170 renovations 78'

[Mwar410]

it's been slow going on my own projects lately, but I've got a bit of work done.
Today might be a chance to water test it, just a few connections to make and probably do a quick service on the lower.

[Mwar410]

[Capt. Bob]

I'm guessin" this wasn't the "water test" you had in mind.

 

[RickK]

It looks very nice - what did you have to do on the transom? Looks new.

[Mwar410]

Capt Bob, it seems like it's been raining here for months, so that water test has already been completed. Actually found about 1 gal of water in the fuel  tank today to start (delay) the water test. Good thing I only put 7 gals of non ethanol in the tank this morning. Pump the tank, purge the fuel system and change the filter.  . Only thing I can figure is it got in the the tank while I was waiting to do the new sending unit and I didn't pick up on it.

[Mwar410]

nope not a new transom yet, just quick repair. Top was cracking and it was wet around the garboard plug. It also appeared that the motor wasn't hung level. Drilled out 3" around all holes and dried it out, layed a few layers of mat inside and out.

[Mwar410]

Still "water testing", been running it for 4 days or so. Playing with wheels trying to dial it in, before I purchase a stainless. It had an old Michigan wheel on it that  I can't read what pitch it is, but I'm assuming 15. Tried a 19 last night and it ran nice but only gave me about 3/4 throttle (4600).
So I'm pretty happy with the ride but it's been relatively smooth out just some rollers to speak Of

[Mwar410]

[Mwar410]

 I must  have played with 6 different wheels, I think the Yamaha k series 19p runs the best. WOT is tickling 40 at 5800. With a nice cruise speed around 25- 30 at 3800-4 .
All these prop changes get quite confusing.

[Mwar410]

Well after running this all Striper season Im quite impressed and was able to figure out what I'd change and keep.
First off, I'm really kicking myself for not taking 6" out of the console's width. Hopefully floor to hull deck (no liner)  will help with this
Definitely the addition of spray rails
Larger bow deck with anchor locker
Raising the transom at least to 25", can't really backup with out it coming over stern.

Season came to an abrupt end Sunday while searching for new fishing spots


Time to winterize the motor and put it on the stand for the year. Attempt to locate a lower unit.
I could throw a 115 on it but Im thinking about getting an early start on the rebuild and I'm not crazy about putting on the 115.
Big front hatch needs to be re-cored as well as the fuel tank cover,  transom is going to be raised/replaced and assuming the stringers should be done. So full rebuild seems to be on order.

[Capt. Bob]

 

[RickK]

Ouch !

[Mwar410]

Yeah I'm quite lucky I was able to make it back to the ramp under its own power. Now searching for a lower unit, nothing around the shop and no luck locally, not even a 4 stroke case.

[boatnamesue]

Now searching for a lower unit, nothing around the shop and no luck locally, not even a 4 stroke case.

You mentioned wintering so I reckon you live in northeast.  If you broaden the LU search to include FL you'll have quicker luck.  I always see LU on craigslist in Tampa Bay area.  Though if you do purchase LU from remote location I'd do so using ebay or used engine dealer for the purchase protection. 

[Mwar410]

I'm  definitely a little skeptical about buying sight unseen. My current CL searches do  include Tampa and Sarasota, as I'm down there often.