Project Activator

[Greg G]

I'm glad you're doing better. Thanks for sharing. Very cool you got it back. I think it's a matter of finding the right setback, I am going with 6" and with the 4" of built in setback on the G2 means 10". I really have no idea what mine will weigh, it seems heavy, just based on towing it, but that's just guessing. It's probably the same as stock, or slightly less. Keep me updated. Worst case, I can move to a 4" but I think 6" will be good. Your 7" should be great with the notch.

That certainly is a great story. BTW, you may want to throw the hull on a single sling to determine where the starting bare hull CG is. Very simple to do when it is in the shop and they have an overhead and it will give you a lense going forward.

[blkmtrfan]

I'm glad you're doing better. Thanks for sharing. Very cool you got it back. I think it's a matter of finding the right setback, I am going with 6" and with the 4" of built in setback on the G2 means 10". I really have no idea what mine will weigh, it seems heavy, just based on towing it, but that's just guessing. It's probably the same as stock, or slightly less. Keep me updated. Worst case, I can move to a 4" but I think 6" will be good. Your 7" should be great with the notch.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear in the posts above, but I am taking off the 7" and going with a R&R adjustable 4 1/2", plan to make the swap in the next couple of weeks.

[blkmtrfan]

Recent pic just for fun

434225

[WavetoWave]

Recent pic just for fun

434225

Boat looks great. Washington is beautiful too.

[XstreamVking]

Very nice looking rig blkmotor. Very clean and classy. The black and silver looks great too wave, can't wait to see it finished.

[Greg G]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear in the posts above, but I am taking off the 7" and going with a R&R adjustable 4 1/2", plan to make the swap in the next couple of weeks.

I'm assuming that is the manual 4 1/2" jack plate from R&R. I did not realize they were still making those. Very stout pieces as I recall.

[blkmtrfan]

I'm assuming that is the manual 4 1/2" jack plate from R&R. I did not realize they were still making those. Very stout pieces as I recall.

Correct Greg, their "Slidemaster" and yes the do still make them and many other cool products, the odd thing is that you still need to order their products old school way, by phone :eek:

They have a website, but no way to purchase on it

https://www.rnrd.com/

[2.5-21]

Not to side track things but unless you are running 80-85 Plus that sportmaster will throw all kinds of issues at set up, believe me I learned the hard way setting up my (new then) 21 superboat. A torquemaster flattens out and allows the boat to run like it should without any modifications they have water inlets in the front of the unit too.

[Greg G]

Not to side track things but unless you are running 80-85 Plus that sportmaster will throw all kinds of issues at set up, believe me I learned the hard way setting up my (new then) 21 superboat. A torquemaster flattens out and allows the boat to run like it should without any modifications they have water inlets in the front of the unit too.

It would be interesting to compare how the lwp in the nose of the Merc Torquemaster compares with the lwp on the Etec.

[blkmtrfan]

Not to side track things but unless you are running 80-85 Plus that sportmaster will throw all kinds of issues at set up, believe me I learned the hard way setting up my (new then) 21 superboat. A torquemaster flattens out and allows the boat to run like it should without any modifications they have water inlets in the front of the unit too.

I do understand that, especially that the sportsmaster can slow it down, however, I also like how it tracks in the corners.
I had a sporty on the 2.5 280 and would be very happy if I can get close to how it handled then.
I know I have some playing to do, but that is part of the fun, I am also looking forward to trying some various props.
Before, my favorite was a large barrel Trophy, but he threw a blade on that one.
He did, however give me both a 3 and 4 blade prop BBlades, they should be interesting
I also want to try a Promax

[WavetoWave]

It would be interesting to compare how the lwp in the nose of the Merc Torquemaster compares with the lwp on the Etec.

Ya, the TM is great. The G2 has what they call a SLX gearcase, it is quite good, very similar to a TM in some ways. Probably can get to the 90s with no problems. Has low water pickups, and seems solid. No issues I've heard of.

