Ocracoke 256 hull #2 Build

[Kennneee]

Steve- It is always a good idea to step back and see all the great work you have done. I struggle sometimes trying not to think of all that I still have to do. It can overwhelm. Nothing like taking on a project like this to make you feel so good and then so bad sometimes. A while back I had a life changing incident and was told I wouldn’t ever finish my boat. Seeing her in the water meant more to me than I ever imagined.  When you step back and see the reflection of the water in that beautiful hull you might forget some of the dust and aching arms. But don’t forget completely or you might build another boat.....

Your boat is gorgeous and the only one in the world just like it. You created it and money can’t buy that!! 

Cheers,

Ken

[lenm]

Steve - I think deep down it is many a man's dream to build a boat (or something similar) - however never materialises due to a wife who says NO, money, lazy man syndrome, motivation etc?

You would be an idol to many if they saw the masterpiece you have created to-date.  

Keep up the great work

[hightechmarine]

Took me 5 years. Just as satisfying. She is absolutely beautiful. Love the color 

The journey is a fun as the end result

[Kennneee]

Steve- How is the boat coming along?

Ken

[Patriot]

Steve, great info from your build. Your project has been fun to watch. I’m using VC Performance on my hull also an ocracoke 256.

Did you wet sand the bottom flat before burnishing? And did you burnish with bronze wool or something else? Wet or dry? I tried a small area with wool and seems to leave a metallic residue on the surface hard to wash off. 

[lenm]

Steve,

Hope you are still on the forum - any update pics?

[rattus]

Please edumacate me...

 

Why the platforms for the outboards, rather than simply extending the hulls, and cutting down the transom to accommodate, with a bulkhead to contain possible water ingress?

 

I imagine a fair amount of locker space could be liberated then for lightweight items like fenders, shade canvas, and PFDs along the sides, without much added structural weight, even with a stepped hull.

 

Help me understand. I sail, don't power.

[capriosca]

I can't answer the why part but can say this. The platform on our 256 is just the best thing for boarding, jumping off, throwing your snorkelling gear on to when getting out of the water etc.etc.

I had the plans for the Ocracoke 24 and had started but as soon as the 256 came out with that platform there was no way I was going to have anything else.

We load passengers of all ages and abilities from the beach and they can just step on that platform from knee deep water. It's one of the coolest things about the boat and I like the way the engine looks back there. You can sit your gear on there without having to drop it over on to the deck. I could go on and already have but I can't imagine the boat without it.

[capriosca]

[smccormick]

Well cats and kittens, it's been a while.  Not sure anyone remembers or even  cares about this build, but here it is, Nine years later... Nine years!  Seems like yesterday I laid the keel. 

 

Progress ground to a halt during covid.  Engines were difficult to get so I didn't see much reason to push hard.  Then I picked up a project 1966 mustang that I did an 18 Month complete restoration on, a couple new rental house remodels and poof, five years have passed.  After all of the nonsense it was time to focus back on the boat.   Don't feel too bad for me, I have other boats to play with.  Plenty of water skiing and cruising during that down time. 

 

Anyhoo, it came out of the barn this last week where it saw the sun for the first time, then the engines were fitted.  There's a few more details to complete, but I'm thinking it will be in the water in October.

 

 

[Kennneee]

Steve- I have watched this build since the beginning. So glad to see this beauty heading for the water.

Ken

[Bryan Rolfe]

Glad to see you back to provide an update -- I think if nothing else it's not for people get closure! Looks really great, and glad you've been having fun in the meantime. 

[smccormick]

Welly, well, well, well, who would have guessed I didn't make my October launch window.  Turns out my wife wanted to actually do something for our 25th wedding anniversary: so demanding.  Then I had to help the parents with their annual southern migration.  I think I was home for just a bit more than a week during the entire month.  Retargeting...

 

Engines are all rigged.  Electrical system is complete.  They turn over and go up and down.

 

Just need to fit the bow eye and fill/bleed the steering and I can take it for a ride.

 

 

 

Here's a look at the console.

 

 

[Don Silsbe]

She’s looking so sweet!  Get that beauty wet! 

[smccormick]

Believe it or not, I'm ready to launch the boat.  Well almost... I took it out in public for the first time tonight to get gas.  In the morning I plan to prime the fuel system and light them off.  If that goes well, on go the props and off to the ramp.

 

I think I might be fairly close to the anniversary of getting the plans.  Oops, no.  It will be exactly the same date as the first time I posted about this project.

[Kennneee]

Steve-Congrats! Looking forward to hearing about the maiden voyage.

Ken

[smccormick]

Well gentlemen, after a long wait, I have actually launched and taken it for a ride.  Pardon the dirt, I was running out of time and some things had to slip.

 

Beautiful day to work through the first 2 hours of break in and commission the autopilot. Only a couple of OH Shyte moments (none while underway).

 

Right on the anniversary of my first post on this project.

 

[smccormick]

Video of the event:

 

 

[Kennneee]

Steve- I imagine you are one proud guy. Having followed your build since the beginning and seeing this work of art moving through the water makes me smile. Enjoy all the fruits of your labor! She is a show stopper.

Ken

[Steve W]

Wow! Congratulations. Crossing the finish line is a big deal. Loved the video! 

 

Take Care, 

Steve