Cigarette Squadron XII Complete Resurrection

[26 Spyder]

I have finally found the boat I have been searching for!

I have been looking for something fast, trailerable, able to handle LOTO and be worth putting my time and effort in.

The hull is an '83 27' Squadron XII built by Don Aronow, this hull was the last 27' out of the molds right after Don bought the Cigarette company back. From my research there were only 18 that were built, I do not know how many still exist today, I have located 6 others so far.
I do know that performance boat builders still use this hull design today!

I found the boat and picked it up in Michigan, before that the boat ran in Canada.
It is definitely a project! The hull was supposed to have been restored years ago but the company that was paid to do the work was shut down by the FBI, apparently they were doing more than boats.
They got as far as stripping it and cutting the deck off with a sawzall... Morons... (I can only guess they wanted to splash molds from the hull).

I will be building the Squadron as a Race/Pleasure and will run in the OSS Pro-Am series in 2010 along with a few poker runs etc..

[Trim'd Up]

Cool find! Congrats on the winter project. :D

[26 Spyder]

When I got the boat home it was like a dumpster. What a mess...

I am running ideas through my head every day on how I want it to look.
The parts collection has begun as well. I am trying to find as many actual "Cig" parts as I can.

[26 Spyder]

The 27 originally had a 454 and TRS drive, all of the rigging was a race style setup.
I will be switching drives and I do not know what power it will have yet, I am sure I will be testing several different power combinations over time with this boat.

The transom did not appear to be rotten but it did have a soft spot, so while it is apart I will replace it. The plan is to also re-gel & blueprint the bottom instead of paint, I will be looking for every last MPH I can get.

The plans are to have a classic look with some modern touches.

[26 Spyder]

A little more progress...

I have finished stripping the hull getting all of the old hardware and wiring off...

[26 Spyder]

Sometime in its life this boat lived in the salt.. I have seen worse though..

[26 Spyder]

Now for the fun part.... Getting the deck off of the hull!

Now remember, the deck was already cut before I got a hold of the boat. I would not have done this if it was still intact...

[26 Spyder]

A few more pics.

[26 Spyder]

I set the deck on a trailer until I am ready to reattach it...

[Davidmnc]

Cool project. Keep us updated!

[26 Spyder]

I rolled the hull back into my showroom.

Here are a few hull pics....

Now it is time to tear into the transom!

[26 Spyder]

At first the transom looked pretty good. I almost thought it didn't need replaced....

[26 Spyder]

Then I made the next cut... I found rot!
The water apparently seeped in around the drive cutout. Cig did a pretty good job sealing all of the holes and cutouts but not enough..
Still pretty good for a 27 year old hull that sat out in the elements for a few years...


A little further cutting I found some dry rot behind the port stringer...

[26 Spyder]

The port stringer had a few inches of dry rot also. The rest is solid..

[26 Spyder]

No miracle woods or materials here.. Just plain plywood...
It will go back a little better than factory...

[phragle]

At least having the deck off makes the transom that much easier.....

[26 Spyder]

These are the tools I used for the removal.

I saved as much of the transom as I could for a template.

This is how it sits today, I will pick up wood this weekend and start the process of going back together...

[26 Spyder]

At least having the deck off makes the transom that much easier.....

Yes it makes things much easier...

Now for the fun stuff! :sifone:

The Cig now has a drive system that can handle about any power I decide to put to it! No more worrying about broken Bravo drives!!

The new setup is a Konrad Ace Package. Very nice unit! It is not new but it only had 25 hours on it, then it went to the Konrad Factory for a refresh and and upgrade, now it is ready to go again better than new!

The pics are the actual unit that is now in my shop. It was originally installed on a pretty nasty Profile.

Here is the a quick description of the package. Feel free to ask any questions.

