1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Seth came over and took a look at the new little motor. He said I should have waited until I could buy a larger / more modern motor, but that is really not going to happen in the near future; what with work being so slow. He looked at the motor and told me that this motor probably will push my boat. He said the shaft is the right size, and the prop looks to be sufficient also (to me it looks like a very large prop, he told me I need a prop from a houseboat.. Do you think he was teasing me with that comment?). In the end I think he thinks I did ok.
Dave

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

HI Dreams. Happy B-day! Congrats on the new toy. It was meant to be. You got a great old OMC "Big Twin". Much loved and very reliable. While they are kind of bulky, they're surprisingly light for their weight and they're dead simple, reliable and easy to work on. It's even better that you got all the controls too. Trying to to piece a complete set together can be a little pricey and be a bit of a pain. I used to have a '66 33 hp that was great and looked almost identical to yours. If you look on the transom clamp for the exact model number we can pin down the year. While I don't think you'll break any speed records, I think you might be able to get to 15 mph, or so, with the weight distributed just right. Maybe a bit more if it's just you in the boat. Here's some great reading to get you started, and of course you can get any parts you may need to tuner her up right here at iboats. Holler if you get stuck. Congrats again.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Oh yah, I only paid one hundred for everything out the door. Do you guys think I did ok?Dave

Well, Happy Birthday to you! Everybody should have a Big Twin some time in their boating life. They are good stump pullers, not speed demons. It should provide okay power for that big old cat of yours. You could always clamp another one on the transom and really have some fun. I think you did really well. Glad things are good for you.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

I agree. Twin "twins" would look sweet on a twin hulled boat.

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

KFA Thank, you for your kind words always. I told you guys my bud was a little grumpy that I bought an old dinosaur again, but even he came around when he came out a saw it. He did not exactly eat crow….but he came close….LOL. He did unbend a little to say I could probably find parts easier for this one than the red, because there were much more of them made.
Bill, thank you also, I am very grateful to have friends like all of you guys here. I really feel this has been a life changing project in me, not just a silly old boat. I find that I am learning so much just by following all of you on your projects and then incorporating them into my knowledge base. Basically I just wanted to say you are all awesome and caring people and I am honored that you guys pop in to talk to me. (Mushy stuff aside now).
As to the twin twins, would you guys think that would be a better way to go than fighting the big red any longer? If so I will start saving more duckets and look for another; while stopping tinkering with the red one.
Lastly when looking at the power head of the little motor, and comparing it to the power head of the big red one, I see a big glaring difference maybe you can enlighten me. The “heads” are connected to the powehead of course and on the other side of the head is I have been told it is an explosion chamber or something like that. Sticking out of the “head” looks like a spring with a metal disk and a rod. (mine is covered in oil). If it was a car I would say it looks like a valve. There is one sticking out from each cylinder. What is this? Should they have some sort of cover/housing on them? I have never seen plain valves sticking out of a manifold before.
Gotta go it is really late,
C-Ya guys.
Dave

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

The “heads” are connected to the powehead of course and on the other side of the head is I have been told it is an explosion chamber or something like that. Sticking out of the “head” looks like a spring with a metal disk and a rod. (mine is covered in oil). If it was a car I would say it looks like a valve. There is one sticking out from each cylinder. What is this? Should they have some sort of cover/housing on them? I have never seen plain valves sticking out of a manifold before.Dave

Dave,

I could not tell from your pictures but your description above sounds like the OMC feature called "compression release" when the motor is cranked with the manual starter rope. You are correct that they are actually "valves". There is a chance that some PO improperly adjusted the valves and fuel/oil mixture is blowing out while it runs. Some owners remove the linkage to make sure the valves remain seated. Us old guys typically like the feature because it reduces the effort required to crank that beauty if the battery/electric starter does not work.

If your motor is equipped with compression release, then I believe it is a 1961 model because your motor cover/shroud is the smooth-top version and the compression release feature was not offered after 1961. That would make it an RDSL-23 model which you need to verify before chasing parts.

My comment about twin 40's was intended just to plant a seed for the long-term because I don't believe the single 40 will give you the performance desired. FYI, outboards built before 1985 were rated at the crankshaft and not the prop-shaft like newer motors. Yours equates to a modern 33-35HP motor. All that said, getting the "Monterey Dream" in the water asap should be easier to accomplish with the single 40HP so you and your family can enjoy the fruits of your labor. After a season or two with the 40, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to double your fun, battle Big Red or search for something newer, more powerful and more fuel efficient. The experts here at the forum, which I am NOT, will help every step of the way. Hope this helps!

EDIT: Sent you two PM's.

