1965 41 DCMY Refit

[DCMY #92]

I'll try to attache the photos again.

 

[DCMY #92]

Update - In August Loose Change will have been undergoing this refit for 5 years. For the last couple of months Rivolta has had the A-team (2 man crew) working full time on her. Only cosmetic work remains. Unfortunately, much of this work is interior varnish - very time consuming when done right. Actually, there is more than cosmetic work if I include replacing all batteries, prepping the engines and genset for restart, bottom paint, re-plumbing and charging the saloon A/C, etc. I think she may be completed (if I don't add more work scope) in another couple of months.

The admiral visited Loose Change this week to finalize fabric selections. Fortunately, she didn't ask what I've spent.

I'll post some photos of the completed work as it progresses.

 

[Avenger]

Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long. At least it's finally nearing the finish line.

I've really enjoyed following your project, and I'm looking forward to your report on the final results.

 

[DCMY #92]

Some photos of work in progress. I've attached a couple of photos of the new entertainment center and saloon sidewalls with their new storage drawers. The flat screen TV gets mounted in the upper portion of the entertainment center and swings out for access to the helm wiring behind and above. The lower section rolls forward on concealed casters to permit removal of the hatches below it for access to the aft end of the starboard engine and gear. The varnish and door/drawer pulls are not complete yet.

The drawers in the saloon sidewalls are about 2 feet deep. They provide much more useful storage than the original book cases they replace.

The vinyl material for the upper saloon sidewalls should arrive any time. The valance board over the saloon windows in the photo is larger than the final version. Cutting it to size awaits selection of window coverings. I want to be sure the headgear for the window covering selected (by my wife) will be concealed behind the valance board. I'm considering installing a film on the saloon windows that electrically switches between clear and opaque. If we use this film we may not install any conventional window coverings.

Has anyone got experience with this type of film or "smart glass"?

 

[Freeebird]

That entertainment center is a work of art! Love the way you framed the windows as well. I would hate to even take a guess at what you have invested in this project, but she will certainly be one of a kind when she's finished. Would still love to check her out in person sometime.

 

[DCMY #92]

Thanks for your kind words. I have to disagree with one thing you said. I've made zero investment, but spent a good deal. Investment implies that there will be a return on the investment. This is just pure spending.

I hope to have her back in a few more months when I'll extend an open invitation to anyone here who is in the area and wants to see her.

 

[Freeebird]

Spending is drinking expensive wine and eating caviar. You pay a lot for something that brings you temporary pleasure and exits the building. That boat will provide you a lifetime of enjoyment. That's an investment in my book, but then again, I don't care for expensive wine or caviar.

 

[Avenger]

From the mouths of rednecks.........

 

[Vincentc]

I agree with Randy.

What is Investment? definition and meaning - InvestorWords.com
www.investorwords.com/2599/investment.html
Definition of investment: In finance, the purchase of a financial product or other item of value with an expectation of favorable future returns.

Excerpting the above definition, purchase of an item of value with an expectation of favorable future returns. The photos clearly show an item of value and It is not hard to imagine future favorable returns in the way of pleasure of use and pride of ownership and creation. People invest in art, and that boat is looking like a work of art.

 

[34Hatt]

Call it Investment or spending I just say he knows reality which is a good thing!

But his love for the Boat is greater and Loose change is a lucky Girl to have a crazy owner

And I say Crazy owner only because I too fit the bill you know "takes one to know one" many of us still do it daily spending more $$$ than we get back and for some its worth it.

She is going to be the Finest old 41 DCMY out there and I wish you many many years of enjoyment.

And keep the pictures coming the Interior is going to be Sweet!

 

[DCMY #92]

The interior vinyl is now being installed as is the new electrical panel. I've attached a couple of photos.

This is a heck of a time to do so, but I'm considering a repowering. I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand I'm very comfortable with the Detroits and know them very well. On the other hand the increased performance and economy with much lighter engines is compelling. No point in commenting on how much fuel I can buy with what I would spend on the reposer. If I repower, like the rest of the refit, it probably won't be a cost/benefit decision.

 

[Freeebird]

That sure is a purdy panel. As for the repower, what's a few more bucks when you're into it this far?

Seriously, money doesn't seem to be an issue, so why not just bite the bullet and make it one of a kind in every respect? You're obviously planning on keeping it... or so I would assume. Never selling it is the best (only) way to never lose a dime that you've spent on her.

 

[Vincentc]

Regarding a repower. Your project is a "labor of love" based upon what you want rather than "practical" considerations. You have put an lot of time, effort, and money into it for that very good reason of getting just what you want. If after all of this, you think that when you do take her out, you will be nagged by the feeling that you should have put in new engines, then probably you should.

My brother in law undertook a similar restoration of a 43 Gulfstar Trawler that had been in the family since 1976. After he was through, about the only thing original was the hull. He replaced the Perkins 354's with 4 cylinder Cummins turbos. About the same hp, but a lot less weight. The boat gained about 4 kts and was much more responsive.

I like my Detroits but worry about parts and service in the future. Modern engines in the Gulfstar made her into a new old boat.

I wonder if your interior work has reached a point where the repower will damage the work you have done. Considering the accessibility problems of a motoryacht, I wonder if cutting an access hole in the cabin roof would be the best way to remove the old engines and install the new ones.

Beautiful project, keep us informed.

Good luck,

 

[DCMY #92]

<<<I wonder if your interior work has reached a point where the repower will damage the work you have done. Considering the accessibility problems of a motoryacht, I wonder if cutting an access hole in the cabin roof would be the best way to remove the old engines and install the new ones.>>>

The timing of including a repower now is not the wisest decision. There is risk of damage to the interior, but if I have Rivolta do the work now they would make good any damage. The roof was cut open on a previous reposer before I bought her, but I'm not sure that's the best way to go now.

I think the DDCs could be removed in pieces through the side windows or forward windshield openings. Whatever value they have as running take outs would be lost, but parting them out may make up for it, if not bring more value. The trick will be getting the new engines in. I may opt for run out engines, rebuild/refurbish, then rig the short block into the boat and reassemble once installed. This is exactly how I installed the Westerbeke genset that replaced the Onan MDJB.

 

[q240z]

I repowered my Chris Craft Roamer 46 project with Cummins engines before buttoning up the cabin top and getting on the paint work. The interior will be last. But if I had a set of good running Detroits in it when I obtained the boat, I would not have repowered. There are so many Detroits still in service, I doubt there will be a serious parts shortage in my lifetime.

 

[dsharp]

When you use the lock-out breakers like you have in the ac panel does that do away with the old rotary transfer switch?

 

[DCMY #92]

Yes - the mechanically interlocked breakers eliminate the rotary switches.

 

[dsharp]

Thanks. Thought it did but wasn't positive

 

[DCMY #92]

Progress continues. Here are a few photos of the progress.

 

[Vincentc]

That will be . . . No it is beautiful.