First Refurb - Osprey Viper

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 22:38

Hi all, so a month or so ago i was searching for a project in the wanted section, and boy did i end up with one. An Osprey Viper that was used as an dive rig. I was planning on something with a little cosmetic tidy up, after getting a little carried away....heres what happened......

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 22:49

Doesn't look too bad in the photos, but its rather tired. Tubes have a leak in a rather tricky place on the rear cone seam and are abraded all the way along from what i can only assume is numerous years of dive bottles and rolling over the tubes. Through to the fabric most of the way. Current deck set-up isnt what i'm looking for either so that needs to be changed. Over all, needs a full strip down and repaint.

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 22:53

So tubes removed and new ones ordered. Tubes are been produced at SIT, and fitting is to be done by Crosshouse Boats and Trailers, who kindly let me make a mess of their workshop to do the first stage of the rebuild. (Cheers Guys)

Next step, what console, and what to do with the fuel tank ...........

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 23:04

Tank wouldnt fit under the new side by side console so i decided it should come out. That was terrifying and a nightmare all in one......

Cut around the tank after flushing it with water expecting it to pop out, no such luck.

Next approach was a bit of brute force, didn't budge.

Decided to hook the lifting blocks through the tank and yank the thing clear.....it just lifted the whole boat

Lots more cutting and i now have half a sunken tank and some rather springy deck.

I plan on removing the remainder, glassing in some supports and then fitting a plastic tank from JayMetal to go under the double console. Only thing is i cant get bigger than 62l under the console which i don't think will last very long with the engine......may need to rethink this...

Anyhow lots of sanding, aching hands and grinding discs later, all the gel is almost keyed and sanded back, lips removed from around the old console. IF anyones got any tips on keying the black deck i'm all ears, looks like its had some kind of coating with sand in it, and it was eating 50grit sanding discs in seconds.

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 23:10

In the interest of time we decided to leave the deck there for now and take a look at the hull whilst we had lifting equipment. So over the hull goes, first time to a little while but flipping it back once we knew how was easy. Again thanks to Crosshouse.

Antifoul in blue - Yuk - time to remove - I bought 5l of interstrip but had a quick go with the scraper and it was just flaking off, it appears it wasnt very well keys when applied the first time around

................about 3 hrs later and its almost gone

Whats next..... time to get the sanders out, over all the hulls in pretty tidy condition, few little nicks but by far nothing major....

tom_20000 · 14 April 2016, 23:14

That was last weekends work after which i've towed the hull back home to get some more hours in before it goes back to Southampton for the retube. Fingers crossed for some decent weather this weekend. Really want to get the new tank in and deck sealed back up.

cheers for reading

Chris · 15 April 2016, 08:21

Hi Tom, looks like you are doing a great job... and yes a 62 litre tank with that V6 Evinrude on the back will not last long ! Depending on what console you are fitting you really need at least 100 litres that should give you 75 miles range in average conditions.

nugent · 15 April 2016, 10:25

Nice progress keep,pics coming

nugent · 15 April 2016, 10:28

Witham glass fibre Osprey

Drop tank in deck slightly I got 130 ltrs in this one same rig

tom_20000 · 15 April 2016, 10:31

The console footprint is 76 depth by 97 wide (new money), but there's a suicide seat intrusion which limits the options. I have thought this morning though, i could get two 62l side by side.....hmmmmm

Chris · 15 April 2016, 19:48

Hi Tom. which console are you planning to fit ?

tom_20000 · 15 April 2016, 20:22

Managed to source one from down south for a good price, I'll stick some pictures on when I have them. Double side by side with a recess for knees and the suicide seat on the front. I did really like the ones you sent me over, but unfortunately just out of my price bracket. The seasport would have been really nice.

Chris · 15 April 2016, 20:42

Hi Tom, no worries, I was only interested from the perspective of fuel tanks. The SeaSport is a great console but yes, its a complicated moulding and there are certainly cheaper options out there.

If you need any help feel free to drop me a mail, its always good to see an old Osprey coming back for a second life.

My first RIB was a Viper 5.25 and I have very fond memories of trips out...

http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/danny-bo...hed-19888.html

tom_20000 · 15 April 2016, 21:03

Thanks Chris, I'll say one thing, they sure are well built! Getting the tank out, what a task! Looks like there's loads of expandy foam in the hull too, so may have to clear some of that out for the new trunking and tanks. The 5.25 looks like, I'll take a proper look when I'm back on the PC

cheers

tom_20000 · 20 April 2016, 19:31

Didn't get chance to work on the osprey this weekend, trying to get the SR4 hull sorted first. Call it a practice run. Anyhow all rubbed down, primed in polykote and acrythaned, first attempt with an air gun and I'm pretty impressed with the finish. One or two major runs but hoping they will sand/buff out. All a learning curve I guess! Will be much easier not having to work upside down on the Osprey! Sanding and fillering isn't perfect but looks a damn site better than before.

Chris · 20 April 2016, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_20000

Didn't get chance to work on the osprey this weekend, trying to get the SR4 hull sorted first. Call it a practice run. Anyhow all rubbed down, primed in polykote and acrythaned, first attempt with an air gun and I'm pretty impressed with the finish. One or two major runs but hoping they will sand/buff out. All a learning curve I guess! Will be much easier not having to work upside down on the Osprey! Sanding and fillering isn't perfect but looks a damn site better than before.

Good Effort Tom, I think you will be able to get those rubs out ok. I don't get on with air gun painting at all, just haven't got the patience !.

nugent · 20 April 2016, 20:18

Leave it few days mate. Harder the better and rub I using a block,, no bare hands 400 grit disc will be you there then some 800
It will mop up no,problem

tom_20000 · 21 April 2016, 01:48

Cheers Ed, does the whole thing need rubbing down with 800 before moping? I've got some G10 and 3 to go on.
Wish I'd taken the time to remove all the scuffs from the hull now. Never mind, this one will be up for sale soo .

nugent · 21 April 2016, 11:11

Just the dribbles mate

I use 1500 grit then trizac discs before mopping but I am a fussy git

Just about to coat a vessel up now funnynenuff

tom_20000 · 21 April 2016, 13:32

You still working on the pac?