Worthy of a Project?

[Link]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

HydroSwift:<br />I'm throwing my hat in with the rest of the guys...Looks like you got a good buy and in my opinion she is a good looking boat! Do use marine grade materials though. carpet, vinyl etc and Stainlees steel screws... its a little more spendy but worth every penny in the long run. <br />Hmmm 12 gal of gas is approx 96 pounds plus the tank. Im new to this forum myself but enjoy learning so much that it is now something I look forward to almost every day.. these guys are soooo creative it's mind boggeling.<br /><br />Jason: nice looking 63<br /><br />Luck with her<br />Link

 

[BigDiesel]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Catfish: I just read the FAQs about long and short shafts so I now know of what you speak. You know, this is enlightening because even with all of the water coming up behind the boat, she still went very fast at WOT. I cannot imagine the speed if the lower unit is at the right height.<br /><br />I would not want to trade motors because the motor runs too well ... I might be able to use it in another boat. The mechanic is pretty knowledgeable (from what I can see) so I'll let him try his suggestion.<br /><br />I'm working on new pictures so that you can get a good feel for the situation.

 

[boating brad]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

understood, i myself would have a hard time trading a motor that i know runs very well. <br />and yes that thing otta fly when set up right! you should get a tachometer, "soon".

 

[chunkytrout]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

HS, not sure about this but there should be a tach pulse lead in the motor control box. One of the merc boys can tell you for sure.<br /><br />chunky

 

[NathanY]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

That boat does not look like it takes a short shaft. Could you post a pic of the transom with the motor down? There were not many runabout boats made that that require a short shaft motor, outside of racing.

 

[BigDiesel]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Nathan:<br /><br />She is in the shop now ... the mechanic is building a brace to lift the motor. I cannot take a picture to show you, but I do have an older picture that may help. In this pic, the ventilation vent is just about level with the bottom of the transom and the motor is tilted all the way up.<br /><br />-HS<br /><br /> Transom Photo

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

I don't know, but that kinda looks like a 20 inch transom to me. If it was 15 inches, it would look a lot shorter. I have this gut wrenching feeling you were all right. The cavitation plate is the largest plate above the prop, it has that little fin the sticks down in from of the prop. This plate should be withing 1 inch of being even with the bottom of the transom when it is down in the running position.

 

[BigDiesel]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Jason,<br /><br />No, it was not alright. At one point I turned around while driving the boat forward and there was so much water coming up from behind the motor that I feared the boat would go under. I looked around the lake and none of the other boats were doing this.<br /><br />When I took the boat in for a general inspection, without me saying a word, the mechanic asked if there was a lot of water coming up from behind the engine when I drove. When I look at the second photo of your '63 Mariner, I see how the plate nicely lines up with the bottom of your transom. On my boat that plate and the "heel" above it is definitely below the transom.<br /><br />When I get the boat back, I'll take pictures and show you.

 

[dinsdale]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Sweet deal.<br />Bought a 1964 Grew 16' Utility boat w/1965 Merc 650 65HP.<br /><br />Redoing the Brightwork now after fixing some "Bondo" patcghes near the transom with West System Epoxy and Wood fibre filler.(my boat is wood)<br /><br />Boat runs great, allowed me to get on water sooner (Less money) and has a style.<br /><br />I far prefer classic boats to any of the newer ones. My GF thins most new boats look like "white running shoes"<br /><br />Happy boating

 

[BigDiesel]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Hey Dins,<br /><br />Do you have any photos? I would love to see the before and the current progress photos. You can email them to me directly, if that is easier for you.

 

[johndoe]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

I have a 66 Chrysler with almost exact same hull design... I love it... I am looking to replace the windshield... It is plastic and scratched and cracked in a few places... I saw a guy this weekind with a brand new (same style) windshield on his old boat... I couldn't catch him to ask him where he got it... (only 35 hp!) Anyone know where to get this plexiglass cut and formed to size...? And what about replacing the rubber seal and the aluminium around the top edge??? When I fugure out how to post pix, I will be glad to share with all.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[boating brad]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

johndoe: look in the yellow pages or search yahoo for a plastic fabrication co. you will have to send them your windshield for a template for the bends. you can get it in several different tints. i would not recommend getting polycarbonate, it is much softer than acrylic so it will scratch easier.

 

[dinsdale]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Pics taken but not scanned yet.<br />Will send/post them as I scan them.<br /><br />Seats have 9 coats of Varnish. 4 Spar varnish, 5 clear coats.<br /><br />Rub Rails have 3 coats sealing Epoxy, 2 coats gluing epoxy, 1 coat spar varnish and 1 coat Clear coat.<br /><br />Windscreen is next.<br /><br />Got given Mahogany Seats (1 bench 2 seats) to add as mine came with only front seats.<br /><br />Here is the PIC from the Boat Yard I bought it from.<br />

<br /><br />I got mine cheap as the turnaround price wasn't worth their professional time.<br />This is an example of their work. Very cool.<br /> http://www.woodwindyachts.com/restorations/MargRest.htm

 

[BigDiesel]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

John Doe: I agree, check your local yellow pages. I found a glass shop that builds aquariums and they told me that they would make me a new windshield ... mine has a few cracks. If you check with your local machine shops, you'll probably find someone to make the aluminum fitting for you too.<br /><br />BTW, I am seriously considering buying a 21 ft boat and if I do, my 15 ft HydroSwift will be for sale at the same that I paid for it ... $800.

 

[johndoe]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

Thanks Hydro and catfish...

 

[johndoe]

Re: Worthy of a Project?

What about restoring the aluminum piece across the top of the windshield... does anyone know a good product or method for restoring these old aluminum hardware? It is in good shape just dull and somwhat scratched... no dings or cracks... I tried some mirror glaze, and mothers aluminum polish... but its is pretty bad and none of these seem to help it... I was thinking, I remember some sort of acid you can get to treat them with..? Anyone?