Making the steel trawler turn white 

Just like your “new” steal trawler My family just bought a new boat. By new I mean a 2006 mako 216 dc. Just like you my family believes in never buying new when you can do the work yourself and make it better than new. But to get to the point I’m currently in finals week if my freshman year of university and it’s finals week but all I can think about is going out and boating on the “new” boat for the first time. I hope someday to take on a project like you’re doing now once I’m financially able too. I’ve been watching your channel since you posted your how to Captain a small boat video which greatly helped me learn to boat. Your channel has helped keep my love the the water and boats alive. Thanks for the great content and all the work you put into the channel every time I see a video it brightens my day up and I feel so lucky that can see the boating paradise you live in. Best Regards from America -Edit I made a lot of typos dyslexia really can be a pain some times

OOOEEE Stu....Dangar Marine and the music that starts it up ... a personal preference....gets ones nautical juices flowing ...Cheers, getting back to the boat shop.where the Pterodactyls play.....full with a Special Dangar Marine Lunch Break, Must say, Love the Menu.... Cheers.

I've only just found your channel but yesterday I binge watched about 8 hours worth. I can safely say that it beats pretty much any Netflix series hands down....and I am a tv producer of 25 years. So good work mate!

She's looking really good Stu, an amazing transformation, not really a surprise after all your hard work and attention to detail. You must be very pleased with the result thus far, pleased and proud. Wish I lived in Oz so as I could help you out with all that boring scraping grinding and prep work. Respect mate.

Wow Stu, I had absolutely no idea just how involved it was going to be just put paint on the outside, and I say that very flippantly, let alone the time and effort on your part it will take . As I've said to you before my hats of to you mate, I'm sure it will be worth the blood sweat and I'm sure some tears alone the way, you are certainly deserve those cold beers. I'll be watching intently. Cheers buddy.

Nothing like a good Pair of safety squints. Keep up the great content!

I hope you reconsider the dry exhaust. Best improvement I made on my downeaster. I think you can aim your exhaust manifold aft. The present wet exhaust seems to be mounted awfully high. The exit in the transom is high, also. An elbow mounted to the exhaust manifold is where the raw exhaust water would exit the heat exchanger and transmission cooler. There needs to be a raw water strainer installed ahead of the raw water pump to keep debris out of the heat exchanger, in any case. Properly installed, the wet exhaust system would be installed just above the water line and access to the rest of the engine room will be much easier and cooler. too. You're doing a fine job and moving along quickly. I would consider installing a dripless shaft bearing to keep all salt water out of the boat. Just a suggestion, you might consider reinstalling the prop shaft before making those new engine mounts. Shaft alignment is critical and you might find that with all the new work adjustable mounts will be required. Shimming flat mounts takes a long time and you never seem to have the right sizes on hand. Cheers!

A lotta work !!!, you make it look doable Stu; Thanks for the incentive for me to work on my Boat. Cheers !!***.

Stu I wouldn't lose too much sleep on the engine mounts until you have the prop shaft back in on it's new bearings, then you will need to reclock the gearbox output flange to the prop shaft with some dial indicators, don't assume it was correct. This is one part of the installation that needs to be as accurate as you can possibly get it, any misalignment will set up hellish vibrations as well as tear out your stern tube bush over time.

Looks like you are getting this puppy hammered. Starting to look forward to when you start your next series on building a boat like this from keel up, in half the time it takes to restore/refurbish this one! Good job!

