Coop's Project X. Preparing the molds.

[cooperider]

Waaaaay back in 1990 I started designing a new deck for my Trimate II hull mold.

I build a hull from the mold, and used parts of another deck, and GALLONs of body filler to creat the shape of the boat I wanted to build.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/1600ClosedBowDeckPlugrear.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/1600ClosedBowDeckPlugabove.jpg

[cooperider]

Now after laying up the mold, it then sat on the plug for several years before I built a frame for it and pulled it.

You see, life got in the way. I closed up my little boat repair shop and went to truck driving school.


So the mold have sat in a storage barn since about 1990, out of sight out of mind. Collecting dust, and God knows what else.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/1600hullmold001.jpg

[cooperider]

But now after sitting in a barn for 17 YEARS it is time to build one out of them.

They are now where they should have been years ago.


In my shop.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170026a.jpg

[cooperider]

But I have some work to do to them before I can build a boat out of them.


First I need to clean the rest of the debris out of them. Then I'm considering building a new frame for the deck. I might have made it too tall.

I also need to put new casters on them so I can move them around easily.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170040a.jpg

[cooperider]

Much less dust in the hull, but its still going to take a lot of work to be ready.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170027a.jpg

[cooperider]

I need to jack this up and put a good peice of wood under it to mount new casters to.


You can just see the itty bitty wheel under the front of it.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170028a.jpg

[cooperider]

Most of the stuff blew out on the way home.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170029a.jpg

[cooperider]

It looks like the molds are still good underneath the crap.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170030a.jpg

[cooperider]

The deck mold, its cover with crap too.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170031.JPG

[cooperider]

Lots of room for deck graphics.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170032a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170034a.jpg

[cooperider]

But with a little cleaner, its coming out nice too.


This mold has never had a part built out of it so there will be some repair work, before I can lay one up. But I'll post up as I go.

This is my winter project, so come along for the ride.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170035a.jpg

[cooperider]

The hull, its cleaning up nice also.


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170038a.jpg

[cooperider]

Now here is something interesting in the hull mold. This is one of two area's that have been modified. It looks like hell, but its really very smooth.

What it is is a small little "hook" that was ground into the mold at some point.


I don't know if it worked or not, but I will leave it in the mold. Since I can always just sand it off of a part if I don't like the way it is.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB170039a.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

Cool. Im gonna subscribe to this thread. Ive always wanted to see one built from scratch.

[cooperider]

Cool. Im gonna subscribe to this thread. Ive always wanted to see one built from scratch.


Thanks, its going to be several threads. This one has to do with mold work.


But hey, if you got the time, start working on some paint ideas for me.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Reality1600Closedbow.jpg


http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Reality0057a.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

Sounds good. My old printer **** the bed but I should have a new one soon I hope. Any suggestions on layout? Three or more colors? Less? Something over the top? (but do-able) Something basic but flashy? Im sure I could come up with a few good ones for ya ;)

[cooperider]

Mild to wild. Its just paper.


stclairriverblaster has me thinking about painting one sublime green with black stripes.


The main thing is I want this boat to be seen from across the lake.

[stclairriverblaster]

oh yeah.. sassy grass green.. with flat black.. wiht pearl clear over the green.. woot woot

[cooperider]

oh yeah.. sassy grass green.. with flat black.. wiht pearl clear over the green.. woot woot


Just for you my friend.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Reality1600Closedbowgreen.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Reality0057agreenandblack.jpg

[cooperider]

Of course, my new robot hero Bumble Bee has me inspired also.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Reality0057ayellowblack.jpg

[JW]

Heavy red and silver metalflake :thumb:

[Chris E]

so where did you get the line drawing, and do you happen to have one for a predictor?

[claupie]

so where did you get the line drawing, and do you happen to have one for a predictor?

and may be a drawing for pulsare 2100 ???

CM had them on their site a few years ago..you could also try diff.color scheames and see the results...

wish they made this avalable again...

[cooperider]

so where did you get the line drawing, and do you happen to have one for a predictor?


I'm learning CAD and sketched those out a long time ago. I started with an actual picture and on another layer traced what I needed for a drawing.


Somewhere I think I was working on one for the Predictor, I'll have to look for it sometime. Hundreds of pictures and drawings to sort through.

[cooperider]

and may be a drawing for pulsare 2100 ???

