1989 Python 24' - Project

[snomad]

I picked up a 1989 Python 24' Offshore Sport Cuddy (official name I think). My 15-year old son and I have been working on it for about 6 weeks at this point. Here is what it looked like when we towed it home...

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject041.jpg

Interior is in fair shape - so it will stay for the first year. Sun pad has to go however.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject011.jpg

I got the boat at a discount because of its overall condition and the fact that it had a fracture in the hull. We stripped the boat down and repaired the hull first.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/skisupreme018.jpg

Floor in the cockpit was rotted too - so we replaced the plywood, re-glassed and gelcoated it.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/skisupreme026.jpg

Last weekend we painted her!
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject119.jpg

Wet sanding and buffing of the clear coat will be done tonight. I will post pictures as we make more progress. We are really excited about this little boat! I am sure I will have questions as we move forward - hopefully there are a few more Python owners still out there!

[rchevelle71]

Nice boat, and a good job, how was the transom? What power? I have a 24 Pantera which is essentially the same hull design, with a 250 outboard.

[snomad]

Thanks for the kind words. We have a lot of work into it already with a lot more to go.

The transom has been replaced as have the stringers - so we are solid there.

The power is a Gen VI 502 crate motor. Should run in the low 70's...to start.

[JFM]

Nice job. I was looking at this boat when it was up for sale. Glad to see it is getting redone. Keep it up

[rchevelle71]

Thanks for the kind words. We have a lot of work into it already with a lot more to go.

The transom has been replaced as have the stringers - so we are solid there.

The power is a Gen VI 502 crate motor. Should run in the low 70's...to start.

Nice,

I used to work on a race tem that ran a 24 Pantera with a 502, solid 70's boat.

here is a pic and video of mine, at the 27 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcJn92joEsM

[rchevelle71]

Here is the boat I crewed on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxqrTcX9PKs

[Richard Crainium]

I can appreciate the amount of time and energy it takes to do a project like this,keep up the good work.

[Dirty Pearl]

I was right beside Scotty and Monty when they came out. Wild Ride!

[rchevelle71]

I was right beside Scotty and Monty when they came out. Wild Ride!

I crewed with Scotty that race, and the year before. I think that was his last race in the Pantera, as at the first Marathon that year, he lost a fuel pump, the next Marathon I drove for him while he was up north with the AMF boat, and his cusin' ran it in Sarasota. Following year he had the Platinum. Didnt realize you were in the chicken boat.

[Dirty Pearl]

They also ran Ft Lauderdale. They came out and did one lap and then went back in. Very rough that day.

[rbr2328]

I owned that boat for 11 years and loved every minute in it. Take care of her and keep up the pics.
This boat is formerly the cocktailcove.com boat and well known on Lake Lanier

[merlin]

Hey Wisconsin !!! Mark, you and your son have done a "phenomenal" job with the python!! We are proud you saved her!! We knew she had the potential to be a great boat but like the original owner, we didn't have the time. Sorry we didn't get back with you on the "Python" logo. We do have you a few original "Python" items along with a Hotboat Performance Test I'm sending your way but none had the logo you wanted. Jim used a snake for the "P" in this brochure lol :) Sorry for all of the OSO drama....we forgot to post "SOLD" lol, but Beau straightened it out! Keep the pictures coming!!! We love'm!! You guys stay warm and Have a Very Merry Christmas, T & D :)

[cdail28590]

Hey Merlin do you have a copy of the Hotboat performance test that you could send me or anybody that might have it? I would like to read it and see what they said about the boat. I am in the process of redoing my Python with a new transom, cleaning up the wiring, and rebuilding the motor. I just dynoed the motor yesterday and it made 451hp and 511 ft/lbs torque so it would be interesting to see what hp motor Hotboat was using.
Thanks

[DonMan]

Nice looking boat.

Mine has the 502 / Bravo set up. Runs low 70`s on gps.

[rbr2328]

Any updates?

[snomad]

Work has continued...but slowly. Winter took hold here in Wisconsin, so we had to improvise to get the boat and cars all in the garage.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject136.jpg

We are snowmobilers, so we haven't spent as much time on the Python recently, but some things have been done. Some of the hardware is back on the boat and the engine bay has been painted. I am waiting for supplies to arrive so the we can run wires. The panels are cut for the floor replacement in the cabin but the glass work is still ahead of us to button up the inside. Windshield frame, dash panels and tabs are going our for powdercoating. Here are a few more shots...

