Another story of search

[Vezo, Part II]

That’s funny. Did not realize the original post date until Miles Offshore posted! Within a year or so of when I joined!

“Finished”. What kind of post is that? Oh, maybe the new boats name? Haha

Let’s see some pics? Is it on the Cape?

Vezo, Part II

[Ryan]

Saw your post on fb last night... what a tease....... you need to come with some pics and epic story of perseverance.

[Rich]

Yes it really did take 17 years to finish this project. My only real excuse was life just got in the way once in awhile... that and money..

I started the work myself and picked up parts along the way, when it was finally ready to splash it had been through three different boat repair shops all contributing in some way to the final product.

New transom, raised to 30". Stringers were all rebuilt and re glassed, floor was sanded down and refinished, hatches were rebuilt, new fuel tank, Center console was modified from original, all new paint, all new wiring, all new everything. Bottom was soda blasted and exposed over 500 gel-coat blisters that needed to be ground out and epoxied over.

It has a brand new 2001 OMC / Bombardier Evinrude Ficht that so far has been excellent. ( sat in a crate in my garage for 16 years) Bought it out of a self storage facility in New Hampshire somewhere back in 2002, think I paid $7600 and the remains of a case of beer. I knew at the time that they were prone to problems with Fuel line issues etc, had all that fixed before first use..

During this time frame I had a 20 master angler that I sold to Fish Stretcher? Bought it from another member in Virginia beach I think? Also had a bunch of other work boats, George Williams skiff's etc..

I liked the way Ole Parker's Coral Reefer came out so I copied his color scheme. I actually purchased Sterling paint that I was going roll and tip on the boat but it was so old I decided against it.. That was the best $1,000 I ever spent!

It took a long time to come together but it's been great so far.

Anyway here are a few pictures..

[Rybones]

Nice job, way to stay in there. I also saw an unclear pic on FB, after the night before having seen your simple "finished" post. Months ago I save pics on my computer of Parker's Coral Reefer as reminder for colors and combos that I like. That is at the top of my list, great choice. Enjoy your ride this summer and give some performance specs on the old/new ficht, as well as general boat porn.

[Locke N Load]

Jeez, you could make a movie about this odyssey of a rebuild! What did you do to get a 16 year old "new" motor running?

[dirtwheelsfl]

Sunsets and 2 strokes Bright color always looks good on these bottoms!

[natecert]

I did not think I'd like a red bottom BUT now change of heart........just beautiful. Its not the time its the joy and by that enjoy!!

Ed

[caboman22]

Nice she looks great!! I'm on the 5 year plan myself and trying to get it splashed in the coming weeks ahead.. Good luck and have a great season!!

[77SceptreOB]

Great job. She's beautiful! Great to see it "finished".

[Ed]

I can truly appreciate your persistence, Rich. Looks fantastic...job well done.