The Konrad ACE is designed to provide performance boaters with a complete propulsion system for offshore vessels, with maximum cockpit space in mind. The Konrad ACE houses the BAM 1350 heavy duty transmission inside its extension box, and is delivered complete with dual ram external hydraulic steering cylinders. The ACE features state-of-the-art engineering and highest quality components that are capable of exceeding the demands of the high-performance market.

[phragle]

for the template.. when you have everything out and cleaned up, use some double sided tape and some plastic or shrink wrap, stick it up there and trim quick and easy.

[26 Spyder]

We have been playing with paint schemes..
I still want to keep the lines classic, but a little modern colors may not hurt either.

These were done quickly the other night and will be refined more.
I am sure I will also have some clean sheet ideas as well..

Hard to tell in the pics but the bottom will be gloss black,
The sides are hot rod black and the deck is silver.
Graphic colors will are still open.

Feel free to give input on the designs! (No comments on the hot rod black though!)

There also seems to be some controversy as to whether this is a Cigarette or a Squadron. The info I have shows this particular hull to have come from the Cig factory. I also have ad copies showing the manufacturer as Cig and the model as Squadron XII. The next set of graphics you see will have more Squadron flair to them...

[26 Spyder]

for the template.. when you have everything out and cleaned up, use some double sided tape and some plastic or shrink wrap, stick it up there and trim quick and easy.

Gotcha, good idea, I was going to use cardboard but I will try your idea since I have a remant from my shrinkwrap roll that would be perfect...:sifone:

[phragle]

worked like a dream when I did mine, and it was a bubble transom (for the drives) so it had to go in like a damn jigsaw.

[old377guy]

this is exciting stuff, keep up the great work! and keep posting - Jeff

[MarylandMark]

Original paint would be my choice. Pic on the left in post 20 would be my choice out of what you posted.

THANK YOU for sharing this project- I know it takes time to snap pics and post but it's awesome for us watching!!

[Davidmnc]

We have been playing with paint schemes..
I still want to keep the lines classic, but a little modern colors may not hurt either.

These were done quickly the other night and will be refined more.
I am sure I will also have some clean sheet ideas as well..

Hard to tell in the pics but the bottom will be gloss black,
The sides are hot rod black and the deck is silver.
Graphic colors will are still open.

Feel free to give input on the designs! (No comments on the hot rod black though!)

There also seems to be some controversy as to whether this is a Cigarette or a Squadron. The info I have shows this particular hull to have come from the Cig factory. I also have ad copies showing the manufacturer as Cig and the model as Squadron XII. The next set of graphics you see will have more Squadron flair to them...

They all look great, but I like the one on the top left best. But I am sure it will look great no matter what you go with. :driving:

[Perlmudder]

badass! that thing is going to be sick!

[Geronimo36]

cool deal!

[Trim'd Up]

I like the far left. Old school hockey sticks.

[26 Spyder]

I like the far left. Old school hockey sticks.

That is kinda what I am leaning toward, my graphics guy likes the multi color tribal look, on another boat it would be cool but on this one I want to keep an original looking design.

[Offshore Ginger]

That is kinda what I am leaning toward, my graphics guy likes the multi color tribal look, on another boat it would be cool but on this one I want to keep an original looking design. Great boat and just curious where in Mich did you find her ?

[26 Spyder]

Great boat and just curious where in Mich did you find her ?

It was stored in St.Clair where I picked it up, it is the one that floated around for sale on OSO for a year or so.

[26 Spyder]

I got a little more done the last couple of days.
The new transom wood has been cut, test fitted and bonded together.

I used 3 layers of 1/2 arauco plywood with a layer of mat and epoxy in between.

[26 Spyder]

It was difficult keeping up with pics on this part since I did not want epoxy all over my camera!:sifone:

[26 Spyder]

We had a little time to tinker with the proposed paint scheme....

So, how about this one??

[Chris]

Nice. But get rid of the Cig logo. Or is it one of the few with the CTR HIN?

I'm pretty sure that boat is XEX

[26 Spyder]

Nice. But get rid of the Cig logo. Or is it one of the few with the CTR HIN?

