25MH - Graduation Gift Project

[Dave M]

In my infinite wisdom, I told some kids if they did well in high school, and graduated with some pretty good grades, I would build them the boat of their choice. Well, one has called me out on it. Ashley Gresly. She is graduating this year and has maintained a pretty good GPA. And so the project began. She races 400CCMH or better known from the old name, 25MH. She wants a new boat to race, that fits the class better than the hand me downs she has currently.

I wanted to give a real big THANK YOU to Marc Johnson of MJR Composites for providing a complete set of plans to Ashley for a very minimal cost. With the plans Marc sent, Ashley was able to read the instruction manual, and know better what we were doing. She wanted to help build this boat. Thanks Marc. I think Ashley kept the instruction book under her pillow every night.

While still going to class, Ashley has been able to help on the boat at times. So I took some pictures of our progress.

I also want to thank Ashley herself for doing well in school, and sticking to it. I hope this boat provides you with a lot of opportunities.

I will try to post more pics as we progress along.

Hopefully some other kids can see this incentive and realize good things can come from your hard work and dedication to your goals. It is not easy, nothing worth while is.

Dave

[blueskyracer]

Dave, it looks like you and Ashley are doing a great job. She will really feel good winning with a boat she helped build. Is it going to have a purple paint job

[Dave M]

Purple ?

I will let you guess that.. She is even more into the purple color than I am ! She colored her hair for the race season one year... supposed to be that wash 7 times and it is gone... Ask her how she likes purple faded hair all summer........Now THAT was funny.

[Dave M]

More Pics

Here are some more pics.

My Bottom strength tester. He makes sure one can be comfy in the cockpit, and that it is durable.

Does Ashley like her picture taken ?

[dcrummett]

Dave, what a great project! One you and Ashley will always remember... a wonderful investment of yourself and time in the life of another... way to go!!

Dan Crummett

[94H]

Very nice offer David. Ashley really needed a new boat and if I remember she driving your Dad's old "D" boat in 400mh.

Why didn't you copy the old "Mach Schnell"? Only your Dad could drive a "J" boat with a smoking 25 OMC on it.

[Dave M]

Jmh/25mh

Why didn't you copy the old "Mach Schnell"? Only your Dad could drive a "J" boat with a smoking 25 OMC on it.

What is wrong with running a 25 and J on the same boat ? Nothing, jsut ask Dad ! hehehehehe. We did just that for many years.

The Mach Schnell boat was destroyed in Rising Sun IN race many many moons ago. Destroyed might be an under statement ! If I recal lright, Dad barrel rolled it in the first turn out front. Ten boats made it by, the 11th did not. Run it from bow to stern. Specatular looking crash. Lots of air time from Scott Wagner (Don Wagner's nephew I think). No injuries.

Funny thing about that was, my Grandfather from Arizona was visiting that week, he came to the race (Mom's side) and was watching. When they towed that in, he looked it over real good, picked up the steering wheel looked dad right in the eye and said " Lyle, you didn't have to show off just becasue I was here from Arizona...."

[Dave M]

Some More Pics

Here are some more pics. The bottom is almost done, just need to finish sanding and coat it tonight. Should be 90% - 95% complete with the boat by end of week.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Dave, I think you have my dog! We have a black lab, 9 years old this year. He looks just like yours, sits in chairs the same way too. I don't think Mike has used him as a strength checker yet however! I will try to post a picture when I get home from work.

[blueskyracer]

The Lab looks like the boss on this project or at least the manager.

[mdaspit]

You should get some kind of "Good Guy Award"
That is a very cool thing to do...

[oldracer]

Great project with the kids. Watch out, Dave, she might take over the shop and start to build boats herself if this one turns out sucessful.

[Dave M]

More Updates

Here are some more pics from last night, the bottom is finished and hopefully flip it today and start decking.

The Project Manager (Hunter, Black Lab) is pressing to get the boat complete so we can go to the lake and swim around chasing ducks.

Remember, all it takes is good grades. I am sure some of the other kids will call my bluff on the offer when they get close to graduation. I offered it to a few.

[Dave M]

Some More

Just a couple more.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Our project manager looks a lot like yours!