Boat Resto Newbie Questions

[mercurymang]

Hello, I've had the boat bug for a while now but have not bitten the bullet and purchased one. Just window shopping. The more I look, the more I love the style of some of the older boats. I did a little research and found some good information here regarding fiberglass work, redecking, etc.
My question is regarding parts for the old boats. Most of the things body wise can be re-fabbed or re-created, but what about the motors. Can you find the parts for some of the old motors that tend to come with these boats. How does that generally work? Is there anything someone could point me to in order to get an idea of what I'm getting into?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Boat Resto Newbie Questions

As long as the motor has compression on all cylinders and they are within 5psi of each other and they are at least 90 psi then you should be able to make them a runner. Carbs, mags etc are pretty much readily available all the way back to the 50's. I completely rebuilt a 62 Evinrude 40 hp for $300 bucks. She runs like a new one now.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Boat Resto Newbie Questions

It depends on what you're looking at and what you mean by older. For O/Bs stick with current brands that are still in business. On I/Os stick with Mercruiser or Volvo.

 

[mercurymang]

Re: Boat Resto Newbie Questions

As long as the motor has compression on all cylinders and they are within 5psi of each other and they are at least 90 psi then you should be able to make them a runner. Carbs, mags etc are pretty much readily available all the way back to the 50's. I completely rebuilt a 62 Evinrude 40 hp for $300 bucks. She runs like a new one now.

That's good to know and just the kind of information i was curious about. Thanks.

It depends on what you're looking at and what you mean by older. For O/Bs stick with current brands that are still in business. On I/Os stick with Mercruiser or Volvo.

Here's the kind of boat I've been looking at. I'm curious what folks on this board think of this boat.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/3175782908.html

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Boat Resto Newbie Questions

That's the 75hp version of My Motor!!! They are Great motors!!! Parts are readily available. I think the price a bit high even though she's partially restored. I think I'd offer half that and then negotiate. You can see my restore by clicking the My Flamingo link below. Like you I really like the Old Runabouts.