Miglater
Cadet
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2012
- Messages
- 12
88 Thompson 190 cutlass w/ 3.7L merc.
My grandfater purchased this vessel new from Anderson Marine at the boat show in detroit. It spent most of it's time on a hoist and mainly used for drift fishing on the St. Clair river, being on a hoist while not in use was a good thing as the plug was always out and any rain that fell didn't reside in the boat for long. Winterization was always performed and the boat sat on it's trailer next to the house tarped and drive covered.
All the paper work for the boat has been kept from bill of sale to the tach installation instructions, Merc shop manuals and parts catalogs were also ordered with the boat for engine and outdrive.
Now for the the not so good
After my grandfather died, my father inherited the boat, we used it 2-3 seasons and then on one trip it became apparent that there was water in the fuel. Got a tow from canadian coast gaurd, loaded it on the trailer. Boat has been out of water/use for atleast 10 years, 2-3 years outside and the rest sat in a pole barn covered, some time during all this non-use/storage, an attempt was made to start the boat on muffs, then it was determined that water had entered the drive and locked it up, would not turn over. So he replaces the alpha 1 with a pre-alpha that has apparently been rebuilt. Tore up the floor to remove and re-seal fuel tank, floor had a sort spot so new floor was installed. During all this fun with replacing floor and tank resealing some algae took up residence in the carb. A rebuild of the carb was attempted and failed.
Last fall I got a call from my father, saying that he is giving me the boat due to him not having any means to transport it to texas when he moves. Says it needs some carpet and a carb. For the sentimental value alone I accept the boat.
Got the boat home in the drive way, removed carb for dis-assembly and inspection, washed and waxed a somewhat chalky and oxidized gelcoat, I think it needs some really good restoration compund but is acceptable at this point given the age. Cleaned and treated the vinyl, also came out ok, just wanted to start taking care of the boat properly.
The winter was very mild and I had the itch to uncover the boat and get to work, 2 weeks ago I moved the boat to a place i can work on getting it sea-worthy, First thing planned was to get it running so, carb parts were ordered over the winter and a nice long search for a new power piston assembly. I was relived to find one on ebay. That was the part my father couldn't locate during his attempt to rebuild the carb, Mercarbs are expensive to replace. My brother who helped install the replacement out drive noticed the bellows were cracked and had asked if my father was relacing them, His reply was that they were pretty thick and should still be good.
I inspected the bellows and found the exhaust one was completely separated, new bellows, u-joints and gimbal bearing kit was ordered and installed. The u-joints appeared to be new and did not get replaced as this was a rebuilt drive that has not been used, I intend to pressure test the drive before putting it back on. I drained the fluid and it looked new, no evidence of water. I found an alignment tool for gimbal to coupler for $30 and waiting for delivery, Also ordered upper shift shaft bushing and oil seal as there was some play in it. Shift cable seems to be in good shape. Once the carb is back on and the drive is re-installed I'll put some fuel in the tank with some stabil, I'm betting water got in the tank originally due to a bad filler cap gasket/nylon ring, gunna replace that as well. I then hope to start the engine on muffs, let it reach operating temp and inspect for leaks. I've heard the 3.7's like to warp the head so we will see. I have yet to check the stringers and transome, I'd like to think the stringers are ok and that my father checked them when he had the floor out. Also remembering that the boat has always been out of the water with the plug out.
I do realize now that i should have checked the stringers and transom first but, my plan is to check the engine for issues so if i need to do structural repair i can repair the engine during that time while it's out. If for some miracle everything checks out and goes well. Carpet will be ordered/installed and the interior will get put back in. Will flush the coolant before sea-trials.
The trailer is not original and not adjusted properly, has 2 broken keel rollers and bunks that need adjusting. The bow stop needs to be lowered and moved further back, theres some marring of the bow from this above the winch eye, i will get some pics of it on here for advice of what needs to be done to repair it. I'm an automotive technician so glass isin't my specialty.
I've certainly have my work cut out for me and probly forgot a few things but i'm sure you get the idea. A big thanks to all those that have posted all this stuff i have been reading about on this forum all winter while preparing/planning this project. I really have learned alot here and hope to build on my knowledge and share some stories aswell.