I'm pretty sure that boat is XEX

We are still playing with it.... It is an XEX but it did come from the Cig factory with a Cig logo..
According to my research & info this hull was manufactured by Cigarette and the model is Squadron XII. It was built after they merged back together.

Here are a few documents (from a 24 which is identical) that show The boat being advertised and sold as a Cigarette and the model being Squadron XII..

But... I still learn more every day about them....

[old377guy]

Warms my heart to see the fresh plywood and glass installed. My opinion on the graphics is that the more period correct layout plays better. The "modern" Squardron 12 script seems to clash with the neat old Squadron star logo. I'd run with a dominant old school look Squadron motiff midship and an understated Cigarette logo near the back. Best of luck, keep the pix coming. - Jeff

[WeaponX]

A ghost Cigarette logo in the back would look wild. A few new ones are like that.

[26 Spyder]

A ghost Cigarette logo in the back would look wild. A few new ones are like that.

That is an idea we have been playing with also..
I have had people tell me the boat will be ruined if I don't go back to factory colors and scheme.... What ever I decide on is ONLY paint and it can be changed at any time! I will probably change it up every year anyway...:)

I will say it will be different than any other boat and it will reflect the old school theme...

[Perlmudder]

Didn't you also have a 26 spyder you were working on? What ever happened with that project? I remember you doing a really cool carbon fiber dash!

[26 Spyder]

Didn't you also have a 26 spyder you were working on? What ever happened with that project? I remember you doing a really cool carbon fiber dash!

Still working on that project, I kinda switched priorities when I ran across the Squadron...
I wanted one boat that would be worth the extra effort when I was done with it... And I wanted to run a little faster than the Spyder would be capable of...
I still have some cool ideas for the Spyder when I get back to it...

[sledge]

Is it a 27 or a 24? I see in the fine print of the XII ad in pic 1 post 1 says they were available in both lengths. I wonder what the production quantity across both CRT and XEX, and both 27 and 24 are?

[26 Spyder]

Mine is the 27, the 27 and 24 were identical except for the lengths.
According to my HIN and what I have been told I have #18 of the 27s and it is supposed to be the last 27 ever built. I do not know the production #s of the 24s...
Out of the 18 27s built I have located or seen pics of about 6 or 7 others. Who knows how many still exist....

[Sutphil]

This is how it looked about five years ago.

[glassdave]

This is how it looked about five years ago.

any idea as to why the deck was cut off like it was? They really did a number with a sawzall on that thing.

[26 Spyder]

This is how it looked about five years ago.

Yeah, I have seen those pics before... Too bad they killed it and left it to rot...


any idea as to why the deck was cut off like it was? They really did a number with a sawzall on that thing.

My only guess is someone was going to use it as a plug and make molds while they had it in their possession...
They could have spent a few more hours and separated it correctly though...

I will say Cigarette did a hell of a job tabbing everything together! The hull to deck joint & bulkheads were completely tabbed as well as the cockpit sole/liner to the stringers inside and out. they went through some pretty small holes with a long reach to get it all tabbed!:USA:

[J-Bonz]

Great thread!! That loooks like alot of work......... Been there and still there............. Keep up with the pics...
Jr.

[Sutphil]

any idea as to why the deck was cut off like it was? They really did a number with a sawzall on that thing.

No idea, was interestred in looking at the boat back then (it was about 5 miles from home) as it was complete with bbc and speedmaster, but it was bought by an OSO member and went to the States. I believe the same guy sold it to Spyder.

[cosmic12]

Great thread and nice work, keep it up and the pics coming. Love this stuff.

