sorry no thread here, maybe some day.

Cheers