The start of an 18 foot 2.5 Mercury twin rig.

Here's a picture of the " Clean Slate" 18 footer I'll be rigging this winter with a pair of
1993 Mercury 2.5 liter V-6's. The boat was disassembled down to the bare stringers,
new floor and carpet installed, all new rub-rail, new 3 inch transom replaced, & while the deck was off
ballast was added in the nose. All new gagues have been purchased, all new wiring is
going to be installed, & twin 1 1/4" discharge bilge pumps are going in. The pylon, transom
plates & seat frames have gone to the powdercoater. All the nicks and scratches are being
massaged out of it ,block sanded, and it will be painted with a two stage enamel on the deck and
sides. This is the boat I have been searching for and could not locate for years , so I decided to
build it myself.

Bob

 

Bob,

That is an excellent choice of motors if you are going v-6 twin. They are light with a lot of power.

If you want to reduce their weight, you could use the single ram mid-sections and the race cowls and pans. I think that would take the weight down to about 350 and the race cowls look sharp.

I would also consider removing the oil injection to get rid of the reservoirs. There are some nice light weight batteries out there and I would consider mounting them forward with some really heavy duty cables.

I have seen an 18 with those motors on it and it sat REALLY low in the stern. It will need all the help it can get with balance.

jim

 

This is the race cowl and pan from the 90's (prior to the alien cowl).

It is considerably lighter than the fishing motor cowl, and held down by the four rubber t-handles shown.

jim

 

Why have you moved the ski pole so far forward? Is it just to aid hole shot?

 

Having the pylon forward and lower will help keep the nose of the boat
down on bigger pulls. Notice the center pole has been cut down lower also.

 

Well, Bob,

I think this is a significant build, and one that needs to be done. I thought you would get some dialogue going. I guess most of them are hibernating for the winter. :smash:

jim

 

Jim,

It's a big build for me , and any and all help is appreciated.

Bob

 

Not hibernating. Just watching in awe. Would love a chance to ride in this thing when it's done!

 

I'll 2nd that, especially since my 18 rebuild will only be powered by a little old 2.0 Merc.

 

Bob

This is too cool. I want to drive up there and see the project first-hand one of these days. Will you be working on it over Thanksgiving weekend?