ID and info on this boat??

[MrMartyr]

Can anyone offer any information about this boat?

It has been setting by the hiway since this past spring and I had pretty much blown it off but now it seems to be calling to me to come check it out. The for sale sign that was stuck in the gorund nearby is long gone, and the phone number with it.

I have searched this web site and another dedicated for classic fiberglass boats and have found no reference to the manf. Even a GOOGLE came up empty handed.

Here is is what I got from a brief inspection:

The badge says: "California by Western Marine"

The tage near the throttle says: "Western Marine"
" 69503" (S/N??)
" 6 persons max"
" 900 lbs"
There was more on the tag the coming rain prevented closer look.

The dash board says: "Volvo Penta" and has a Chrysler logo at the top left.

The engine is 4cyl and the left/port side of the block has raised # "B20" near the front.

I have attached some photos, sorry that a couple are not too good but like I said the rain was rolling in.

Any insight on the boat as a whole, approximate year model, about the manufacture, the drive and it's servicability/parts avaliability etc., and links to other sources of info would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Marty R.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

I don't know what it is, but that is one very cool boat!

There should be a HIN number on the boat somewhere. That would be very useful in ID'ing the boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

I would imagine that getting and keeping that old stern drive working would be quite a job with lots of NLA part$$$.

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

I will try again to find that HIM when I get a chance to get by there.


I too have to wonder about the cost if there are problems with the drive. Was wondering if a re-fit with a more modern unit would be feasable.

And, YES it is a very cool boats, looks like it could be loads of fun to play on if a body caould afford to buy and get it runing.

If anybody else has any comments or info please keep it comming.

Thanks

Marty

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

Yea those OMC drives are no good, and since you can't hardly find parts for those any more it may not be worth it. I don't know of any OMC to Mercrusier conversion kits. It would not be very cost effective to do a switch on that. If you did buy the boat, your best bet would be to find a couple used OMC drives to have laying around for parts. They can be found on craigslist for pretty cheap. I know my buddy has 3 extra OMC drives for his 25ft carver.

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

OMC??

The dash panel says Volvo Penta and the engine is defnately VPenta. Rt side of block below carbs has Volvo logo cast in and left side has Volvo B20.

However, the sticker on the outdrive is illegible but does NOT resemble Volvo.

Did OMC use Volvo mills?

Is there any family bonds between OMC and Chrysler? The dash panel also has what looks like the old Chrysler emblem on it.

Thanks for the info.

 

[lrcustom]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

Marty,
290 east of Austin. I stopped and looked at that boat. I thought the Chrysler emblem was for the boat but could not find any info. But really cool boat but it's gonna need lots of serious work. I didn't talk to anyone cause I can't get it but it was so interesting sitting on that hill I had to go look at it. It looks like it's been cared for but it certainly does show its age. You would have to really want to fix her. That would not be your normal restore.

It is a really cool boat.

Some where in my stack of note pads I think I have a phone number. I also drive by every week so I will keep an eye out for a new sign. that big storm last week must of blew it away.

LR

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

Small world LR, yup thats the one.

The tag near the throttle says Western Marine (have found NO references or hits on Google)

Tag has a number, 69 503. Seems logical that means 1969??

Cannot find a hull number though. It may have been covered by a f-glass repair above sterndrive. ??

I have never taken on an old boat to refurbish but this just seems like a really cool thing to do. I am sure that I cannot even imagine some of the trials involved, but...

Ignorance is bliss I suppose.

I get by there from time to time but spotty, please let me know if you find out anything.

PM would be welcome.

If anybody else has any insight, please jump-in.

Thanks all,
Marty

 

[lrcustom]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

I will send info if the owner will put up a sign. I go by the boat every Wednesday Afternoon. returning from my projects in Austin or I am on hwy 21 on other days and it's just a jump up from there. I will send you PM if I get some info.

When I first saw it I thought it might be a RaysonCraft out of Florida Very rare. I think you are right on the 69 date. The day I stopped it was like one hundred and fifty degrees and I did not stay long. Hope to spend more time this week in hopes of getting some info.

LR

 

[Willyclay]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

The carburetors on the engine appear to be Zenith-Stromberg's which were claimed to be simpler and more reliable than the old SU's they replaced. Hang on for that thrill ride if you have never worked on slide-valve carbs before. Here's a link to some technical info on them:

http://www.chicagolandmgclub.com/techtips/general/556.html

Good luck if you decide to pull the trigger on this project!

EDIT: The USCG Manufacturers Identification Code (MIC) database lists two different "Western Marine" boat builders both of which are no longer in business. Here's a link to the best candidate:

http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic_detail.aspx?id=WEG

 

[lrcustom]

Re: ID and info on this boat??

Sent you a PM on the contact info.

LR