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject137.jpg
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject140.jpg
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject138.jpg
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/PythonProject139.jpg

[rbr2328]

More pics please.
Did you not like the white powdercoated hardware?

[snomad]

I was OK with the "white-out" look, but it needed to be refinished, so I am going to add a bit of shiny back to the look. I am keeping the white-out windshield for sure.

I'll keep pictures coming as we make progress...I promise!

[rbr2328]

I was always meaning to weld aluminum panel to the windshiels frame to make it more like a solid fairing.

[J-Bonz]

I was OK with the "white-out" look, but it needed to be refinished, so I am going to add a bit of shiny back to the look. I am keeping the white-out windshield for sure.

I'll keep pictures coming as we make progress...I promise!

Snomad, Where you out of in Wi? I live in Johnson Creek. The boats looking great! Cant wait to see it on the water! You will love how it rides! My Dad and I had one a few years back but it was jet drive....

[snomad]

I am headed to the sandblaster in the morning. W/S frame, trim tabs, dash are being blasted, then powdercoated next week.

Were you ever tempted to add external steering to the boat? I am wondering about adding it - plan to bump up the HP a bit...

[rbr2328]

Yes it needs steering. What color on the dash panels?

[snomad]

J-Bonz:

I live in Sun Prairie and have a place on Lake Nokomis in Tomahawk. This boat will frequent the Madison Lakes, Lake Michigan out of Milwaukee, Door County and likely will harass the weekenders on Lake Nokomis occasionally!!

[snomad]

I am going to stick with the red dash panels...just freshen them up.

[J-Bonz]

J-Bonz:

I live in Sun Prairie and have a place on Lake Nokomis in Tomahawk. This boat will frequent the Madison Lakes, Lake Michigan out of Milwaukee, Door County and likely will harass the weekenders on Lake Nokomis occasionally!!

Nice, we will have to try hooking up this summer! I am new transplant to WI. I still have not been on the madison lakes... Heck, I have only been out a few times in Milwaukee & Rock Lake before I dismantled my Scout... It would be great to follow someone that knows the area.

[ItsPeanut]

Not trying to hijack thread but i miss that boat J. It looked a lot better being towed with the van. That was my first boat ride. Thanks for ruining my life.

[snomad]

I am finally back with updates and pictures.

CMI mufflers installed. Bennet Sport Tabs powder-coated and new pump installed. Drive reinstalled after new gimbal and bellows. New trim limit switches. Repainted drive and installed new decals along with IMCO drive shower.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056363.jpg
Engine compartment is done. Painted with Bilgecoat. Rewired and cleaned up all electrical. New (used) EMI Thunder manifolds. Installed blower (none on boat before). Reconfigured hatch lift ram.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056365.jpg
Installed all new gauges and switches. Not quite done wiring interior lights yet so a couple of switches are not in. Decided to go with a twin stick shifter/throttle. Had to install a pod to accommodate it. Altered the side panel myself - note Frankenstein stitching! Installed a tethered kill switch and new steering wheel.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056368.jpg
I cleaned up and rebuilt much of the interior myself. Don't want to drop the money this year - but next year it will have to happen. Most of the wood bases were rotted - so I made new and put the old foam/vinyl back on. Sun Pad on engine hatch was beyond salvage so it is new. Installed grab handles for panicked passengers. Cut holes for the new stereo gear that goes in next week.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056369.jpg
New headliner is in. What a pain in the pooper this was! I had so much glue on me I thought I might be permanently stuck to the cabin floor! I built cabinets inside the cabin door to conceal the back of the dash, hold the stereo amps and provide some general storage space. Faces of the cabinets are removable for easier access (rather than squeeze into the small black doors).
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056370.jpg
Powdercoated the windshield frame and installed new white plexiglass. Cleaned up hatch covers and reinstalled once headliner was complete (yesterday).
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/P5056380.jpg

I still have work to do - but am only a couple of weeks from splashing her. I still have to build a frame and mount my cabin doors (boat came with none). Have to lay carpet in cabin and cockpit. Install cockpit and cabin lighting and stereo.

[Bobcat]

Great, now I feel really lazy!:sifone:

It is coming along nicely!:)

[Buoy]

Nice work! Boat is looking good.

And I agree with Bobcat - you're making me look lazy...

[Richard Crainium]

Boat is looking good ,I feel for on time spent working in that cabin .

[J-Bonz]

Looks Great!!! I cant wait to see it out on the water!!

[600sci]

I like the Caterpillar ignition switch most...LOL :D

Naaaa, just messing..looks awsome !