[WavetoWave]

I do understand that, especially that the sportsmaster can slow it down, however, I also like how it tracks in the corners.
I had a sporty on the 2.5 280 and would be very happy if I can get close to how it handled then.
I know I have some playing to do, but that is part of the fun, I am also looking forward to trying some various props.
Before, my favorite was a large barrel Trophy, but he threw a blade on that one.
He did, however give me both a 3 and 4 blade prop BBlades, they should be interesting
I also want to try a Promax

Ya, I can't wait to try some new props. I have a 28" promax, which is a great prop on many different boats. I want to try the Hydromotive quad, with 14.75 diameter. And a Bravo FS and XS

[89LASER]

I have the T/M gear case on my Activator, no notch, 12" Stainless Marine set back with a 4" hydraulic on it, the motor is a 225 carbed 3.0 liter with a 25" leg. Fastest prop so far was 27 pitch Mirage Plus with the plugs taken out. 76 mph on the GPS at 5800 rpms. Bravo 1 26 pitch was harder to plane off. Normally I run a 24 Trophy with people in the boat at 70-72 mph.

[WavetoWave]

The latest article and video is up. Subscribe on YouTube if you can. And, if you subscribe to Wave to Wave, we will be giving away some shirts we have leftover, so look for those in an email for subscribers only.

Episode 15 Article and video
https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2019/3/29/project-activator-episode-15-paint-jack-plate-gauges


A little before and after.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7817/32552791657_98bf62cc51_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RAzyQz)IMG_20180317_122655 (https://flic.kr/p/RAzyQz)

After
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7842/47494945301_78d3f4e1fd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2fmY1xg)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2fmY1xg]

[blkmtrfan]

And, if you subscribe to Wave to Wave, we will be giving away some shirts we have leftover, so look for those in an email for subscribers only.


How do you subscribe?

[mrichartz]

How do you subscribe?

Go to wave to wave click on one of the articles (I used project activator) go to bottom if page you'll see subscribe box

[WavetoWave]

Episode 15


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKCq6jRknPQ

[robert jordan]

Boat looks great! was this all single stage paint or was it clear coated ?

[LMT383]

Updates?

[WavetoWave]

Updates?

Yes, update soon. Doing interior right away. Been super swamped lately with other stuff.

[89LASER]

Any updates ????????????????? I haven't seen a silver Activator out on the bay yet.

[WavetoWave]

Any updates ????????????????? I haven't seen a silver Activator out on the bay yet.

Thanks for reminding me. I was away, because I recently moved, so there's been some delays. Will get an update next week. The interior will be sent to upholstery in 2 weeks. Boat is just getting the finishing touches on paint.

[WavetoWave]

We have an update, with an article. Video is coming next week. We've made some progress, started rigging.

Article: https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2019/3/29/project-activator-episode-15-paint-jack-plate-gauges


The seat in the photo is just for test fitting, not the seat we are using.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48490807566_3ed135f553_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gSY4Gj)

Finney's wind deflectors should work well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48490977117_7620bfebeb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gSYW6B)

[blkmtrfan]

^^^^^
Looks great!

[WavetoWave]

^^^^^
Looks great!

Thanks. I am probably taking this boat to Florida. I am thinking of just packing a cooler and driving it by water, anyone want to join?

[89LASER]

I'm in!!!!! Good break-in time for the engine.

[WavetoWave]

Going with the Gen 2 SeaStar jack plate.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48497188142_34244f1c8d_b.jpg

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks. I am probably taking this boat to Florida. I am thinking of just packing a cooler and driving it by water, anyone want to join?

Sounds like fun, but I am kind of on the wrong coast, ha ha

[blkmtrfan]

Going with the Gen 2 SeaStar jack plate.

How much setback did you decide?

And I am sure it is back in the thread somewhere, but how heavy is the G2?

[WavetoWave]

How much setback did you decide?

And I am sure it is back in the thread somewhere, but how heavy is the G2?

We are going with a 6" Hyraulic plate from SeaStar. It's their Gen 2 plate. The G2 has about 6" of additional setback because of the steering system built in to the swivel bracket.

