New

[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. Is this a decent motor? Will I be able to get parts for it since its so old?

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?! Please excuse my silly questions (I will ask many more Im sure) but I know nothing about a boat, except I don't want it to sink and I like 'em...

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 before putting it in the water?

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

 

[Kevinmcm]

Re: New

If she (pardon the pun) started right up, you should have very little concern for your motor. Keep in mind it has had fuel in it for several years, and when you begin sloshing the tank and introducing old fuel into the carb, things will get nasty. Be prepared for some coughing and spitting, some rough idle and maybe it might die. But as the fiance says, I'm always wrong!, so the best of luck! After you run it for a while you might have a tune up done on it, for preventative measures. Make sure you run it on muffs in the driveway, and check temp often first few times out, water pumps are bad for dry rotting. Oh, and tell hubby not to get to far out from ramp on first outing! Hope this helps and others will have more suggestions

 

[Challenger84]

Re: New

Congrates on the new boat!
I too just got a boat from a family member.
I also have a Johnson 70 and would like to know more about it as well.
Goodluck and have some fun with your new toy.

 

[apaseman]

Re: New

How old was the gas? Did you put fresh gas in? If not, and the gas has been sitting for 2 years you should get rid of it and put fresh gas in. Look into the oil to gas ratio, I do not know for sure but most seem to be 50:1. Like the other poster said, don't run the motor without muffs. The smoke, as far as I know is due to the oil, and older motors will probably smoke at idle a bit. At least mine does and was told by someone "in the know" that that is basically expected.

As for the boat...not sure who told you it wasn't worth having..but I disagree whole heartedly! DIY boat? Who cares! Doesn't make it any less of a boat to me!The boat gets you on the water and if you have children some of the fondest memories I have is fishing with my grandpa and dad, and I can't think of a better hobby for a teenager to get into to keep them busy! If you don't have children, it's a great thing to do with your spouse too

I found a pic..is this what yours looks like? You could catch a lot of great fish on this thing!

Welcome "aboard", great forum here!

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

I don't actually know how old the gas is in it, but was told a million times by my dad that it has a stabilizer in it? I don't know what that means at all..or if it matters. We did actually find a manual for the motor, so I am sure that will help!

I agree with your thoughts on the boat, too..I have the best memories from childhood on that boat with my dad. Even though he woke me up at 4am all the time and I hated it at the time, Im sure glad he did now. I have 4 children myself and can't wait to get them on the boat..which brings another question...

I read that boats are supposed to have a capacity limit panel on them, this one doesn't. Is this something I need? And how can I make sure that we can all fit on the boat without causing it to flip/sink?

I do have a picture, to post just as soon as I figure out how to post it on here.

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

Congrates on the new boat!
I too just got a boat from a family member.
I also have a Johnson 70 and would like to know more about it as well.
Goodluck and have some fun with your new toy.

I am looking everywhere to find out about the motor and brand, but haven't had any luck so far! If you find anything please LMK!

Thanks. I am sure I will enjoy it...I have a million ideas in my head for it already. I have a feeling this is going to be what my hubbys car is to him..an ongoing project that always NEEDS something.

 

[apaseman]

Re: New

I'm not expert, but regardless of stabilizer...old gas will have water in it, especially today's gas, and water reeks havoc on a motor..so If I were you..I would venture on the safe side and replace that gas. You should be able to use it in your truck though


I'm not sure how to find the rating...but as a "point to start with" I have an 18.2 foot Champion Bass boat, rated at 900 pounds 7 people. Good luck getting 7 people on that thing! I would definitely try to find the actual rating...safety especially as far as your kids are concerned is so important. I've heard too many horror stories to even consider not being safe. Good luck, and post that pic!

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

The Boat Project

This was the easiest way I found to get pic's.

There is a picture of the seat mount holes in the boat and I was told they don't make the seats/mounts for that size anymore, if anyone knows where I can get the seat and the mount for it please LMK..Ive looked and the ones I have seen are too small.

 

[apaseman]

Re: New

Try these

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...For_Seat_Pedestal&i=72117&merchID=1006&r=view

 

[ExxWhy]

Re: New

That boat is definitely trouble, I think you should set it on the curb and I'll come by and make sure it's properly disposed of. Heh heh, thought I would beat someone else to that statement!

If you can't find seats in that size (they do look small), it's not too dificult to change the base plate for something more standardized.

Regarding starting the motor, was it in a bucket of water or on muffs when it was started? If not, that usually burns up the rubber impellor. Either way, I'd say the water pump is iffy at best on it just from age. Not expensive, but some labor involved to change it. Make sure it's spitting a good stream of water if you plan to run it without changing it first. Bad news if it gets overheated, can easily destroy the motor even the first time it happens. It would also be a great idea to change the lower unit oil before the first outing too.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/backyardboatbuilders.pdf

That will give you a way to figure capacity for DIY boats. Do a search for USCG Capacity formula if that link doesn't work.