[olredalert]

------I was very close to this boat for a short time. Two guys, one from Fl. and one from Wi. (partners) owned the boat sometime after it came from Canada. They got taken by a husband and wife team of scam artists out of southeast Mi. near me. I got scammed by them too but for far less "$". And even they probably got off easy as it is heavily rumored that others got taken for millions. The trailer got stolen by the perps but I managed to get the trailer back for the rightful owners. I wasnt able to track down any of the missing drivetrain as they had already sold the missing stuff off, I think. As far as the deck goes, I dont have a good answer either, but the scammers had some very untalented help and I honestly think someone that worked for them was told to take the deck off and in a totally unsupervised moment sawzalled the deck and the hull apart right down the seam. Unbelieveable!!! .........Bill s

[Out There]

Excellent boat pick for the project! Way to dig into it as well.
My vote would be for the classic graffics only because they are timeless. I would lean towards left choice of the first three. Some of the newer graffics look great for a while then can date the boat later. I think you are on the right track with something in between.
Keep the updates coming!

[Geronimo36]

Well at least it's only FRP and everything can be fixed!!!! :)

[26 Spyder]

------I was very close to this boat for a short time. Two guys, one from Fl. and one from Wi. (partners) owned the boat sometime after it came from Canada. They got taken by a husband and wife team of scam artists out of southeast Mi. near me. I got scammed by them too but for far less "$". And even they probably got off easy as it is heavily rumored that others got taken for millions. The trailer got stolen by the perps but I managed to get the trailer back for the rightful owners. I wasnt able to track down any of the missing drivetrain as they had already sold the missing stuff off, I think.
That is basically what I have heard. Too bad a lot of boaters were ripped off...

------As far as the deck goes, I dont have a good answer either, but the scammers had some very untalented help and I honestly think someone that worked for them was told to take the deck off and in a totally unsupervised moment sawzalled the deck and the hull apart right down the seam. Unbelieveable!!! .........Bill s

That may be a good explanation as well, the way it was cut is definitely not professional!



Well at least it's only FRP and everything can be fixed!!!! :)

Absolutely true! It will be better than new when I get done, ready for many more years of pounding! :sifone:

[Excalibur Racing]

Check out his website, he has done fantastic work!!! He will have a very nice and tastfull boat, that will haul ass when he is done.

[Sunsation96]

Wow spyder great project very cool to see!

[h2oMag]

------I was very close to this boat for a short time. Two guys, one from Fl. and one from Wi. (partners) owned the boat sometime after it came from Canada. They got taken by a husband and wife team of scam artists out of southeast Mi. near me. I got scammed by them too but for far less "$". And even they probably got off easy as it is heavily rumored that others got taken for millions. The trailer got stolen by the perps but I managed to get the trailer back for the rightful owners. I wasnt able to track down any of the missing drivetrain as they had already sold the missing stuff off, I think. As far as the deck goes, I dont have a good answer either, but the scammers had some very untalented help and I honestly think someone that worked for them was told to take the deck off and in a totally unsupervised moment sawzalled the deck and the hull apart right down the seam. Unbelieveable!!! .........Bill s

Bill, I wonder who that husban & wife team were.:ack2: It must be the water up in Algonac. :willy_nilly: I saw her up at Ed's place too.

[PatriYacht]

Who were they? Enquiring minds want to know. Great project by the way.

[cabana1]

We have been playing with paint schemes..
I still want to keep the lines classic, but a little modern colors may not hurt either.

These were done quickly the other night and will be refined more.
I am sure I will also have some clean sheet ideas as well..



Hard to tell in the pics but the bottom will be gloss black,
The sides are hot rod black and the deck is silver.
Graphic colors will are still open.

Feel free to give input on the designs! (No comments on the hot rod black though!)



There also seems to be some controversy as to whether this is a Cigarette or a Squadron. The info I have shows this particular hull to have come from the Cig factory. I also have ad copies showing the manufacturer as Cig and the model as Squadron XII. The next set of graphics you see will have more Squadron flair to them...


well i think you are doing great work so far, I would say go with the first graphic, kinda looks familar

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4195883931_211959e3dd.jpg

[Offshore Ginger]

L@@king g@@d !!!!!!

