Free boat could not pass up!

[amuddin]

I just got a 1987 thundercraft from some people that I know for free. It has a 4.3 omc motor. The boat needs some resoration. It needs some motor work and a new floor and some new interior. I thought that it would be a good project boat. The trailer is in pretty good condition. The only thing wrong with the hull of the boat is that somebody screwed the fire extinguser through it.

So I need some help with getting the motor running again and how to install a new floor in it to start out. I am a college student so I am trying to make it as nice as possible on a limited budget.

I thought that getting the motor running is a good place to start. I probaly going to drain the gas tank and put fresh gas in. Change the engine oil, get a new battery and change the spark plugs and get a new fuel filter. The owner that I got the boat from said that it needs a new steering/throttle cable.

I have restored another boat in the past but this boat is a lot bigger project. The other boat was a 1950's model 12 foot v hull with a 25 hp johnson.

 

[sdunt]

Re: Free boat could not pass up!

You learn alot about outboards from this guy, although he's not a fan of mercuries..

Max Wawrzyniak's Obsolete Outboards column: http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/max/articles.htm

Max's stuff is also published as a book, fantastic reading for ALL outboard owners: http://www.duckworksbbs.com/media/books/cheap/index.htm

You can 'blog' your project for FREE at www.shareaproject.com and its also a great way to store pictures to link with forum posts.

You might read the project blogs on share a project and see what questions that answers and what new ones come up.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Free boat could not pass up!

Welcome Amuddin!
The 4.3 is a great engine. If you need help locating parts there are tons of online places.just send me a PM...

Some of the guys on here may bash you about the OMC but don't worry.They are good drives when they are taken care of. Hey for free why not see if she runs...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Free boat could not pass up!

before you start that engine remove the distributer, and prime the oil pump,,remove the plugs and let oil sit in the cylinders, then turn over by hand. the before starting reprime the oil pump. the guys in the i/o forum are very helpful, with the engine, and Outdrive. give them as much as you know, the better your results. if Don S tells you something. it is the best advice you can get. by the way he does like mercruisers, though.

personally i just don't like I/O's here's a link to I/O forum http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21