1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

I got creative and attached a waterproof video camera to the transom to see what went on back there while I was driving! Well, like Goldilocks, one pin setting is too "in" and one is too "out".

The next plan is to remove 2 cement blocks from the bow (34 lbs) and try my original pin setting. A wee bit of bow lift should put the engine position where I need it at speed (cruise) ... I hope ...

Even though I have power trim I have no trim gauge and the engine doesn't seem to want to trim while moving. To weak I guess.

 

[pduquette]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Hope this link works...http://s478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/pduquette/

 

[sphelps]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

pduquette,
With the fuel tanks in the bow do you get much smell from the vents on the caps? I have been thinking about installing tanks in the bow of mine . How did it work out?
S.P.

 

[pduquette]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

On a hot day you may get a wiff , never enough to make me worrie tho . it's not closed up and I dont smoke ...lol
I made a shelf for the 2 Moler tanks to sit one over the other they are more rugged than the "See thru" Attwood style and get strapped down too. It dose take a long piece of fule line ! The ride was so much better after moving the tanks there -no porpising at all now . I did have one day on Cape cod bay that i kept diving in waves due to the weight but I probably shouldnt have been out there in the first place.

 

[adoseth]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Your boat looks very nice Steve, I know some people dont like stabilizer fins on their motors but i tried them on mine reluctantly and was very surprised, my top end speed stayed the same but my bow would stay down on take off and no porpoising,I put the cavitation plate 1 inch above the very bottom of the transom and she handles great, the only thing that is squirlly is my steering , she tends to lean very much either way i go when trying to turn at full throttle, must just be the nature of the hull design though, other than that im on plane smoothly and quickly

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Adoseth .. I would have loved to try a stabilizer fin but it would have been too deep on my too long .. long shaft motor. Too much drag. If I had a short engine I would have tried it.

After playing around and testing in my local lake I decided to get serious and took the Oxford to the Finger Lakes in upper New York state. We went on a 3 day trip to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, Seneca Lake and Skanetaeles Lake.

Motoring for a total of some sixty miles the boat and engine performed flawlessly. The 20 HP with a full load of two people (330 lb.), fuel, cooler, misc. gear, (at least 250 additional pounds) only slowed my cruise by 1 MPH. The boat was totally dry, handled well, took other boat wakes well and overall had a nice smooth ride on relatively smooth lakes! Fuel economy seems to be about 12 MPG with that engine and loading described.

We even went through a canal lock ... all alone ... in our tiny little boat in that great big lock, dropping some 16 feet to the next level.

My engine splash issue is completely cured and we didn't leak a drop, so I'm happy! Love that electric start and power trim!

Now on to finishing up the interior painting and electrical wiring.

So keep up the good work fellas, your fun is just around the corner.

Oh, by the way .. I got my first "dock rash" in New York too! You know it's gonna happen sooner or later. Mine is done now! Luckily it pretty small ...

 

[sphelps]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Wow 60 miles ! that's a pretty good trip!
How does the canal lock work ? I assume that you pull in with the water up at that high water mark. They close a gate behind you then pump or release water down to next level then open the other gate. We don't have stuff like that down here in fla everything is flat. LOL.
BTW, I would hate to get a rash while in New York , there may not be a cure ! Just kidding !!
It really looked like a fun trip and sounds like the boat performed well.

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Haaaa ..

You guessed it ! Takes only about 7 or 8 minutes to drain all that water from the lock and motor away. Pretty cool!

Yeah .. I was lucky with that NY rash, although painful at first, it was easily cured with blue paint. No side effects either.

Glad I didn't create a "museum piece".

 

[yanks21]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

I would love to see that video. And the power trim won't work while moving? That makes no sense. The pin setting won't help much if the power trim is off...

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

I think maybe the power trim pump is weak or the system maybe low on hydraulic oil? Perhaps a wiring issue? Not sure and haven't had time to check it out. Been too busy having fun with it! Trim functions fine at a standstill.

I trim it to the pin when stopped. Then drive off. The engine trim does travel the full range. I think the "ideal" setting is half way between the outer and middle position. I doubt that little bit will mean much though. Maybe plane just a bit quicker and add a mile-an-hour to top speed? Less fuel?? Don't know.

I'm using a 4 blade, 9.25 x 10, brand new, Solas prop. I don't have a tach yet but the engine seems to rev pretty far at WOT.

I had a Honda 45 with PT&T on a big RIB and that trimmed all the time running (going) or stopped. So this one is still a puzzle... I'm sure it will get resolved. Just another annoyance to clear up! I bought the engine used so I didn't expect it to be perfect. However it RUNS perfect.

The video is a pretty big file ... I'll look into uploading it. (143 MB) My internet connection (Verizon) is painfully slow to upload a big file.

My next chance for testing will be this weekend.

 

[yanks21]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

The next time you come up here, let me know! I am less than 20 minutes from Skaneateles Lake!
PM me for Contact info...
As far as the power trim...Sounds like it will go out, but not back in? So that would be hydraulic, or electric related. I am no expert on Hondas, but when you get a chance, try checking the reservoir for fluid...if it's colored other than very light gold, dump it and re-fill. That stuff LOVES water and become dilute quick.

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Great info on the hydraulic oil. Thanks! I still have to do some more testing to see where the trim fault lies. Meanwhile it's usable.

I'm off from boat work for the moment. I'm catching up on the house work that I've neglected while readying the boat!

We really enjoyed the Lakes. I was amazed at the water clarity of Skaneateles Lake and the town is so nice. We launched on the west shore about 5 miles south of town.

Sure, I'll message you. It's possible we may come up again later in the summer or early fall. It would be great to meet you. Sometimes my wife has 3 days in a row off. That's when we usually take trips.

 

[yanks21]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

OUtstanding! Love Skaneateles. I live up US 20 from there. hav'nt put the Carefree in there yet, sometimes that's big water for her. We can do it, but for time's sake we use Deruyter or Cazenovia... look forward to it.

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

I agree ... that's big water for the Oxford too if it's anything but calm. Luckily the day I was there the lake had only riffles on it. We were able to run around wherever we wanted with no problem.

 

[yanks21]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Great when you get a calm day on the Finger Lakes! havn't gottrn in the water yet...4How is the trim thing working out?

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Here it August already! Used the Oxford only a few times. This is sailing season on the Chesapeake and I was busy with a 5 day trip in July and then had company at home plus some other "home" obligations. Came back from the sailing trip with some needed repairs too.

Darn boats! If it's not one thing it's another! I need to get over the hump to where I use them more than I repair them!

Have not had a chance to look into the Honda trim/tilt issue. Once the the sailboat is fixed and I'm finished restoring my residential front door, THEN I'll get back to the Oxford!

 

[*EdC*]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

I hear ya Man! I'm still tied up with my R.V. Making progress though. Had a few hours last week and thought I do some boat work, but it was in the 90's. Just too hot!

 

[sphelps]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Have I missed something ? You got a sailboat too ! Or did you install a mast on the Oxford ..LOL ! A pic would be cool..

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Did I forget to tell you all about my latest modification?

Well, I always wanted a sailboat but there is only so much space in the backyard yard, sooooo .....

VOILA!! Now, If the wind doesn't blow, I always have the Honda! Pretty cool huh????

 

[SteveMFG_Oxford]

Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life

Hey! It seems everyone has missed my previous post! C'mon! Somebody has a comment on the above photo!