bondobuster

Lookin' good. I like those style of scoops, they add so much to the looks of that cat and very functionable too.....

gtopillado

Here's some more pics of me making the other scoop and mounting them both to the cowl. I definately believe making these added to the looks of the boat and don't think I will ever have overheating issues. Holes in the cowl are almost 3 inches in lenght and about 1.25 inches in width. Check it.....

gtopillado

Got all pieces in PPG's DPLV 3055 surfacer and has been blocked twice. Getting ready for final sand with 600 grit and then I'll start basecoating it a pearl orange. My snotty Bull dog (Hemi) enjoying the sun.

gtopillado

Just finished painting the base color and clear on Thunderbolt.[sm=shades_smile.gif] Went with PPG's Vibrance O-So Orange Pearl but also hi-lighted some areas with DMD 1677 (Bright Red) and used DCU 2042 Clearcoat to protect everything. Going to give it a few days before I wet sand everything down and start on the graphics. Check it....

pcg33k

Nice paint job love the color. The build is coming along nicely can't wait to see some vids.

gtopillado

Thanks for the positive support. [sm=thumbs_up.gif] Still have a way to go before I can start final assembly but I'll post a video of her running when shes all done.

danielplace

Really nice boat your building. I built one of those cats a few months back and they are sweet. Handling is great and speed inncredible for a larger cat. Ran in low 60's first time out.
You will love it, cant wait to see it finished.

gtopillado

Started painting graphics on side. Wanted to go with a checked look so started with a yellow fading into orange and then put 3 coats of Vibrance pearl on top of it all. Will not be able to see the pop until clear is reapplied. Windshield is jet black with shades of silver, will put silver dots to simulate bolts next. Burple and magenta strips will go next after everything is really dry, final coat was with DBC 500 (clear basecoat) to protect color.

twoolley08

My Feedback: (4)

Awesome build! very sharp looking boat as well, I cant wait to see the end results.

gtopillado

Just want to say thanks to all for positive words and support.[sm=wink_smile.gif] Finished painting graphics on boat today. Started with blue pearl, purple pearl, magenta pearl and then added some Harlequin (red to gold) on top of all graphics. In sun light it slightly changes color from all the purple colors to a light gold. Still got some more paint work to do but you get an idea of what its going to look like. Check it......

DONS BOAT WORKS

My Feedback: (3)

Cool!

Raylon

Looks fantastic, we need some high quality shots next! Those phone pictures don't do it justice!

gtopillado

Finished painting bottom of hull, wanted to do something a little bit different than white so I made it a tri-coat white pearl. White basecoat with a combination of violet and sunfire red pearl.

In process of changing my home office from front to rear room & waiting to have PC reconnected.....reason for cell phone pics. I'll put my Nikon to good use after I sand bottom of hull and reclear (final time) the entire boat.

Dockman

You have done an amazing job on the build and keeping us up to date. Thanks for sharing and I look forward seeing more. I have a chance to buy one of these boats that has already been finished and it is sweet. I may just go take a closer look at it? How much would be a fair price for one with out motor & pipe? I have a RCMK EVO how fast would it push a boat like this?

stackeddeck

Dockman, I too just bought a Tbolt. The owner of Expresscraft hulls told me a stock Zenoah would push it 40-45 mph. You can probably get an estimate how much faster/slower an Evo would do.

gtopillado

I payed $400.00 for my hull shipped. One used with hardware around that amount or less would be a good deal. These hulls are highly desirable and do not go down in price much. I believe that 40+mph with a stock engine is easly obtainable with this hull, but as you keep increasing speed (50+) the hard part is trying to prevent it from blowing over. Thats why I increased hull strength and weight by laying more fiberglass and I actually added epoxy resin to the inside tips to strengthen and add weight to the nose. Hope this helps out and best of luck, they are a great looking boat.

gtopillado

Finished laying the clear out the other day, really happy how things have turned out. Check it.....

stackeddeck

looking good man!

my mailbox is shaking with excitement awaiting the arrival of the my Tbolt.

Dockman

Have you able to run this boat yet?

gtopillado

Work schedule has been a little crazy and had family over for the holiday....work on the boat has slowed. I'm going to put in some hours this weekend to see how far I'm able to assemble her.[sm=49_49.gif] My brother machined some aluminum wedges for me, after those are fitted everything else should just fall into place. Just bought a Blazer Marine Lauterbach and won't start 1 project unless this one is completed.

gtopillado

Was able to put some time into the boat today......wedges are fitted and mounted (Thank you Paul, they fit perfectly). Did a final cut on stuffing tube and flex cable. Sanded cable with 400 grit then 800 grit, shes as smooth as silk. T-Bar is aligned and mounted with Quickdraw and cable. Also cut rudder length and strut skeg, less is more when it comes to speed.

stackeddeck

Looks great! I have a thread of mine on the dock. How were the seams on your boat?

gtopillado

They weren't too bad. When I was talking to Tom @ Expresscraft I told him that I wanted a "better than average" hull...he delivered. Do you go by stackeddeck on the Dock?

stackeddeck

Vick22 on the dock my build is under the Project forums. Just started working on the seams today!

wave waker

very very nice...is the circular hole in the deck is for fuel system?