Nothing like an on going big boat project to kick the subs into exponential liftoff. Been watching your channel Stu for some time. 100k here we come. Nice to see you getting some serious traction. Its long overdue! Cheers

Another grate video thank you. I really do look forward to seeing your new uploads. I really like watching the boat come on. Keep up the good work you will have her back in the water before you know it. Looking forward to seeing next week's installment. Regards Richard

This steel boat series is very interesting to watch, looking forward to every new video. Best regards from a boat guy in Norway. (Son of a fisherman with a big wooden fishingboat)

Well, you managed to trap me into your world. I keep coming back for more. I originally came to your page hoping to learn how to rebuild a 1975 Johnson 40hp outboard carburetor. I just finished restoring the hull of a 1973 14' Thundercraft speedboat that I purchased for very little. When I first saw it, it looked ready for the scrap heap. It was a stained, faded pink (it was supposed to be red). The oxidation and UV damage was extensive and gave the gelcoat a rough chalky feel. The was absolutely no gloss left to it, it was completely matte, even when wet, top to bottom. The stern was a disaster. 46 years of smoke, oil and gasoline had built up a nasty coat of black/brown varnish. The transom looked beyond help. I was not fooled though. I grew up around yacht building and car body shops. Restoring things is in my blood. I knew looks were deceiving. Gelcoat is thick. I might not need to repaint all of it. Most could be restored. At most the transom would need to be repainted. I went and grabbed a tube of toothpaste and did a quick test (it was closer than rubbing compound). Sure enough, after a couple of minutes on a small spot, the red gelcoat began to reappear. I knew I could bring her back. So for most of May I worked on her every spare moment. I started with a 300 grit soft sanding block and scoured away most of the oxidization and varnish. I then wrapped that block in 600 grit wet-dry and smoothed the gelcoat out, digging deeper into it. By this point the colour began to come back and the gloss was returning. Moving to 1500 grit and sanding by hand I could feel the remaining oxidization and staining as I sanded. Where the gelcoat was actually now pure again, the sandpaper moved easily, and where it was tacky, I just kept sanding until that area also started to flow easily. Once washed it shone wonderfully while wet. But of course, when dry, it looked almost like it did before I started. So I moved to Phase 2. Rubbing compound and a combination of buffers and drill mounted finishing pads. Let me tell you, that part is no fun. Rubbing compound can work wonders, but it is also unforgiving. Areas that were not perfectly sanded gummed up and the compound was nearly impossible to remove by machine. I actually had to do it by hand. But, once it was removed, I moved to a polishing compound and repeated the process again. The polishing compound was more amenable to being removed by machine. By this point, the point was very shiny. Finish with a coat of wax and it just glows. The boat looks better than new in many ways as it was never detailed in this manner before. The transom came out the best. I can only assume the varnish protected the gelcoat. It looks stunning. Last weekend I put the boat in the water for the first time. I had already gotten the motor started on land (it had been on the boat sitting under a tap outside for ten years) and after launch, took it for a spin. Power is way off. I realize a 40hp motor is not a speed demon, but I dont think I even hit 20 knots. I am going change the plugs and put a can of sea foam into the gas and see of that helps. I was already planning on doing a compression test and suspected that a carb rebuild might be in order, and possibly a powerhead next winter. Sadly I know next to nothing about outboard motors. What I do know is this hull can go faster than 40hp can push. Can a 40hp motor be souped up? I dunno, but I am gonna find out! Anyway, I look forward to the next episode.

I followed all the restoration, at start it was a bit dull, but now it is becoming very interesting to see what you accomplish during that time. You did a great job.

Wow! What a difference a coat of "paint" makes. Looks like a new boat right off the showroom floor! Great job! Looks like all of your hard work is paying off.

she's getting there Stu i have been following the project of the trawler from day one cheers

Love it, you are doing a great in depth job documenting this journey! I don't know if you thought of this or not, but when doing things like chipping that concrete, take your vacuum, remove the filter, put it outside the compartment, and the hose near you working. It will "suck" the dust out of the area you are in and blow it outside and fresh air will replace it. Sort of a poor mans air recirculating system. Lol

coming on in leaps and bounds now,keep up the good work. Can't wait till she is in the water,take care

Dude, that chair, the handy one. You gotta save that poor thing! White vinyl with blue piping and install it as the captain's seat. Would love to see that. Some great work going on here and it keeps you out of trouble too lol

Stu, as always, another bloody great effort. (Luckily I was squinting at the right time so everything looked good to me.) That Coopers Green with the dog’s eye and dead orse came along at just the right time too!’

