1972 GW Invader miniboat restoration

[cashby9000]

My son and I are restoring a 10 foot GW Invader. The boat currently has a 35hp Evinrude, but we need to put on a 9.9hp outboad to make it legal for my son. We have been offered a 1998 9.9hp Tracker/Mercury outboard by a neighbor. This is a short shaft, manual start, tiller handle model. We would need to convert this to a electric start, remote steering, remote throttle, and remote start. I need help. Should we start with a new engine or try to convert the Mercury. The serial number is 0G7189199.
Thanks for any input.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 GW Invader miniboat restoration

i think you have to look at the cost of purchase/converting, and purchasing new. mercurypartsexpress.com will give you a good idea, starter & bracket, controls,cables, wiring harness. steering system.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: 1972 GW Invader miniboat restoration

We finished my sons gw invader 3 years ago. In ga the legal limit for the younger boaters with a adult is 25 hp. With the 25 she will hit about 25 mph at 4200 rpm. When we first rescued the boat we put a 9.9 on it and it would plane out at about 12 mph. Top speed with the 9.9 was around 15mph. The boat is rated for a 55hp motor. We tried out a merc 50 and the boat was very unstable at any speed above 45mph. Did get it up to about 70 but about craped my pants doing it. You and your kids will love the little invader boat. Post some pics, I will try to do the same. Also please keep me informed on your progress with the boat as these are very few and original parts are hard to find. Best of luck with the boat.

 

[cashby9000]

Re: 1972 GW Invader miniboat restoration

Thanks for the replies. We have found a connection with the family who owned GW. They still have the molds and are working on making these boats again.

I also found a 1968 Invader yesterday that has all of the original fittings. We started stirpping the second coat of paint yesterday. The original paint has been preserved under this top coat. This boat has some real potential. I am going to visit four guys who worked in the factory in Sharpsville. Hopefully, this project will proceed quickly.

If anyone knows of websites devoted to these boats, I would appreciate the address.

Thanks