Project Activator Episode 8: Hardware, Parts and Colors
After a bit of a delay with Project Activator, we are back. The delay was in part me being busy taking on a couple other projects, and Mark at Rage Powerboats is also in his busy season, so we are now getting back to the 22 Activator and hoping to get to the next steps soon.
Here is Episode 8: Fuel Tank, and Deck Repair
Hardware
In the meantime, we ordered some hardware, an engine, and other parts we need. The boat will have a 250 HP engine, but I will leave it as a surprise as to which one it is. Let’s just say it might be a shock to some who know me, but I think it’s exciting to try new things and shake things up. We ordered a Bob’s machine jack plate with their Ultimate Protection Coating in matte black. Because of the 7” notch, we are going to be running about 15” total setback from the running surface. Our Activator will be run hard in rough water, we anticipate, so we didn’t want it setback too far, especially given the weight of the engine. But we will find out in testing how well this setup will work.
We have the new 55 gallon SP Sheet Metal fuel tank, and it is going to give us amazing range. These new outboards are great on fuel, and in this boat, we should be able to run to the Bermuda Triangle and back no problem.
The SP Sheet Metal tank is 55 gallons, so we spend less time at the dock, and more on the water.
Gauges
For the instruments, we went to our friends at Livorsi. They make beautiful gauges, and we wanted a little custom touch on the color, and they are great for that. Our dash is pretty limited for space, and we will be using a screen for some engine functions, so we only need the critical gauges. We are going for simple, yet adding a little bit of a unique look by mismatching one of the gauge colors.
The dash is filled, ready for the new Livorsi gauges. A new layout is in order.
Colors and Seats
As for the color of the boat, we can’t say yet, but it will have a more automotive inspiration to it. Meaning, there will be no graphics, just one color, with the raised deck and wind fairing in black. Daryll from Unique Upholstery will be doing the interior, and Mark at Rage Powerboats will be customizing some seats we like to fit the Activator nicely.
Not in this color, but our 22 Activator seats will look like this. Seat back will be a little lower.
In the next episode, we will talk about steering, and some other accessories we are ordering. Next step for the boat is the floor, repairing the deck, and turning it over to blueprint the hull.
Subscribe to the project on YouTube and we will have more episodes coming as we get to the more exciting parts of the project.
YouTube Wave to Wave
Plenty of work left. Blueprinting the hull is a critical part of the project.