Mate this is a big job, head down, ear muffs and respirator on and just keep going, I feel your pain in that engine bay! You're smashing it though, heaps of respect for your efforts, the coopers always helps!

Any old boat looks much better with a coat of paint ! Keep up the good work.

I could be wrong, but the boat looks a lot happier with the work done to her. I think she appreciates it. Blasted rudder turned out great too...

cheers from PADRE ISLAND TEXAS, in 1990 i restored a 40 ft. WOODEN CHRIS CRAFT SPORT FISH, then a 38 FT. CAMPER AND NICHOLSONS KETCH , then a 38 FT. GERMAN FRERS CLUB RACING SLOOP, LIVED ABOARD ALL OF THEM, i have restored classic yachts and cars as a freelancer my entire life, also KEPT a BOAT LOAD of classic cars for myself, semi retired now i am living aboard 40 ft, motor coach in beach front RV RESORT, CORVETTE AND CROSSFIRE AS DAILY DRIVERS i dig your land cruiser

Stu, when I was racing off road cars I made my own engine mounts using tube and neoprene bushes, with a plate either side and a bolt through it. Never ever broke one and are super easy to make. You could use softer bushes and even smaller like 1 inch OD tube .

FIRST FOREMOST CONGRATULATIONS ON 90k subs Stu !!!! . I subbed about 4 months ago ya had 52k . Pal the 100k play button is right there an think will look great hanging in the completed trawlers cabin !!! . Second she is looking a million dollars now bro finish line is in sight Well done been an amazing series very informative also

Don't forget your eye protection... I've had friends who had to delay projects cause they got some shit in their eyes. Keep up the great work!

'You should see the rest of the boat'!. Mate, you'r doing better for yourself , good to see.

A glimpse to so many moored pretty boats on your commute, it looks like it is a busy area. Another awesome video! Cheers to you with a cold Canadian beer right here :)

Agree with the comment regarding a relocation of the pump, now is your chance to make your engine room more user friendly. Also, I would reconsider using the old style mounts. Adjustable mounts are a much better choice for dampening and prop shaft alignment. Even if you have to do so modification to the hull itself. It is such a nice project, you don't want to end up with bad vibes.

Looking forward to seeing her back were she belongs. Looking good so far... Hell of a lot of hard work.

Looking really nice Stu. Lot of respect for your persistence with this project. An inch an hour is two feet a day. Keep up the good work.

I want to thank you for a most informative series of videos. You are fulfilling a dream that I unfortunately have not been able to do. However, I get immense pleasure from watching how your project is progressing. Keep at it. Best wishes.

Stu you are one hard working SOG, can't wait to see you complete and Captian your ship. Looking forward to your post!!! Stay safe.

Dude, I'm proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. Ya really moving along much faster than I would thought. Plus it looks great ! I'll be watching from the US and I wish all my Down Under friends safe boating :)

Greetings from Woy Woy. When you first showed up with the trawler I thought you were mad and the thing was too far gone. I have never been so pleased to be proven wrong. Outstanding work Stu.

That chair you were sitting on mixing the filler would be worth a mint in the right auction. Beautiful job on the boat..as per your usual standard. 😁🇦🇺👍🏻

It's Sunday evening, bloody cold in Melbourne, but I've got 40 minutes of Dangar gold whilst the spuds are roasting.

One hour train ride after the footy. Yeehah. A new DM video makes a train trip fly.

dang. Lots of work. I admire your persistence. Keep on. Its a pleasure seeing the old thing get turned into something nice again.

Love your seven course meal mate!

Really enjoy your videos. I live in eastern Canada, heavily wooded area, lakes and rivers but I would enjoy where you live and enjoy. Best regards.

That David from Altex is a wealth of knowledge. So as always I need a shower and a nap after watching you working so hard.

