Another BFN in the collection

So the "Flintstone" boat arrived this week. (my 2 year old saw the feet on the side and relates to how we call his feet "Flintstones") was super cute to see the excitement as the boat came home.


Next morning at the lake


Ryan super excited to go fast


Started to wet sand it. Results were far better than expected. This was one of the nicest all original/unmolested BFN's I have seen. 473 hours on it- no tower-no snaps-no crazy mods one finds in boats like this.


bow deck was wet sanded and all the teak was stripped. The PO had varnished the teak- which was BLACK. so much better. NOS bow light installed- original was broken off.


started to wet sand the other parts of the deck- very excited how it is turning out!


sides done


evening on the lake- the interior is TOAST!! I will have that redone as the very last thing.
The boat is repropped from the original factory set-up. Does 46 at 3900 RPM's Funny I got this boat because I thought my EXCEL was under powered with the 351.. This 454 BFN with this prop- does the exact same top end as the EXCEL!! If anyone has suggestions on 454 tweaks-let me know.


My 4 year old learning the ropes ! he is a good co-pilot!

many more pictures and progress to come. Trail is original and needs some TLC- but very sound

Rod,
I know you will enjoy the boat but I have a feeling your son may even more! Great find. The speeds you get out of each boat don't surprise me since I strongly believe the power to weight ratio is a big factor. It will be interesting to hear what our site prop expert has to say plus, do look into some engine tweaks. I know they have pretty much produced a very mild marine 454.

I thought so about tach- so I put in a second tach I had and it was the same. I have a friend who ran similar numbers with similar prop. My original 1991 BFN with factory set up ran at 53 MPH. So not sure what's what

Nice boat Rod!
You will get her dialed in.

Good to know you have one sitting in the driveway!

So what is the current prop on the boat?   I personally would not put much if any time on the boat with that level of over-propping certainly not loaded. I just hate to hear an engine groan...

Not sure of the prop dimensions. Has all kinds of numbers not easily deciphered. It is not like my 3 blade prop that is clearly marked. What I can say is my old yellow BFN with 454 had factory set up and it ran 53 MpH at 4600 rpm. This teal boat is much quicker out of the hole/ with much less bow ride and it tops out at 46 at 3900 rpm's. I recently met a PCM rep that has been with them for 29 years. I am gonna call him and ask what he thinks. Just for fun on this teal boat- I am gonna put on my spare factory prop and see what the results are.

Yes it is Roy

Very nice! She cleaned up well! How about a picture of the big block?
You going to bring it up to the SJRR in March?

I'm coming from Australia, anybody who lives in Florida already has no excuse.

IAughtNaut wrote: I'm coming from Australia, anybody who lives in Florida already has no excuse.

Glad to hear your making the trek Adam. I have already made my reservation - figured get it done early and plan around it. New "shotgun rider" as Kristin with her job is a bit of an unknown., with this said and the Badin Lake mini in the rear view mirror Sue will be joining us at the SJRR this year.

Thanks for the nice comments. More pictures to come soon.

63 skier- will do on the the timing light. The engine is rated at 330 HP, but I'm not sure what is lost in the conversion. This weekend I'm gonna put on original spec prop and see what happens.
I love the Teal as well! I had a Black/ Yellow 1991 BFN (sold) I have a blue excel, and this Teal BFN. The Teal has become one of my favorite colors. It looks way better in person. Just about done with wet sanding. Have lots of Florida winter days to make it sparkle.

63 Skier wrote: Anyone know what amount of HP is robbed by a v-drive compared to a direct drive? I'd guess 10-15 HP?

David,
I'd have to say you are on the low side especially considering the critical need to keep the box cool. Walters using straight cut gearing with a U joint design sure doesn't add up to high efficiency. Of course, maybe their "special" bearings cut back on the losses!

Yes- the Excel has a 351 ( here is a link to that boat- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35567&KW=Hour+excel&PID=460827&title=1991-excel-with-38-original-hours#460827)
I am putting GT-40 heads on the Excel soon. They are coming week after thanksgiving.

The Yellow BFN had 454 in it. Was set up with factory set up and topped out at 53 MPH. I do not remember the RPM's it ran but it was strong and fast. I had original build sheet on the yellow BFN and it showed in 1991 it was water tested at 53 mph back then.