my first boat, my first trip...

[shwoop_soobie]

hey guys,

so i was around boats when i was a young kid, and i just took the leap and bought my very own boat... im 22, and i saved enough to spend 1k on this beauty...

a 1970 Shasta runabout with a 95hp kiekhaefer mercury...

i took my first outing... a 2 day trip to one of the wonderful southwestern lakes...

everything seemed to go pretty good, but there were a few quirks... the boat did not like starting... especially cold! a little starting fluid in the carbs and the proper choke/throttle combo and she would fire right up, but a couple times it just did not want to start... it also seemed like it was using alot of gas... i went through 20+ gallons cruising the lake for less than 10 hours... i guess the carbs are gonna get a rebuild....
hopefully many more trips to come!

the best first mate i could ask for:

 

[grahamh]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Looks good!

Although I'd be careful about beaching with those large rocks on the shore.

Does the motor have a primer bulb in the fuel line? If so, make sure you pump it till it's hard before you try to start it, that might help your starting issues.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Congrats on the great boat and great dog!!

Welcome!

 

[skargo]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Congrats on the first trip! Nice pics too.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Congrats! That's a cool boat and a really interesting looking first trip. You'll make lifelong memories in that.

Get used to high fuel consumption... Boats swill gas at an alarming rate, those old two strokes were particularly thirsty too. Modern two strokes are much better, but still swill gas.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Looks like a good maiden voyage for your cool boat- I like the lines a lot...

Nice first mate as well.

Welcome

 

[NYBo]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Welcome to iboats!

Do NOT use straight ether starting fluid in a 2-stroke! It doesn't lubricate. Even worse, it will wash any residual oil off the bearings and cylinder walls.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

depending on your speed and how much you actually used it, 20 gallons in 10 hours of running is actually really good! (2 gallons per hour, i dream of a numbers higher than that, not sure what I would do if my boat ever made it down that low)

 

[roscoe]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

2 gallon per hour is great.

Run her wide open and she will likely guzzle 8 gallons per hour.

3/4 throttle, about 6 gallons per hour.

Beautiful boat.

Only a grand? Great deal.

 

[shwoop_soobie]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

thanks for the warm welcome guys!

after i thought about it, and did some calcs using gps time/millage i was using about 3-5 gallons per hour at about 3/4 throttle (about 28mph)... i guess its not to bad... the boat is definitley not a speed demon, but she has plenty of power (with me, my girlfriend, my dog, a cooler, spare 5 gal of gas +random other items)... it comes up on plain in about 3 seconds...

i never even thought about the fact i was using the starting fluid on a 2stroke... i will have to find out a better solution...

i am definitely looking forward to more trips!

 

[izoomie]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Congratulations on the new-to-you boat. I can't think of a better way to spend a grand. Great pictures too.

You've also found the best site there is to help you with all the little things that will be cropping up as you use it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

I'd think that boat would be right fast--maybe you need to look at trim or prop--canyou talk to the previous owner about it? maybe due to age you're not getting your top end. If you don't have a GPS, see if someone on the lake will pace you. If you have a tach, see what's happening there.

Cool boat. Baby that motor (and the fuel) and it will serve you well.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

shwoop congrats on the new boat

I got a 80hp merc last fall and the guy tells me..."all ya gotta do is spray some starting fluid into the carbs and she fires right up"

I didn't know all the properties of the stuff at the time...but I found out just what was mentioned. Not a lubricating fluid and not a good plan.

Hopefully there wasn't too much damage caused by doing this.

I agree that you should be seeing higher speeds once you get everything tweaked out. That hull looks fast even beached on the shore

 

[INJUN]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Reel nice!
She looks like she's flying in the photo.
Have fun.

 

[shwoop_soobie]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

supposedly it has a fresh rebuild on the power-head... i am running a 13x19 prop which the previous owner said was the best, but i almost feel i could run a 21" on the lower elevation southwest lakes... trimming up to get the rpms up i was seeing almost 40mph... but im not sure what maximum rpm's should be...

i dono how much faster a 1970 boat should go

here are a few more pics for anybody interested....
(yes i know there is a fluid puddle... since getting home from the lake, it has been leaking from a fitting on the power-trim... i assume i can replace the hydraulic line at napa)

 

[dodger11]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

but she has plenty of power (with me, my girlfriend, my dog, a cooler, spare 5 gal of gas +random other items)... it comes up on plain in about 3 seconds...

Welcome!
Wow! What Else Can a Person Ask For! Oh, to be in your shoes & 22 again!
Enjoy ever minute you have with this group! Its gets complicated later!
ENJOY!

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

Welcome to iboats!

Do NOT use straight ether starting fluid in a 2-stroke! It doesn't lubricate. Even worse, it will wash any residual oil off the bearings and cylinder walls.

X2- you have a cool boat and a good eye 4 pics--you can learn the correct way to keep your boat running right here- have fun!

 

[TBONE59]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

great looking boat i never really liked the look of older boats but i must say this look sweet.. congrats

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

it is a great lookin boat- take care of the motor and and it will take care of you- you are not gonna be a speed demon but it seems like a good runnin boat. take it easy on her and enjoy!

 

[osborn159]

Re: my first boat, my first trip...

dang nice boat for a grand, good looking too, your first mate is the best, wish mine liked the boat. welcome and good luck with her.