Hurricane 640 Project

[RyanPratt]

Rebuilding a Hurricane 640 adding a 30" Hull extension to hang twin 150's and various other tricks stay tuned to see what happens and what we learn.

[RyanPratt]

Pulled the first extension/bracket out of the mold today.

[RyanPratt]

Another day.

[Apherel]

That looks like a project rib!

Just out of interest, why have you gone for a fibreglass extension rather than modify the transom or use metal extension brackets?

I was thinking the loads on that extension would be enormous.

[RyanPratt]

The pressure on the bracket is no more than that put on the boat in the first place which is made of glass. We are extending the boat as it was originally a IO and as such the center of gravity and the load need to be moved to maintain the ride without losing any interior space So extending the stern of the boat with an extension rather than a bracket will help level the boat and distribute the weight.

[capntroy]

I'm liking what you're doing with the 640 refurb, especially the outboard brackets.

I've refurbed two 640's and started off with a single 225hp on the first, that boat was scary fast, like 51 knots, I can only imagine how fast your 300hp 640 is going to be!

I can post pics of my 640's if you wish...

[RyanPratt]

I would love to see pics.

[capntroy]

This is the second 640 that I refurb'd, it started out with a 2-stroke 175 and ended up with a 4-stroke 150. I needed maximum deck space on the boats, so I completely did away with the old inboard engine boxes.













This is the first one that I converted, it was a rocket with the 2-stroke 225, way too fast. It has a 4-stroke 130 now and still runs at a respectable 25 knots or so...







Armstrong brackets on both, but I like your fiberglass bracket idea also.

[RyanPratt]

She is ready for final glass job, she will become one by 6:00 tonight!

[ProjectAvon2010]

These pics are fantastic. I am restoring a Avon 6m Searider. Does anyone have any experience with a adding a short bracket to one of these boats? I bought the boat as just a hull, and have cut the deck off, only to find out what a good idea that was. The stern stringers where completely rotted.

Anyway... I'm basically rebuilding the rib. I'm a little worried about how the boat will sit with a bracket. I'm installing an internal fuel tank, and putting the battery bank as far forward as possible. Do you have any advice?

Keep posting the pics, I'm getting ideas...

By the way, not sure you guys have seen this, but I'm getting some of my ideas from these guys. I'm a sucker for Carbon Fiber...

http://www.pureyachting.com/

[RyanPratt]

I do love pures boats especially love their big boats gunboats.com.

I will keep posting as we build. All I can say for now is go with extension not bracket. Once I get first one done and powered I will let you know what I learn.

[ProjectAvon2010]

Extension vs bracket? I'm not familiar with the difference. Are you referring to building a bracket as opposed to buying an extension (like Armstrong?)

[RyanPratt]

an extension follows the keel of the boat and as such adds to the waterline in effect making your boat longer.

[ProjectAvon2010]

gotcha. That would be the only way to go anyway, in my opinion. Due to engine weight, further aft, I would want the added flotation.

By the way, here is what I'm dealing with.

http://gallery.me.com/milton.leimkuehlers#100148

[RyanPratt]

We painted the boat yellow, next step light gray non-skid.

[ProjectAvon2010]

Looks Great! Keep Posting

[RyanPratt]

We have the base coat down. We will lay one more coat down after a light wet sanding then we should be good to go! You can see what the tubes looked like before paint!

[capntroy]

I can't wait to see some running shots...

[ribfan]

Coming along nicely. Who's tubes are you using?

[RyanPratt]

We reconditioned the old tubes and are painting them.