Andy, man... you have kids that would Love to grow up on that Bertram. I mean... I am telling you this from experience. The Bertram 20 in my backyard was my dad's, and I think of him every time my eyes land on it. You and I talked briefly a couple years ago about my desire to paint it and, although not quite done, I have the bottom finished with Pettit Protect and Black Widow, and the sides coated with 6 coats of Alexseal Kingston Gray. She looks really good, but I went through the paint a little in the buffing stage, so I'm going to sand it again and put a few more coats of gray on. My point of telling you this is that I love this boat. My dad left me something worth working on, worth the effort of restoring and making perfect. Your kids see you go up to that shop every day. Give them something they can take away from that... the memories of being on the boat with dad, the good times, and then finally having a boat that is always going to be worth a ton of money. They run into serious financial problems as adults, and you'll still be there to save them in the form of the sale of that boat. I could get well over $20k for dad's Bertram if I needed to sell it. That would put a roof on my house or get me a car if I absolutely needed one. Otherwise, she is going to be handed down to my kids who grew up on it just like I did. An heirloom has to start somewhere. That's my $.02 anyway.

1. Trailer options: Move winch post forward (by far the easiest), ck tongue weight, move axles back few inches, rinse repeat. Last option: add storage box forward on the tongue. Who, or what, you put in it is optional. 2. As a long time marine marketing/development guy......This is a project that would be exceptional advertising for the quality of your work to KEEP, display at the shop, in boat show booths (offer to display at the booths you represent), and enjoy when able. Repaint and decal the motors to compliment. Many will want to see the quality of the work you do before signing a contract and you can use it as an educational tool about soft foredecks, etc.. And just as carpenters used to carry their tools in a high level finish tool box so clients could see the fit and finish, that would be the case here just need a bigger handle (the trailer). Especially, on a 50 year-old classic: small enough to move to events and the water, big enough to show the many aspects of all the work. I'd never sell it as the value of using it as a marketing/recreational tool would far outweigh what you'd make selling it. We've come a long way from the design theory of Ray Hunt but it's a design that most boaters recognize and appreciate even as a piece of sculpture....just as there are classic rowing boats I'd like to have on display on the chocks even if I don't enjoy rowing as much these days. A work of art. Maybe of another boating era, but still a work of art. If people don't know you or your background they will stop to talk about the boat. Best ice-breaker/introduction ever. Expands on your market penetration of the channel. Shrink wrap it off season and between shows to save indoor shop space. The beginning of a longer argument. 3. Before you splash the boat.....invest (cheaper than another hundred man-hours of work) in asking a marine design engineer with small boat experience about the trim and weight relative to the scuppers. Weigh each end of the boat first with the engines installed and send them the original line drawings and weight specs. They should be able to accurately predict the new waterline fore and aft which you can project on the side w/ a laser.

Hahahaha! I followed you through the early work on the Bertram as I was doing major work on a 26 Trojan. I replaced the V8 gas with a 4 cylinder diesel and all along the way I was using your guidance. There was structural work with the stringers, relocation of the stuffing gland, re-coring of decks and dealing with stress cracks and teak refinishing. I couldn't have done it without you dude and If I was a wealthy guy I'd send you some loot. Good luck going forward; I know it will work out.!

I am feeling your pain, having rebuilt a 1974, Bertram 25 back in 97 and now just finishing my Bertram 31, It’s still better than working at a desk…..

One of my favorite things about your channel is your willingness to share your OH $#!* moments. I thought it was just me. I'm almost finished my first project and it's thanks to you that it went as far as it did. I put a lot of old growth teak in my build and working that wood from rough sawn lumber to gleaming jewels was/is one of the most rewarding parts of my project. Bejewel that Bertram and put everything you've got into it. The next one will be even better.... I promise ;)

Leo from Sampson Boat Co., who is rebuilding Tally Ho, has recommended Patriot Marine Fabricating in NJ for aluminum fuel tanks. They did his stainless water tanks and he had a good working experience with them and was quite pleased with their build quality. Apparently, fuel tanks are their main tank business. They also build boats it seems.

Fuel tank. Make a plywood mock up that fits perfectly with fuel fill. Pickup and return lines marked out. Put a location for a removable clean out hatch. Put a location to the absolute lowest part of the tank for a suction tube to check for water in the tank. Handing a tank maker an exact replica means the shpp can measure it to duplicate it. You might want to specify a double bottom. That the second bottom comes up the sides several inches. Might even have a pressure tap that is plugged so a vacuum test could be performed any time the tank is removed in the distant future. Alternate endings. Finish the inner transom reinforcements. Don't mount the engines. Don't install gauges. You have built a foundation that wiill last for many seasons for somebodys dream boat build.

