Re: 1984 Cheetah 166 Bowrider w/ 1973 Evinrude Crossflow V4-outboard Restore
Some issues, but not bad. The guy I bought it from used it like an old man would use an old pickup in a junkyard. He was really proud of the decking job he did on it though. Not sure why... I almost sank through the Gas tank the first time i got in it. Once i got it home i started to clean it up and get it ready for sea. The '79 Evinrude 115hp outboard on the back looked beat up but runs awesome. Changed the whole water pump assembly for a new one of course. Tested the compression and all 4 cylinders matched everywhere at 125. The Carb may have to be rebuilt as it runs a little rough in idle but for the most part the engine is pretty sound. The power tilt system is completely shot though.
I Tore the deck out up to the ski locker and just so the kids could use it this summer, I am settling for quick repairs. I dried out all the foam by leaving it in the south Texas sun for 4 days at 95 degrees. After it was good and dry, I tore out enough to find a solid stringer and then put new 1/2" plywood down with some 2x4's under it for strength. It will definitely work for now and this winter I will tear the whole thing apart and fix it all the right way, with glass (maybe), new stringers, deck, seats, and so forth. Im excited about it, but worried about what kinda project i just took on. HAHAH. But it will be great once i get it together.