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Hi Bill, and all you my friends too:
I got your two PM?s but when I tried to answer back the forum went down for maintenance. Thank you for all of your advice, you keep saying you are not a professional boat mechanic (but you really should have been one; you have that much knowledge). Thank you for the links they are awesome. I got to do a little on the boat today. I got the motor roughly installed today. I also got the numbers off of the plate. RDS-25D serial 2338064. Bill, I got the message on the twin motors. I basically have been working on the boat for at least one year or more. With the weather turning very nice I am becoming increasingly antsy to get the boat on the water soon. For this the first season, I probably will be happy just getting out on the water (with any power plant), and hope that by next season I could get either my old red working or perhaps another big twin, or like you said whatever comes down the pike later on. For now, I am not going to look down on this ?little? gift that was blessed upon me. Please keep your comments coming my friends, I need them.
I was given a gift certificate (card I mean, man I am getting old):facepalm: from Harbor freight for my Bday. I bought a set of dearly needed screw drivers (about 30 of them in all). Most of mine disappeared. These are cool because they have the wrench fitting on them so I can torque the stuck screws out, they worked great. I was able to free up the oil drain and oil vent screws. I was too afraid to actually let any oil drip out... No replacement oil in my possession?and for fear of actually seeing water in my gear case. Since I could not do anything about it today (no stores open at this hour) I decided not to open that bag of cats at all. I?m a coward I know. LOL.
While cleaning out the ?holds? in the cabin, I found the ignition switch face plate that I mounted to the steering wheel hutch. It?s really cool, not seen in photo it has the sea horse logo on it.
Sorry about the long post, enjoy the photos guys.
Dave

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Sorry about Yvonne De Carlo Guys, I upoaded the wrong photo and could not get her off...:facepalm:
At least she fits. She is at the pier after all
The fuel tank is the one I rehabbed and asked about when I was here as Rookiedave. Do you guys know how big it is? (I think at least 10 gal) Will it be sufficient to bop around the lake/bay for a whole day for the big twin?
Goodnight everybody
Dave

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the visit.
Awesome score and congrats on a great little motor, for a hunerd pesos...what a deal!
Hey, I looked at your glass work, and while I agree, glassin can be a real PITA, you seem to have done a bang up job on that cabin sealing...I don't see nothin wrong with it...

I was a bit confused when you said that you wished you could glass as well as I did, but I swear to you I haven't done any glass work, yet, on the boat...the last couple of pics in my post for mostly for Woodonglass' benefit, cause he asked about my original stringer set up, and those pics are PRE-tear out, before demolition...but I do hope to do at least as well as the manufacturer did, maybe even a little better... when I get to it...
L8r,
Gus

 

[Jaaybird1]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

and WHO on this here site is the one that gibed you the screwdrivers?????

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

YOU papa.

Gus, I just posted to your thread.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

The fuel tank is the one I rehabbed and asked about when I was here as Rookiedave. Do you guys know how big it is? (I think at least 10 gal) Will it be sufficient to bop around the lake/bay for a whole day for the big twin?View attachment 132036

Dave, I looked at your Rookiedave thread about the fuel tank but without any pictures and/or dimensions for reference, it's very hard to give you any advice about fuel consumption. Most boat gas gauges, mechanical or electrical, are not accurate simply because of the pitch and roll. Over the years I learned that it is really an exercise in fuel management for each outing because they all tend to be different. I always launched with three portable tanks of six gallons each. First tank was for going out, second tank was for coming back and third tank was for reserve/discretionary use. Fuel consumption can vary greatly depending on the days' activities, current, weather, speed, load, etc. You will just have to learn what your rig does over time and be disciplined about when it is time to go back to the ramp. Post your tank's measurements and we can estimate that capacity for you. Good luck!

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Thanks Bill,
I posted a photo of the tank a few days ago, then the forum went to heck so you probably cannot see it….sigh. I posted the model and serial number on the same post I think. As near as I can find out I think my “new” motor is a 1963 model. I read on duckworth (thanks to KFA4303) that is supposed to be one of the better years of production. Hopefully it is for me.
I will get some more photos and the dimensions next time I am out there. One more question on the tank. It is metal, with all the connections being on the top of the tank. Its fittings are screw in. I do not see any hoses inside the tank. How does fuel get pulled into the motor with top side connections?
Talk to you later
Dave

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Dave,
The fitting where the fuel is fed to the engine, has a pick-up tube, made of metal that almost reaches the bottom of the tank...
Otherwise it's Magic...
As far as fuel level sending units, there is a type that uses a float which slides up/down a tube as opposed to being mounted on a swing arm...I installed one in my tank and while they still have some variance as to their true accuracy, I find that it doesn't bob from empty to full in rough water or even under way anywhere near as much as the swing arm type...it also seemed to be much more accurate. In case you are interested, here is a link to the place I got mine from...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wema-6-send...=WDVW&rd=1&ih=012&category=26451&cmd=ViewItem

As far as knowing how much fuel is enough, like Willyclay says, it depends on a several factors...but the safe answer is when you go out, use less than half of you brought out with you runnin around and playing, then use the other half to get back...kinda like the old pilot's saying of the point of no return...if you burn more than half of your fuel goin out, you prolly won't make it back to your starting point...after a few times out you will get to know how far and how much you can run around with the fuel on hand...

