Getting my 1968 20' SF back on the water

[fishing_fanatic]

Thanks GG,

Yea, I havent updated too much on her, if it still worked, I kept it.

Well, IT LIVES! Got it on the water yesterday though not without concerns. Waterpump would initially only register pressure in the water and not on the earmuffs, it is a new lower unit.

Felt so good to get it floating again. Its a 20min ride to the river from my house and it was choppier than h3ll so rather than take it out there, I quickly got her up on plane behind a mangrove island in my canal for about 3 seconds, its no wake but I had to Its amazing how quick these hulls jump up on plane even with only a 130.

Before I can do some serious boating, I need to get the gas tank clean and install a water seperator, fix the bilge pump, fix bait well pump, fix lights and just give her another good cleaning.

keep you posted

[thehermit]

Waterpump would initially only register pressure in the water and not on the earmuffs, it is a new lower unit.

I have the same motor and it WONT run on muffs. I have to run it in a barrel in the yard. On muffs it CAN NOT seem to get enough water and will heat up. Mine has new water pump/t stats/ popit and is in good working order. In the water its as happy as a clam.

What prop are you running and what kind of #'s (cruise/top end) can you share with us?

[76Red18]

it was choppier than h3ll


You'll be amazed!! So far theres been nothing that our inshore waters dish out that my little 18 can't, doesn't or won't take with ease. You'll love it. PM me when your ready for the real maiden voyage and I'll tag along for safty.

[fishing_fanatic]

Thanks for the insight hermit.

Red, one day we need to get together soon especially since we live so close, I live over near Judd Park which is where I launch, cold weather though keeps tide too low to launch lately. I would love to see your 18 and maybe get some tips on my 20.

[Captainkass]

Nice boat I have a 1973 SF cc I did a complete refit on mine and I run a 130 yamaha also she does around 42 kts no trim tabs, well have fun with your boat looks good

regards
Kevin

[fishing_fanatic]

Well, still not fully on the water but working towards it.

Boat has been on the water about 4 times. The last time it wouldnt even idle but runs like a scalded dog on plane. Been running it on a 6 gal tank since I havent cleaned out the main poly tank at the time. I assumed the carbs picked up some debris.

I'm an idiot as the guy at the boat lot told me. I have been running from the 6 gal without a water seperator. He said for the last 1 1/2 years most their work has been carb/engine issues caused from E10.

So I have removed the carbs, dropping them off to be cleaned. Replaced all the fuel lines with new alcohol resistant grey line. Installed a 10 micron water seperator. Cleaned out the 10 year old poly tank as best I could and whether 6 gal or main tank, all fuel goes though the filter.

Need to get her ready asap.

keep you updated.

[eggsuckindog]

Double check the grey line is E10 resistant, one of the colors isn't and I thought it was the grey line ???

I just switched over a few weeks ago myself, ran it out of fuel, got a slug of water and crap in the filter but since nothing has shown up.

[fishing_fanatic]

Boat is back on the water and running great! Just took it down to the Keys and ran it for a week everyday with no issues. The rebuilt trailor did great too!

Spent a lot of time on her including replacing the hatches with Starboard and a new seat cusion back. Hopefully now I just need to keep using her.

[anotherhassel]

looks great i run a 130 on my bullet boat (the one in my sig) i love it and it has plenty of power, good luck with her.