My grandfater purchased this vessel new from Anderson Marine at the boat show in detroit. It spent most of it's time on a hoist and mainly used for drift fishing on the St. Clair river, being on a hoist while not in use was a good thing as the plug was always out and any rain that fell didn't reside in the boat for long. Winterization was always performed and the boat sat on it's trailer next to the house tarped and drive covered.
All the paper work for the boat has been kept from bill of sale to the tach installation instructions, Merc shop manuals and parts catalogs were also ordered with the boat for engine and outdrive.
Now for the the not so good
After my grandfather died, my father inherited the boat, we used it 2-3 seasons and then on one trip it became apparent that there was water in the fuel. Got a tow from canadian coast gaurd, loaded it on the trailer. Boat has been out of water/use for atleast 10 years, 2-3 years outside and the rest sat in a pole barn covered, some time during all this non-use/storage, an attempt was made to start the boat on muffs, then it was determined that water had entered the drive and locked it up, would not turn over. So he replaces the alpha 1 with a pre-alpha that has apparently been rebuilt. Tore up the floor to remove and re-seal fuel tank, floor had a sort spot so new floor was installed. During all this fun with replacing floor and tank resealing some algae took up residence in the carb. A rebuild of the carb was attempted and failed.
Last fall I got a call from my father, saying that he is giving me the boat due to him not having any means to transport it to texas when he moves. Says it needs some carpet and a carb. For the sentimental value alone I accept the boat.
Got the boat home in the drive way, removed carb for dis-assembly and inspection, washed and waxed a somewhat chalky and oxidized gelcoat, I think it needs some really good restoration compund but is acceptable at this point given the age. Cleaned and treated the vinyl, also came out ok, just wanted to start taking care of the boat properly.
The winter was very mild and I had the itch to uncover the boat and get to work, 2 weeks ago I moved the boat to a place i can work on getting it sea-worthy, First thing planned was to get it running so, carb parts were ordered over the winter and a nice long search for a new power piston assembly. I was relived to find one on ebay. That was the part my father couldn't locate during his attempt to rebuild the carb, Mercarbs are expensive to replace. My brother who helped install the replacement out drive noticed the bellows were cracked and had asked if my father was relacing them, His reply was that they were pretty thick and should still be good.
I inspected the bellows and found the exhaust one was completely separated, new bellows, u-joints and gimbal bearing kit was ordered and installed. The u-joints appeared to be new and did not get replaced as this was a rebuilt drive that has not been used, I intend to pressure test the drive before putting it back on. I drained the fluid and it looked new, no evidence of water. I found an alignment tool for gimbal to coupler for $30 and waiting for delivery, Also ordered upper shift shaft bushing and oil seal as there was some play in it. Shift cable seems to be in good shape. Once the carb is back on and the drive is re-installed I'll put some fuel in the tank with some stabil, I'm betting water got in the tank originally due to a bad filler cap gasket/nylon ring, gunna replace that as well. I then hope to start the engine on muffs, let it reach operating temp and inspect for leaks. I've heard the 3.7's like to warp the head so we will see. I have yet to check the stringers and transome, I'd like to think the stringers are ok and that my father checked them when he had the floor out. Also remembering that the boat has always been out of the water with the plug out.
I do realize now that i should have checked the stringers and transom first but, my plan is to check the engine for issues so if i need to do structural repair i can repair the engine during that time while it's out. If for some miracle everything checks out and goes well. Carpet will be ordered/installed and the interior will get put back in. Will flush the coolant before sea-trials.
The trailer is not original and not adjusted properly, has 2 broken keel rollers and bunks that need adjusting. The bow stop needs to be lowered and moved further back, theres some marring of the bow from this above the winch eye, i will get some pics of it on here for advice of what needs to be done to repair it. I'm an automotive technician so glass isin't my specialty.
I've certainly have my work cut out for me and probly forgot a few things but i'm sure you get the idea. A big thanks to all those that have posted all this stuff i have been reading about on this forum all winter while preparing/planning this project. I really have learned alot here and hope to build on my knowledge and share some stories aswell.
