Started work on tr-cabin

[turtlem1969]

Started the initial tear apart and see what I got stage of the rebuild of my 36 tri-cabin, what a mess I have. Wires going nowhere, wiring spliced here and there, fuel tanks slightly corroded, fibre glass fresh water tank, at least thats what its labeled as, looks more like the holding tank, either way that's all coming out to be replaced. You really dont appreciate how well these boats are made until you start taking things apart. So I guess you all know what I'll be doing over the next several days, weeks, months, hopefully not years.

Do have a serious question about the v-drives, they are walter v-drives rv-30, does anybody know anything about them, ie do they do the counter rotating or does the tranny do that? I do know I have to get the straight drive trannies for them. Any help would be appreciated.

Here are some photos of what has been done so far, since I know how everyone loves photos here.

http://s776.photobucket.com/albums/yy45 ... i%20cabin/

[rickalan35]

1969 Baby,

I'm hurtin' for ya. You got a pile of work ahead of you. As an owner of a sister ship to yours, I don't know if I'd have the energy required for a complete rebuild like you're facing.

Do you have velvet drive transmissions???

Any way I can help with past experience or whatever, just ask.

Rick

[Big D]

The Walters don't determine rotation; done at transmission or rotation of engine. You have your work cut out for you!

[LSP]

BJ ....here's to ya

[k9th]

Looks like a lot of work ahead and I hope you can persevere. I know I would not have the patience to tackle a project of that magnitude. Best of luck.

[turtlem1969]

Its not my first rodeo, have redone a few in a little worst shape then this, I dont know what i like to do more, work on the boats or take them out.

Rickalan- I dont have either the engines or trannies, was thinking of going with twin 350's and either a velvet drive 71c or 72c, I know the walter v-drives are 2.09:1 ratio.

[smplybttr]

After seeing those pictures, I sure am glad you beat me to her. I'd hate to have to sleep on her in the current condition and I'm pretty sure that's where I would be right now, had I brought her home for the wife to see. Good luck and hope to see her out someday...

[turtlem1969]

So far over the last two days I have removed about 300 ft of 12v wire most of which wasn't attached at either end, and about 150 ft of 110v in the same condition.

[aaronbocknek]

okay, i'm gonna jump in here.... as someone who grew up on a tri cabin (we had ours from 1972, new, until dad sold her in 2008) and yes, i still get sad at her being under another owner; let me know if you need any assistance regarding the tri cabin. i'm stuck on this particular boat. (just ask anyone in this forum about my love of the tri cabin) my other half and i are seeking out a tri cabin from 1981--1987 vintage.... as for the v-drives, these things are bullet proof, and the company, http://www.waltergear.com will have everything you need right down to any ball bearings that might need to be replaced. no two are alike, so have your hull ID and your serial number from the v-drives handy. when dad needed a replacement oil fill cap about 6 years ago , and yes, those too are unique per SN, all he did was call them, gave his HULL ID NUMBER and the SN off the drive.... they still had him in their data base from june of 1972 when we took delivery of her. these are good units, and properly taken care of, will last a long time. they can give you any tech advice too..... so go ahead, give em a call..... you will be glad you did.
aaron

[turtlem1969]

Thanks aaron for that valuable information, fortunately both drives still have a readable data plate on them, definitely going to book mark that their site.

[rickalan35]

BJ - I have the Ford 350's in my Tricabin, along with the velvet drives and walter V's as mentioned by the other guys.

According to the marina mechanics here, my Fords are apparently a truck engine that Trojan retro-fitted for marine adaptation. They have been bulletproof for the 12 years that I have owned her, as have the transmissions and V-drives.

One thing to think about due to the fact that you are now re-wiring, is to install additional circuits compared to the number that came standard when the boat was built. There are simply a lot of needs these days for extra capability.

I have put in two extra circuits but can't really go much further without replacing the entry lines. One of my extra circuits runs the salon air conditioner while the other one runs the battery charger.

Keep us apprised of your progress.

Rick

[turtlem1969]

Rick-
I know from past experiences when you think you have enough space in the fuse block, better buy another one.

Found out today when I was going to take out the fuel tanks to clean and inspect them, that all four of them are slam full of old stale gas, so the fun continues.

[rickalan35]

You've got four fuel tanks? I have only two.

I replaced my fuel tanks four years ago as the starboard side had developed pin hole leaks. Not uncommon in these boats.
Big job though.

Glad to see that you are carrying on.

Rick

[turtlem1969]

There is two 80 gallon and two 40 gallon tanks, since they are all full I reckon it would be safe to say they dont leak. But want to take them out and clean them out and clean and paint the bilge beneath them.