Plywood river launch restoration

[mid-mad]

Hi all - thought I would introduce myself and my boat restoration project - I bought it about three years ago and have spent some time trying to find an appropriate engine for it (when bought it had a Ford Sierra unmarinised engine crudely bolted in). I've found a rather nice Austin Marine engine and gearbox which I think would fit the bill but would need some tinkering to fit. The boat also has two skin tanks fitted which I'm unsure how to configure with the Austin's cooling system outlets. Just wondered if there is anybody out there who could give me some guidance on engine installation and shaft angles etc (I think the Austin has a splash lubricated crank) or even come and have a look (kettles always on). I've included some pics to make things clearer.Also does anyone know where I can get deck fittings such as a cutwater (bowblaze?) trim, cleats, spotlight brass rubbing strip etc from - I have a list given to me by Neil Garside some years ago but the phone number appears to be defunct.

Thanks.

[sean-nós]

Hi mid-mad and welcome, nice little project you have there. On my build I made up a jig that was the same as the hull of the boat and with this I was able to work out my shaft angle and prop size. If you have your prop shaft strut you should be able to get your angle from that.
The deck fittings you should be able to pick up on ebay http://www.ebay.com/sch/Boat-Parts-/264 ... age&_frs=1 but a cutwater will have to be made to fit your boat, I posted a video on here a few weeks back on how to make a template for one but the welding of one takes a bit of skill as the metal is so thin it can bend out of shape.

[water_buoy]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Looks like a nice project, I look forward to seeing it progress!
I can't help much with inboard engines I'm afraid but re. Fittings I used Timage ones which I buy from here: http://liverpoolpowerboats.co.uk/Chandl ... 20Hardware

Also http://www.davey.co.uk/index.html is a very good quality manufacturer for fittings and I think they do a fair bit of custom work so might be a good one to try for your cutwater.