Delcraft Tunnel Boat Complete Restoration

**WaterZebra** · 04-11-2023, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by Tom Smyth

Let it begin. Doing test strip cuts for the sponson stringers today. funny how every notch is just a bit different in size. Glad to be back working on it ....

It's funny how you will discover slight variations within hand built one-off race boats when restoring or repair. I ran into the same thing when repairing a starboard sponson on a 1995 hybrid Hoffman champ boat 25 years ago. I personally got the frame tracings from Rick but a few still didn't fit when assembling. Re-lofted and test fit several times before admitting to myself that they would be "different". That's where thickened epoxy and shims come in handy.

**Tom Smyth** · 04-20-2023, 01:58 PM

quite a bit of work completed. starboard side sponson stringers have been cut, fit and checked for level and straightness to the tunnel bottom side rail. Had to cut the tunnel sides to remove the old transom and figure that will be a weak point if it isn't structurally strong when I piece it back together. Used Clear Fir and all stainless screws. Everything at this point is almost assembled for the TEST FIT ONLY. Once I patch the tunnel9 MM plywood piece in, it will all be disassembled and then glued and screwed into final position. Cutting the Port side stringers tomorrow and will follow the same procedure. With any luck I might have both sponson structures assembled and glued next week. No decking on them for a while is planned.

**Dave S** · 04-24-2023, 03:23 AM

Hey Doc...... my knee hurts...... can ya fix it?.......never mind.... I don;t like Screwss......

.......Fixin' an old boat........But Who fix'ssss an old boat racer......

.........Good work Tom......

**Tom Smyth** · 04-28-2023, 03:47 PM

Rain Rain go away. Makes it hard to wheel this out in the driveway and work on it. A bit of progress. Two of the cross members were about cut totally away, probably for clearance for gas tank or seat. Rebuilding those with 6Mm ply on each side and filler blocks. Front piece is in place for the bottom and top deck stringers to attach to.

**WaterZebra** · 04-28-2023, 06:36 PM

Once the hull is "skinned" the cross members have done their job except for frame (sponson) stiffness?

**Tom Smyth** · 04-28-2023, 07:33 PM

well having those razor thin cross members and the boat totally taken apart I cant just NOT reinforce them at this point....

**Tom Smyth** · 05-02-2023, 03:51 PM

Well both sponsons have structural members installed and squared up. Last cross member was bonded today. Hope to start fitting the tunnel stringers later this week.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-06-2023, 08:23 AM

all tunnel stringers test fit and checked for flatness. a bit of progress..

**Tom Smyth** · 05-07-2023, 07:31 AM

and another piece of this boats history. Thank you Bob Holloway....

**Tom Smyth** · 05-07-2023, 09:23 AM

and one more.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-08-2023, 02:39 PM

HOLY SWISS CHEESE BATMAN !!!!!

progress today. the first piece of the tunnel bottom was cut and fitted into position. SPent the next few hours drilling holes .....LOTS OF holes....... Splice blocks made, drilled and chamfered. Everything went well with the test fit. More prep to do before it goes in for good.

**Tom Smyth** · 05-17-2023, 04:06 PM

First piece of the bottom is in. Also the tabs to support the ply between each of the tunnel stringers. Don't have the fancy equipment to do a nice skarf joint. Originally built with a butt joint so that is what i am using. Maybe the second piece in tomorrow. Still wont float yet !!!!!!!!!