77 Master Angler rebuild

[jorgeinmiami]

I just got a 77 MA that is in need of some TLC

Plans are to do what needs to get done to use it ASAP as it is just too hot down here to work on the boat outside.

Immediate things are the gas tank and hoses, rewire, check the floor as I found "some wood pieces" in the bilge area, and reinstall of the console with batteries under. Install bilge /live well pumps and lights and electronics Also compound and wax and general clean up, It looks like I can bring back the color with a nice compound /wax job. Also figure out how to get rid of the bottom paint (soda blasting or chemical treatment) then either repaint it with bottom paint or?????



I want to have it as ready as possible so the when the Admiral realeases the funds for the engine it will be ready.

I plan to attack the major things over the winter season where it is cooler to do work on outside.

Besides the budget will not allow to do the major purchases as in the engine and trailer for a while (again check with Admiral).

One question I have is the size of the tank. It looks a lot bigger than the 47 or the optional 70 gals that came from the factory. I imagine that somewhere along the way they replaced it and went with the max size that would fit. Kind of nice since it may be a non issure replacing a 30 year old tank and saves me some $$$.

[ozman1]

I'm also in Miami and have a 79 MA that needs a new tank as well. I'm debating keeping it and restoring it or selling the whole thing. I have an updated center console and 1989 200 hp Yamaha, I waver back and forth, hope to see more of your pics to get motivated.

[red20]

the hitchhiker trailer that came with the boat looks to have good bones. just add new running gear. those old hitchhiker trailers were great.

[jorgeinmiami]

The trailer is not in my plans, I plan to get an aluminum newer trailer as I get some $$$.

Today I worked on the console. Took off everything on it and washed it down and it already looks so much better. I plan to scap the teak and go with starboard which is less maintenence.
I also cleaned out the bilge of all the junk down there.I found out the the pieces of plywood was from the door that is missing in the rear of the noat.

I cleaned the top of the gas tank and opened up where the sender is and found at least 60 gal od fuel in tank.

Now what to do with the fuel?

I was thiking of running it in one of my trucks a little at a time,

[Blue197320]

i think my carb 200 merc would like it a little at a time. it ran good on year and a half old gas before.

[wtenglish]

When I started my restoration I searched for a place to dispose of the "old" gas from my tank with no luck. On the advice of a friend I ended up adding 2-3 gallons to every full tank in my truck and got rid of it that way. Granted my truck has 250k miles on it so I wasn't as concerned as if it had been new. You can also use the STP fuel additive about every third tank to help keep your injectors clean.

[jorgeinmiami]

So I found this while looking in the bilge.



I imagine it's for the transducer I wonder if it's worth keeping?

[jorgeinmiami]

so whats the best/easiest way to fill in the holes in deck/gunnels etc....

I want to tackle that and start getting the bottom paint off

[eggsuckindog]

That looks like an expensive transducer - one of the angled ones and is probably definately worth keeping - not sure but see if you can find somebody that does. It looks like an Airimar angled unit - will work with most machines, I found an old thru hull in mine and when the transom crapped out I wired it up and it was pretty good, worth a try they are expensive bastads - all of them.

I agree on the trailer - use what you got, an axle isn't that bad, upgrade later as you can.

Anything else you need thats expensive like steering or hardware call Mike at American Marine - those guys will get whatever you need and ship it to you at a good price I would guess - be sure to tell them where you came from - Mario has a Classic 23 and Mike used to have one - they will work with you and give advice on the phone. 727 938 9796

[jorgeinmiami]

Thats nice to hear but the cable leading out if it is only about 2 feet long.

I din't imagine that you can do to much with that

And the trailer is the prior owners and he does not want to sell it and I myself would like a newer aluminum trailer.

Now should I go single axle? or I am leaning to 2 axle model