Looking forward to next years meet up already, looking good!

Boats looking great. Glad to see this boat found such a great home and many more years of life.

I have a lot of respect for what you're doing. I especially like how safety conscious you are, as you didn't seem the type when I started watching.

Two words Stu: eye protection. Great vids thanks for taking us along!

Coming along nicely. She's looking nice and clean👍👍

Utterly amazing the amount and variety of detail you are using on your trawler. Your determination in the face of so many tasks must take a strong will. Appreciated the trip from house to trawler.

An Epoxy rep that makes house calls and appears on camera, golden. If I were in Australia, I know who's product I'd use.

First one I've seen. Quality. Seven course dinner, I was thinking what the hell, then a pie and a six pack. Lmao. Can't beat Aussie sense of humour. Beauty of yt is I can now go back and watch this resto from the beginning. Thanks for sharing buddy, greetings and best wishes from England.

Hey Stu I just wanted to let you know that I contacted marineengine.com and they were a great help on a part for my '98 Mercury 60 ELPTO Bigfoot. Very knowledgeable guys and a great source for parts help. Your trawler looks like it's coming along well.

Great music, great meat pie, hull & transom look really good. Thanks for the effort to bring us along for the ride. Also very nice to see the round about route from the island to the trawler’s dry dock. Cheers.

I don't understand the 21 dislikes?????? What is there not to like ??? Stu working his arse off getting a boat back in the water in the best nick he can do .................... damn, 21 people out there gotta be hard to please. Keep going stu.

My hat off to you Mister, your persistence and endurance is making us better Thank you!

The trawler is coming right along. It is fun to watch the progress

Nice job on the outer hull

Wow mate I'm very impressed, what a thorough job you're doing, It's a massive daunting job. Fascinating listening to the paint guy; I thot' you just sloshed the stuff on, but even that is very scientific. Thanks for a great video. Keep up the great work.

Awesome Stu, Looks great and really coming along. Good you have some help with her. Looking forward to the diesel servicing next week. Love the smiley face on the green machine bow😃

Just got home, mate perfect timing hahaha, boots off and cracked a can. Great start to the evening.

You are one tough workaholic on that boat. That's a lot of work . Looking good.

Great information on painting steel. Great videos. :)

If you're keeping the wet exhaust for now, I found my dual wet system was really loud and blew greasy water over anything towards the aft, So I got some 8" PVC and a couple of 90's, (you'll only need one) glued them up and cut them in half lengthwise, so there was a 1/4 round at the top, cut them to length so the bottom ends were well below the water line, trimmed the ends at a 45 degree angle and used construction adhesive to glue two 3/4" x 18" strips of poly vertically below the exhaust ports, fit the PVC over the ports, drilled, screwed and sealed everything. At the dock, the exhaust noise was greatly reduced as it exited under water and while under way the bottom of the tubes were exposed and the engine ran without any back pressure. Quick and cheap way to keep your fellow marina guests happy...

Sat, in the sunshine, watching whilst having breakfast. Looking good, great tips for when I finally get my own boat. Although mine will be steel but in a freshwater environment.

A new invention of Rik Breur is the Marine Antifouling fibre wrap. Thx for the trawler vids, I really enjoyed it!

For some reason I suddenly got the urge to be there and help you , having a helper boosts morale a lot

Love the commute to work!

If you install the mounts with jacking bolts P/S and F/A you make little dams high enough to cover HALF of the engine side of the mount. Silicone your mounting bolts and check the dams with water for leaks and pour chock fast to fill the gap... Its the standard way of installing these kinds of mounts. Make sure your prop shaft is aligned before you pour. You want to completely install the engine and gear with all your alignments before you set your mounts. We like to do final adjustments with the boat in the water before we pour our chock fast... Does it make that more of a difference? I dont know... Makes the boss man happy so we do it... Good luck and keep up the good work. Jeff

Looking Good Stu, Sunday morning quiet time for me is watching you work on this big ole hunk of a boat.

