i just bought this

toolsinbox

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
187
Re: i just bought this

its a 1989 I am not sure of the model just its 21 ft. Wow docking lights?

Is a Brovo leg more durable than an Alpha? Should I be looking at maby getting one of thoes? I dont want the stove to cook the leg.

I wondered what happens the the exaust part of the leg when a boat has through hull exaust?

I hope I will get a bit of sleep tonight.
 

RotaryRacer

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
1,361
Re: i just bought this

The model is a Scarab I.

Yup, docking lights.

The Bravo is much more durable....however it is more involved than just swapping out the outdrive. You need a whole new gimbal housing etc. It could be quite expensive to make the swap. I would use the Alpha for a while. Don't do any hard hole shots and do your best to keep the boat in the water. It is a hard torque jounce on the prop that would usually kill an Alpha.

The exhaust pipe that would normally go through the prop is just blocked off usually.
 

toolsinbox

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
187
Re: i just bought this

Finally home safe and sound.. This boat is a monster I dont know what I was thinking. I wonder how many gallons an hour it burns? This is the bigest boat I have ever owned.

The trailer has surge brakes so no electrical hookups needed. Are there electrical brakes for boat trailer? The rims do get submurged a lot.

There is lots of venting both passive and fan driven, but no spark arrestor for the breather. Some guages dont work. I have some stuff ta do including possibly changing the starter. They gave me a new starter to put in but said only if it needs it. Machanic said he didnt like the sound of the one that is in there and the new one has different gearing or somthing like that. He didnt change it as it is still getting below zero at night and it would have drained all the coolant.

The previous owner had cut a section of plywood out from behind the back seat to get at pullies etc. So it seems the electrical needs attention, some plywood work. (dont think I want a big block right behind the seat.with no berrier) It also needs a really good cleaning. Any tips on cleaning the engine bay? When it gets warmer out at night I will fire up this bad boy up.

It seems that the exaust risers were sealed with what feels like plumbers putty. I can smear it with my thumb. What should be used there?

Picture 013.jpg

Picture 015.jpg

Picture 017.jpg

There are some minor cracks and chips in the gelcoat as to be expected in a 20 year old boat. I will do a search for repair tips.

Any way the 10 hour drive was long and now im done two glasses of wine so its off to bed..

Thanks in advance for all your input.
 

superpop

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
869
Re: i just bought this

I would take those through hull tips off and clean off all the crap and then get the right gaskets for the through hull exhaust. Other than that it looks like you got a great deal as long as it does not have extensive rot or a tired motor.
 

windsors03cobra

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
1,191
Re: i just bought this

That would be cool if the new starter is actually new and is a marine grade mini starter, that engine may need a mini starter if the compression is 10:1 or better.

Looks good, it is big. It dwarf's that old Chev. :D
Yes there are electric trailer brakes but what you have has worked for 20 years ? :rolleyes:
Surge brakes can be a PITA to back with when the key keeps falling out. :mad:
Otherwise surge brakes are probably more durable than electric brakes when it comes to submerging the wheels alot.
 

toolsinbox

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
187
Re: i just bought this

It is a mini starter. Hard to believe it would crank that big lump. I guess the starter that's in it is a mini as well.

Picture 019.jpg
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: i just bought this

Try going to Wellcraft's website and see if you can download manuals for that model boat. That will tell you about the engine vents. If not, just call Wellcraft and ask for tech assistance. Tell them your problem and I'm sure they will help.
 

toolsinbox

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
187
Re: i just bought this

Ok I cleaned up; one of the exaust tips and found that the red seems to be

under the 1/64 thick white skin. So it apears that the caulking was to cover

the red. tips seems tite to the transum but I guess the outer skin is

cracking. showing the red under.

View attachment 27097

View attachment 27098

View attachment 27099



I will get the rest of it cleaned up and get a look at the guts.


Same as the out drive housing. I could

pick the thin white stuff a bit with my finger nail.
 

toolsinbox

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
187
Re: i just bought this

I got the tips removed and all cleaned up. Painted and cleared the transum. Fired up the engine and it runs perfect. All my neibors came over when I started it and congratulated me. I went through everything and it just needs a bit of wiring to get the lights to work. I have installed new fuse blocks and a batery switch to be ready for a second battery. just having problem locating a positive conecting block that will run from the com terminal from the switch that will accept the 4 or 5 wires that need to be connected. I ran all new # 1 welding cable to connect to bateries. Replaced missing piece of plywood in front of engine but made it removable incase I need access to the pullies or anything else.
Just working on the helm. I am reglassing the helm to accept new guages and give a more modern look.
I think I really lucked out with this boat as the floor and stringers were all re done and are in perfect condition. Brand new interior.

Wow what can I say.

I will post some pics soon just bogged down with work.

Cheers.
 

PhatboyC

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 28, 2007
Messages
258
Re: i just bought this

Nice boat! Look big for a 21'.

Why did Wellcraft ever stop making scarab power boats? I only see fishing Scarab boats on their website. They where very well know.
 
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