1972 Nova 18' Purchase

[GA_Boater]

The pics:





The side panels have to come out, delm. There are hidden screws/rivets under the rub rail.

 

[delms82]

Why do they have to come out to cover or paint? Taking the side panels out means I have to tear out the splash and seat parts. I am not interested in doing complete restore at this time. Thanks for posting pics.

 

[Watermann]

You're a bit unorthodox in your efforts... For all the right reasons I have to go on the record saying that's not the preferred or correct method of deck replacement.

 

[GA_Boater]

How are you you going to put the floor in without removing the side panels? It can't be done and still maintain structural integrity. The floor fits under the Z-channel and are secured to the ribs outboard of the Z-channel. There is no need to remove the splashwell.

 

[delms82]

I was going check if deck board could be slipped under z channel and then secured. I will send a picture showing my set up.

 

[GA_Boater]

Ain't gonna work, delms. There aren't any shortcuts to replacing the floor.

 

[delms82]

Got it GA, looks like fall Lake Erie perch fishing is out this year. Anyone close to Toledo OH that would be interested helping out or need side job?

 

[Gibbles]

Note the chunks of wood left under the side panels when the floor was ripped out, important rivets are holding them in.
Skipping them would be a bad idea.

When putting the floor in, I used some painters tape to mark where each rib was, I also made little arrows to give my self an idea where to drill in hopes of not hitting the same holes (same holes = a good chance of enlarging and not being able to get clean rivet).

 

[delms82]

Thanks Gibbles, appreciate the tip!

 

[delms82]

`Thanks for everyone's input, I have decided to follow GA and Watermann's advice on floor installation. Hope to keep Nova long time and want job right.

Taking a break from the floor install, currently have 50hp 71 Johnson came with boat. Have opportunity to secure a super clean 135hp 75 Evinrude.

This will be primarily Lake Erie fishing, have 6hp trolling motor. Nova rated for 140, is 135 a good fit?

 

[MNhunter1]

135hp will be a much better fit than the current 50hp on that 18 footer. It'll add weight and cost you more in fuel, but I'd definately lean towards the larger motor for great lakes fishing. You're going to need cables and controls, so factor that into the cost as well if they are not already included.

 

[Watermann]

Lots of get up and go and in 1975 that was the biggest most powerful motor made by rude. The down side is that era of V4 motors are real gas hogs.

 

[delms82]

No Title

Still working on Nova interior including electrical and gas tank hookup.

Should I shorten the Shields fuel line for less of a goose neck? Will leftover fuel in line be sucked through by motor?

 

[MNhunter1]

I have no input on the fuel line...I'm still in the 6 gallon portable stage...but, I'm glad to see you back in action with the Nova!! eace:

 

[delms82]

Yea, I lost my brother in March after 16 month battle with leukemia. Finally coming out of my funk, goal is summer splash.

 

[MNhunter1]

Yea, I lost my brother in March after 16 month battle with leukemia. Finally coming out of my funk, goal is summer splash.

Sorry to hear about your brother.

 

[Watermann]

Oh man sorry about the loss of your brother. Just maybe a little boat work with the goal of some time on the water will help.

The sweeping bend in the filler line looks to be below the half way point of the tank and will undoubtedly be a slow fill that could also burp fuel back out the filler. The filler cap looks like it's isn't much higher than the upper bend in the filler line making it even trickier. No the motor won't suck the fuel that remains in the neck due to it being capped tight. The vent line is where the air is drawn into or expelled from the tank.