Leavens Mariner

[Mrbubblehead]

Hello Everyone,
Very first post here but have been working on this boat for the last week or so and every search brings me to this forum so I thought I should join and post my progress here.

Little back story, I'm not sure what year but I very vaguely remember picking up this boat with my grandfather somewhere in NB about 22+ years ago. I grew up with this boat around and learned how to water ski and recieved my fair share of brusies flying off a tubes on the weekends. My grandfather fell ill about 15 years ago and the boat got parked. My uncle acquired it and used it a few times but never had the time or means to do much with it.

I am an Automotive Technician by trade but started working at a local one stop shop as their Automotive guy but their focus really is Marine and ATVs. So naturally being around boats and outboards all day I decided I would like to have a boat. Went and picked this boat up for the price of "keep it in the family".

I hauled it home almost lost it on the highway thanks to a broken strap and forgetting to check the winch lock which was seized, was being a keyword.

​​​​​​​This is what I started with. Leavens Mariner with a 1981 Evinrude 60.

 

[Mrbubblehead]

So I started with ripping the interior out and cleaning the trash and such out of it. Still have the skis I learned on. They are in need of their own attention.

Also performed a compression test and checked spark. Compression came back at just a touch under 100 certainly not stellar but not my primary concern at this time.
​​​​​​
removed the motor and hauled it to work, had to replace a brush spring in the starter. Removed the carbs and they are FULL of goo. Good soak in the ultrasonic cleaner and a couple carb kits ordered. Also tore the fuel pump apart, it's trashed. Fuel pump ordered. And I have a water pump kit coming Monday as well. That should pretty well sort out the motor as it has great spark and the only thing seized has been the steering linkage.

 

[Mrbubblehead]

The transom is trashed in this boat. It has been built up to accommodate the 60hp long shaft. I plan to build up the transom in a better way as well as replace the entire transom. Still in the air about how to go about it. Thought about uncapping it and redoing both the transom and floor over the winter. Or possibly just repairing the transom from inside for the time being.

Tonight I got tired of seeing it covered in growth and found a cleaner called TSP that and a rough broom worked ok, as you can see

 

[Mrbubblehead]

Forgot to add pictures to previous post.

Boat has always had bad oxidation so the plan this winter is to sand and buff the entire boat.

One of the things I haven't sorted out yet is the windshield, any input on options for replacing it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oldrem]

Looks like a fun project. Been using TSP for many things for decades. The mild acid it forms does wonders - just make sure you do a thorough rinse after. Most likely will need new stringers as well.

 

[52FordF2]

Looks sweet, will ride along.

 

[kcassells]

Purty cool boat there. What's up with the structure under da deck?

Transom trashed so more goodies to come.

 

[Woodonglass]

Anything under 100psi for a boat motor is considered NOT GOOD! That boat is easy to decapitate and would be my recommendation. The Link in my signature below on Transoms, Decks and Stringers has a Lot of good info for what you'll be doing. I'll be tagging along on this one too!!!

 

[Mrbubblehead]

I haven't forgotten or given up on this project. Life's just been busy, blew up the motor in my race car, and got welders flash which was fun. Next week I have to overhaul my step father 1964 VW bus engine as it broke a ring on a 2000 mile roadtrip

I have recieved all the parts for my motor and should have that together and running this week. Replaced a worn choke linkage on one carb, replaced the water pump assembly and have a new fuel pump to install.

Anyone know how to decode the tag off of the transom?

​I am hosting a party next weekend and the boat will be going in the shop after that.