The Evinrude 250 HO model we have weighs 537 Lbs, with steering, so without the steering it's actually about 500 Lbs. That's one of the lighter 250 HPs on the market when you crunch the numbers in real world weight.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48507132126_438f48c8a2_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48507307877_386f8d036a_b.jpg

[XstreamVking]

Nice boat and nice engine. I would think long and hard before making the decision to run to fl with it. There's a lot of "inside running" but you have to go out in the atlantic sooner or later and it might not be fun....

[WavetoWave]

Nice boat and nice engine. I would think long and hard before making the decision to run to fl with it. There's a lot of "inside running" but you have to go out in the atlantic sooner or later and it might not be fun....

I appreciate that. But someone who has since passed on once said, "Not here for a long time, here for a good time."

[WavetoWave]

No official weight yet, but Mark thinks it might be heavier than the original. We added reinforcements, and full front floor and bulkheads. When I towed it a couple months ago, it did "feel" heavy on the trailer, but it's hard to tell. It won't be the fastest, but should be a good rough water boat. Hopefully the little Evinrude can plane it out.

[XstreamVking]

***I appreciate that. But someone who has since passed on once said, "Not here for a long time, here for a good time." *** Ahh, I see. You were not serious about it... Just kidding around..

[activator22]

Is the boat still at Rage ? Would enjoying seeing it before it heads south.

[WavetoWave]

***I appreciate that. But someone who has since passed on once said, "Not here for a long time, here for a good time." *** Ahh, I see. You were not serious about it... Just kidding around..

I was half joking. Part of me wants to.

[WavetoWave]

Is the boat still at Rage ? Would enjoying seeing it before it heads south.

It's not at the CT location no.

[WavetoWave]

Some more progress this week. I was in town, and got some footage too. One thing I'm wrestling with is the seatback height. The shells now are 33" which is too high. I originally was thinking 30", but now I think 29" will be the way to go. I don't like high backs in a small boat, and don't want them sticking up too high. What do you think. Seat is marked, 29", 30" and 31 in the pic.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48597195846_5fb455f048_b.jpg

[WavetoWave]

I really like how the rub rail worked out.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48597195896_434e5f7388_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48597332247_9ecbb500dc_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48597331607_08b99ab38d_b.jpg

[tux974]

29" for me! I do not like the seat back too high on a 21/22' boat unless you are tall or going racing.
Also not good for aero dynamics if they stick out over your head...MPO....Hence the reason most were built low on those style/size boats.
BTW, boat is coming along very nicely! Like the simplicity and clean look!

[mrichartz]

How big was/is that temporary seat?
How tall are you?
I would go with 29" hate seeing seats stick way up out of the boat too.
Can't wait to see this done!
Definitely like the choice of power too!!
And if those seats are to big would just fit in mine..lol

[89LASER]

I have low back buckets in mine, too low for me (6'1"). You have to see where your shoulder blades lay on the seat to be comfortable.

[blkmtrfan]

Low backs seats for sure!!!

[WavetoWave]

The shell in the pic is 33". I think 29" is a good balance of support, without being too high.

[vnemous]

I would try not to go to high with the sides or you will be beating your elbows to death:D

[blkmtrfan]

Are your seats on bases? Mine actually sit on the floor, with about 10" of foam for the cushion

447170447171447172

Set up that way, my seat backs barely stick up past the faring

[WavetoWave]

Are your seats on bases? Mine actually sit on the floor, with about 10" of foam for the cushion

447170447171447172

Set up that way, my seat backs barely stick up past the faring

Ya, that looks good.

