New To Boating With Old Boat!

[munch]

Does anyone know how fast a 1962-1963 gale 40hp would move a 1975 14.6ft thundercraft playmate? I just bought the boat, motor and trailer for $450.00 Canadian. Right now I?m only going about 25-28 Mph. Is that it or am I expecting too much. Maybe the motor needs work? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

I think that all you will get from that engine with that boat. With an aluminum boat you would go faster but still not be able to pull a ski.What is the max engine the boat is rated for.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

On old promo material they show a 10hp pulling a skier! I learnt on a 25. A 40 can definitely pull a skier, just not too big a one.

What does the boat weigh? Is the core waterlogged? It's quite possible and that's why they sold it so cheap as for a running boat and motor (trailer?) that's a good price.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

the thundercraft was probably rated for a 50 or 60. i think you are about where it should be. i could get 33 mph with a 350lb aluminum, with a 40.

i learned to ski with a 1955 15 hp Rude, on a 14ft 3/8 plywood fishboat.

 

[F_R]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

Agreed, that's the speed to expect. I also learned to ski with a 10hp on a 14' Chris-Craft kit boat. This shows my 35hp Jophnson on a 15-1/2' plywood boat, seems to be doing OK. Notice where the wake starts. The two girls have already gotten up from a deep water start on slaloms.
(Good-old-days picture)
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s311/frankr_photos/Skiing6.jpg?t=1213188284

 

[munch]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

I have grey sludge in the lower end. I think this means water is getting in . am I right? how would I fix this?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

I'm not familiar with the hull design on your boat, but that's about the right speed, I think. My 14.7 fiberglass Tri-hull with a 1958 35hp Johnson did about the same speed.

And you can definitely ski behind that combination. You've seen the stories. I learned to ski behind a 13' plywood boat with an Evinrude 25hp, back in 1961.

 

[munch]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

thanks for the help. can anyone help with the lower end?

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: New To Boating With Old Boat!

Milky or creamy oil in the lower gear case indicates water mixing with the oil. The first place to start is the gaskets on the fill and vent screws. Many dockside mechanics don't change the gasket each time they remove the screws and they don't seal well the second time around. It's difficult to tell where the leak is unless you perform a pressure test by pumping about 10psi into the gear case and dunk it under water. Like a leaky tire, bubbles will tell you where the leak is. Always change the oil before storing for the winter so that there's no water in there that can freeze.
If the oil (sludge) will not flow out then you'll likely need to open the gear case and wipe it out. DON'T REMOVE THE SCREW WITH THE PHILLIPS HEAD!