2010 in review

[Mark Sr]

Beautiful,looks brand new.Is that a new paint job or alot of wet sanding?

[polski2]

WOW, this old boat gets a lot of attention. Thanks but I cant take much of the credit. All I did was stumble into it, towed it home and wiped it down. Didnt even have to power wash. Used sparkle and a towel. Did put a coat of marine wax on it by hand. There were alot of bugs, tar and green paint from the trailer on it. The bottom looks like the top all original. I am sure it never left its barn (no paint, no wet sanding just marine wax)The 2 owners that had it for the preceding 35 years are the ones that are responsible for its condition. The big thing now is do I re power or stick with the 1975-85? I like the fact that its all original but am also haunted by the age of the motor every time I head out on a long trip. I replaced the impeller, the plugs, rebuilt the carbs, replaced the fuel pump, change the lower unit oil and ran all new fuel lines. It seems to run great but how long can it last? Back in the day the oils were not as good and I wonder what condition the bearings, journals and seals are in. Dry rotted, rusty, pitted.

[gran398]

Well polski, you have the finest original example that we're aware of. So, good deal, enjoy with pride!

The engine question, hopefully Fitz can offer his input. They all blow up eventually.

That 'rude is really cool-looking...I'd run her 'till she quits.  

[akbridge]

Run that engine.  It is considered the old small block chevy of boats.  They are very reliable, run on crappy fuel, can be over-heated, bored out if the rings get sticky and mark a cylinder wall.  That engine was made from 1971 (I think) until 1998 or so.  They had updated carbs, thermostats, and some electronics.  But the basic engine and lower unit remained unchanged.  I run one on my  boat made in 1992.  I completely trust it.  It will run with no battery, can be pull started, and parts are available and cheap.  If you don't trust it, ship it to me.  I can always use spare parts!

[polski2]

Based on the fact that you cant kill a small block I guess i will stick with the old iron. I was looking online Sunday at e-tec 130's. Its amazing in this economy I have not received a single response for a price quote/availability on new e-tec 130. TYhis is typically what happens, winter sets in, days are short and cold. I submitted at least 4 requests.  Anyone have a feel for what this boat will do with 130 t&t wot? Hopefully it doesnt include rip the transom off and sink.

[akbridge]

Well I don't think a 130 will rip the transom off.  I have heard of 115's pushing these boats to about 42 mph.  So you might get another couple out of it.  Is there any reason not to go with a 90?  They weigh less, cost less, and are very reliable.  Same basic engine as the 130 I think, just a three cylinder.  You could reuse your current prop.  Maybe even some of the rigging.

[gran398]

Well I don't think a 130 will rip the transom off.  I have heard of 115's pushing these boats to about 42 mph.  So you might get another couple out of it.  Is there any reason not to go with a 90?  They weigh less, cost less, and are very reliable.  Same basic engine as the 130 I think, just a three cylinder.  You could reuse your current prop.  Maybe even some of the rigging.

I'm with ak on both points. Run her 'till she croaks. So she uses 2 gallons more per hour, and kills skeeters?
She's reliable, looks good, and assists folks in drooling more.  

New power: A new 90hp  3 cyl. two stroke to me is ideal for your ride. That's just me. Depends on your normal load. If its you and a friend out for a side-planer troll, the 90 will be a ball of fire. If you live-bait fish (will speculate you don't) and haul around a bunch of water at 6#'s per gallon, you'll need more power. If you take the fam to the island with a buncha coolers, chicken, umbrellas, granpaws, etc., then you'll need more power. Had the pleasure of crewing briefly on Marshmallows 19-6 with new 140 Suzuki four stroke. THAT was a honey..upper 40's. Very impressive, and not heavy at the transom.

Just depends on your needs.

PS...looks like you may have reunion interest there....you guys go for it...and keep your cousins posted.

 

[Circle Hooked]

If the weight difference isn't to much I would go with more hp that way you can't look back and wished you had.

[gran398]

CH, true be that.

Bear in mind that the ol' Ole' 85  is probably putting out no more than 70 hp at the prop by modern measurement.

That 140 of Jesse's was a honey, can't see why anyone would want a V6 on this ride. Guess as you say, if there's not much difference in the weight..lets look at the difference in price...and is it worth it?

We've thunk on this before.