CM had them on their site a few years ago..you could also try diff.color scheames and see the results...

wish they made this avalable again...I'd love to draw a 2100, maybe I'll do that this spring sometime, when I get better with the CAD program. I'm trying to learn 3D right now.

Here's a recent one I did by hand for my Sidewinder members. I think this one would have made them a bunch of money. Its real close in size to a 2100.

http://www.sidewinder-boats.com/newsidewinderdesigns/2200Sidewinder001a.jpg

[claupie]

Thanx Coop...

[sawcat]

You're asking for paint ideas,I thought you prefered working with Gel?
or is that what you meant

This should be interesting to follow Thanks for sharing this project:thumb:

[Chris E]

thanks coop - my drawing skills are that of a first grader - my son just surpased my ability (he's 7) however i can color between the lines!

i really want to play with some colors and patterns over the winter since that's all the work i can do.

my floor is cut today hoping for a test fit tonite, then i'll glass the stringers - that's probably as far as i will get.

[cooperider]

Most of the dirt is out of the hull mold. I've got a long way to go, but things are moving along.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB280012a.jpg

[cooperider]

I went ahead and used a mop and bucket on the deck mold. I'm finding all sorts of little spots to fix on this one.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB280025a.jpg

[cooperider]

I should call this a Stealth Boat, my camera has a hard time focusing on this thing.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/PB280026a.jpg

[ezstriper]

Hey coop....thats awsome....good luck on the project....hope you get one built !!!!

[BullittBen]

Build it Coop, Build it Coop!! That would be awesome to buy a brand new vintage boat, hand built by a seasoned boat guy. You da man.:thumb:

[cooperider]

Just for fun, I pulled out the old photo album(remember those) and scanned in a few pictures of this project from waaay back when. The date on the back of the pictures says Sept. 1, 1990.


These are a few of the plug build up. I'll never work in a shop painted brown again, but I sure wish I had the space like I used too.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0101a.jpg

[cooperider]

Nice clean dash area.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0101b.jpg

[cooperider]

One of many layers of primer. Then more filler, then more primer.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0101c.jpg

[cooperider]

Skin out layer in the hull mold. I used the part I built here, to build my deck plug on.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0101d.jpg

[cooperider]

I used black primer to help find my low spots.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0102a.jpg

[cooperider]

Yep, missing the bigger shop. But I still have that Penzoil sign.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0102b.jpg

[cooperider]

Lots of work getting the right shape.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0105a.jpg

[cooperider]

After I pulled the mold off of it, I just left it sit out back.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0105b.jpg

[cooperider]

The mold didn't set outside for very long, but it had too for a little while.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Coop'sgarageprojectX/Coop'sgarage0105d.jpg

[175checkmate]

Looking good coop. That mold looks to be in great shape. What is the length of the hull?

[cooperider]

Looking good coop. That mold looks to be in great shape. What is the length of the hull?

It should be exactly the same as yours.

[Turbot-bird]

a trimate copy?

[cooperider]

a trimate copy?

Yep, right out of an original Trimate II hull mold.:thumb:

[175checkmate]

Very cool. Now I remember why you where waiting to see if the extended strakes and pad worked like they where supposed to. :brickwall:

[cooperider]

Very cool. Now I remember why you where waiting to see if the extended strakes and pad worked like they where supposed to. :brickwall:


Now we'll just have to run them against each other.


There should be a poll. Who will be on the water with their boat first? Gus or Coop.

:D

[JW]

Hey Coop, beef up the transom so I can hang a 3.0 liter and put a 12" pad on that new boat, lets see what happens :bigthumb:

[cooperider]

Hey Coop, beef up the transom so I can hang a 3.0 liter and put a 12" pad on that new boat, lets see what happens :bigthumb:

Send me a deposit and I'll build you a racer. :thumb:

[175checkmate]

There should be a poll. Who will be on the water with their boat first? Gus or Coop.

:D[/quote]


Ah, well. HMMMM. I can do that. I think.:rof:

[cooperider]

There should be a poll. Who will be on the water with their boat first? Gus or Coop.

:D


Ah, well. HMMMM. I can do that. I think.:rof:


Which? The Poll, or being on the water?


You might be on the water before me, since it will probably be March before I'm even ready to build.

The deck mold needs some work, I need to get a bigger air compressor to use for spraying the gel coat. So I'm going to gather materials all winter for this project, and try to find a motor.


