28 TE Restoration

[Kingarthur]

Alright want to share an update here as we await a pending snow storm in VA.

New standard horizon radio with custom bracket installed in the overhead. Still trying to figure out the mic placement so the cord does not dangling in my face while driving. It is a AIS recieve so will now have tha networked to the new Furuno.

Still struggling with connecting the old radar to the new Furuno to share waypoint info. I think I will upgrade the radar to the NXT next year to be up to date and have the functionality that the Tzt3 can push to the radar. Will adjust the height or location at that time.

Bottom has been soda blasted with minor pin holes found. Those were taken care of and first layer of barrier coat applied. Interpreted was used and will be applying vivid bottom paint when all done.

Shaft was pulled out and brought to a local shaft for an evaluation. Deemed in tolerance. Will be polished and reinstalled. Cutlass is in good condition and the housing looked good as well after the blasting.

Engine is out and access to the engine bay is wide open. Plan to clean it up. Get a layer of paint and keep on trucking.

Engine is ordered and expected here in a few weeks with new transmission. Gear ratio 1.56:1. New propeller ordered 17x15.5” acme 4 blade is where I will start.

Lots of work but a great boat that is going to get another 25years of use to build memories and kill some fish!

[Nancy]

Kudos to you for sticking with this long project! So you decided to install a new engine after all. What brought you to that decision?

We had the same challenge with the VHF microphone on our 28TE, which was in the same location as yours. Previous owner had wrapped the cord horizontally around the entire unit and then kind of tucked the mike in to keep it secure. We didn't really love that solution, but it worked, and we never got around to reinventing the wheel.

[Kingarthur]

Kudos to you for sticking with this long project! So you decided to install a new engine after all. What brought you to that decision?

We had the same challenge with the VHF microphone on our 28TE, which was in the same location as yours. Previous owner had wrapped the cord horizontally around the entire unit and then kind of tucked the mike in to keep it secure. We didn't really love that solution, but it worked, and we never got around to reinventing the wheel.

Nancy,

Thanks it has been awhile. As far as the engine, it was about giving the boat new life. My intent for the craft is plenty more hours of operation and will easily surpass the hour meter that it has accrued to date. The boat will be used to fishing offshore, travel with extended stays, and maybe a part of the loop. Having the ability to start new with a proper maintenance plan helps with this plan. The mechanical engine has been very reliable and it was designed to be in this boat. Very excited to hit to water.

As far as the mic, maybe adding a retractable cord mounted halfway down the vhf mic cord. Still playing with it but mounted and works.