 

[Aswaff400]

Well I don't think a 130 will rip the transom off.  I have heard of 115's pushing these boats to about 42 mph.  So you might get another couple out of it.  Is there any reason not to go with a 90?  They weigh less, cost less, and are very reliable.  Same basic engine as the 130 I think, just a three cylinder.  You could reuse your current prop.  Maybe even some of the rigging.

i believe that was me LOL i briefly saw 43mph with a 112 SPL on an empty load and the wind on my back.


haulin people around i recommend atleast a 130. if i had 3 other buddys on the boat, cooler, gear, full livewells, i reached about 34-36 mph, and felt slow out of the hole... i never regret going with more power, never know when ya might need it

[Circle Hooked]

We've thunk on this before.

Yes we have,but still an interesting topic.

[fitz73222]

Hey Polski,

Gran drew me out. Your old 85 was a bullet proof engine; with care. We sold lots of them, some on exactly your 17 in the mid 70's. I had the privilege of working for an Aquasport dealer during the mid 70's heyday. I will tell you what I know about them. They were 92 cu inch work horses. The same base design as the 1958 50 hp "450" with lots of improvements. I strongly suggest you run 89 octane at a minimum. Octane ratings changed in 1975 when we were weaned off of unleaded gas and we re- jetted all the V4`s per OMC's recommendation. The oil we have today is far better than anything in those days so no problem there. 50-1 pre mix. Change the gearoil every 40 hours. Your engine had a hydro mechanical shift gearcase, which had a hydraulic pump and screen that needed to stay clean in order to facilitate shifting. She should have come with Champion UL77V surface gap plugs which can be changed for QL77JC4 gap style if you did alot of extended idling to reduce fouling. Since you are heavily oiled by todays standards; every 100 hours or so run some Valve tech carbon cleaner either sprayed into the carbs per the instructions or they have a dump in the tank version to keep the rings from sticking. We did see some of these break rings and trash the powerhead from carbon issues. Compression should be 125-135psi. Keep running this classic outboard. Most outboards die from neglect and lack of maintenance and can go well over 2000 hrs. The days of the two stroke engine are numbered in terms of the next decade or two so enjoy her, then worry about having to bolt on an over weight portly fourstroke that on its best day can't deliver the torque or power to weight ratio that your engine does.

[gran398]

Glad I drew you out. Good post.

[Circle Hooked]

Hey Polski,

Gran drew me out. Your old 85 was a bullet proof engine; with care. We sold lots of them, some on exactly your 17 in the mid 70's. I had the privilege of working for an Aquasport dealer during the mid 70's heyday. I will tell you what I know about them. They were 92 cu inch work horses. The same base design as the 1958 50 hp "450" with lots of improvements. I strongly suggest you run 89 octane at a minimum. Octane ratings changed in 1975 when we were weaned off of unleaded gas and we re- jetted all the V4`s per OMC's recommendation. The oil we have today is far better than anything in those days so no problem there. 50-1 pre mix. Change the gearoil every 40 hours. Your engine had a hydro mechanical shift gearcase, which had a hydraulic pump and screen that needed to stay clean in order to facilitate shifting. She should have come with Champion UL77V surface gap plugs which can be changed for QL77JC4 gap style if you did alot of extended idling to reduce fouling. Since you are heavily oiled by todays standards; every 100 hours or so run some Valve tech carbon cleaner either sprayed into the carbs per the instructions or they have a dump in the tank version to keep the rings from sticking. We did see some of these break rings and trash the powerhead from carbon issues. Compression should be 125-135psi. Keep running this classic outboard. Most outboards die from neglect and lack of maintenance and can go well over 2000 hrs. The days of the two stroke engine are numbered in terms of the next decade or two so enjoy her, then worry about having to bolt on an over weight portly fourstroke that on its best day can't deliver the torque or power to weight ratio that your engine does.

Well said,that might be worth a move to resources  

[Capt. Bob]

Hey Polski,
 I strongly suggest you run 89 octane at a minimum. Octane ratings changed in 1975 when we were weaned off of unleaded gas and we re- jetted all the V4`s per OMC's recommendation.

Fitz,
I'll move your entire post to the Resource forum but can you expound on these two lines.

I always thought that the jetting was changed in two strokers to allow proper air/fuel ratios and prevent heat buildup in a cylinder due to a lean mixture.
Also, did you mean "weaned off of leaded gas"?


Thanks