Inherited an electric shift stringer

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

many will give me their condolences, but I am optimistic.
I inherited a 1977 Spacecraft Olympian with the 175hp (ford 302) electric shift.
My grandfather bought it near new in 80 and my uncle inherited it in 85. He used it in lake Huron until about 96. Since then it sat in the yard under its canvas cover until last spring when he passed away and I inherited it.
The sterndrive, seats, cuddy cabin doors, and all the accessories for the boat were neatly stored in the basement.
MI took the drive to Wayne Coll at TC marine electronics in Toront and he went through it with a comb. I'm dealing with the 302 now. It cranks but won't start. Points and condenser don't spark. So replacing them tomorrow with a pertronix igniter and flamethrower coil.

 

[matt167]

while I’m a fan of pertronix for cars. They do not have a good track record in boats.. put a new condensor in it. Clean the points with some paper, or a file if you need to. Hook 12v up directly from the battery to the + side of the coil and see if it runs.

That said. Sitting since 1996 in that condition. unless it’s entirely sentimental, the boat is economically scrap…

If it is sentimental. Remove the OMC, buy a running Mercruiser or Volvo boat with a V6 or V8 and put that in when you restore it. Donor boats save so much money. You will be in for a new deck, stringers and transom guaranteed

 

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

Changed the oil and Put the pertronix in this morning.
Engine runs great. Idles perfectly at 550rpm.
Alternator charges, tilt clutch works.
My trim tabs work.
Tru Course steering works.
And the stringers are solid.
I will use it as it is for a couple years until it needs something serious, and then I will upgrade

 

[racerone]

Registered in Owen Sound

 

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

Registered in Owen Sound

Spent most of it's life in Port Elgin.

 

[racerone]

Not too far from where I live.

 

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

My family has had a trailer in the Port Elgin municipal campground every year since about 1975.

We all used to live in the London area.
Now I live in the Ottawa area so the boat will be in the Ottawa river, or Big Rideau Lake or Kingston.

 

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

It ran really well this morning, first time in 25 years, but I wasn't sure if the thermostat was opening so I took off the housing...

 

[Jay's 1977 Spacecraft]

Cleaned out all of the flakes of rust from the entire cooling system.
Runs great now.
Time to start accumulating the required safety equipment.
Don't think the OPP will appreciate all my inherited vintage gear.