I have a 1975 Mako 23 that I rebuilt and had the same issues with the scuppers. I extended the deck and put a bracket on it as well. I researched literally for months on what to do. The best option for me was to install pitot tubes with the plastic ball covers over them. It works, looks terrible but you want better. The old Sea Crafts used through hull cockpit drains. What they did was to cross the hoses from the opposite sides so that when the boat rocked the water would drain. That should work with the deep vee the Bertram has.

Ha it was your video where you chopped up the dash and repaired it that got me cutting up my boat. 4 years later and she splashed a couple of weeks ago, bejeweled in all new rough sawn, old growth teak. Thanks amigo.

I feel your pain having to go back over someone's "repairs". That being said, watching you work on this project has helped me with my project. I look forward to seeing it out on the water. Thank you Andy.

I’ve watched the Bertram from the very first episode. In fact I’ve watched the playlist many times since. Waiting, waiting for you to come to this point. This project and many of your demonstrations is what attracted me to your channel. I’m happy to see you back in the saddle so to speak.

If you set the Bertram up for fishing don't worry about a center console conversion. The vast majority of Great Lakes fishing happens from the cockpit while trolling and it's very nice to be fishing from behind a windshield and/or under a top. I fish Lake Superior and Lake Michigan (in my home built stitch-and-glue Tolman Standard) and there are very few center consoles out there chasing salmon and trout.

Andy, I just finished watching all 71 videos of you fixing this boat. I agree that the CG (or is it the center of flotation) of that boat needs to be moved forward from where it is now. I would suggest putting your batteries up front as far as you can and even putting the fuel tank up there but I'm not sure how practical that is. In any event I would get a much weight up front as I can, but I'm not marine engineer. Keep the good stuff coming.

One suggestion that could possible rectify a couple of your issues is as follows. Add a 3/4” - 1” of core material to the existing cockpit floor this would be a benefit by raising the height of the scuppers in addition it would mean that the hatch that covers the fuel tank would have some extra clearance possibly allowing for the extra height required for the plumbing elbows. The last added bonus is that by adding a core material to the deck you can leave a perimeter around the edge and create a water drainage channel such as with teak decks

Andy, for the tongue weight issue, maybe you could put a longer piece of 3x3 tube in place, and move the boat further forward that way? And those scuppers, I'd either fill them, or put scuppers on with the float balls in them that seal when water hits them. I'm doing a stringer up resto on a 1968 Hatteras 34, and believe me, I know what you mean about getting those visual wins. I spent days grinding, glassing, fairing, and painting the engine area- something most people won't ever see- just because I wanted it as clean as I liked. But my biggest win so far was rebuilding the v berth in her, and then covering with "nepal teak" formica- I'm on a budget. But yeah, it can be tough grinding away on the small hidden details- but as you know, once you push past them, you'll have an awesome boat! Good luck, and great to see you putting out content again!

Andy, I resemble those remarks - Wrapped up the 4 year Whaler project this summer. To counter balance those engines you could always add a pilot house like I did and turn it into down east style boat. I had the same issue with my tank and I added a raised section in the tank cover. But after tripping over it all the time I'm going to look at a new tank or maybe go to saddle tanks and convert the in floor tank space to a live well. Florida Tanks (in NC) has templates for a lot older boats and can fabricate a new one. A replacement for my Whaler which is about 70 gallons is 1600-1800 for reference. Old boat = lots of suprises

Man this episode spoke to me. I started watching you when I bought a 13 whaler project that was going to be done over a winter and we would be boating in the spring. Unfortunately life happens and 5 years later I’m almost done. The having to go back over the repairs of others is painful but if you aren’t going to do it right don’t do it at all. Stay the course. It’s will all be worth it in the end.

Thanks for your generous patience amongst the pace behind legacy. Carpenters truly inherit respect amongst to ime. Allowances vary but random position and mother nature often dismisses individual cost. Barter, bits, and profit is in experience. Hard knocks is eternal tuition. If only riches were understood past disappointment. Innovation is born amongst risk. Consider casettes, vinyl, and plasma beyond crystals. Fumes, temp, and shifts outside of gables may be transferred in community. Visit a Yodler, star, and pit for vulnerable coats. Congo or wash ?

