Wolf Child
Just Another Octard
- Location
- All over C. FL
Since I ride the bike in the winter, it's jet ski project time.
This is a little undertaking I've been thinking about for a while and am finally gonna do it.
And before anyone asks: "Why a 550?". It's simple, they are cheap and if I dont like it I'm not any real money. if I DO like it, i can take what I've learned from this build and apply it to a modern machine later.
Step one:
Acquire donor hull for the low low price of a half a tank of gas to go get it.
It's a major HOS, but it doesn't matter because this sucker is about to meet Mr. sawzall, so the rough appearance is the least of it's worries.
Step two:
I took some measurements and marked my indicators on the hull. Then I took pics and went to work with PS to layout my plan to see how it would look, and how close the lines would be so I know where I will have major glass work not only for build up, but strength as well. over all it doesn't look like it'll be too bad, but things like this have a way of taking on a life of their own SO I wont get too cocky just yet.
Basically the plan is this. I'm removing most of the gunwales from the tray area and making a solid rear platform, then I'm going to install foot straps in surf stance location. the hood and nose will be chopped down about 1.5 -2.5" total. basically as much as I can and still have clearance for the flame arrestor and hood liner. the pole mount is also going to be recessed an additional inch, so the pivot point should drop almost 3" if I'm lucky.next is to shorten the pole itself about 3-4".
Once all this is done, I should have a pretty interesting little 550 to blast around on. At least as far as experiments go. if this works out, I will do this to a more modern ski, but I figured I'd start with something disposable first and if it works, COOL. it it breaks in half and sinks, LOOK AN ARTIFICIAL REEF!
Step three:
Hello, Mr Kawasaki, meet Mr. SAWZALL!
I wont be cutting the hood and nose till I have the tray area defoamed and cleaned out.
Step four:
Let the defoaming begin!
I'd like to keep the rear exhaust, but I'll have to have the pipe remade with the bend closer to the bulk head if I do. I don't think its worth the trouble so it'll most likely end up side exhaust like "The Short Bus". But I have plenty of time to figure out logistics as I go along.
This is a little undertaking I've been thinking about for a while and am finally gonna do it.
And before anyone asks: "Why a 550?". It's simple, they are cheap and if I dont like it I'm not any real money. if I DO like it, i can take what I've learned from this build and apply it to a modern machine later.
Step one:
Acquire donor hull for the low low price of a half a tank of gas to go get it.
It's a major HOS, but it doesn't matter because this sucker is about to meet Mr. sawzall, so the rough appearance is the least of it's worries.
Step two:
I took some measurements and marked my indicators on the hull. Then I took pics and went to work with PS to layout my plan to see how it would look, and how close the lines would be so I know where I will have major glass work not only for build up, but strength as well. over all it doesn't look like it'll be too bad, but things like this have a way of taking on a life of their own SO I wont get too cocky just yet.
Basically the plan is this. I'm removing most of the gunwales from the tray area and making a solid rear platform, then I'm going to install foot straps in surf stance location. the hood and nose will be chopped down about 1.5 -2.5" total. basically as much as I can and still have clearance for the flame arrestor and hood liner. the pole mount is also going to be recessed an additional inch, so the pivot point should drop almost 3" if I'm lucky.next is to shorten the pole itself about 3-4".
Once all this is done, I should have a pretty interesting little 550 to blast around on. At least as far as experiments go. if this works out, I will do this to a more modern ski, but I figured I'd start with something disposable first and if it works, COOL. it it breaks in half and sinks, LOOK AN ARTIFICIAL REEF!
Step three:
Hello, Mr Kawasaki, meet Mr. SAWZALL!
I wont be cutting the hood and nose till I have the tray area defoamed and cleaned out.
Step four:
Let the defoaming begin!
I'd like to keep the rear exhaust, but I'll have to have the pipe remade with the bend closer to the bulk head if I do. I don't think its worth the trouble so it'll most likely end up side exhaust like "The Short Bus". But I have plenty of time to figure out logistics as I go along.
