What Do I Need?

[bgenito]

I just recently purchased a 1971 or 1972 Glastron V163 with no motor. As near as I can tell, all of the original steering controls are still on the boat -- what I am having a hard time figuring out is exactly what kind of motor do I need in order to be controlled using the steering wheel?

I am extremely new to boating (and this is my first-ever boat), and everytime I search Google, I get just a little more confused on this.

Any help on this is greatly appreciated.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What Do I Need?

Welcome to iboats.

There were a couple different steering systems back then. One used a series of cables and pulleys.
Another used a single cable. But it could be attached to the motor in a couple different ways.


Also, you need "controls" for the motor.
Controls generally consist of a throttle/shift control, an ignition switch, throttle cable, shift cable, and the wiring harness that connects to the motor. All of which are specific to the motor manufacturer, and also to the vintage.

Confusing, hey?

Your best bet, is to post some photos.
one of the steering/helm area.
one of the controls, if they are on the boat.
and one of the inside of the transom or splash well area where the steering cable ends.


Usually, when shopping for a motor, you should look for a motor that includes the controls and cables, along with the wiring harness.
Oh yeah, the battery cables usually come with the motor, as well.

 

[bgenito]

Re: What Do I Need?

I will be sure to post pics in a few hours when my (photographer) girlfriend wakes up.

I was really excited when I first saw the boat (I got it at a steal of $200), and thought to myself: "man, it won't cost much at all to get it up and running!" To be realistic, all I wanted it for was fishing -- even considered getting a 50-lb. thrust trolling motor from Walmart for around $250.

Then we start talking about it -- and since it has the steering controls, we wanted to try and not look "ghetto" while out on the water, with having to control it with the tiller handle. So, we look on eBay for some outboard motors and find some really inexpensive 2HP-3HP motors that we were (are?) considering using.

Am very doubtful though, that those motors have a steering kit for it, and I'm starting to get very discouraged -- especially with this being a 16-foot pleasure boat, seeing that 2HP-3HP outboard probably won't power it very fast at all... I'm at a loss for what to do here. I was hoping to find a decent motor for this boat for $750 or less, but that is looking to be more and more unfeasible.

 

[bgenito]

Re: What Do I Need?

Here are the photos of the boat.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Do I Need?



Dang! Bgenito-- I am scrapping a V163 in better condition than that. I always liked Glastrons and think they have a pretty shaped hull. I have three right now.

That boat is in rough shape but if you enjoy it, that is all that counts. The V163 is good for up to 115 horsepower and really, even though you only want to fish from it you should look to power it with no less than 50 HP. 2-3 horses will move it but only at trolling speed and probably you will lack much manuverability. She will wallow like a garbage scow.

This is a 1982 60 HP that is not advertised. But, if someone were to come to me needing an engine this size I would ask 600 mounted on the boat with controls and ready to go. So you see: There are suitable engines out there. You just need to look.

Smaller engines in the 9.9 and below are in demand and command a premium price. A larger engine may actually cost the same.

E bay tends to be overpriced. Look on craigslist in your area for engines. You can pick up some very nice older engines in the 50-75 range relatively cheap BUT---Ask in the forum of the engine you want to buy BEFORE you buy it. These guys will keep you out of trouble.

And, post your area in your profile. There may be someone in your area on the forums wanting to sell an engine. Just do not post a wanted ad. It is against rules to buy or sell on the forum but you can connect via a private message.

For example: I am in the Philadelphia area and have lots of engines. If you were local to me I would send you a private message describing what I would be willing to sell.

 

[bgenito]

Re: What Do I Need?

Two questions:

1) Where can I find original parts if I wanted to completely restore the boat back to the original condition?
2) Approximately how much would I expect to spend on such a venture?

 

[roscoe]

Re: What Do I Need?

You won't find "original" parts, unless you find several more similar boats and scavenge parts from them.

Full restoration back to original condition, 2002-5000, depending on how perfect you make it, and if you need to replace floor, stringers, or transom.

I would forget that idea.

If the floor, stringers, and transom are solid, just make the boat functional. Get a motor, a few accessories, and go fishing.

You have a modern "tilt tube" steering cable. It goes through the tilt tube on the motor. Then a drag link, or link arm, connects the end of the cable to the front of the motor.

If the floor, or stringers, or transom are rotting, junk the boat and sell the trailer for $200.

 

[bgenito]

Re: What Do I Need?

I am considering two options, and would like some advice:

Option #1: Selling the Glastron and getting this boat...
http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/3017779897.html

Option #2: Keeping the Glastron, and getting this motor...
http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/3009785108.html

I would try and get $500 out of the Glastron with the trailer; is it worth that much? Or... could just spent another near $500 and get what appears to be a decent motor... which way would be best?

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: What Do I Need?

I would go option 1 if its in nice shape and ready to go ,ask for a test drive .If you go with option 2 your going to be into it for almost 700 bucks and you still have to hook up the motor and buy any missing linkages ,battery...ect.....ect......$$$$$ before its ready to hit the water.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Do I Need?

You will not get 500 out of that boat. You will be lucky to get back your 200. Like advised above: Consider junking the hull and selling the trailer for whatever you can get.

 

[JNormV163]

Re: What Do I Need?

no faith

 

[jbjennings]

Re: What Do I Need?

Bgenito,

I would also try to get your $200 back out of the deal by selling it. Disposing of the boat and selling the trailer is the fastest way to sell it.
What you have in the glastron is not a fishing boat. It's a pleasure boat designed as a ski boat or runabout, and makes for a just awful fishing boat for numerous reasons. That boat without a motor is pretty much totally worthless----sorry, just the facts.
SInce you don't know a lot about outboards or boats, I would suggest that you don't go the route of an older fiberglass boat since they can have all kinds of hidden problems. An aluminum boat with around a 10hp outboard could probably be found that would suit you great. I would advise buying a complete rig---motor/trailer/boat/battery/trolling motor that you could test on the water. Batteries, navigation lights, live jackets, trolling motors, fuel lines, fuel tanks, etc. can nickel and dime you to death! It's hard to find a good used rig in your price range, but if you're patient and have an experienced friend to look with you, you're likely to find a good one.
Not meaning to be negative, just wanting you to get something that you will enjoy and not plague you with problems.
JBJ