PS- if your fuel tank does not have a gauge, you can always use the old school method of putting a stick in the fill hole and see how far up the fuel is...

L8r,
Gus

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Thanks Gus,
Next time I get out there I will take off the fittings to see if the tube is down there. I don’t think it is but who knows. I need to run to work now, so I will check on your link when I get home tonight,
Have a great day
Dave

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

As near as I can find out I think my “new” motor is a 1963 model. Dave

You are correct, the RDS-25D model number tag you found does identify it as a 1963 model. Just recognize that during it's almost 50 year life, previous owners may have swapped parts around to keep that beauty going. For instance, the "valves" you previously described in the cylinder heads should not be on a '63 model. Also, the pictures of the motor you posted appear to show the five-inch extension to the exhaust housing that makes the motor a long-shaft version but it does not have the "L" designator in the model number. That extension was available as a kit so it is easily explainable. These are not problems, just observations. Hang in there!

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

These are not problems, just observations

From your fingertips to God’s Ears…..I hope there are no problems for a little while (at least).
I kind of figured that, the parts were mixed up. I did see that I had a long shaft version and it was not on the designation plate. I hope it really is a sixty three because I read somewhere that the 61 and 62(which were the first two years of manufacture of the 40 hp) they had serious problems with them. The site said that the 63 was the first “good” year. It probably is thus…it is about 50 years old already….(face palm)!!!!!
As always; thank you for your insight Bill.
I went to my little boat shop today at lunch and talked to the owner Terry (I already told you guys about him earlier). I told him to be on the hunt for the “Teleflex end piece” that connects to the motor (since I only have the cable). He looked in a book or two and found one for about 150 bux!!!! He told me that he can do better than that; and that if I come to his shop on my next day off (which is about an hour away from my home city) he has a huge store room of as he says “old c%$p”, that he is positive he has one or ten in there. And If I spread out a tarp and start dumping his “old c%^p” out of the bins I should find one and he will sell it for 20 bux.
While I was at his shop I bought a fairly large bottle of the Evenrude/ Johnson gear case oil. So when I drain it to check for water / neglect, I can put some clean oil back in.
Dave

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

I really am addicted… I stopped over at the little boat shop again today, and bought a new 1000 cca cranking battery from interstate, and the fuel fitting that is on the motor. The PO told me that it leaks and needs replacing. Hopefully, I can get it running this weekend again to see if it still purrs.

 

[Monterey Dreams]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Hi guys,
Really quickly, Like JDA (Judge) after today, I am really considering giving up the ghost myself.
I had the day off and it was a beautiful spring day (in the middle of winter) I decided to get the motor running (since I had seen it running beautify a week ago). I changed the lower unit gear oil put the motor in the 55 gal drum and tried to fire it up. It would only glug glug but not kick on. No matter what I did. The fuel connector is leaking so I changed it with a new one that I bought yesterday for 25 bux. It still leaks. So I bypassed the whole thing and connected the fuel hose directly to the fuel inlet port. (which is clearly marked by the way). No matter what I did. It would not turn over all day. I put new spark plugs, a new starter solenoid and nothing works. I pulled the spark plugs and my brother put his finger up to the head without the spark plug in it he could feel the compression. We had fuel in the spark chamber. We had fuel in the carb. We had spark. We grounded the spark plugs and tried to turn it over and watched the arc. It should have fired but it would not. I was using ratio (I not sure of the terminology 50 to 100?) I have a measuring glass that has the ratios on it so I know I had the right mixture. My friend told me to use the 50 to whatever. Now I think my new 100 dollar battery is either fried or dead. (I was discouraged and very tired when I decided to replace the starter solenoid. I forgot to disconnect the battery and grounded my wrench on the solenoid box when I removed the solenoid. I got a huge spark and now I have nothing. The key does not even make the motor glug anymore when I turn it is just dead. I don’t know if it is dead battery we tried starting all day so battery could be dead. (I got it on the charger but I don’t even know if it is working or not). When turn key nothing at all. No solenoid ticking (if the starter was burnt out?) I (sorry to say in desperation) used a small amount of starter fluid (I figured the oil in the gas would start to lubricate if it started to run). All it did was back fire a time or two and nothing else. I took of the ignition to make sure all the wires were attached. (they were).
I spent a lot more money today and again nothing to show it and for an entire day of labor. I am sick of it. I watched the SOB thing start and run at the PO home. I don’t know. Maybe he had racing fuel in the damn tank.
SO as of now I am ready to take the remainder of my premix fuel and pour it over the boat and light her up (like my friend suggested in a joke)…face palm.
Your friend
Dave

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1959 Glasscat Catamaran Project Underway.

Dave, I hate it that you had this experience today because we all are pulling for you. However, it may be time for you to start a new thread in the J&E forum so you can tap into those experts. If you do start a new thread, please put a link in this thread so we can follow you. FYI, it's usually the little stuff and nothing major. These are great old motors that will not die, you have to murder them! Bill