[Tommy Gun]

This posted by Mike Baldwin (Michigan)...It would be cool if you could get the Squadron done by then!

We are starting to plan our 6th annual 20 foot Cig Regatta much earlier this year in hopes that we get reservations in and get more of those 20s we see on OSO you guys have spent a lot of money and time we would like to see them.

The plan for 2010 is go to the Lake of the Ozarks we will be doing our runs on Sep 18 with possible some evens on the 17th. I have some rooms reserved at Toadcove resort they gave a great group rate it is a first class place they also have slips for us, you can check it out at www.toadcove.com their phone is 573-365-5620 to make reservations. But before you make res. please give me a call Mike at 734-231 5845 so I can give you our group number and more info. also I can keep a head count in case we need more rooms. Rocky and I plan on going down on the 13th if any one cares to join us and do a little boating feel free. I will also try to keep you informed thru out the summer on how the even is comeing along we have five 20s signed up already this is going to be the best yet.

PS I hope to get some of the Donzi group to come also they have really made it a lot fun for us over the years, thanks!

[26 Spyder]

well i think you are doing great work so far, I would say go with the first graphic, kinda looks familar

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4195883931_211959e3dd.jpg

That is nice looking! Can you send me more pics?
I am assuming it is a 28 SS?




This posted by Mike Baldwin (Michigan)...It would be cool if you could get the Squadron done by then!

We are starting to plan our 6th annual 20 foot Cig Regatta much earlier this year in hopes that we get reservations in and get more of those 20s we see on OSO you guys have spent a lot of money and time we would like to see them.

The plan for 2010 is go to the Lake of the Ozarks we will be doing our runs on Sep 18 with possible some evens on the 17th. I have some rooms reserved at Toadcove resort they gave a great group rate it is a first class place they also have slips for us, you can check it out at www.toadcove.com their phone is 573-365-5620 to make reservations. But before you make res. please give me a call Mike at 734-231 5845 so I can give you our group number and more info. also I can keep a head count in case we need more rooms. Rocky and I plan on going down on the 13th if any one cares to join us and do a little boating feel free. I will also try to keep you informed thru out the summer on how the even is comeing along we have five 20s signed up already this is going to be the best yet.

PS I hope to get some of the Donzi group to come also they have really made it a lot fun for us over the years, thanks!


I'll for sure be there with the Squadron! Its even my birthday weekend!
:USA:

[cabana1]

sure here is a link to my build thread.I know you are not new to this(I saw your last resto) but as much as this might kick your rear end; just keep at it. You will be so happy in the end. Looks great so far

http://www.seriousoffshore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12952

[ItsPeanut]

Spyder, how did you cut that outer layer of glass on the transom so nice??

[26 Spyder]

Spyder, how did you cut that outer layer of glass on the transom so nice??

I used a cut off tool and just sliced the outer layer of glass.


Transom is almost back in, I would have pics but my hands are covered in epoxy... Along with everything else!:ack2:

[ItsPeanut]

Which cut off tool and what type of blade. I tried sawzall and right angle grinder. Neither came out that nice.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Probably a diamond wheel.

[Offshore Ginger]

Which cut off tool and what type of blade. I tried sawzall and right angle grinder. Neither came out that nice. I mostly use a Diamond saw like Jim mentioned and that is an air tool . I just recently tried a tool made by Fein , which is electric that i borrowed from a friend to try , and found it to be a pretty cool tool which was very useful considering it is electric .

[26 Spyder]

Which cut off tool and what type of blade. I tried sawzall and right angle grinder. Neither came out that nice.

It is just a std metal cutoff tool with a normal metal cutting blade. It is the green handled tool in the pic.

[Offshore Ginger]

It is just a std metal cutoff tool with a normal metal cutting blade. It is the green handled tool in the pic. those are also a very usefull tool which i used the hell out of before i purchased a Diamond saw and the thinner the blade the better it cuts

[26 Spyder]

those are also a very usefull tool which i used the hell out of before i purchased a Diamond saw and the thinner the blade the better it cuts

3M has some pretty thin cut off blades..
Any chance you have a pic of the tool with the diamond blade?