Oh Andy lol... only you would manage the luck of a dusty rain storm LOL

We know you've made progress Andy, that's all that matters. It's there waiting for you. Look forward to see you get back to it.

I feel your pain Andy! Inspired by you, we're restoring my dads 66 Bertram 25, everything that was done to it post manufacturing had to be ripped and ground out because of poor workmanship. Set us back a ton of time and money. Those scuppers are going to be an issue for you if you don't add weight to the bow. We had twin outboard 200hp 2 strokes on a flotation B Bracket bolted to the stern. Our suppers were about an inch and a half above the waterline, however our bracket had a leak and would fill with water over time, which would put our drains at water level and water would pour in as she rocked side to side. Which I believe played a role in our boat sinking. We also have a hard top up front, which you don't have so your transom will sit much lower. With the center console idea, they look modern and sporty, but they eat up a lot of floor space and push your center of gravity way back as well. I've seen a few around and they sit really bow high in the water. All that said, were closing ours up, maybe you should too. :) Love your work! You'll love your Bertram don't sell it!

I recently moved the winchmember foward 12 inches for the same reason you need to and it did make a signifigant differance.CHEERS from HERE!

You are an inspiration to this side of ocean! Keep the good work! Cheers from Portugal!

Andy, You have the skills most of us will never quite achieve, but you sure have the same dilemmas! I have watched you for years and with help from videos, and some DM's have managed to get some old boats in B+ shape ( not quite Andy A+ level). That includes a 1969 Bertram 20, converted to a cc. as well as the 30 ft Rybo you helped me with. I would HIGHLy suggest sticking it in the water either with ballast or engines (both) to check the scupper location relative to the waterline. Both of my boats are just barely above what is comfortable, and both had to be adjusted to make me feel a little better. Checking how she floats before having a deck height established may save rework down the road ( possibly even giving you some fuel tank clearance as well). It is an awesome boat, and it was the way I found your channel. Once you get it on the water, you will be amazed at all the folks who will give you compliments on the "pretty boat." Good luck... I almost feel like it's part of my family and want to see it through to the end.

Andy, Have you tried to locate the tank farther forward? The bilge is generally deeper as you go forward. So possibly a simple fix. Also, modifying the tank may be an option... As for tongue weight estimates, that's just a weight times distance balance. If you move a 10,000 lb boat 1ft forward of the balance point (CG), that's 10,000 ft-lbs of torque. If the tongue has to counter that same torque and is say 15ft forward of the CG, then you will have (10,000 / 15)= 666 pounds of tongue weight.. 666 :-( hahaha, That sounds about right for this project

I just listened to 20 minutes of talking.... and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. 😂

I definitely feel your anxiety on this. About the same time you started the Bertram I started a 76 Lund President that was rotten to the coring. Your project videos were my tutor. Big thanks. It has been finished for two years, but I have had one power train related problem after another. The 9 hp kicker has gotten us back to dock more times then the rebuilt Ford 302. Packed it away this fall with the 3rd failed water pump. Even after a new lower end. Gremlins live in boats.

Love this video. Project creep is real. The good news is you began with a great boat. So you will finish with a great boat. Ray Hunt Bertram, can't beat it. A good thought could be to sell the project to a fan and finish it based on project cost plus time and materials to finish. A fan may enjoy the process of creating a boat that is exactly for his/her needs. You would get some great content.

You've got this! What drew me to your channel was the transom work on the Bertram. With a Mako project or two coming up for me (one or two boats), I hope that you keep going so I have inspirational projects to keep me motivated too.

I have been restoring and resto-modding things my whole life. I have a list of unfinished projects that makes other drool. I'm 46 as of the other day. I spend so much time getting other peoples projects finished while mine all set. My day job paving and sealing is seasonal. And I do this stuff all winter. Add in engine building and race cars and I had no time for my own. I even am a crew member for an H1Unlimited hydroplane team. I had many boats and worked on a lot for others as a side hustle. Always wanted something more cool. My father scrolls fb marketplace and found me an ex 15' outboard vintage race boat. Very rough. Brought it home and it sat for 6 months. I finally got mad enough to stop killing myself to get everyone else's dreams complete while mine faded. And thats what brought me to your channel. Im putting an insane amount of work into this hull. Selling it isnt an option when finished. Neither is your Bertram. You have made it far superior than when new. Finish that girl and actually enjoy it. Take them girls out on it. Make your living as usual. Video as you go and show the world. But do it for you period. Along side my spoiler project I'm doing a 25' rocketship of a jet boat. And a 1977 Trans Am SE. (Known as bandit car. black with the gold). And they are getting done. Period

Great refresher video Andy! I need a new tank as well, somebody swapped this one out and the suction outlet is in the front!

