Just bought a boat...

[indy440]

A 1981 Glaston 167 with a Merc "classic fifty" motor (only 45hp I think). I haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but the motor seems to run OK in the garbage can. I'm worried it wont plane with 4 people in the boat with such a small engine but wont know for sure until I get some water time. The hull is rated for 120hp, maybe if everything works out nicely I'll find a bigger engine. What kind of performance do you guys think I should see with the 45hp?

This is my second boat, my first was a 1996 Sea Rayder jetboat with a 90hp mercury which I loved, but had to sell due to life at the time...

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Just bought a boat...

If the motor is in good shape it will plane fine, might hit about 30mph lightly loaded. I had a similar boat plane with 35hp, top speed 22mph. And my current fishing boat is 15 fiberglass with just 25hp - planes at 19mph WOT.

I would think 120 is a lot for that boat, certainly a lot of strain on an old transom. See how it goes and go from there.

My fav. outboard is the Evinrude/Johnson 70/75 hp 3 cyl from the late 70s to early 90s. Very light for its power, and very durable. Perfect for that boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just bought a boat...

Welcome to iBoats!

I agree with Steve that an OMC 3 cylinder would be perfect for that boat. However I think you may have trouble planing out with the 50 unless those 4 adults are rather light. I will be interested to hear how it runs. A lot of 14-16' entry level boats have been sold with a 50 on them over the years so maybe it won't be too bad.

 

[109jb]

Re: Just bought a boat...

Myy father in law had a similar sized fiberglass boat with a 40 HP outboard. With 3 guys on board it would only plane if one of us went up to the bow. I think you are going to want more HP, but it doesn't hurt to give it a try.

 

[quad59]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I had that exact same boat about 3 months ago with a 1984 yamaha 90 on it. With four adults it would plane ok but did great with a set of nauticus tabs. I think you will probably want some tabs or go for more motor. Was a great boat though, just needed more room so we sold it.

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I see there is a merc 100hp in the local craigslist for 600 bucks. Sounds too cheap to be true. I feel like I should at least use it once or twice with the current setup then maybe checkout that 100hp if its not sold. Says it can be demoed for serious buyers.

By the sounds of your replies it should be just fine with my wife and our three year old as-is though... so thats good...

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I just ordered a set of smart tabs. First trip out with the boat will be without the tabs on tuesday. Second trip will be with them the following sunday.

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I took the boat out tonight. me and one other guy hit a top speed of 21.5mph

It planes fine.

I dont think the motor is running quite right, and my tach is not working properly. I need to clean the carbs maybe...

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I found a motor, hopefully picking it up friday. Its a 1989 or 1990 Johnson 90hp 4-cylinder.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just bought a boat...

Great motor.

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

Im going to pick it up tomorrow after work, then will be staying up late and changing the motor over after the kids go to bed. It'll be a late night, but I have to make sure its ready to go for a family trip to the lake sunday.

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I just talked to the guy again, now he thinks the motor is a 1980 or 1981 (or maybe he was referring to the boat?)

I dont have a clue.

But for 400 bucks either way I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I don't know when they switched to 90HP from 85HP. It was somewhere in the early 80's. Either way you're golden because OMC used a very similar overall design for the V4's from 1978 through fairly recent times and parts are plentiful and not too expensive.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I just talked to the guy again, now he thinks the motor is a 1980 or 1981 (or maybe he was referring to the boat?)

I dont have a clue.

But for 400 bucks either way I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

You picked up a running 90HP Johnson for 400bucks??????

YEEESSSHHH!!

Where are these deals when "I" need them lol

But seriously good job, very reliable engines.

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

he said the whole motor is white, the cover to the lower unit, if that gives any indication of the year...

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

I got the boat and motor today. The hood is white and says "90" on one side and "OMC" on the other side. The serial number is 6009033. The cover is white and the rest is light gray. Can anyone tell me what year it is?

and the best part... I got the whole thing for 300 bucks... plus he towed it here for me so I threw in an extra 20... 320 bucks for a running 90hp johnson... Plus it came with a junk boat and trailer that I dont know what to do with...

 

[cribber]

Re: Just bought a boat...

Sounds like ya got a great deal and just in time for the weekend!!!

 

[indy440]

Re: Just bought a boat...

the 90 wont be on for this weekend. It needs two carb rebuild kits. the 50 is ready to go though...