Classic 1978 center console 18' SF

[erebus]

Originally Posted by conchcuzzy

Bear in mind the 1978 18sf has wider gunnels than earlier models so you may need an inch or two wider Bimini frame to depending on your configuration.

They do?!
That's a weird production change. Wonder why...
I already thought the gunnels on my 1975 were pretty wide.
Interesting factoid nonetheless.

Anyway, thanks for the measurements!

[conchcuzzy]

Zachary, I will measure the gunnels just to be sure. The actual width of the Bimini top is 77" not 77.5". Stainless steel frame, 4 bow, maker unknown. Sunbrella canvas.

[conchcuzzy]

Checked, sanded and sealed the tank with zinc chromate. Reinstalled tank with new lines and removed old wet foam.

Refilled and capped rear of stringers that had been cut-out and left open before!

[conchcuzzy]

Outer skin laminated in transom.

[conchcuzzy]

Here's some "before" pic of the transom. Cropped kind of tight, but you can see everything is well above water line. I will get some after shots with a wider angle view...

The trade off with the 18 is the deck is very low, basically at the water line. The positive of this is that the 20" transom leaves about as much above the water line as a 25" transom does on many bigger boats. If I had a 20, 21, 23 or larger I would definitely raise or enclose the transom.

[conchcuzzy]

Tight lines

[conchcuzzy]

I haven't posted in "awhile" lol...

We ended up replacing the deck, replacing the transom, replacing all of the rigging and electrical, rebuilding the stringers, sealing the fuel tank with epoxy paint, installing new Garmin, installing JL audio marine speakers with a JBL Bluetooth head unit and amp, adding 4 additional rod holders, adding under gunwale rod storage racks, rebuilding the hydraulic steering (with new lines), and replacing the helm. Here's some pictures:

[conchcuzzy]

Since completing the repairs and upgrades mentioned below, she's offered 8 years of pure enjoyment. This year it was time to continue the process...

[conchcuzzy]

It was time for a fresh coat of paint

[conchcuzzy]

This one didn't attach before