I have a 25B, my twin mercruisers were removed and replaced with a large single diesel moved fwd for the V shaft drive which improved the balance and handling of the boat. Acording to Ray Hunt, the balance point of the 25B is 10ft fwd of the stern, so thats where all heavy things should be installed.

Thank you so much for the update! Always fun to hear what your up to. ✨🌟✨

Luther's welding in rhode island. top notch aluminum fuel tank fabrication

If the scupper height does become an issue, you can add buoyancy aft, on either side of the transom bracket, and possibly under, it to offset the added weight and trim from the outboards and bracket. A KZfaqr named Barry Luke actually has a video on how he added an aluminum "buoyancy pod" to increase buoyancy under his transom bracket, for exactly the same weight aft issue.

Best video in a long time. Way better than videos saying we’re not getting videos.

Andy, I have a tenth of your fibreglassing knowledge and even less ability, but I made a custom fuel cell for one of my boats from vinylester. I just made a buck from scrap ply and body filler, covered it in packing tape then glassed it all up. Split it to remove the buck then rejoined and laminated it til it was strong enough. Might be an option for a man in your shoes? Troy.

Honestly I'm glad that you did get this boat because I learned so much from you because all the work that you had to do. I'm sure that's not what you got the boat for as a learning tool. But hey there was a positive to this adventure. 😊 I hope that makes you feel a little better. But anyways you have a good day and I'll see you in your next video.

You have a Lake Michigan cruiser and deck layout is your choice given its Lake Michigan/Superior...but she deserves her heritage Islands in the Stream

The classic lines of the Bertram , in my humble opinion, do not suggest anything other than business, and by business, of course, I mean sport fishing. There is no question that the highest resale value will be obtained on the West Coast. With the Bluefin making a huge comeback, it's the ideal market for this little gem. Utilitarian, with tasty wood accents, is my personal preference because there is (hopefully) a lot of blood on the decks and ease of clean-up is an important consideration. Same goes for wood. Some people love to spend hours upon hours making the brightwork sparkle (my Dad, ) I don't. My '83 Shamrock is very similar to your original Moppie and would be informative in designing a layout for a 'west coast tuna hunter". Fuel tank: rotomolded plastic Trailer: Search Florida and the Southeast for an aluminum I-beam. In today's market, this boat in California would fetch in the neighborhood of 80k. (basic rigging. basic electronics- do not pimp) I'm pretty sure that your time and materials cost will not be totally recouped (duh) but you may get some satisfaction seeing pictures of 150# hogs being landed by her. My two cents Good Luck

I feel like in situations like this, there is no right answer; only the path you choose and the paths you don't. In my opinion, if you make it a generally good boat for what you want to do (without doing something super-custom), there will be someone else out there who has similar criteria to buy it. Then it's just a matter of matching desire and price.

Quick question regarding weight distribution: Did you have an anchor, anchor winch, chain, and all that jazz set up at the bow? If not - that can add quite a bit of weight to the front as well. Now offsetting 2 large outboard engines is quite a bit of a task, but other things that can easily be moved to the front in the current state are batteries and other elements of the electrical setup, which can add a nice bit of weight at the bow. Then again - knowing you, I bet that I am preaching to the choir with this, so... I am looking forward to see what kind of solutions you are going to set up :D

Always enjoy watching your channel. Glad I've only a small 14 foot fishing boat to worry about 😀

Cocktail cruiser! Yes! Would love to chill on that boat with a cold brewski or GT in my hand. Add a sweet sound system and bimini. Cheers from Sweden 🇸🇪

I know a guy that could make a fiberglass fuel tank. 😉 I think you know him too. That would make a great video. 😜

Betrram is going to be a dream boat.! Keep up the good work Andy!

Moving the winch post forward say 6 inches will give you more than you think in tongue weight. You might be able to help yourself with the height of the winch post as well. Usually they are angled and your bow is angled, you can get more out of it.

They had jet speed varnish back in the 90's ..many coats and sprayed on..

Regarding the scuppers, why not just temporarily plug them until you see how the boat floats? If necessary, you can always put new ones in.

For fuel tanks i would look at Florida Marine Tanks for aluminum tanks. They supply the OEM tanks for the older SeaRay and Midlevel Brands and do custom work.