[snomad]

The CAT ignition is one of the few items that is staying intact as it was when I bought the boat! It is beefy!!

[rbr2328]

Looks Good!
I installed the Cat switch many years ago at a boat ramp when the keys got left at home and I had a switch and many keys in my truck. The switches are meant for extreme conditions and keys are always available.

[old377guy]

Looks Good!
I installed the Cat switch many years ago at a boat ramp when the keys got left at home and I had a switch and many keys in my truck. The switches are meant for extreme conditions and keys are always available.

I like your thinking!

[snomad]

rbr:

At least I left something alone - huh!

Stereo is in and I am installing carpet Friday.

This girl is ready for the summer!

[600sci]

The CAT ignition is one of the few items that is staying intact as it was when I bought the boat! It is beefy!!

COOL, i have some of those keys...so when i wanna go for a ride ( if im ever up there ) dont worry..i bring here back fueled up and in one piece !!!:D

[snomad]

I have been busting butt the past few days...and she finally got we today!

Stereo went in last wek and I went to work on the rest beginning Thursday night. Cabin, including hull sides were carpeted in red. Installed lighting, built a door for the anchor locker and covered it with carpet. Cockpit was carpeted in red too. Had to pull and reinstall speakers, which include heavy duty grills to prevent damage. Framed the top carpet seams with 90* aluminum angle. Built a frame for my cabin doors and rough fit them. installed the interior and engine bay hatch cover. Put it on the hose this morning and she fired quickly.

We decided to splash it early this afternoon. It went well overall for a first shake-down run. The trim was acting up due to a bad positive connection. It was cavitating bad coming onto plane. Might be the drive shower pick up (damn!). I wasn't getting the RPM I should, but that is probably due to the finicky trim switch and it seems it doesnt get enough fuel at WOT. I will order a rebuild kit for the edelbrock 1410 tomorrow and go through it.

All in all, it was a decent first run. More work to do, primarily tuning and tweaking. The boat is out of the garage though and the tasks ahead involve being on th water.

Pictures to follow?..

[J-Bonz]

Sounds good, which lake did you hit? It was pretty breezy out this afternoon. It had to love the chop!!

[Bobcat]

Pics !!!! congrats on taking her out!

[cdail28590]

Snomad good job on getting the boat all back together. I know what its like to redo one and get it out on the water for the 1st time. Unfortunately for me I had to pull the motor back out of mine as it dropped a valve seat and destroyed a few pistons with only 2.5 hrs on the newly rebuilt motor. I'm hoping to have it back together before the 4th of July. I appreciate the article you sent me. A buddy also had a old hot boat magazine where they tested a 24 Python with a blower on it. They quit running it at 82 mph as they said it got to scary. Pretty interesting read though. Good luck on getting all the little issues worked out.

[old377guy]

Way to go!

[snomad]

Took her out on Monona and it was very choppy. Not the best conditions to learn the boats handling characteristics - I learned a lot!

I should have some pictures up in a day or so...

[Bobcat]

Cool!

[rbr2328]

I knew a python 24 once that ran 107 with about 800hp

[J-Bonz]

Took her out on Monona and it was very choppy. Not the best conditions to learn the boats handling characteristics - I learned a lot!

I should have some pictures up in a day or so...

Sweet!!

[snomad]

Here are the pictures as promised (but late). I had the boat out again this weekend after rebuilding the carb and changing out fuel filters. I hate to admit but my problem is worse! I believe the fuel pump may be failing but have not yet diagnosed.

As you know - I had to build a garage extension to work on the boat over th winter. Here we are dismantling the "box" to remove the patient from sick bay.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture015.jpg

Got her out of the garage and running on the muffs for the first time since last fall.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture029.jpg

Here is a shot of the interior...
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture042.jpg

And a shot on the trailer...which needs work too!
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture034.jpg

Here is a look into the cabin. I have not yet made the strips to clean up the transition from hull sides to cap.
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture049.jpg

Finally - a picture of her wet!
http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Wet1.jpg

Work continues, tweaking and tuning.

[Bobcat]

She sits nice in the water.

[old377guy]

She sits nice in the water.

so does my wife

[rchevelle71]

Amazing how close the lines are to a Pantera:sifone:

[Buoy]

Amazing how close the lines are to a Pantera:sifone:

:eek::sifone:

[rchevelle71]

:eek::sifone:

When(if) I win the lottery, I am gonna get me a set of molds from one of the splashes, and have Chris modify/stretch/step it, and start building boats:D

How about a 26x7 stepped hull with Kevlar/carbon layup:eek:

[Ratickle]

Very nice.....