[tux974]

Are your seats on bases? Mine actually sit on the floor, with about 10" of foam for the cushion

447170447171447172

Set up that way, my seat backs barely stick up past the faring

Scott, those sure look like 21 and 24' Skater seats. Especially the thick foam base, excellent cushy on the back...:thumbsup: and hold you in place seat!
Pretty boat!....:thumbsup:

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks Tony and yes I see the resemblance to the Skater seats, but aren't the Skater seats fiberglass shells?
I believe mine are the original Don Frost seats, with wood shells.
There are the same ones when I originally bought the boat in 2002 (Hull is a 1998). They are getting a little old, not horrible, but not "perfect" like I like, ha ha

Jared, I went and measured this morning and the tops of mine are 27" from the floor, and here are a couple pics from the side to see the relationship to the faring

447235447236447237

[tux974]

Scott, Yes Skater are fiberglass!
Could not tell material from pictures but yours are exactly the same shape and mounting idea though.
Great seats and sure are very comfy with those thick bases as we get younger.....;)
The height in my opinion is ideal....:thumbsup:

[WavetoWave]

Thanks Tony and yes I see the resemblance to the Skater seats, but aren't the Skater seats fiberglass shells?
I believe mine are the original Don Frost seats, with wood shells.
There are the same ones when I originally bought the boat in 2002 (Hull is a 1998). They are getting a little old, not horrible, but not "perfect" like I like, ha ha

Jared, I went and measured this morning and the tops of mine are 27" from the floor, and here are a couple pics from the side to see the relationship to the faring

447235447236447237

Thanks, those look great. Mine will look very similar. Your boat looks mint. I believe Daryll, who's upholstering mine, apprenticed under Don Frost.

[WavetoWave]

Thanks Tony and yes I see the resemblance to the Skater seats, but aren't the Skater seats fiberglass shells?
I believe mine are the original Don Frost seats, with wood shells.
There are the same ones when I originally bought the boat in 2002 (Hull is a 1998). They are getting a little old, not horrible, but not "perfect" like I like, ha ha

Jared, I went and measured this morning and the tops of mine are 27" from the floor, and here are a couple pics from the side to see the relationship to the faring

447235447236447237

The shell Mark made is foam core, and it's also very similar to the Skater seats.

[blkmtrfan]

Thanks, those look great. Mine will look very similar. Your boat looks mint. I believe Daryll, who's upholstering mine, apprenticed under Don Frost.
I have heard great things about Daryll, I am sure your interior will be awesome

And thank you for the compliment!

[tux974]

Daryll does some great work!

[WavetoWave]

This thing is a tank, hopefully this little Evinrude can plane it out!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48620294308_4b5559c55f_b.jpg

[WavetoWave]

Here's the video for Episode 16


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sREfBtc6Ntw

[AZMIDLYF]

More info on that 30 Shadow cat in the video. :D

Boat looks fantastic and really looking forward to watching how she runs.

[WavetoWave]

More info on that 30 Shadow cat in the video. :D

Boat looks fantastic and really looking forward to watching how she runs.

That Cat is cool. Was being fitted for a custom cover.

[AZMIDLYF]

Old School cool for sure.

[WavetoWave]

Well, we have the interior installed. Buttoning up a few things. Have to say, the interior looks better than I thought. Was a little unsure when I picked the color. Pics don't show the color well either. Have a few props to try yet, and wont' get a chance until next week. Ran great when we did a quick spin in the Long Island sound, some decent size waves. Love the sound of the big Rude. So quiet at idle, but has a nice deep sound when the RPMs get going. Boat is solid as a rock.

Have a Bravo XS 27", Fury 4 25", ProMax 28", and slightly modded Trophy Plus 26" to try.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839495722_8e6bf48f00_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839495867_f47d2a6287_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839319946_31653257c7_c.jpg

[TwzteD]

Looks great post some vids of her running when you can.

[vnemous]

Nice not a fan of the back seat. The way it stick up ruins the lines for me but he'll it ain't mine :D

[89LASER]

Looks great. Florida reg numbers? I guess it's not staying on Long Island.

[blkmtrfan]

I do kind of agree about the rear seat :leaving:

Mine stuck up a bit maybe and 1" to 1 1/2" when I first got the boat, and I cut the base to make the seat top flush


But I do like the interior color and can't wait to hear about your testing results :cool:

[TwzteD]

Color combo is great, the boat im rebuilding now will be similar colors but with a darker gray (haze gray) similar to the gray in the seat stripe. I got the idea from the midnight express. I think red interior looks premium, Great job boat looks awesome.