Should be no problem to find parts for that motor, at least most anything you would be likely to invest in it.

You should be able to find a model number plate on the motor. From that you can tell the year. http://www.maxrules.com/OMC_models_files/JOthru79/70-79.html Once you have that info, it should be easy to find whatever parts you would need for it. The link covers the 70's, otherwise try an internet search for Johnson outboard model years.

Remember B O A T stands for Bust Out Another Thousand! Alternatively, a hole in the water where you throw money. Fun times though, fun times.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: New

Enjoy the boat and making new memories as you recall the old memories!

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

Try these

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...For_Seat_Pedestal&i=72117&merchID=1006&r=view

Thanks for the link, but these won't fit either I actually went out and measured the hole in the base plate and its 1 1/2 in all the pin sizes for the pedestals I have seen are for 3/4 holes. I only have one of those and 3 of the 1 1/2 base plates.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: New

I wouldn't have any problem going out in that boat at all. For a hand-me-down it's a great starter boat. Dump the old gas and have the impeller replaced before you go out in it and you'll probably get another 500 hours out of that motor. They don't build them like that anymore.

A little bit of preventative maintenance up front can save you a lot of grief and money later.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New

Welcome to the forum. That looks like a pretty decent boat and that's definitely a great motor. Absolutely no issues finding parts or service for that vintage Johnson. As was mentioned, change the water pump impeller, change the lower unit oil and replace the O rings on the fill/vent screws when you have them out, and get some fresh gas. You should be good to go. I am concerned about the capacity of that boat for your family. It may only be like 4 people. Guess you'll have to take turns!

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

Thanks ezmobee, Ive been woried abt the capacity as well. Mine doesnt have a plate to tell me what it is an another member sent a link to find out, but that way involved using buckets of water to fill the boat until it almost tips..or stacking weight on the side...either way I dont think Ill try those.

I did find some info on www.boat-ed.com/tx that gave a formula:
Number of people=
vessel length (ft.)* x* vessel width (ft.)/15

we measured at the widest point, i dont remember the exact amount but I know it was around 900 lbs. 3 of my kids are little, they are 1, 3, 10 ans together weigh 125. So i figure for now they equal 1 person. So w/ me, hubby and a teenager, is 4 ppl.

Believe me Im the nervous kind, if for a minute I think the boat is shaky or wont hold us, ill throw the teenager overboard!

Kidding, but I would take turns. I think the teenager shld stay home and babysit while dad and I go out

 

[ExxWhy]

Re: New

My apologies for getting confused on the link I sent. I didn't read it all through and missed the fact that was the precise way to figure it out which involves more work than I would do in your case too. Was thinking of something I saw that gives you the rough idea. Now I'm thinking I just got confused with the simple HP rating formula.

The formula you found is generally considered for boats over 26'. I found something else that the CG use for lifeboats, which is still apples and oranges, but may get you in the ballpark. Length X width X depth X .0056 I would use 1 as the depth from seeing the pictures. Guessing about 6.5 wide and 17 long, comes out to 6.4. You should probably subtract for the motor and equipment which will take at least 2 people off that, leaves roughly 4 people. Using the same numbers with the simpler formula, comes out to 7.3. (subtract 2 for equipment)

So you come up with 4 one way, or 5 the other, depending on your exact numbers. Just eyeballing the pictures, I would say 4 is about right, but that is for CALM water.

I can't find a definitive answer on if the plate is absolutely required or not. Seems to vary by state.

Sounds like you are a prudent person. If the boat feels overloaded, it probably is. If it feels OK with all aboard, then you're probably fine with careful operation. Lifejackets that fit properly for sure on the wee ones, but I'm sure you are already planning on that.

dislaimer: I'm NOT an expert, just trying to piece together some info from various sources and my own general experience.

 

[blu_yin]

Re: New

ExxWhy, No worries, I do appreciate the info. I started reading that first link and it kinda made me laugh. I could just see us out there with buckets filling the boat up..Id be so nervous Id probably have a stroke.

I figure, the best way is just to test the waters and see. The seat is a bench type seat, has enough room for me, hubby, the 4 yr old and I would hold the baby, was thinking the 2 older ones could sit in the front, which would keep the weight pretty even.

About the plate, I was reading on the tx boating site, that it is supposed to have it. But like I said mine doesn't. What do I do about that? I guess I should just call and ask.

So I have a few other questions about the boat, can I keep posting them in this thread or do I need to start a new one?

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: New

I think its really cool that you have a family boat that has been passed on to you that you enjoyed with your Dad as a little girl and now you seek to make memories for your kids in that boat. We don't have any boats in my family, so that is why I bought mine. To make family memories on the lake for my kiddos!

Enjoy!