The hull mold looks like it will just need some cleanup and rewaxed. The deck mold needs some big repair work around the motorwell. I planned on that from the start, I just need to finish off the work on the mold so the part looks good when I build it.

[175checkmate]

Being on the water...:banana::thumb::D

[cooperider]

This would be a good windshied for this boat.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/baja-checkmate-allison-speed-boat-windshield_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ26455QQihZ00 8QQitemZ180196053203QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW


http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/cc/b7/2b7c_1.JPG

[Eaglenva]

i have to agree, i like the size and style.

[175checkmate]

What did the windshield come off of? Would you have to section it to fit the trimate?

[cooperider]

It came off an old Baja, and it should fit. The cockpit area on my deck is kind of narrow.

[cooperider]

I finally don't have to walk through a foot of snow to get the shop, so I've been making some big progress on cleaning the molds and prepping the shop. I'm a bit behind schedule now, but I'm going to shoot for May to build the deck and hull>

[Reed]

I finally don't have to walk through a foot of snow to get the shop, so I've been making some big progress on cleaning the molds and prepping the shop. I'm a bit behind schedule now, but I'm going to shoot for May to build the deck and hull>

Hey Coop, I love the boat project looks great !!!! The idea I had to work on that hull I got from you was similar to your project boat. I will have to wait till this fall when I buy a new home to get started on that hull project. ( Great work man, hope mine looks as good when I'm done )

[cooperider]

Started buffing the hull mold.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/ProjectXonitsside001.jpg

[cooperider]

First of 8 waxes on this side.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Firstwax001.jpg

[cooperider]

Found some old house paint, and decided to make the outside look a little more presentable.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Paintingtheoutside001.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/Paintingtheoutside002.jpg

[Turbot-bird]

looks good! cant wait to see the results

[JW]

I finally don't have to walk through a foot of snow to get the shop, so I've been making some big progress on cleaning the molds and prepping the shop. I'm a bit behind schedule now, but I'm going to shoot for May to build the deck and hull>


Build it now, build it now!! :surf::surf:

[TLB]

looks like it won't be long now.

[bdusted440]

comon coop get busy.:banana::banana::banana:

[TLB]

go coop,
go coop,
go coop,
:D

[cooperider]

I need to get a new motor for my compresser before I load up the pressure pot with gel. If I had that fixed, I'd move a lot faster right now.


The little comp, just won't move enough air, for a big paint job.

[KaiasMate]

hell you got 500 paint brushes on the bench get r done

[cooperider]

hell you got 500 paint brushes on the bench get r done


He can speak!!!! :bounce:

[KaiasMate]

hey coop check out the wallpapper on this ebay add 110245304940

[cooperider]

hey coop check out the wallpapper on this ebay add 110245304940

Wow from $1 to $330 in a day, thats pretty good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D 110245304940%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1&item=110245304940

[stclairriverblaster]

comon coop get busy.:banana::banana::banana:

yeah coop get busy ... ill take one in green with black trim with sparkles on the black
:bounce:

[Turbot-bird]

Any new updates?

[cooperider]

Any new updates?Yes, over Memorial Day weekend I should be fixing my air compressor, and getting it hooked back up so that I can spray.

[cooperider]

yeah coop get busy ... ill take one in green with black trim with sparkles on the black
:bounce:Dude, sparkles is extra. :poke:

[jallen355]

Hey Coop, Can you explain why you chose the Tri Mate II to pop a mold from and are using your own design for the deck? I think I know, but I hate to let my ignorance shine here if I turn out to be wrong.

It looks like it's going to turn out to be a sweet ride.

[cooperider]

Hey Coop, Can you explain why you chose the Tri Mate II to pop a mold from and are using your own design for the deck? I think I know, but I hate to let my ignorance shine here if I turn out to be wrong.

It looks like it's going to turn out to be a sweet ride.


Actually the hull mold is an original Checkmate mold, classic 70's vintage with the scars to prove it. The deck is my own design.

[jallen355]

It is a Tri Mate II hull mold, isn't it? Why have you chosen that hull design? I'm certain there's a reason, I'm just curious is all.

The original deck design... is it becuase the Tri Mate II was a bow rider and you wanted that bottem design in a long deck?

Inquiring minds want to know!!

[cooperider]

I chose that hull because it was about to be scrapped by the company that I was working for, and could be had cheaply.

