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  1. matt167

    Wooden stringers

    Stringers are generally plywood but some older boats did use dimensional lumber. It will probably work fine but plywood might be better and cheaper
  2. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    Good idea. I’m thinking to use the panel to kinda bring the retro into a little modern. Plus the gauge set from the 4 winns is 5 gauge same as the old
  3. matt167

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    I have a ‘21 Ranger STX. 25mpg highway, towing my little boat it doesn’t even feel it and even towing a severely water logged 16’ 4 winns freedom home, it didn’t really effect it much. 7,500 lbs tow capacity. Still I put it in 4x4 at the ramp but only because doing so locks the front wheels up...
  4. matt167

    Doghouse reconstruction

    If you want to use a metal frame, use aluminum. Dynamat would be okay to use
  5. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    Sound like a plan. Put one near the engine cover. Anyone know if the old style mercruiser gauge panels accept standard gauges? Like a 3 3/4” speedo and 2” gauges?
  6. matt167

    Mercruiser 120 Non-Start Condition - Wiring?

    Search eBay for oem manuals. I think there’s 2 you need and they cover up to 1990 if you get the latest books. They are fairly inexpensive. Don’t buy a seloc manual
  7. matt167

    Looking at this Chieftain 21ft, what questions should I ask?

    That’s a long ways if the weather kicks up. 115hp is enough but you will find yourself wanting more
  8. matt167

    Looking at this Chieftain 21ft, what questions should I ask?

    You would want some motor if the weather kicks up. 115hp would be marginal but usable. Outboard version of that boat would have come with 150hp rating iirc and the I/o came with 140hp 3.0l. They may have used 120hp 2.5s as well
  9. matt167

    Looking at this Chieftain 21ft, what questions should I ask?

    23 is awful slow. The big chief should do 30 mph cruise with 140hp I/0. How many hp? My dads would hit almost 50 on glass with 140 mercruiser. They are very light. Shortening the cabin is somewhat common on those. You can remove 4’ taking the cabinets away leaving the berth only. My dads was...
  10. matt167

    Volvo Penta Knocking

    Perfect time for a 383 upgrade
  11. matt167

    Looking at this Chieftain 21ft, what questions should I ask?

    Having been on a 21’ chief in big waves I can tell you it’s a rough ride. But they will handle it fine. They were rated for offshore usage. There are no stringers just aluminum ribs and usually a few stiffeners. Leaking rivits are the only problem
  12. matt167

    PSA on Winterization Antifreeze

    Last I knew the sierra was available at advanced auto. Walmart Carries it from time to time too
  13. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    Oh okay. I was getting hung up with ones that said mercruiser in listing but then “ Mercury/mariner outboards” in the description
  14. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    I’m replacing the gauges with the ones from the donor boat. So I won’t have to worry about mixing new and old
  15. matt167

    can someone help me identify this motor

    Super seahorse 40hp looks like. Big twin 40 basically
  16. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    Any clue what control I need? Want a trailer switch on the control if it exists
  17. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    I have not torn it apart enough to see if it’s folded or wrapped up. Gotta pull the shifter to get the side panel off. On the star craft there is several feet coiled up. An extension harness would be the ticket if needed. The donor harness is literally pristine. So all these end in a small...
  18. matt167

    PSA on Winterization Antifreeze

    Someone told me that pink rv antifreeze is PG and red is alcohol based. But I’ve never paid attention if that is true. Fwiw a lot of the rain x windshield washer fluid marked -35 is pg if you read the contents. I think it’s why it smears the glass.
  19. matt167

    complete Alpha one Gen one retrofit into older boat.

    I have a 1971 Starcraft Offshore V18 that really just needed a new gimbal housing but is a basic 2.5L early gen 1 Mercruiser drive. I bought a complete running 1986 Four Winns with Alpha Gen 1 3.0L. to use as much as I can. I want to eliminate the questionable 1970 wiring ( has a dead short...
  20. matt167

    PSA on Winterization Antifreeze

    I used 2 gallons of -50 supertec rv antifreeze to winterize my 3.0l. But I drained and filled the block and manifold and then drained it out fully. Any remaining will not freeze in a NY winter since air doesn’t freeze. Doing so reminded me how much I really don’t like an I/o. probably going to...
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