Any info would be GREAT...

[MikeH2]

I am NEW to boating...I was able to obtain a boat for "free" (I already know that there is no such thing.) but I know nothing about it and can't seem to find much on the net. It's a 1967 Chrysler Charger 183 (I think 1967) It has a 90hp Mercury (the date I found somewhere under the cover said Feb 1979) The previous owner said that it ran well the last time he had it out back in 85!!! He said something about the bottom carb flooding and that it should be torn apart and looked at. I have a friend that is doing that now, new gaskets and a good cleaning. Anybody able to point me in the right direction on the web for info on the boat and/or motor? I would also like to know about a trolling motor (electric vs gas and what size) for this boat...I plan on trout fishing some lakes here in Utah. Thanks for any help and I look forward to hanging out here...I've already found excellent help/tips here as I've snooped around trying to get egimicated so I get the most out of my boat without killing myself or anyone else! Thanks again for a great forum and any help you can give me.
Mike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any info would be GREAT...

Before you get all worked up about spending money on this boat, start with a very careful inspection of the transom, floor and stringers. Having not run for years, and not knowing how it was stored (indoors, outdoors, covered, uncovered, etc,) there is a good chance you are dealing with very rotten wood. This is a safety issue and a very time consuming fix if you intend to do it yourself, and very expensive if you have someone else do it. Just offering advice here. Don't get the cart before the horse.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Any info would be GREAT...

Nice vintage boat. But like was said you need to really check the floor and transom. If they're bad, its a real job to get it fixed. Not impossible, but time and money consuming.

Remember there's two ways to look at a boat.

BOAT is defined as a hole in the water, surrounded by wood/fiberglass/metal, into which money pours.

Or B.O.A.T = Break Out Another Thousand


But seriously, if you go to restore it, you'll have a sharp looking boat on your hands. Definately will turn some heads at the dock.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Any info would be GREAT...

You know Chrysler really did have nice looking boats when they were in that market. Its too bad that the outboards and sterndrives they equipped them with didn't have the reputation or longevity of OMC and Mercury.

In this case it would appear that someone dumped the Chrysler outboard that was on the boat originally and replaced with a Mercury.

If the boat checks out and is structurally sound that could be a good boat/motor combo.

 

[Rudi2]

Re: Any info would be GREAT...

Before you get all worked up about spending money on this boat, start with a very careful inspection of the transom, floor and stringers. Having not run for years, and not knowing how it was stored (indoors, outdoors, covered, uncovered, etc,) there is a good chance you are dealing with very rotten wood. This is a safety issue and a very time consuming fix if you intend to do it yourself, and very expensive if you have someone else do it. Just offering advice here. Don't get the cart before the horse.

Highly agree with this opinion. Have seen a lot of nice looking boats that turn out to be total gut jobs because the owners couldn't be bothered to cover them. If a boat sits in the weather for long, the wood floors and transom will rot and you'll have mess. Like the man said - do a thorough inspection, and good luck!

 

[MikeH2]

Re: Any info would be GREAT...

Thank you all for the great info...Now for the dumb question, how do I check the floor and transom? We pulled up the old floor covering and put new carpet down and all I saw was fiberglass on the floor...How do I get to the wood and what am I looking for? Obviously if I see wood that is falling apart its bad but what else am I looking for... What happens if I miss something? Will the entire boat fall apart when I cross my first wake from another boat? I want this to be a safe boat for my family and friends to enjoy time in the outdoors. Once someone tells me where and what to look for could I post some photos and get your opinions? Thanks again.