32 Mirage TCL Project

[Squidnation]

Its no secret that we have fished my boat hard for the past 5 yrs. That and the fact that me and Maintance are usually not mentioned in the same sentance. I will say that although i haven't kept her pretty I have put lots of attention to her motors. But the time has come to pretty her up, redo the electronics and basically make her new again.

I have fished on a boat called the Darlin out of OC for the past couple years. The boat is a piece of art. Absolutely perfect. I thought it was a new boat but then I heard her story. Doug Rollins bought her out of salvage. The boat had sunk in the bahamas and her took her down to basically bare bottom and rebuilt her to perfection. I told Doug of some of the ideas I had for my mirage and he said when can we start. So Squidnation now sits sequestered in a shed in an undisclosed location and the project has begun. I will be documenting all of Doug's work from start to finish. Hopefully she will be trolling the pacific off of Guatemala this time next year.

We are gonna start by pulling the AD41p's on monday. They are gonna get a check up from the neck up. They have preformed wonderfully over the last 4.5 years. I couldn't be happier with the reliability, efficiancy and speed that she has given up. Its just time for a little TLC on these babies. While they are out we are gonna paint the engine room and install a grated floor as well as add some sound proofing.





The engine lift pumps are going to be relocated to get out of the way of any water that may make it into the engine room as well as the raw water pump.

One of the very few complaints I have of the 32 Mirage is that the fish boxes can only be drained while underway or when pulled out of the water. So we are also going to install macerator pumps in the fish boxes.



The battery switches are not very accesible. So we are going to have remote operated battery switches on the guage panel for ease of access.



The trim tab motor is situated in one of the only spots that can get wet on occassion. It also needs to be moved



Its time for single lever controls. I am not sure if I want electronic controls in another country. Spares and repairs may be tough to come by. we'll see what the budget allows



Doug is going to get rid of the electronics box and build a new angled console to flush mount the new electronics.



We are gonna move the guages to the radio box. Just another way to get everything out of the elements.



The bow rails stayed because Nico was a young boy when i bought the boat. Its time or them to go. They are ugly



Time to make her into a cabin again. You pulled out the bathroom for tackle storage and removed all the cushions because no one ever used it. It was basically a large closet. She will be an interior again.



That a new paint job and we should be good to go.

I will update this thread as Doug makes progress. I think you guys will be amazed at the work he does.

[FAT CAT MX]

Boy, your rode her hard and put her away wet! Looking forward to watching the re-build.

[Hatterized]

just think how they can re-build a woman....

liposuction....boob job....plastic surgery....

a boat is a piece of cake....look forward to see her cosmetic and enhanced make-over....

[dunn6253]

Looking forward to the project as it comes along, make sure to snap a ton of pics........

[gottaflylee]

Very cool Bill, good luck and looking forward to the pictures of the rebuild.

[Rob Rondini]

looking to do something similar. is doug for hire? what is the budget for this project?

[Squidnation]

looking to do something similar. is doug for hire? what is the budget for this project?

We are working it in stages. But Doug is for hire. I really suggest you talk to him and check out the Darlin before and after pics. I will pm you his phone number

[Dave Sikorski]

Do what you have to do, but dear Lord, please don't wash off that MOJO.

I've spent many a memorable day on that boat in the deep and hope to spend many more after she gets her new dress and dancin shoes.

I'm looking forward to watching the progress of the make over.

-D

[Spencer]

Good luck with the project Bill it can get on your nerves from time to time but it will be worth it. I will be following this and cant wait to see the progress.

[Trojan Joe]

Are you keeping the upper station and what color are you thinking for the hull....we want to make sure we can ID you out there!

When it comes to keeping within the budget, I know last year when I had mine redone I did not account for replacing cleats, lights, rod holders, etc... It is tough putting back on old dingy accesories when you have a brand new paint job.

Good Luck with the project, and see you on the dock.