Modernizing a Prout Elite 37ft

[Dogfish]

Originally Posted by Factor

Looks a lot like it started life as a catalac. 230 HP on a Catalac - who would have thought.

It's a very nicely done conversion! Not to be a prig, but to me it looks like it started out life as a Gemini.

[Ewan Clark]

I've only just stumbled across this thread (late to the party as ever) and note that you fear your budget may not stretch to the Coppercoat treatment advised by another contributor.

We used to supply the Prout factory and most of their Boat Show boats through the 1990's had Coppercoat so I've always had a soft spot for them. Consequently if it is something you are considering, contact me (ask for Ewan) at AMC Ltd (t. 01258 861059) and I'll see what I can arrange. It shouldn't be too much more than the cost of buying a treatment of one coat of primer followed by two coats of a quality conventional anti-foul paint. And we are organising a special offer for the Southampton Boat Show, should that timing suit you. Just though it worth mentioning.

[atoll]

thanks ewan i might be at the boat show and will look you up!

[Ewan Clark]

Great! You'll find us exhibiting Coppercoat in our usual location in the Windward Hall (over the second bridge, near to the marina entrance).

[atoll]

update IT'S A RUNNER!!!!!!!!

today i finally got the vetus 33hp engine running,after waiting nearly a month for bits from vetus holland.
started on the first few revoloutions,it runs like a brand new sewing machine!

dontcha love it when a plan comes together!! should be able to get it fitted in the next few weeks,launch and sail/motor the cat to her new home

[atoll]

any body know the best place to mount the raw water strainer for the engine to prevent loss of priming water at the impellor pump?

i have heard this can be a problem on midship mounted engines that are above the waterline,on the prout the engine is about 2 ft above the waterline.

[Talbot]

The only fundamental point is that it should be above the waterline. You shut the thru-hull and top up the strainer put the top back on and with a decent seal that you get from a decent strainer, there is no loss of water when you open the thru-hull (unless of course the boat is dried out at the time ).

I always had problems getting the top of the vetus strainers, and cracked the tops on two occassions. Last winter I replaced these with Forespar Marelon strainers, and am much happier with the seal, and with the ability to remove the tops when needed.

Remember to site these so that you can easily see the top of the strainer (and access it when needed) as this will be a good indicator of problems through the salt water cooling section.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Talbot

The only fundamental point is that it should be above the waterline. You shut the thru-hull and top up the strainer put the top back on and with a decent seal that you get from a decent strainer, there is no loss of water when you open the thru-hull (unless of course the boat is dried out at the time ).

I always had problems getting the top of the vetus strainers, and cracked the tops on two occassions. Last winter I replaced these with Forespar Marelon strainers, and am much happier with the seal, and with the ability to remove the tops when needed.

Remember to site these so that you can easily see the top of the strainer (and access it when needed) as this will be a good indicator of problems through the salt water cooling section.

yes i guess in the engine room will be the best place in terms of being able to check the strainer,rather than under a bunk in the aft cabin where the seacock will be located.

it will also act as a handy container for refilling into if it does lose its prime.

it might be an idea to have the feed pipe from the seacock come up above the waterline,then loop back down below the waterline before it goes up to the strainer,so as to create a water lock......though not sure if it will work as intended.

i might also run a small bore pipe into the cockpit drain "t"ed into the exhaust raw water inlet so i can visually check flow as well,as the exhaust is under the bridge deck and difficult to see

[Boatguy30]

I looked at buying a snow goose classic a few years and thought the strainer was in one hull near the waterline. Not sure, but have friends with a snow goose 35 nearby and will have look at theirs next weekend.

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by atoll

.....it might be an idea to have the feed pipe from the seacock come up above the waterline,then loop back down below the waterline before it goes up to the strainer,so as to create a water lock......though not sure if it will work as intended.

i might also run a small bore pipe into the cockpit drain "t"ed into the exhaust raw water inlet so i can visually check flow as well,as the exhaust is under the bridge deck and difficult to see

Don't like the loop idea - reckon it is a bit loopy

If you fail to shut your cock when drying out, even with a loop, you will still need to prime. that loop may make it more of a problem.

exhaust flow might be difficult to see, but hearing is just as important, and a mirror on a pole will solve any sight problems without overcomplicating something.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Talbot

Don't like the loop idea - reckon it is a bit loopy

If you fail to shut your cock when drying out, even with a loop, you will still need to prime. that loop may make it more of a problem.

exhaust flow might be difficult to see, but hearing is just as important, and a mirror on a pole will solve any sight problems without overcomplicating something.

i dry out on every tide!
so i might have to rig some sort of control cable to the seacock next to the engine controls...this might be the best option rather than digging under bunks and/or repriming if the seacock is left open.

though it would be interesting to hear from other prout owners who might have had this problem

[atoll]

update! PHASE 2, i'm back off to the "Big Smoke" today to fit the new engine,electrics,and nav gear,then plan on launching around the 10-12 sept.

then time and weather permitting, sail/motor the only "gaff rigged" prout in existance down to cornwall before the end of the month.

will post more as the work progresses,wish me luck!
cheers atoll

[salticrak]

Gaff rigged cats are the thing in Devon it seems.

[nimblemotors]

good luck!

[atoll]

me and me mate "smudger"

work progerssing well,bottom antifouled,and the new engine mounts are ready to be glassed in tommorow,hopefully drop the engine in by friday.
sorry havent posted more.......foookin knAKKERED BY 8 PM