It looked good, it was an old Checkmate. But the open bow deck was very damaged (forklift hole), and back then closed bow boats were more popular than the open bow boats. 10-1 in favor of closed bows, NOW that trend is reversed, to probably almost the same ratio 10-1 in favor of the open bows.

Now had I known how many of these things had been built, and that you could get a good one for less than a grand. I might have passed on the hull.

Here is the main reason for building it now, this was my first deck mold that I built completely by myself, for myself. Its time to build it. If I put it back into storage to build something else, I'll probably never get back to it.

[jallen355]

I think it's a great idea! I was thinking that you chose the Tri Mate hull becuase of the some what tunnel design and were making the closed bow version of it that Chackmate never produced. I really think it's going to be a cool boat when you get it done and can't wait to see the end result. Of course it will be totally unique anyway you look at it. Great idea..cool dream!

[cooperider]

I think it's a great idea! I was thinking that you chose the Tri Mate hull becuase of the some what tunnel design and were making the closed bow version of it that Chackmate never produced. I really think it's going to be a cool boat when you get it done and can't wait to see the end result. Of course it will be totally unique anyway you look at it. Great idea..cool dream!


Thanks, I've learned a lot about this hull over the years. According to Mike out at Cmate, its one of the best they ever made.

I would like to make some changes to it in the next year or so, but nothing major. Just something to make it look more modern. Smooth up the sides, maybe a pad if Gus's pad helps his boat much.

[merc245]

Do you think we'll ever find out!!!!!:banana:

[KaiasMate]

go for it coop .ya know what i think .it will be a ride with a smile

[175checkmate]

Do you think we'll ever find out!!!!!:banana:

AH, the $64,000 question. :brickwall:

I really need more time in a day.

[Reed]

Guss yours will be done soon, the final stages are the most time consuming, I will post some new pics of my Trimate II in the next month. I'm putting the power head together now and I'm doing some custom work to the shrouds that I had in mind for a unique look. This time I'm trying a 26 pitch cleaver prop instead of the 24 pitch chopper. ( Coop that is one hell of a boat your making thumbs- up )

[cooperider]

OK back to the project. New roof on part of the shop, and lots of real work slowed me down a bit here. But thats ok.

Anyway, started makeing some changes to the deck mold. I decided that since I had to do some work to this motor well anyway, I'd just go ahead and remove it. It'll just hold water anyway.

First, I marked it out with tape where I wanted to cut.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6110010a.jpg

[cooperider]

Then, fire up the cut off wheel, and cut.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6110011a.jpg

[cooperider]

Too late now.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6110012a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6110014a.jpg

[cooperider]

Mounted some wood in the hole and started filling it in.

Remember, this is a mold not a boat, so less waterproofing is needed. Yep its bare wood under the filler.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6190001a.jpg

[cooperider]

OK, so I still have a motor well, its just now only about 3/4's of an inch deep.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6190003a.jpg

[cooperider]

The longboard in the backgound really helps with leveling the filler.

Got a ways to go on the leveling, but it won't be long now.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P6240016a.jpg

[stclairriverblaster]

lookin great cant friggin wait.
:lol:

[cooperider]

All nice and smooth, ready to spray new tooling gel on it.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P7060009a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P7060010a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/P7060011a.jpg

[cooperider]

Hull completely waxed and ready for tape.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010001a.jpg

[cooperider]

Almost done with the tape and paper.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010010a.jpg

[cooperider]

Ready for Gel Coat.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010013a.jpg

[cooperider]

First color in.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010016a.jpg

[cooperider]

Paper removed and ready for the next color.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010018a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010019a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9010020a.jpg

[hotdaddy27]

Good work Coop!

[PapaMaC]

Looks like its all coming together pretty well! Good work, keep it up! :cheers

[175checkmate]

Looking good. I really like the splash well idea. A bit late to do that mod on mine. :brickwall:

[cooperider]

Finished up the Gel Coat tonight. Definately Blue.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9080001a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9080005a.jpg

[cooperider]

And while I had a pot full of catalized Gel coat, rather than waste what was left, I shot all the toy boat molds too.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9080002a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9080003a.jpg

[cooperider]

Some fiberglass.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9180014a.jpg

[cooperider]

This is just the first layer.

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9180013a.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.barrycooperider.com/ProjectXedited/firstboat/P9220019a.jpg

[Turbot-bird]

Hows it coming?

[Turbot-bird]

Anything new?