Re: 17 foot Diablo "Tweener"

--- In bolger@y..., "brucehector" <bruce_hector@h...> wrote:

> Has anyone put a small centre console in a Diablo? I'd like to add
> one, probably fixed aft of the centre seat for better single handed
> trim and a nice ship shape look with a bimini added.

There's a picture of one at
http://www.duckboats.net/forum/messages/52244.html

Once the postings on that forum go to the bottom they disappear
forever so this one will probably be gone in a day or so.

Steve H
In a message dated 12/6/01 11:46:28 PM Central Standard Time,
don_dihodges@...writes:


> I have posted some shots of my friend's 17-foot variation of Diablo

Looks like a very nice job! Thanks for the pix.

Bill in MN


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
In a message dated 12/8/01 8:07:20 AM Central Standard Time,
bruce_hector@...writes:


> My Diablo "Diabla", was first launched with an old Honda 7.5 pushing.
> It was immeadiately obvious that she need more power. It was also
> obvious that she need a skeg or keelson, as at slow speeds she
> wouldn't steer. Oh the boat would point in a new bearing but the
> direction of travel wouldn't change. Kind of unnerving to be pointed
> East while heading North. !!!!

Any other Diablo builders encounter this problem? The one shown carving a
turn in Payson's "The New Instant Boats" looks to be going the direction it's
pointed


Has anyone put a small centre console in a Diablo? I'd like to add >
> one, probably fixed aft of the centre seat for better single handed
> trim and a nice ship shape look with a bimini added.
>
>
On Payson's InstantBoat website under "Diablo" there is a narrative by one
Randy Wright indicating he added a small center console to the design,
unfortunately no pix. (This is the fellow running a 40hp OB - he makes no
mention of any need for skids, but it sounds as though he spends more time in
the air than on the water with this rig!)

Ciao for Niao,
Bill in MN


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Keep in mind the Honda BF75 (7.5hp) was rated at the flywheel. By today's standards it would carry about a 6hp rating (now rated at the prop) which is why Honda dropped the model after 1985.

Les Lampman
Whidbey Island, WA
USA
----- Original Message -----
From: brucehector
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2001 6:05 AM
Subject: [bolger] Re: 17 foot Diablo "Tweener"


My Diablo "Diabla", was first launched with an old Honda 7.5 pushing.
It was immeadiately obvious that she need more power.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My Diablo "Diabla", was first launched with an old Honda 7.5 pushing.
It was immeadiately obvious that she need more power. It was also
obvious that she need a skeg or keelson, as at slow speeds she
wouldn't steer. Oh the boat would point in a new bearing but the
direction of travel wouldn't change. Kind of unnerving to be pointed
East while heading North. So we added an 8' length of 2X2, well
rounded and epoxied to the centerline. This helped a lot, but she's
still skittish. I may add quarter skegs outboard from the centre skeg
about 11 inches for next season.

We next tried her with an older 18 hp and she went like a scalded
cat. Watch out when crossing any significant waves or wakes as she'll
leap, buck and fly over them if you don't throttle back. Quite a
light boat for her size.

Has anyone put a small centre console in a Diablo? I'd like to add
one, probably fixed aft of the centre seat for better single handed
trim and a nice ship shape look with a bimini added.

She also traillers very well, weighing little more than the trailler
does empty. I didn't notice the mass at all. She did get a good
looking over by the nice US Customs man and a compliment to boot.

Bruce Hector
www.brucesboats.com
Bolgeristas,

I have posted some shots of my friend's 17-foot variation of Diablo, now
ready for taping exterior:
www.ecoastlife.com/buildingdiablo.html


Don Hodges
www.ECoastLife.com
Your Emerald Coast Cyber-Vacation
Small-Boat Building, Fishing, Cruising
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