1975 Raven makes it's 're-maiden' voyage today.

fastbackford351

Recruit
Joined
Apr 10, 2009
Messages
1
Man. What a great, serendipitous find. I Google '351 Mercruiser firing order' and I stumble into the wealth of knowledge that is this website. I still haven't found the answer because I keep getting sidetracked by all the great posts.

This is my first post and I think this is the proper forum in which to start.

I have a 1975 Century Raven 200 with a 351w, a pre-alpha outdrive and through-the-hull exhaust that my grand dad in-law bought in 1976.

In 1993, shortly after marrying his lovely granddaughter, he bequeathed me his beloved Century boat that faithfully saw him through 20+ Lake Erie boating seasons. Being a dyed in the wool FoMoCo fan, the fact that his boat sported a 351 Windsor was music to my ears!

He was the father figure for my wife and sadly, in 1997 I inherited the vessel. Mr. Ed Kolodzjczyick (sp?) was a helluva man.

With the boat needing needing major restoration to once again be seaworthy, it has long been denied it's rightful place on the waters of our great nation.

Until today.

After 12 years and most of today of " 'round to it" repair and restoration, I towed 'The Good Ship Grand Dad' to Astor and launched into the St. Johns River this evening at 1730 hrs with my wife and daughters and my best friend and his wife on board and went up to Silver Glen for a couple hours. One little hiccup at the outset involving the firing order but otherwise she ran flawlessly.

Why did I wait so long? Once again riding in the boat she spent so many childhood summers on, the smile on my wife's face was priceless & my daughters squeals of delight were music to my ears.

The idiot-like grin on my friends face as he was nodding in approval of the way the drive-line sounded was very comforting. He is an ASE certified mechanic with 35+ years experience.

Much work remains to be done on the boat but I am hooked. Gut hooked.

Having this much fun has to be illegal.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: 1975 Raven makes it's 're-maiden' voyage today.

Welcome to iboats and congrats on the "new" boat.

They are addictive and just so you know, you will never be done working on it, there is always that one more thing you want to do.

I can't tell you how many times I have told my wife,"After this project the boat is done", I think she is on to me though.

Enjoy the boat and we like pictures here so get osme up when when you can.
 

RotaryRacer

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
1,361
Re: 1975 Raven makes it's 're-maiden' voyage today.

Its a tradition around here to post pictures of a such a momentous occasion. So you better post some up.

Sounds like a nice boat. I have a soft spot for old Centurys.
 

22E6441

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
376
Re: 1975 Raven makes it's 're-maiden' voyage today.

Welcome to iBoats!
 
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