Fuel tank. Im surprised you cant modify it to fit? Cut an inch out of it all round and stick it back together, thats how bertram make them. Or make your own from scratch, i think epoxy is ethanol proof. Alternatively you can gets tank made from plastic, they plastic weld the sheets together, mates got one in his 32ft diesel, he loves it.

It’s an awesome hull. Myself, I’d aim for a nice cruiser layout. But that’s the type of boating we enjoy.🤷🏻

Andy, always hedge your bets. You never know what is round the corner. If you think resale will be easier as a fishing rig, then find a design for it that allows you to use a fishing boat for leisure. I love Bertram style boats. Owned a Fairey Hunt 18, which was pure fishing rig. Wanted something to overnight in comfort, so went up to 22ft with a pilot style which is a classic over here.. Similar bad luck, vandals, and insurance that weazled out of paying. I now have as big a project as you do, and am stuck with the decision between making it how I want it, vs what will resell fastest. Difficult with classics as any deviation can be seen as heresy, but also can improve the boat no end. Things were simpler back when classics were made, which aren't always great for here and now.

Center console option allows you ultimate flexibility on day trip use and possible sale, and may also allow you to keep the current fuel tank as the rise would be under the console/leaning post.

Patriot Marine Fabricators in NJ. They did a nice tank for you tuber Shots Life for his Grady White.

if the scupper drains are below the water line, put the sea blaze underwater lights in their place. no body or paint work and its cool...

Good video I enjoyed it. I know how it is I built a 13' boat 3 summers ago and it's been sitting in my buddies barn since then. Things happen and I can never seem to find the time to get it completely finished. It does float though haha. We paddled it around.

Add a third axle behind the first two, ha ha. It just hit your local race shop for wheelie bars?

In the great lakes region, particularly on lake Michigan and Lake Erie big fiberglass boats of that style are the bread and butter of charter services and serious walleye and salmon fishermen...Boats like Sportcrafts and Baja sportfisherman cuddy cabin models are still very popular today...so maybe do a modern updated version of your Bertram...using both modern and classical materials like carbon fiber along side zebra wood or maybe mahogany done with a black stain...modern electronics and features like washdowns, tracks for rod holders and downriggers. Then rather than outright selling the boat do a giveaway where merchandise purchases gets you entered to win the boat when it's finally finished...you may be surprised if you reach out to one of the major engine manufacturers and electronic companies that they may be interested in donating their products just for the exposure and marketing...so I wouldn't be afraid to reach out to Mercury, Suzuki or Yamaha and they may even be interested in helping with the rigging with one of their newest drive by wire setups and docking joystick options...just a thought... Thanks so much for continuing to put out helpful and informative videos...Be blessed brother!

Man o man, that sucks to look at something, that you've got proof ( receipts and being told ) all that work having been done, then finding you have to re-do the work. Anyone that does any kind of work, auto, motorcycle, boat, aircraft, and even houses (sort of), has had the day after session of kicking your own butt saying, why didn't I look a little harder or whatever that caused you to miss the "warning signs". I feel your pain, been there done that. You've already made the decision, fix it or getrid of it as is. So now you just press on. Can not advise on price of fuel cell, but i would look into the aluminum tanks or even the molded cells. Molded are much lighter and if installed correctly would be just as strong. I wish you well on your decision process and hope the setbacks and "surprises " are all behind you. With any major project, that may be wishful thinking. God bless ya'll Andy. Good luck brother, and keep filming.

I still watch your videos to the very end.

You may want to consider a build-to-suit. Some people would love a modernized Bertram 25.

Try posting it to see if someone with buy it now and you can build it to order.

the guy i would say would be the best to build a fuel tank would be paul from patriot marine fabricating in forked river nj, i have used paul before to fix a few metal things and he does great work im about 20 min from him but know you in mn might be something to look into he has a facebook page too

Trailer weight is easy but the boat is a problem. The Trailer i would put a tool box up front with a lead floor to add a weight up front. Buy the way nice seeing you again.

If you plan on trailering to dofferent launches, id probably try slipping the axles back first. That should make it a little easier to launch without risking your tow vehicle having to go in deeper to reach deeper water and clearing the trailer.

A/C the cuddy cabin, put in a day head. The weight forward should balance the aft engine platform.

I know what you mean with the scupper problems. I have a 1975 Seacraft. And that had always been a problem.

Ref: in the water weight distribution...is moving the fuel tank to the bow area an option? That and anchor/rode/windlass might cure the problem.

Moving the centre of gravity back that much may affect stability. Something tells me you should check and ballast the bows.