G'day mate, just subbed ,.been watching the progress. My dad owned a 56ft steel hull charter boat , cummins deisel . Back in the 80's . The yearly drydock routine is bloody hard work. Keep goin , she's lookin sweet so far .

Going to be one nice trawler when you've finished

Nice bit of progress. Thanks for the video. 👍

over half way now dude you make my sunday morning cornflakes worth it cheers fella

Stu, I find your channel very interesting and entertaining. I am sure you’re getting new viewers all the time. Keep up the great work.

"If you squint hard enough you can see my safety glasses" LOL... Great work!

As soon as you said you were going to wire wheel the inner hull she groaned at the thought of it! I wondered if you could use a simple pressure washers to clean off the at least the greasy grime? I was also going to suggest if you did a first coat of antifoul on the fresh epoxy a different color than the final coats so you would have a guide coat for when the top layers wear away. And that way it does not have to be in the water right away ( and most antifoul don’t mind being outs of the water like it used to.) Cheers Warren

At this point the swimming pool electrolysis for the whole boat starts to look like it would have been the easier way to go. Damn that is lot of work you have put on that boat.

the boat is coming along good thanks to my man hard work

Love it, awesome footage and workmanship, thx for sharing with all of us from all over, I’m in New Orleans LA.

Enjoying the videos...from Loxahatchee, FL

Gidday, one of your best vids, what a commute to work. Dangar makes my Sunday evening, that and the wine.

That was another fast 40 mins! Man, i wasn't looking forward to that concrete removal...and i wasn't even doing it! Can't get over how different that baby's looking already.

Must be a real bummer being able to take a boat to work... Great vid mate, love ya work. Looking forward to the next one... ;-}

Looking good Friend! You must be feeling a sense of pride as it is looking more like a fished job. You are doing great work! Keep on trucking. Happy Trails!

Excellent job, looking like a new boat

Just wanted to thank you for uploading regularly, Stu. Our next one will be a steel one so your videos are the first time I've looked forward to doing homework. Cheers from sunny Dorset.

A lot of hard work to be sure. But you are a hard worker. And having that expert advice from the coatings expert ensures that you are getting a good end result. This is going to help a lot of people understand what is truly involved in getting the job done correctly. The transformation is going to be amazing.

Hey nice "commute" to work in the morning. I also like your recipe for the 7 course meal, it meets all worldwide nutritional guidelines!

Very cool. I did marine electronics and my dad had his own diesel shop. Saw a lot of Detroits.

Going to be a great boat when you are finished great job it's starting to come together now😆👍

DaveE Am really enjoying following the progress of your project. You are a resourceful and energetic man.

Wow! That will be a pretty trawler soon!

Still the best series ever. Looks like a pretty nice place to live... :)

Another great video. Will help people with expectations on their own projects.

Stu, Regarding the seized Detroit diesel, you might be able to free it up with the head off and soak the pistons with diesel, might only be a steel wool or wet & dry sandpaper job to fix up the bore, and, its probably a very good reason to go dry exhaust because if the trawler sits on a mooring for any length of time between runs with a wet exhaust the high humidity in the exhaust will work its way back into some of the combustion chambers and seize the engine again, fit a flipper flap to the exhaust outlet to keep rain out. I'd stay with the 4-71, parts are available & they are a very good engine, no need to make any drastic changes either.

Well I hope ya remembering where all that piping goes.Another great video,can’t wait to see it floating again.

Cracking vid Stu, lots done. She's starting to turn into a good looking boat again. Really like how you're getting the trades involved in the vid and introducing the people to us. Loved the cooking section, can't think of many nicer eateries than yours. Atb.

Looks like you maybe turning a bit of a corner there. Paint looks great. The one thing that is for sure, it has been a lot of work so far with a lot to go. I have been enjoying the videos.

Your dream is taking shape! He will be beautiful on the water!