Argocat 23' build thread

[aggiestckl]

After much thought I am deciding to do the build thread on this boat, as its unique, its been consumed quite a bit of my free time, and I figure someone may be interested in seeing this type of boat.

Pictures of boat's pre inspection done by a great SF member in Europe. Thank you Anders!

[aggiestckl]

Photos of the boat the day of purchase and loading in ocean container

[aggiestckl]

In the meantime while it ships (3.5) weeks dolly was made to receive the hull. This dolly was made out of double back strut, casters, and 2x12x16' with some spare carpet.

Was able to have this to roll it around while custom strongback trailer was being made

[aggiestckl]

A month later and the container made it to NY and was trucked rest of the way.

Decided that an offload telescoping forklift was the best way to unload this. Was originally going to use an engine hoist, but glad I decided against that as it was an asinine idea

Prepped the Lull with foam board insulation, duct taped it to forks, and used packaging shrink wrap roll around forks to make sure it didn't slip off.



Finally! the container arrived, and it was time to inspect.. Luckily no damage and the modest wood frame built by Jobs worked well, as did the 1" ratchet straps

[aggiestckl]

It was not time to unload with the telescoping forklift.. This wasn't for faint of heart as only 4" on each sides of can & hull

[aggiestckl]

Boat was than stored inside, and parts acquisition and trailer build started. Big box in front was Nass 3.0 infused carbon fiber cowling.

[aggiestckl]

Time for the hunt for the parts

Nice stringer mount aluminum shifter.. Thanks Rowboat!



The all elusive, Data Tach in NOS condition found out of Greece.. This was one of the hardest parts of the build to acquire

Mounted in the "instrument panel / dashboard"


Mercury Vessel View Race Edition (This would later be changed to Vessel View 4") Thanks Jessie aka Frontline


In control foot throttle and rest. Here is some custom tabbed 316L mounting plate.. Drilled many holes on the angle as well as the plate to make the footing completely adjustable. Able to adjust unit against the stringers, as well as the peddles on the plate


Hardin sea strainer with blowoff valve so pressure is kept to 12 PSI

[aggiestckl]

Time for the trailer build. The trailer was built by the best in the business @ Strongback Manufacturing.. Great people, first class. CAD drawings made, measurements taken, fabrication started



Wanted a rack to hold 4 VP 5 gallon race gas cans, that could be locked in place




Quinton idea to put some killer steps all around it, kinda like a skater trailer only better

custom LED lighting, with concealed wiring throughout the trailer


Couple steps up front so that you can climb up and clean, board, etc while on the trailer


Some killer custom wheels and tires


Check out the awesome wheel wells, they are individual instead of the one over both.. Also check out the aluminum backer on each wheel fender. Nice Touch Q!


The trailer starting to take shape


Check out the LEDS

[aggiestckl]

at this point Mike, aka venomous was one hell of a friend and brought it up from FL

Here is pic of it on trailer for first time

[aggiestckl]

Boat was now sent to Strongback for some final trailer adjustments and than Jack Barsh for drilling of transom, installation of custom console, and some other misc glass work. Notice the gas can in the rack, looks killer

[aggiestckl]

The first pass decided to build a 15" 300xs with a taylor can, 280 15'' clamp assembly, and drag ram. Topped it off with a Nass infused carbon cowl, pan and skirt

Taylor can was pretty rough and prep was done by Bud at East Coast.. He does one heck of a job







Don't get no better than this.. Better than mercury

[aggiestckl]

At this point started doing some of the rigging myself. Pulling strangling to find dead center for the helm install

[aggiestckl]

2015 300xs was taken apart, mid section and cowling was sold and powerhead sent to Fullers for motor build

[aggiestckl]

Sporty saved, sent to Fullers for cone welding shut, and driveshaft removed. Sent driveshaft and shift shaft to Chris Carsons for 5" haircuts. Thanks Kevin, Ryan, George, Mike for this and Thank you Chris on great work on the sporty

[aggiestckl]

Mounting mid section on boat for first time. This is on a slide master 6" which is a little heavy but a very nice plate. Sent plate to Strongback for some custom machining and powder coating. The plate was into tunnel at first.. And the coating sucks and was done much better



At this time boat has a 300x adapter plate on it as 300x was going to be run while xs being built.

Notice the Latham KSRM9000 pin and ram. Had to have pin sent to Chaz to have 2" added in to mounting point, came back excellent.

Latham 300x wing plate installed.. Let me tell you Latham make some good stuff, but the buying process isn't for faint of heart