New to forum , and a ques.

[KYHunter]

Hi ! everyone, I'm new to the site and had a question or two. I am considering purchasing a 1978 15'6 procraft bass boat with a 115 hp. 1978 johnson outboard. The boat appears to be in great condition as does the motor. What I wanted was any opinions on the boat and motor from someone who has owned or worked on either or both thanks ,<br /> KYHunter

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />That was a pretty bullet-proof motor if it was well taken care of. Lots still running fine. I would ask for a compression test and have a look at the gearlube to see if it's turned to tar or has bits of metal in it.<br /><br />The boat I can't help with, but any boat built in the 70s should be checked for rot in the transom and floor. What I do to check a transom is to hop right onto hte motor's antiventilation plate (above the prop) and bounce up and down while watching the transom for flex. Also, make sure the steering is free and not stiff.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

Since it is 27 years old, have a knowledgeable mechanic check the motor and the boat out for you. One thing to do is grab different wires on the motor and see if the insulation crumbles away. The calender takes a toll on a motor also, sometimes even more than on the water usage.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

I've had a couple friends who've owned Procrafts, each 17 footers with 85hp, they were pretty solid and seaworthy. One of them was our skiing boat for several summers. A fifteen-six with a 115 hp though will probably be a 50mph boat. Be careful!<br /><br />The way a boat has been stored daily and seasonally is hugely important. I doubt if you could tell the whole history of a 1978 model but if you know it's been left in a lake tied to a dock for summers at a time, chances are it would be rotted considerably.

 

[rwcreigh1]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

sounds like a lot of motor for a 15'6 boat.i am not saying it too much.it just sounds like you will get up and move.have fun

 

[KYHunter]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

Thanks , Everyone for your replies. I have decided to get the boat. The present owner took it in a trade of some sort and before doing so he had a boat mechanic at a dealership check it out. He also said if for any reason I didn't want to keep it he'd refund my $. A compression check was done and was very good. Also mech. noted that the seals/gaskets appeared new and assumed it had a rebuild. As for the boat, checked it also and there were a couple 1 1/2 - 2" cracks in the fiberglass around motor mount but not all the way through the glass. 1 problem the tilt/trim switch is out it works fine with a jumper just needs a switch what can I expect to pay for one? Also would it be a good idea to run seafoam or the like through on 1st tank of gas?<br /> Again thank YA'LL for the help<br /> KYHunter

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: New to forum , and a ques.

I'd recommend you have that transom looked at closely just to be safe. Cracks could be a sign of structural weakness.<br /><br />You can run some seafoam through it, follow the direstions on the can. A decarb is a good idea. Search for decarb procedure on this site or on the FAQ area on this site.<br /><br />Trim switch $10-$100. Depends on what kind and where ya get it. Definately need one to make your new boat driveable.<br /><br />Congrats and good luck with the new boat!