[snomad]

I think we have figured out our fuel delivery problem. I pulled the sending unit to get a good look into the tank and was pleasantly surprised to see a VERY clean interior, no apparent water in the fuel and only a little debris in the bottom. The pickup is an aluminum tube with no screen/filter on the bottom. Pulling fuel through the pickup with the electric pump, however, produced significantly less volume than pulling it direct through a 3/8" hose inserted into the fuel. We pulled the pickup tube out of the tank, separated it from the fitting and found a screen at the top of the tube...that had enough dirt and crap in it to start a small potato farm! Water test tonight!

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/iqxoqlms/Python%20Restoration/Picture045.jpg

[rschap1]

Looking very nice!!
Good Luck with next outing:)

[snomad]

Got out last night for a brief water test. I am happy to say the fuel delivery issue is resolved. Now we need to tune.

Installed a 4-blade Hydromotive 25P and it eliminated the cavitation problem. Finally got the boat running in the 60's and it is a handful to drive. We were chased off the lake by storms, so did not have much time to tinker. We made some adjustments back at the shop and will run again this weekend. I think hydraulic steering is in my (near) future.

[rchevelle71]

Got out last night for a brief water test. I am happy to say the fuel delivery issue is resolved. Now we need to tune.

Installed a 4-blade Hydromotive 25P and it eliminated the cavitation problem. Finally got the boat running in the 60's and it is a handful to drive. We were chased off the lake by storms, so did not have much time to tinker. We made some adjustments back at the shop and will run again this weekend. I think hydraulic steering is in my (near) future.

Oh YEAH,

gotta have hydraulic over 60 in a 24x7:cool:

[snomad]

Based on last night's experience, I am not sure how this thing has been on the water for 20+ years without it. Yikes!!!:eek:

[liquordistributor]

I would be looking for something else to be the handleing problem. I have had a few of these with 502's and NEVER had one to be hard to drive at all. You should also be seeing 70+ mph. At 70 you should not need more than one hand on the wheel. These boats usually do not start to get squarly untill about 80. Mabe check the gimble ring for play, drive line, or it could be that that prop is just not good for that boat. Hydraulic steering is great, once you have a boat with it, you will never have one without. Unfortunatly I do not think that it would fix you problem though.

[snomad]

I would be looking for something else to be the handleing problem. I have had a few of these with 502's and NEVER had one to be hard to drive at all. You should also be seeing 70+ mph. At 70 you should not need more than one hand on the wheel. These boats usually do not start to get squarly untill about 80. Mabe check the gimble ring for play, drive line, or it could be that that prop is just not good for that boat. Hydraulic steering is great, once you have a boat with it, you will never have one without. Unfortunatly I do not think that it would fix you problem though.

Thanks for the suggestions and input. We are focused on the gimble and stock steering now. I was blowing out the Mirage Plus 25P, but have it back on for the next test to see if it impacts the erratic handling I had last night. We'll get it dialed in soon and I appreciate the feedback!!

[rchevelle71]

From what I have seen, Mirages, and Mirage plus seem to be a good prop for this hull. On mine the standard mirage handles a little better, but the plus is a tad faster. I agree that if there is any play, it will not help the handling characteristics, but it is a narrow hull I would not run it into the 70's without hydraulic, 60's may be OK.

[rbr2328]

The 25p mirage 3 blade was the best prop I found. I never had any issue with blowing out though. Keep the drive tucked in and once on plane start bringing it up. If the steering is feeling loose tuck the drive back in a tad till the steering firms back up and you will be at maximum speed around 74mph. Set the tabs at flat and leave them there.

[snomad]

The 25p mirage 3 blade was the best prop I found. I never had any issue with blowing out though. Keep the drive tucked in and once on plane start bringing it up. If the steering is feeling loose tuck the drive back in a tad till the steering firms back up and you will be at maximum speed around 74mph. Set the tabs at flat and leave them there.

What were you pulling for RPM at 74??

[liquordistributor]

What were you pulling for RPM at 74??

should be right at 5000rpm

[rbr2328]

It was right at 5000

[DonMan]

My boat was blowing out Mirage Plus props . I am running a Bravo 4 blade , 26P and the boat handles good. I do not have hyd steering.

[AWOL]

Bump. Any updates on this boat?

[Ratickle]

Wow, that's a long time ago. It will be interesting to see if there is any update info.