[ItsPeanut]

That Fein tool is a great tool. But its not cheap and niether are the blades. Just bought a 5 pack for 129.00 bucks.

[Offshore Ginger]

That Fein tool is a great tool. But its not cheap and niether are the blades. Just bought a 5 pack for 129.00 bucks. I , have to say that when i was using the Fein tool and broke a blade , i could use the broken blade or part of it and it really is a great tool . Spyder i will be sending you an e mail and thank you for your time .

[glassdave]

I , have to say that when i was using the Fein tool and broke a blade , i could use the broken blade or part of it and it really is a great tool . Spyder i will be sending you an e mail and thank you for your time .

I had heard that Fein tool is pretty handy. Its pricy but so is a Metabo and if i'd know how handy that tool was i would have paid twice the price if i had to. I'm gonna hafta look for a local dealer for Fein and look into it some more.

[insanity]

I consided getting a fein when I started working on my pos, but after using a cut-off wheel on a die grinder or angle die grinder couldn't justify the cost for the tool or the blades. I kind of figured it would lead a pretty short life covered in fiberglass dust.

That being said my dad uses one for his tile/flooring business and he loves it.

[Audiofn]

The Fein is the best but if I was doing the stuff you guys do (kicks the crap out of the tools) I would just go with the off the Home Depot shelf ones. I have the Bosche unit. It works great but is batter powered so would probably not be that great for what you guys do. Bits seem to be as good as the Fein but a LOT less money.

Jon

[Offshore Ginger]

I had heard that Fein tool is pretty handy. Its pricy but so is a Metabo and if i'd know how handy that tool was i would have paid twice the price if i had to. I'm gonna hafta look for a local dealer for Fein and look into it some more. Dave the Fein give's a very nice straight cut with little dust not like the Metabo and to tell you the truth i know a local marina that has been using them for years and im also thinking of finding a dealer .

[ItsPeanut]

Hey Dave, First off congrats at the worlds. Second, thanks for helping Jbonz out with his Scout. About that fein tool, their usually only for sale at local woodworking shops and they jack the price up pretty good their. Their is an actual marine kit at http://www.toolhouseinc.com/ . I bought mine at tylertool.com about 2 years ago for 250. I think its about 200 now but i have to say it is one of the best most durable tools i have used. Just make sure you have blades laying around because if you go to the store to by them, you will be upset.

[RichL]

I had heard that Fein tool is pretty handy. Its pricy but so is a Metabo and if i'd know how handy that tool was i would have paid twice the price if i had to. I'm gonna hafta look for a local dealer for Fein and look into it some more.

Can't help with a local dealer, but Hartville Hardware sells all kind of tools and is where I got mine. They shipped it and I had it within a couple days. Their website is: www.hartvillehardware.com/

For replacement blades try: http://www.multiblades.com/index.html

Prices are reasonable and they ship in a timely manner.

[J-Bonz]

Hey Dave, First off congrats at the worlds. Second, thanks for helping Jbonz out with his Scout. About that fein tool, their usually only for sale at local woodworking shops and they jack the price up pretty good their. Their is an actual marine kit at http://www.toolhouseinc.com/ . I bought mine at tylertool.com about 2 years ago for 250. I think its about 200 now but i have to say it is one of the best most durable tools i have used. Just make sure you have blades laying around because if you go to the store to by them, you will be upset.

Nut,
I forgot to show you the diamond tile saw I had.... O well, I am still very happy with the work you got done!! I just got to get back on the job..
Jr.

[J-Bonz]

Spyder,
The boat looks great!! How did it go splitting the hull and deck since they were bonded together? Did you cut from the inside or outside? Its looking sick!!!
Jr.