Make it a center console and buy a new trailer. Use it a few times take it around the country show your viewers and either do a merch giveaway like all the other KZfaqrs or just sell it. Easily get 75k for a Bertram 25cc with twin ob then buy downeast!

Custom...make the tank work...raise the roof...cooler...center console...bench...something you can do it

I think you should sell it as is to a DIY guy who will finish it to his taste. Cheers

I suggest you keep this boat out of the water and just use it as a display model. If you get it wet it is likely to keep on costing you more and more money !

Hey my friend THANKS #mattdv

I would think the real value of the Bertram to you would be in generating KZfaq content. I've certainly gotten a lot out of it so far.

Maybe a different perspective. Like some have stated, I started watching your channel because of the Bertram. Outside fixing the soft foredeck and the transom, maybe a little "anal" as you admitted, working the empty interior was one of the reasons you purchased it. There have been a lot of these converted to outboards (much bigger than 130s) and haven't read that they sank because of the scuppers so hopefully won't be an issue. Heavy fuel tank probably good for balance. Maybe the biggest issue is you aren't getting paid so the time and money is all your investment. I would suggest fitting it out as sort of a family fisher ie comfortable but does have some of that Bertram fishability. I have seen some of these converted to center console that look pretty sweet but can go either way. Looking forward to seeing what you do. Love these Bertram 25s.

You are such a wizard with fibreglass, why not just make a custom gas tank cover that's high enough to clear the tank and fittings?

Boats are always a grind...

tank !! keith fenner !!

Sometimes, you can't help yourself 😀

Andy, here is what you don’t want to hear. Sell those old Honda motors. Look into re-powering with Yamaha, Suzuki, or Mercury. Modern engines are lighter than those old tanks. Nothing wrong with the Honda’s, they are just heavy.

Tanks are running about $15 a gal. I just had a 90 gal tank built for my 25 hydra sport build.

Check with Patriot Marine Fabricating in Lacey Twp New Jersey. They build fuel tanks to customer specifications and do phenomenal work for fair pricing. If talk real nice I bet they will have come down and watch over the build if you want. 😅

Contact Dakota Prop in Sioux Falls, SD. They build all sorts of aluminum fuel tanks.

Do i have to sand my boat to bare fiberglass before painting over with Alex seal? Or just get it knocked down enough and then do the 150 grit for primer and 320 for first coat?

Got an odd 1 for ya. Matched my gelcoat to the point that after I applied it was hard to see the repair. A few days later it turned much whiter? What did I do wrong? Fresh totalboat no wax from jamestown.

Definitely rig for fishin'. There's enough room to have it set up for comfortable fishing and still be a kick-ass leisure boat too! I have a request, would you consider making a video on what to look out for and whatnot when buying a used boat?

A funny thing happens…life!

Informative.

I'm in the furniture restoration business, and I can so relate to this entire video 😂

Center console conversion would be killer and more buyer appealing, but not sure how your market is for that compared to, say, Florida.

Andy, I myself have a 1962 B25 moppie that was previously converted to outboard/center console in 2015, when I got it it was a charter boat out of orange beach Alabama, so it looked pretty rough, all said and done now after beautifying her, she’s my dream boat. I have a single 300suzuki on mine and I’m assuming since losing the inboards and addtl fiberglass from up front my scuppers sit 1-2” below waterline, I need to plug them while at drift or cruising slowly, once on plane I can pull them and let it drain or just let it drain into my bilge and let the 2 bilge pumps take care of it(which I hate) any suggestions on adding weight to my front small cuddy area (which they left during conversion) without spending $1000s on lead? I added 160lbs of lead in 2 lead ingots I got from a friend a few months back, it definitely helped with ride but no help with scuppers…. Watching your videos gave me the confidence to conquer the projects I did on this boat. Greatly appreciated !!

move the axle back a foot or so. makes it easier to tow too.

To bad I’m in Alaska I know 3 people to make you a rock solid tank

Try American fuel tank in San Diego owner's name is Vince and that's all they do is feel tanks and they're more reasonable than you understand

Hey Andy quick question. Got a 13 ft whaler did the fiberglass repairs. Had to bring some of it down to the original glass. What should i put on it first tks

Aluminum is good and cheaper than stainless for a tank. But your current tank is fiberglass. Why not just cut it down an inch or two and glass it back together with epoxy. You know how to do that.

What are your thoughts on the applicability of a transom shelf to support possible larger horsepower?

Next time build your custom boat from scratch! Then sell the molds.