My 1973 Gulfstream

[TJDave]

I picked up this '73 Gulfstream about 7 years ago for $800.00. It had been sitting in a field for 3 years, but had a brand new engine. Mercruiser I-6 I/O. It was full of wasp nests and the interior was shot. After cleaning it all up, new hoses, filters, impeller, seats, carpet etc., she has ran great and has been problem free ever since. I wish I could of re-done the orig. seats, but the frames were all busted up so I replaced them with some white cheapy's!
I have been searching for other Gulfstreams and have had no luck until now. I have always wanted one since I was a kid. Our neighbors had one and for some reason, I loved that boat. Here she is before her spring cleaning.

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

 

[swampboy]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Hi TJ, I just bought a 1966 Gulf Stream 17ft.It has a removal Hard top. Got everything for $300.00. Im really happy with the boat so far. Do you or anyone know where I can get a Boat Owners Manual for this boat?? I have the engine Manual.Thanks

 

[Zetman]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Looks great how does she handle on the water..turns,speed...etc Zet

 

[Zetman]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

is your middle window plastic and not glass? Zet

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Looks great how does she handle on the water..turns,speed...etc Zet

Handles great now that I installed some smart tabs this summer.

is your middle window plastic and not glass? Zet

Yes, middle window is plastic. I think I am going to try to get some headlight restorer and try it on the center window.

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

After Vaseline on my oxydized dash.

 

[Zetman]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Which smart tabs the ones from Cabelas..I'm going to do the same thing do you have a picture?
Zet

 

[WizeOne]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Which smart tabs the ones from Cabelas..I'm going to do the same thing do you have a picture?
Zet

Not TJ here, but here is a pic for you.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

.....Do you or anyone know where I can get a Boat Owners Manual for this boat?? I have the engine Manual.Thanks

No such animal swampboy. There was either the engine/drive manual or the sales brochures but no 'whole boat' manual.

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Which smart tabs the ones from Cabelas..I'm going to do the same thing do you have a picture?
Zet

I bought the Smart Tab SX factory blemishes for $99.00 right here off this site! Same as above, but all black ABS plastic. I could not find the blemish when they arrived. I love them.

I will take a pic and edit it into this post.
Edit: Here ya go. Kind of crummy pic, it is almost dark.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Be sure that you keep checking that the boots do not loosen up on the actuator. You should not be able to spin the boots on either end. One was loose on mine and it filled with water and rusted up the ram. Had to replace it. Now I grab hold of them periodically and try to twist them.

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Be sure that you keep checking that the boots do not loosen up on the actuator. You should not be able to spin the boots on either end. One was loose on mine and it filled with water and rusted up the ram. Had to replace it. Now I grab hold of them periodically and try to twist them.

Thank-you.....I will check them often.

 

[Zetman]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Yea, thanks for the pictures and info on the boots can't wait to get mine on the water..I almost bought the blemished ones too..should have but I'm thinking on getting the ones that you can lock down for trolling like WizeOne has. I think his lock down! Zet

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

She's still going strong! Yesterday, 7/31/10

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Very, very nice. And good for you!

 

[Gulfstreamer]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Nice boat I just picked one up. I like what you have done to your`s.

 

[GS]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Hi, we just inherited a 75 Gulfsteam. I was reading your comment on those smart tabs! So what do they help the boat do? Does it help steering and stability?

 

[TJDave]

Re: My 1973 Gulfstream

Hi, we just inherited a 75 Gulfsteam. I was reading your comment on those smart tabs! So what do they help the boat do? Does it help steering and stability?

They all but eliminated the left to right wander at idle speeds. It gets up on plane like a Mastercraft...hardly any bow rise at all. It stays on plane at lower speeds than before, and it seems to steer easier. It is more stable at speed when crossing wakes and in rough water. The Smart Tabs made a new boat out of the old Gulfstream. I love them. We just gave this boat to my Neice and her husband recently and bought my sister's 20' Reinell. The Reinell has no trim tabs, and to be honest, I like the way the Gulfstream handles better! I am going to order Smart Tabs for the Reinell.