Sounds like a mercruiser set up with a mercontrol outboard control box. My ‘71 StarCraft is set up that way. Uncommon but at least StarCraft used that solution
Good motor, very few parts available. Sadly extinct. I wouldn’t replace it with a ski twin though unless it was dead. 30hp zuki is actually more power than the ski twin 33. But you can keep an old johnnyrude running on cheap aftermarket and oem parts
My dad has one still in service as well although he retrofitted an MC1 style lower on and uses a chain for reverse. Its a Fishing boat so good enough but wouldn’t work for a boat as nice as that.
I think changing to an alpha gen one is what that boat deserves. It shouldn’t need much to make it work
You may be able to register it in Vermont if it’s 15 years old to get a title. But it might get sticky if your re reg in cali since they keep good records. However I would also make sure that it was legally obtained by the person you are getting it from. Or even if it’s good enough to be worth...
I love a good 80s bayliner. And a Capri bowrider or cuddy would be one of my wants if I ever decide I really want a glasser. Nice Mercruiser swap candidate during restoration…. But I get itchy thinking about it and that’s why I only invest in tin boats unless I need parts donor
If it has the check lights on the cowl it should work. I have a DF25A and it does. 3 lights up on the gauge until the beep clears. The tachometer will also sweep the amount of hours on the motor if you watch it. Every 1000 rpm is 100 hours when it sweeps on startup.
Thats not true. You can see all you need to. Most operators watch the screens rather than the tire and keep adding weight Many modern balancers will even tell you something isn’t right but you need to watch for it
In many states getting a boat title or registration is nearly impossible. Best to contact your state and see their no title requirements or if they will accept a Vermont registration as Vermont registration is pretty easy to get with a bill of sale
Does it have a title? If yes it probably doesn’t matter. But a hin like that could be correct. If no paperwork then only proceed if your state makes it easy or will accept a Vermont boat registration
You will need a fuel pump. Not sure what Eska used for a pump but most outboards use pulse pumps. My 2021 Suzuki 25hp uses a mikuni pulse pump to pump from tank to the float chamber where it’s efi pump is. same pump as my lawn mower.
I don’t use a drawbar lock but I use a harbor freight coupler lock when I remember to put it in. No it doesn’t really secure anything but insurance company might make an easier payout if I show a cut lock. It cost $10 so either way it doesn’t really hurt anything
My dad towed a 18’ StarCraft offshore with a Fwd 5spd Jeep Compass and it was doable. No it wasn’t the best tow vehicle. Lot of comments at the launch but it always did it for the short time he pulled the boat with it. An oddessy will tow a Jon boat no problem