[AIR TIME]

spyder cool glad you bought it, I talked to the guy who was selling it a while ago. glad you got the konrad ace, hey talk to biggus or MGD motor builders, they did a stepped hull with the ace drive with the bullit lower and both guys said to start at 3'' prop shaft height which I think is 17 1/2'' x. cause the step hull they used a spacer so it was set at 3 1/2'' prop shaft then they pulled spacer and picked up 7mph more:driving:,. so I am starting at 3'' on the 28saber if I had a stepped hull I would start at 2'' or a notch. I am just waiting for my motor which should be done this month or I will be paying rent for a garage with nothing to do:eek:. I wanted to start mine in nov:(, but I can only rent the unit until march cause april they have a new guy long lease coming in which means I loose 800 bucks and will be working outside in april:smash:. so I hope they get it done cause march 1st I will visit the shop and if its in pieces its coming with me and I GOT A LOCAL GUY that will do it in 2weeks he is slow until april does a lot of head work machine work but is a old friend and knows I been waiting and running out of time.theres so many good builders out there I will most likely stay with in driving distance theres two dynos with in 15mins of my house ones my old builder who took to long on the last 3 builds I used him and was upset I WENT ELSE WHERE:).BUT IF A BUILDER IS GOOD IT TAKES LONGER haha. and if mine is perfect then in the fall I will send out my na 509 for work or just buy parts that motor has 20hrs but has sat for 3 1/2yrs. the konrad looks the balls I have 3 props to start with 26b1 labbed/30 px5 labbed / 32 b1 labbed . I hope to break a 100mph since my new hull is about 5000lbs rigged. and if its done by april complete I will have a sponsor for a few races if its not done the money will go to stock car,bikes. so he wants to see a complete boat running he wanted to see it in march but we got to much workto rig:(. keep us posted

[26 Spyder]

Spyder,
The boat looks great!! How did it go splitting the hull and deck since they were bonded together? Did you cut from the inside or outside? Its looking sick!!!
Jr.

The hull and deck were already seperated when I got it. I would not have cut it like they did....

Still working on the transom.... My job has been taking priority over the Squadron lately... Trying to keep the bills paid...

[26 Spyder]

Update.
Project is still in the works, just haven't had very much time to get to it. Spring is here now so I have more of an itch to get it done now. I will keep you guys posted.

[old377guy]

thanks

[tamburello]

Any updates on this. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

[26 Spyder]

Any updates on this. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

Very little, still collecting parts, have the components for a nasty 540 now!:driving:

Working on smoothing the bilge now, once that is done the deck will be going back on. I will post pics as progress allows.

[Hang Time 27]

alright spyder...summer's over...get crackin on that thing :)

Nice work btw.....keep going!!! Love to see it done. I know how tedious that fiberglass work can be. I reworked the inside of a '76 24 excalibur in the 90's - used 14 gallons of epoxy resin by the time I had it all locked up - um never again for me - that's why I bought this thing!.

I've had an absolute blast with the Konrad in this boat. You still can't abuse the drive with abandon - I just talked to one guy at a poker run who says his buddy has been through 4 of them with 800 hp and a drunken throttle hand...literally. I no longer wish I had raised my x though.....I think I kinda like the prop deep - allows me to stay in the throttle when the hull is way clear of the water - which is where it spends most of it's time in the Chesapeake Bay. Sure I may loose a few ticks, but damn it's fun in the rough stuff....

One paint scheme I always thought about was one in gray/silver or an aluminum look, complete with fake rivets painted everywhere to go along with the full squadron theme - like a P-51 Mustang look, toothed grin on the hood scoop or bow and all ! I would have put 5 little outlines of TRS outdrives with red X's over them - since I killed 5 with mine, which would make it an ACE by airforce rules..... :) There was a large cat done this way, and then there was American Choppers Jet bike from there first show done that way.

update??

[26 Spyder]

I have finally started to get back on her..
The transom was cut last week for the ACE package. I made the cut at 3" below the bottom. We will see how that works...


