Re: Restoration of my 1965 Glasspar Avolon
I follow this thread with interest because I have 1967 Avalon - identical hull. I may have missed it, but did you indicate what hp your "new" motor is? Mine had a 1967 80 hp Johnson - v4, regular shift (not the electric shift). I expect that it would not be rated at 80 hp under our current system (it was probably rated at the powerhead, not the prop shaft) and I am quite certain that the ravages of Father Time would further diminish the actual hp put out by such an old engine. That being said, she would fly along pretty good - I never timed it on a GPS, but the old speedo read 28 mph, which feels damn fast in small boat like that.
It didn't have any tilt or trim, so the nose actually rode pretty high when up on plane, and I have no doubt that I lost some top end by virtue of the fixed tilt angle, but it would pull a skier without too much trouble, so it was a good compromise.
I put all this in here to give you some reference point regarding the engine you are putting on. (What year and hp? Did I miss that? It looks like a late 70s or early 80s JohnnyRude v-4?) I am pretty sure my Avalon was not rated for more than 90 hp, and while that may have been partly a weight issue, even as much as I admire and respect that Glasspar hull design, turning at WOT with more than 90 horses behind you in that hull might be a little dicey.
You are clearly approaching your rebuild carefully, and I am sure you will approach handling the boat the same way, at least until you get the hang of it.
By the way, it looks like you are getting great results. Keep the pics coming!!
while others might think that speed is real slow. It just all depends on the person and how comfortable they feel.
