1978 american 16 i/o help

[120_i/o]

First of all, great to be here, and yes I do have the itch to get her out!! Ok, whhhew I just got this thing last fall, and I nearly stole this thing for 300 bucks!!!! However, it is missing the swim ladder, or platform. I cant seem to find any info about this boat. Does anyone have one layin around, or know where I can get one that will bolt on in the stock location?

It came with a caulkins trailer, great floor, NO rot, stored indoors...so no soggy foam, marine 2way, stereo, locator/depthfinder, new cover, trim and tilt, everything works, and boy is this a damn fun boat to drive!!!

Here are some photos, and video links, ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQAX8OIjUw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRXOA-EaK8&feature=related

http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/ac306/stiemmy/?action=view&current=boat4.jpg

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

Welcome aboard 120! That's a great find, and a steal at $300! I see it has a OMC engine it, glad it runs for you since those are a bit more difficult to find parts for. Regarding the ladder, it probably will be very difficult to find a direct replacement due to the boats age but would an aftermarket one fit? Iboats here has some I believe. Anyways, again welcome!

 

[120_i/o]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

Thank you for the welcome chief.
I have seen all kinds of sources including flea bay, but I have the boat stored, and cant access it for measurements right now. Also, If I do end up using an aftermarket ladder or whatever, I have NO idea how long, or what type I need??? Problem is it was gone when I got it, so dont even know what to get?

Parts if ever needed maybe hard to find, but fleabay seems to have a good supply yet. (hope I wont need em):redface:
I bought the boat cause the price was right, and took a chance, and wanted better fuel economy. I used to have an o/b 115 merc. tower of power, and that thing used fuel like a top fuel drag car. This boat last time I used it used 15 gals. all weekend. Overall I am really happy with my score, and hope to give my kids some smiles this coming summer tubing when we go camping, and thought Id get an early start to replacing the boarding gear so when the sun shines Im not wrenchin, but cruizin!!!

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

Any time on the water is great! Im an o/b owner but many of the knowledgeable folks here dislike the omc's, but hey if its runnin' who cares? I don't have any experience with ladders, I wonder if you posted a question in the general boating section if they would know more about the aftermarket ones but I should think that one that goes from the top down to a few inches of the bottom would work. I've pulled a few off old glass donor boats and they were all about 3-4" from the bottom of the stern.

 

[120_i/o]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

Ill have to take some measurements when I can.
Once I read these outdrives were a mechanical toilet from the over paid OMC engineers that probably were test monkeys for the governments mind altering drugs back in the 60's, after I bought the boat. It made me wonder if I made a bad buy, but if she keeps runnin with no, or little money ill be happy!!! Soo far Soo good tho!!!

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

If you find a decent good looking step you just need to make a cross piece top and bottom and drill it to your set holes it can be smaller or larger. YOU can do that.

 

[120_i/o]

Re: 1978 american 16 i/o help

Good call pugetsound, I never thought of that!!! Thank you.