I didn't want to restore this 1997 Islander this summer

[Fj40fiji]

Fwd bilge discharge, factory discharge. Original is 3/4, added one is 1-1/8. The second aft pump will use 1-1/8 as well

 

[Fj40fiji]

Chipping away at it.

 

[Fj40fiji]

Steering ram and exhaust installed, hoping to get the engine set in place this morning.

 

[redneck joe]

Dam kid you are humpin' it...

 

[Fj40fiji]

Back on the mounts. Left my alignment bar at home when I went to use the gantry so alignment is only eyeballed, hopefully it didn’t move much and won’t be difficult if I have to correct it.

 

[Fj40fiji]

Dam kid you are humpin' it...

I’m fearful about it turning into a project that never gets finished.

 

[redneck joe]

I’m fearful about it turning into a project that never gets finished.

Respect.

 

[cyclops222]

I do not have enough time to do it right the first time !!!!!!!!
But plenty of time to redo it several quick times ?

 

[Fj40fiji]

I’m not cutting any corners here, I’m taking enough time to do every part to the best of my ability. I work on it almost every weekend, and usually get up at 4:30 to make sure I get some done every week and still spend time with my family. I’m using the best parts and materials I can afford, or at least source, as well. I’m setting out to get it right, and as quickly as I can. I’m sure I’ve got over 100 man hours into this since June already, and probably have almost that much left to go. Everything I touch I consider the next time I have my kids on the ocean; will I wish I had done something a little better or bought a better part. If this needs to be redone anytime soon , I’ll scrap it and take a few years off from boating.
Maybe you were referring to eyeballing the alignment- I have to drive half an hour to get to the shop where I can use the gantry, and left the tool at home. That’s not to say I’m not going to check the alignment and adjust it if needed. I just couldn’t get it today. I won’t get the drive on if it’s not aligned pretty well. It’s also 104 degrees out today. After I set the engine I also used the shear and brake at the shop to make some new floor supports, I didn’t have time to drive back and forth.

I do not have enough time to do it right the first time !!!!!!!!
But plenty of time to redo it several quick times ?

 

[redneck joe]

I’m not cutting any corners here, I’m taking enough time to do every part to the best of my ability. I work on it almost every weekend, and usually get up at 4:30 to make sure I get some done every week and still spend time with my family. I’m using the best parts and materials I can afford, or at least source, as well. I’m setting out to get it right, and as quickly as I can. I’m sure I’ve got over 100 man hours into this since June already, and probably have almost that much left to go. Everything I touch I consider the next time I have my kids on the ocean; will I wish I had done something a little better or bought a better part. If this needs to be redone anytime soon , I’ll scrap it and take a few years off from boating.

Disregard his posts.

 

[Fj40fiji]

I got curious and decided I’d see what kind of things he posts, so I read a few. Wow, has to be the smartest guy on the forum. He knows exactly what everyone is doing with their boats from his keyboard and doesn’t need to ask a clarifying question or read your thread to know how you are screwed up. A real helpful guy. Surprised he wasn’t out boating with friends for the holiday.

 

[Fj40fiji]

The old eyechrometer was off, but I was able to align the engine with some wrenches and a pry bar.

 

[Fj40fiji]

I think I have the engine aligned better than it was before I started this- the drive has always been difficult to get off and on. I’m maxed out on the mounts though, I can’t get the nuts on with the lock washers. I’m thinking of shining the whole mount up, probably adding a layer of plywood to the existing one under the mounts to bring it up 1/2”.

 

[redneck joe]

I this are i am by far NOT the expert but I do know the importance of doing this part correctly. I recommend you start a side thread in the mercruiser forum to get the best advice.

 

[Fj40fiji]

On closer review I think the mounts have settled out or collapsed. I’m going to order new ones and see if they aren’t a little taller. I think that metal cup at the bottom should be 1/8”-1/4” off the base. The stud in the port side mount turned enough that I’m doubtful the rubber is actually bonded.

Now I just have to decide if I’m going to spend $125 ea on Quick Silver, or $40 ea on after market. . .

In the event I still want to raise them I’ll put a piece of starboard under the little plywood pad they sit on now. It’s lagged through the aluminum into a stack of plywood strips, so I should be able to do the same, although it may be possible to through bolt them, certainly would have been if I though to install T nuts while the engine was out.

 

[redneck joe]

I'll repeat my previous post.