TDB-17' Classic refurbish project redux

I don't remember who asked this. The 12V panel switch labels can be obtained by searching: Bernard Identi-plate labels.
 
Rockywoods Fabrics sells the closest fabric color match for the Maine built TDBs in Mil.-Spec. 1000D urethane coated Cordura in Coyote Brown, which is a darker, more brown replacement to the original material. They also sell the Mil. Spec. 2" wide webbing and color matched side-release end buckles. These are both solution dyed nylon fabrics.
The original buckle female ends will mate with the replacement male ends, but not the converse. You would do better replacing the entire buckle.

I opted to purchase the 1000D Cordura coated and treated fabric in Tan-499, which is a near-perfect color match with the original blind panel material.

I borrowed a long-in-the-tooth, long arm commercial machine from a friend who owns a specialty XC ski outer wear company. Karen is coaching me through fabrication of a second front blind panel. I have a half-yard scrap piece of the heavy weave nylon, rubber impregnated, fabric that the Clark's original blind fabrication jobber used to reinforce the panel corners with. I think this was sent to me, along with a pint of gel-coat in response to my request back when I first purchased my TDB-14'. I have no idea whether this is still available commercially, or whether it is still incorporated into the production process in the current blinds.

Here is a link to the replacement buckle:

http://www.rockywoods.com/Hardware-Zippers/Buckle-Hardware/Nexus-2-Side-Release-Buckles-Tan499

I also purchased two yards of Mil.-Spec. 2"wide hook and loop sew-on material to close up some gaps on the front blind panel junction with the side panels.
 


Steve Sanford, I thought it best from a housekeeping perspective to add the picture of the boarding ladder I fabricated in the original TDB refurbish thread where you asked the question originally. Steve Lewis had a very good suggestion to add the abrasive strips on the cockpit combing, as well as to place a closed cell foam seat pad on the aft deck to soften the pain on kneeling on an artificial knee. I recall you stating your othorpod. informed you to not do this. Mine said to wait a year prior doing it...still painful.
 
Good morning, RL~

At 4 years out from total knee replacements in all (2) of my legs, I am finally getting to where I can kneel without discomfort. During our First Half, I put knee pads over my light hip boots for kneeling in canoes. Not sure yet how I will tackle the late-season gunning with my heavy waders - the 5mm neoprene alone does not do the whole job. But, something like your padding would certainly be very helpful.

Great to see your restoration once again!

SJS

 
First, a very nice job on your restoration I hesitate to mention this but after looking at the gas tank storage area a thought came to mind. Are the gas fumes adequately vented or is a blower in order. The reason I ask is that a friend did a modified gator build and had a problem.
Kind regards
Robert
 
Robert, no venting system installed. I fill the tanks outside the boat. I dial the vent cap down nearly tight in cool weather and remove the tanks entirely when not fishing. I agree, though, gas fume accumulation could be an issue with this hull.
 
I really don't see venting as an issue, given the amount of free air movement.

That being said, since the risk is large.... RL, you were planning to sell the entire rig to me for $2000... right?
 
Actually, Phil, I should probably pay you to take it off my hands!

The flooring mats are made by Styx River. There is no drainage when they get wet, so they actually "sit" on a layer of Blue Hawk black recycled rubber commercial kitchen mats...easy on my knees when I am pulling decoys out of the storage bins under the shelves and very warm in cold weather.
 
Phil,
You old bushwhacker that is the same boat you tried to trade me out of a couple years ago,much improved i might add.
I'd offer 2,500.00 at least.
 
That is a better idea RL you should just give it to me. So how much are you ain't give me to take that off your hands?

You see Bill, the deal is getting better all the time!!!!
 
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Pheasant hunting day today, so everyone is sleeping-in a bit.

Here are a couple of pics of the modified rainroof in place and grassed. If you look closely over Steve's left shoulder, you can see one of the battens I made to fit in the retention pockets Karen sewed-in.




Here is another with it zipped back a bit. Not only does it serve to shed rain, but it adds to the interior warmth of the boat, as well as closing-up the big black rectangle that overhead birds flare on.

[URL=http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/RLLigman/media/DSC00371_zps8ibvxulr.jpg.html]

When I get back, I will add a pic of the rainroof grassed and rolled-up.
 
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