There are a half dozen styles of helms for cable steering
You will need to get under the dash and at a minimum take some pictures. Then look at the end of the cable for the cable part number and length which is hot stamped every foot
Inside the layers of FRP (the laminate schedule), where the cleats are, will most likely be 3/16" (5mm) thick aluminum plates
It's been common reinforcement practice for about 70 years
Easy to tell, just lightly drill up from the back side, between the cleat mounting holes.
Yes on the foam. You won't be owning the boat 45 years from now
Resin will come loose from the PVC, use fiberglass tube, or duplicate what was there
There may be aluminum plates in the laminate schedule where the cleats are
I'm going with multiple badd connections. Remove ever connection from the matter to the helm one at a time. Take 150 grit sand paper, and clean everything until it's shiny enough for your mother in law to eat off. Then seal that connection with a marine electrical varnish. Then move on to...
The only thing that fits that big OMC hole in the transom is another OMC of similar vintage
To switch to a Merc or other, you need to rebuild the transom and atringers
Chris Craft went thru 4 owners since 1996, with the latest being Winnebago.
There are no records at Chris Craft going back to 1996 per my buddy that works there
the 4.3 is on the verge of reversion due to the exhaust pulses.
@Tail_Gunner did a hot 4.3 about 15 years ago on Hot Rodders. will check his old threads as he hasnt been on iBoats in about 6 months. https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/4-3-marine-upgrade.155256/...
They foamed the cap when it's upsidedown
They did the absolute minimum amount of work at the factory to get foam in the boat to meet IMO/USCG requirements for emergency flotation at the time of manufacturer
The boat was originally designed to last 15 years
Yes, the over time the flotation...
Degrease in heated solution of simple green and water. Let sit for a day. Hit with electric pressure washer. Then toss in oxalic acid bath for 2 days. Hit with electric pressure washer. Dry off, prime and paint
they make vinyl with 6mm foam already glued on. a whole lot easier than dealing with an entire roll of 6mm thick foam
the plastic trim for the taylor made windshields is not that expensive. I went with RV screw trim (similar, however available in white)
My 14' aluminum boat hull weighs about 200# with the seats and oars in it. with motor, fuel, gear, trolling motor, beer, cooler, etc. and me.... Im under 1000# for the cost of the clear epoxy, you can buy a water ready older aluminum boat.