[WavetoWave]

Color combo is great, the boat im rebuilding now will be similar colors but with a darker gray (haze gray) similar to the gray in the seat stripe. I got the idea from the midnight express. I think red interior looks premium, Great job boat looks awesome.

Yours looks great. Love that 60 formula race too!

[WavetoWave]

Episode 17 is up.

Article
https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2019/10/14/project-activator-episode-17-running-the-evinrude-g2-250-ho-propellers-and-finishing-touches


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JjLxIi3aCE

[89LASER]

See if you can get your hands on a Pro Max prop, another Activator saw a significant top end increase running it.

[WavetoWave]

See if you can get your hands on a Pro Max prop, another Activator saw a significant top end increase running it.

Ya definitely, love the promax. Should do well on the Activator. I'll see how the ones I have do pitch wise.

What engine was on the other activator?

[89LASER]

300 XS. He's on here under SuperJay

[WavetoWave]

Landed in Miami. Did a quick run. Only has 3 hours on it. Will get a chance to really test it in a couple weeks.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48944740502_16a5f24faf_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48944543556_a13b870985_b.jpg

[AZMIDLYF]

TNT marine at 135th street in N. Miami. Look forward to hearing the results.

[tux974]

TNT marine at 135th street in N. Miami. Look forward to hearing the results.

Yes, at TNT and our trusty board driver Frank Mole got it there this weekend! Mark did an outstanding job, boat looks great!.....:thumbsup:

[WavetoWave]

Yes, at TNT and our trusty board driver Frank Mole got it there this weekend! Mark did an outstanding job, boat looks great!.....:thumbsup:

Thanks. Yup, was going to mention Frank in the next update. He had to navigate that storm that came in from the gulf too.

[tux974]

Thanks. Yup, was going to mention Frank in the next update. He had to navigate that storm that came in from the gulf too.

Yes, he did!
He is our NO-nonse board resident transporter that gets the job done.......:thumbsup:

[89LASER]

No fuel, no water pressure, no temperature, I hope your key was in the off position. The boat looks great.

[WavetoWave]

No fuel, no water pressure, no temperature, I hope your key was in the off position. The boat looks great.

Fuel gauge was the only one not working, I have a fuel reading on the Evinrude screen, just have to change the gauge setting.

[WavetoWave]

This pic makes the 22 Activator look like a 47" for some reason.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49060311693_6df42d7929_b.jpg

[tux974]

To me the look and style of these 21/22 SOB's are timeless, never get tired of looking at them!

Boat looks great!

[Baja170]

The project has come to an amazing completion!!

Frank is the best. He has hauled at least 4 times for me. Always professional and reliable and he is a super nice guy as well.

[WavetoWave]

Pieced together some different footage of a few runs in Miami. Not the best, but it was pretty rough on the last day. Will get some better video soon. Thought I'd go with a Miami Vice theme. Next video will be better and have some performance data.


https://youtu.be/upyJqS-lyk8

[TwzteD]

Pieced together some different footage of a few runs in Miami. Not the best, but it was pretty rough on the last day. Will get some better video soon. Thought I'd go with a Miami Vice theme. Next video will be better and have some performance data.


https://youtu.be/upyJqS-lyk8


Looks good, did it meet you expectations?

[WavetoWave]

I would say exceeded my expectations. The rough water ability is unbelievable. The boat was originally a heavy one, and we built it for rough water, everything is beefy, so it's not the fastest. Should be a high 70s boat, but it's so forgiving and easy to drive in all conditions.

I really love the boat.

[WavetoWave]

A few drone shots of running in Miami, should have the drone video edited soon.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49229862242_6f405a8c7f_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49229661941_5850f2dcfd_b.jpg

[WavetoWave]

Teaser clip


https://youtu.be/MLH475Vqx1w

[haves0090]

The boat turned out amazing. Great work! What kind of trim did you use on the bottom edge of the dash?

[WavetoWave]

The boat turned out amazing. Great work! What kind of trim did you use on the bottom edge of the dash?

Thanks. Taco Marine vinyl edge moulding.