1978 Mako 25 - Blind Hog - bottom time

[kgfisher]

Very nicely done!

[Sailor]

Really enjoying the Hog so thought I’d share some pics. More
on IG “BlindHog25”

[fandarr]

Those are pretty nice shots. Really like the one with the sun low in the sky.

[jamie]

Sailor, what are you using to backlight your switch panel?

[Sailor]

Sailor, what are you using to backlight your switch panel?

Jamie - those are led lights that RingLeader installed when he fabricated the panel. I have a white/blue led courtesy light strip mounted under the top of the console and for long runs in teh dark I have found that turning that blue light in the console is like a dimmer and not nearly as bright. I could have installed a dimmer to the switch panel but that increases complexity IMO.

[mrdelgado]

She sits so nice in the water with that bracket and Zuk. One day....

Glad to see you enjoying the boat!

[Oceanpro]

Going with a similar color scheme, oyster White interlux Perfection and Maritus blue on my 1977 25

[Sailor]

So I decided it was time to remove the bottom paint. I had a guy sand blast the bottom and it was pretty much a big mistake. I expected him to bust through the 40+ year old gel coat in a few areas but it was more then expected. To make matters worse the Jack leg with the front end loader who lifted the hog off the trailer must have dragged the straps through the sand and didn’t use a spreader bar. Now I have a good bit of scratches, a few cracks and the paint is worn down to the glass on the bow. After settling with the sand blast guy I’m now waiting to get in with my paint guy for repairs. In the mean while I’ve got the Hog off the trailer, spent all last weekend sanding the entire hull bottom and starting the fill and fair process, interprotect 2000 then VC performance epoxy. The fun never stops...

[z28joe2]

So I decided it was time to remove the bottom paint. I had a guy sand blast the bottom and it was pretty much a big mistake. I expected him to bust through the 40+ year old gel coat in a few areas but it was more then expected. To make matters worse the Jack leg with the front end loader who lifted the hog off the trailer must have dragged the straps through the sand and didn’t use a spreader bar. Now I have a good bit of scratches, a few cracks and the paint is worn down to the glass on the bow. After settling with the sand blast guy I’m now waiting to get in with my paint guy for repairs. In the mean while I’ve got the Hog off the trailer, spent all last weekend sanding the entire hull bottom and starting the fill and fair process, interprotect 2000 then VC performance epoxy. The fun never stops...

Oh man that’s unfortunate!! I will look sweet again in the end
Did he sand blast dry? Mine was blasted with glass media an water an it left the surface ready to respray gel. I have a few spots on the chime that have light crazing to grind out an re bondo

[PoleLock]

Sailor....this part of your project was inevitable. Once finished she'll be a gem from top to bottom.

And because the hog is kept on a lift, you'll be able to sit back and admire all the hard work and $ you put into this ole gal.

Eric

[Sailor]

I think I can finally put this bottom job to rest and check this off as “never do this again”. I ended up throwing out my back so had to hire a guy to do the sanding and most of the painting, which of course added another layer of delays with no shows and cancelled work times…

Overall I am pleased with the outcome and still may try and wet sand the VC epoxy to get it a little smoother.

plan is to let the paint cure and then back on the trailer and splash probably Friday.

[Sailor]

While I was waiting for paint to dry, I decided to take a hole saw and cut out my cockpit drains. When all the work was done the factory drains were relocated to the aft corners but I’m just not comfortable with two 3/4 pvc pipes as drains. After lots of searching I went with the oval 1.5” cockpit drains from gemlux as well as the thru hull with flaps. The biggest decision was to either cut into the floor or grind the flanges of the new drains to make them fit - I chose the grinder so I don’t have to worry about glasswork or repainting. Still not done but here is the idea, and the boat is filthy from sitting under the trees for four months.

[Sailor]

Finally hit the water Sunday and the new 1.5" gemlux drains is definitely one of the better enhancements I've done. Very pleased with their ability to keep the water out when backing down hard but really want to see how they do while fishing. The Rhodan worked great in the bayou and can't wait to fish with it as well.

[ob1jeeper]

the Hog is looking GOOD Steve...

[Oceanpro]

Finishing closing in my transom and full platform bracket on a 1977 25, it's worth consideration if you want to spend a little money.

[Sailor]

Haven't post in awhile so thought I'd put up some current pics. Trailed down to Palm Beach two years ago and got my son his first Sailfish on the Hog, so the tradition of firsts continues and it was a special trip fishing with my dad and my son. Also had a fun evening last October with some blackfins. She's still catching fish! The goal this year is a swordfish. Also two years ago I bought a Cabo 31, rehabbed it and sold it this past January. It was a fun project boat with my son but I still love fishing on the Blind Hog.