1977 Marquis.. Freeport? Need info

[Navarretr]

I was gifted a 1977 Marquis. Freeport Br, I believe. I believe that the boat hasn’t been taken into water since 1988 based on the last registration sticker. The gentlemen who gifted me the boat didn’t have much to offer as far as specs or manual.

I thought I’d simply find all the information I needed online, but I was sadly mistaken. I can’t find any info on this boat. It came with a trailer and about a decades worth of leaves and pine needles inside. I’ve gutted natures debris and the seats so far. Key wasn’t available so I’ll have to change the ignition switch I assume.

I understand this will be a ton of work for me, but I’d love to see her on the water some day.

I guess this post is me asking for help, in regards to where I may be able to find a manual? Or perhaps any other information? I come up empty handed each time I search the web.

I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks now. I’m happy to be a part of this community. Everyone seems friendly and knowledgeable.

Thank you for your time if you’ve read this far. I look forward to any and all responses!

 

[crazy charlie]

Welcome you self proclaimed Lurker!! If the boat is an outboard which I believe Marquis are, dont change the ignition just yet.Many of the outboard keys are the same so try that first.I have i/os and looked at a boat once years ago and the owner forgot to bring his keys.it was a twin Mercruiser and for the heck of it I tried my Mercruiser key and it worked on one of his ignition switches so you never know.Good luck and whatever questions you have....ASK before spending$$$ Charlie

 

[mr 88]

Not going to find a manual for that boat ,never came with one. Have a question about the motor ,then go to the specific forum on this site for the type of power you have. General questions will be answered in this section.

 

[southkogs]

Yeah - I think they were kind of a short lived company, which wasn't uncommon in the 70s and 80s for trailer boat builders.

Manuals for boats are typically not available, even when purchased new from a dealer. Lots of your rigging is not made by the manufacturer, just like your power. So, it's gonna' be pictures, questions and "exploration" to put it back together again.

Are you sure you've got a solid hull? Or are you thinking you've got to gut it and rebuild? That's the first check I'd make. Free/cheap boats tend to be kinda' expensive.

Welcome aboard.

 

[JimS123]

Marquis was a small regional boat builder based in SC. They had some quality problems and eventually went belly up due to poor sales. Management bought the Hartsville plant and it was reopened in 1979 as the Stingray Boat Company, which still exists today.

The larger cuddies came with Mercruiser I/Os. The Freeport was available both as an I/O or outboard. Specs are:

Gunwale length - 20'
Beam - 90"
L.O.A. - 18'11"
Depth - 48"
Max I/O - 260 hp
Max OB - 175 hp
Hull weight (no engine) - 1700 lbs

 

[JimS123]

Duh....why don't you just scan the page...LOL.

The catalog is not dated, not even so much as a printing date. However, my guess is its 77 or 78, certainly before 79.