BTW, I the other day an awesome gentleman sent me some Squadron history I am sure you will love to see!
The person used to work for Don back in the day and had a 27 built to his specs, Banks twin turbo BBC, #3 and all!
He sent me all of his documentation, build sheets, option sheets, letters, flyers, brochures, posters, pictures, press releases, Banks turbo info all for the Squadron boats.
He also sent me an original Squadron jacket!

I will be getting it all scanned and preserved shortly!

I also may have a new cool project on the way, I'll post pics when it is here..

[Hang Time 27]

I have finally started to get back on her..
The transom was cut last week for the ACE package. I made the cut at 3" below the bottom. We will see how that works...


BTW, I the other day an awesome gentleman sent me some Squadron history I am sure you will love to see!
The person used to work for Don back in the day and had a 27 built to his specs, Banks twin turbo BBC, #3 and all!
He sent me all of his documentation, build sheets, option sheets, letters, flyers, brochures, posters, pictures, press releases, Banks turbo info all for the Squadron boats.
He also sent me an original Squadron jacket!

I will be getting it all scanned and preserved shortly!

I also may have a new cool project on the way, I'll post pics when it is here..

Man would I love to see that stuff!!

BTW, my prop shaft seems to measure out at 5" with the Konrad. I remember thinking that a shorty might leave me a little too short when I measured before the install.

[26 Spyder]

I am set at 3" and I have the box & long drive, so I can go shorter if needed... After a lot of research and discussion the majority rule was 3". We will see...

[Hang Time 27]

Then you'll have the fun of your exhaust exit..... Probably have to angle them pretty good to keep them below the rub rail. I have to redo mine this winter if I change over to headers....Mine exit right thru the rub rail and have no seal, and since the transom sits so low...waves creep up the back when stopping in the bay to hang out....lets the salt water in the bilge too easily....

[26 Spyder]

Luckily I dont have to deal with salt very often.
The headers I plan to use have tails that have some drop in them. If needed I will order some new tails though.
The existing 4" holes are through the rail, from the factory it had 3" tips down low under the water. All will be filled and redone..

[26 Spyder]

No updates yet but I will show off the new project. This new one is getting stored until the 27 is done.
How many 24 Squadron XII's are there? :D

Also, a pic of a logo we designed.

[Hang Time 27]

Also, a pic of a logo we designed.

Nice !

[26 Spyder]

Nice !

I may be able to get a few extra if needed. :D

[Hang Time 27]

I may be able to get a few extra if needed. :D

I'll buy a pair, or two, off ya if you do.

[cigaretteracing5]

Any updates on either the 27 or the 24? I've got a 24' Squadron XII, I'm pumped to see how things are going.

[tamburello]

Any pics of your 24', cigaretteracing5?

[Hang Time 27]

did you guys see the 27 for sale on Offshoreonly? Holy crap. 900hp and a #6 drive. Apparently he just spent about 100k on it last winter!

[rschap1]

That thing ought to fly!

[Hang Time 27]

That thing ought to fly!

"95mph easy" so the man say.........

But not one grab handle in the boat...bet that's why its for sale ;) $65K

[26 Spyder]

I saw pics of Cigracing5's 24, Very sweet and original!

Ill have to check the one out on OSO...

[backell]

I have a Squadron XII 27 (1982). Half done w/ it. 540 Merlin w/ a TRS. Race prepped borgie. I would like to see your progress. Mine was 100% structurally fine but needed everything else. I will post some pic's when I have a chance. Dyno'd the motor last month but only made under 500 so the motor got striped and the cam went back and was found to be the wrong cam. Got new cam today and will dial in and re-dyno. I believe this boat was in NH before I found and purchased from estate.

[26 Spyder]

What number is it? (You can tell from the HIN).

Look forward to the pics.

[old377guy]

What number is it? (You can tell from the HIN).

Look forward to the pics.

Ditto