Just bought a new (old) boat have some questions

[rrkyle]

I finally found a good deal on the type of boat i wanted.

I bought a 1983 glasstream 15 ft fiberglass bass boat with an 1983 mercury 70 hp in really great shape for the age.

I have a few questions.
What is the correct fuel mixture? 50:1?

I should run premium in it right?

And anything in particular i need to watch out for on these motors?

Its supposed to have a new water pump/impellor but just to be safe ill be changing it out on payday.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Just bought a new (old) boat have some questions

50:1 is correct.

Just run regular.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Just bought a new (old) boat have some questions

I finally found a good deal on the type of boat i wanted.

I bought a 1983 glasstream 15 ft fiberglass bass boat with an 1983 mercury 70 hp in really great shape for the age.

I have a few questions.
What is the correct fuel mixture? 50:1?

I should run premium in it right?

And anything in particular i need to watch out for on these motors?

Its supposed to have a new water pump/impellor but just to be safe ill be changing it out on payday.

You are correct, fuel mix is 50:1 (2.6 oz to 1 gal gas). I'd run a premium blended oil and not full synthetic.

For fuel, Sea Level up to 3000 ft run 90-91 although you could probably get by with 87 octane and not hurt it. After 3000 ft run 87-89.

Change out anything related to cooling on that motor. Do a full water pump change and also thermostats if it has them and any replaceable plumbing. Basically anything that might wear out, leak or just fail over time. If it has a poppet valve then change it also.

Look the engine over thoroughly. Check for any burnt or frayed wiring, corrorsion on conncters, etc. Clean up any corrosion, re-wrap any frayed wiring. Investigate any burned wiring and make repairs as necessary to prevent it from reocurring.

Pretty much common sense stuff. The more you pay attention now the less likely it will need your attention in the middle of the lake.

Best of luck and congratulations on your new boat and motor. This is the first of the two happiest days of your life.

Steve

 

[rrkyle]

Re: Just bought a new (old) boat have some questions

Haha thanks. And you are correct, I was grinning ear to ear when i idled out of the cove and put it wide open. This little boat can fly.

It does feel like the carbs need a good cleaning though sometimes when you let off the throttle and then punch it again it bogs for a second.

I plan on doing water pump impellor, cleaning carbs, and new plugs, The wiring does look pretty good.


Hopefully this boat will last another 27 years..