Just got a boat, now what

[blu_yin]

Hey everyone, I just got my dads old boat this weekend and know nothong about it. I am hoping that this forum-which seems to be a wealth of info can be a good place to start.

What i do know about the boat is that its a 1978 17' bass boat it says glassline bass kit on a sticker on the sides. It has a 70hp johnson motor on it. There are no visible holes or cracks in the boat and the motor started right up. It hasnt been in the water in abt 2 yrs.

A friend of mine basically told me it was a crap boat and not worth having-but I figure a boat with a motor that starts and doesnt sink in the water, is better than no boat at all.

From what I can tell Glassline was a DIY boat, but does that make it any less of a boat?

My husband is going Weds to put her in the water, if there are no visible holes, she wont just sink right?! My husband knows his way around cars really well, but neither of us have any knowledge about boats. So please excuse my silly questions.

This was the boat my dad took me out on as a little girl and I am so happy to have it now and would love to take my kids out on it. So this has become my project. Weve already checked the wiring and bilge pump and like I said the motor started right up, there was a lot of white smoke when it did though and my hubby said its b/c it hasnt been on in a while..is there somethibg else we need to look into?

Id appreciate any info on this boat or suggestions anyone has...

 

[LongLine]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

Maybe change oil in lower unit, put new set of plugs in it, fresh gas/oil, make sure it's got a good drainplug in it, all the safety gear is in good shape, put lifejackets on the kids, have a good paddle on board & go try it out.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[DADDYRABBIT1]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

Well welcome to boat ownership, just a couple of things to be aware of and check as a starting point.

1st check out, locate and read any and all saftey and standard operating procedures that apply to all boating as a rule in your area and also see if you can located a specific manual for you motor that will give you the basics dos and don'ts. also consult a friend or relative that is a boater that might know about your boat or that has basic knowlege of boat operation and have him or her look it over and point out the obvious, or go and find you a good boat dealer/repair shop who may carry your line of motor/parts and have them give you a run down. because chances are you will be doing business with them as far replacment parts and things of that nature.

Jumping ahead:

obviously if it fired right up it was winterized well.

surely your running fresh gas in her, and you are aware that it will have to be mixed w/ 2 cycle oil if it doesn't have oil injection.

does the motor "pee"? on the side of the motor when running it should be shooting out a stream of water that looks like, well......someone peeing. If not or it appears to be a weak stream it may need a water pump which looks like a rubber gear which spins around inside a housing and circulates water into the motor this is how it is cooled like a car's coolant system if it isn't working you can cause serious damage, but unlike a car there is no temp gauge on the dash in most cases w/ a motor this old.

Launch the boat, make sure the drain plug is in and watch for leaks. Run the boat easy for a little while, be sure to bring a paddle in case of problems, and see what she does. If it does'nt seem to be running right take it to a mechanic and have them give it a look over.

And not to scare you but boat ownership can get expensive in fact many will tell you BOAT means "Bank On Another Thousand"

Good luck and be careful, boating can be fun but it can also be dangerious if laws a regulations are not practiced.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

Here's a site that runs through the process of putting this "kit" boat together. You might enjoy seeing it.

Enjoy your new old boat, and boat safely.

http://www.amateurboatbuilding.com/articles/building/basskit/dan.html

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

And here's a site with an original add for the Glassline Bass Boat Kit.

http://books.google.com/books?id=tO...AEwBg#v=onepage&q=glassline bass boat&f=false

I'll bet you never expected this much information...

 

[blu_yin]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

And here's a site with an original add for the Glassline Bass Boat Kit.

http://books.google.com/books?id=tO...AEwBg#v=onepage&q=glassline bass boat&f=false

I'll bet you never expected this much information...

I love all the old info! Thanks so much! I like the part of the ad "water and fish not included"

I think its in pretty good shape for being a 78. Here is a link of the few pics I have so far. The Boat Project

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

Looks pretty good. I'm sure you're going to enjoy it!

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

does the motor "pee"? On the side of the motor when running it should be shooting out a stream of water that looks like, well......someone peeing.

If your starting the motor with the boat out of the water you need a
water source going to it such as submerging the lower unit in a barrel
or "muffs" and a garden hose attached to the water intake.

If not or it appears to be a weak stream it may need a water pump which looks like a rubber gear which spins around inside a housing and circulates water into the motor this is how it is cooled like a car's coolant system if it isn't working you can cause serious damage, but unlike a car there is no temp gauge on the dash in most cases w/ a motor this old.

Not a bad idea to just go ahead and replace the water pump on a motor
that old that's been sitting for awhile.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Just got a boat, now what

This is a duplicate to your other thread. Please don't post the same question in multiple sections. I'll close this one.