It's Time

[Finster]

Everything else seemed to be clean. Light normal wear for a 30 year old boat.

Oh yeah, the transom is recent and the deck solid. I was geared up and pretty much sold until we got to the osmatic blistering.

[Gary Hill]

Ralph, just for info, I just repowered a 76 CC with a 350 Marine Power 315 HP carb and it appears with the flow scan, I'm getting better that 2 miles per gallon and running 28-29 MPH. I got the carb due to the fact I can figure things out if required. The prop is a 17" X 16 and will turn up 4600 RPM. Also the packing I used is the newer GFO packing and as many times I played with the prop (disconnect shaft from trans to eliminate the banging effect) does not leak (I'm surprised). I'm not sure if the tunnel would be a problem since boats are made now with a setback (Fountain) and they do this for clean water and can run the motors higher. Good luck with you decision whatever you do. But I do like my ride with the inboard.

[RalphD]

Thanks for the quick replies. I thought that staying inboard would be the result but I was looking for candid opinions. I like the inboard ride. I just wanted to see if it had been done or made sense to do. If so it would have played a major role in my restoration plans.

I'm not interested in selling/trading although she did show up for sale by Margate Marine years ago. I really wasn't interested in selling then either but the guy who listed it owned the marina I was in. Just testing the market I guess. There's a link to the listing on this site.

The first thing I want to decide on is power (I currently have a 454 crusader) so any thoughts on options would be appreciated. Is a diesel worth the extra cost? Knot Working, if you don't mind me asking, approximately how much did the 350 Marine Power cost and what was involved with the changeover?

Also, once I get the boat stripped down (won't be until spring) would anyone in South Jersey be available to take a look and give me their recomendations from experience as to what should be done to the hull? Again, I want to do this right and once, so I don't want to overlook anything. I know there are numerous owners around SJ including Finster whos experience I could benefit from.

[Finster]

Let me know I always like looking at boats. I'll drag Scott and maybe Don with me, then there will be an excuse to drink beer. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Gary Hill]

Ralph,
The engine and trans (FW cooled) was about $8,500 and everyone declared that I didn't need 3" extension's (on the risers) since I was replacing the old 351 Merc, I looked at Miles Off Shore and he had them (he's got a 350 also) and a couple of SeeVee's same way. The biggest problem is making sure that the angle is correct on the shaft alignment, I ended cutting out 1" on the rear motor mount, and adding 3/4" to the front, no big deal just glass work. The diesel is nice but cost's are alot more. The work was done by myself and a friend. My stringer's were replaced sometime back and were in great shape.

[RalphD]

Finster, I'll definately let you know when I get it torn down. I was actually thinking I would trailer to someplace convenient for anybody that would be kind enough to help. Thank you for your offer. I'll buy lunch and beer expense will be the first line item in my budget.

Knot Working, thanks for the info. I'm going to do some research on available power options. I know I have to do some stringer work anyway as I saw some questionable glass work when I had her apart the first time. I'll make any adjustments for the mounts then.

One last question for now. What is the general consensus for refinishing the hull, re-gelcoat or paint?

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I painted above the water line and gel coated the bottom. Painting is easier to do but cost more $$$ gel coating cost less and is a lot more labor intensive. We have some guys that have done both. It’s kind of like pick your own poison they both have their good and bad points. I would have some of the guys look at your gel coat first and then make some comments after looking. Maybe it could be buffed back to good shape, maybe you need a lot of work done on the hull fixing dings and sough, maybe you keep you boat in the water for long periods of time, maybe you take the boat off a trailer 50 times a year. All that could make a difference in your decision.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[RS]

One last question for now. What is the general consensus for refinishing the hull, re-gelcoat or paint?

If the bottom has bottom paint, keep it up. If above the water line was painted last time, do it again since re-gel would involve stripping the old paint. If it's gel now, I'd still go with paint if the boat will be kept in the water, or otherwise outside in full sun.

[eggsuckindog]

Keep it the way it is and put a HEMI in it [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

[Dunk]

Ralph, Is that your Red 23 inboard sitting up from the church on Rt 9?? Shoot me an email...I'm right in S Dennis..