2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Thoughs of you guys who know me will have worked out i'm a bit of a born fiddler.
If left alone with tools for too long then I’m gonna get up to mischief!

So today’s job.
Bow rails, as you know the Diablo didn’t have any fitted at factory and this has bothered me a bit.
Not just for aesthetics but when handling the boat in the water. Apart from the bow cleat there’s not much up front to grab hold too.
Well try as I might, getting original bow rails for a 180 Mariah in the UK has been a nonstarter!
They don’t exist over here and getting some shipped over has been way too expensive!
So the answer is make some… now there not as good as the originals but hey I’m happy with them.
Fixing the nuts was a PITA too say the least.
The rear 2 of the 3, I was able to get at by removing the kick panel inside the cockpit and crawling up inside the front side seats,

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_125744.jpg

The front one I had no chance of getting to even with me being quite a small chap!
Only one thing for it….
Though’s of a nervous disposition should look away now!

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...w%20Mods/1.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_124442.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_125621.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_125645.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_125559.jpg

Repeat the same procedure on the other side and there you have it.

Now the next job…
This has always bothered me too.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...721_150253.jpg

There must be loads of room for stuff under there not being used. And I’ve already got the hole saw out!
An hour later and we have this. Jim even put carpet in there for me.... thanks Jim :wink_thumbup:
A couple of hinges to stop the cushion flying about, I’ve had to fish it out of the sea twice now! :(
Just need to pick up some panel trim for the edging.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_162117.jpg

So all back together now and I’m much happier about the front end

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...803_162151.jpg

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

"bout time you did some work on that boat.. ;)

Looks good! :wink_thumbup:

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

I know Mikey! it's been weeks since I've done anything :rolling_laugh:
Been to busy out enjoying myself in it

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Nice additions to the ride Andy!:wink_thumbup:
One day , you'll run outta things to do to her.:yes_grin:
Then you're going to have to sweet talk the misses into another Mariah to play with.:D

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

I find it's much better not to ask and just dig myself out afterwards! ;)
she has learnt that the drive way can be a world of surprise sometimes!
she's never sure what's going to appear there next :rolling_laugh:

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Wow that looks great. The grab rails look factory! So does the storage under seat. Awesome mods!

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Reading this it occurred to me that now I have access too the inside of the bow I could fit docking light :yes_grin:

Where's that hole saw? :rolling_laugh:

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Well done!!!!

Looks amazing!! Fulks would be proud!!

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

I doubt it...
He' say why you wasting all that time and effort on a Diablo, just buy a "Z" :rolling_laugh:


Had it all apart again yesterday and put some bigger washers on the back of the rail studs as I forgot to pick some up when I fitted them!

Re: 2001 Diablo Bow mods
 

Excellent Job Andy - perhaps the new owner of my boat will be inspired by these pictures. He just picked it up a few minutes ago. Ironically when I was showing him the boat we were discussing how much wasted space might be lurking under the bow cushion. That looks like a great place to store the anchor etc. Now you just need to convert one of the compartments into a functional cooler. I never used the actual cooler on our boat - it seemed to small to do much good.