New Owner of Precious Metal

[zbadboy]

I just got a 19' Starcraft Islander over the weekend. I am working on pictures. It has the Mercruiser120 and outdrive. The boat has been very well maintained mechanically. I also have a 17 1/2 foot 88 Chriscraft with a Mercruiser140 and outdrive that I bought last year.

The Chriscraft was bought from a widow that said it had been on the lake less then 10 times. I took it to my mechanic and he rebuilt the carb and serviced the outdrive. and said it was in excellent condition.

I plan to sell the Chriscraft but wanted to know if the 140 can be easily swapped out with the 120? I would swap both the motor and outdrive. This would give me an extra 20hp. Any recommendations are appreciated.

I posted this in the Mercruiser section but wanted to get some recommendations from Tin Men.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

IMHO if both engines are in good running condition I do not think the benifit of the 120 with the 140 will be of any noticable difference to your needs.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

The low hours both on the motor and outdrive of the Chris Craft is one thing I am weighing but only if the 20hp increase makes a difference. Hoping for some thoughts from 120/140 owners. Thanks.

 

[barato]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

if your 120hp works OK, i don't think the swap would be worth the considerable time. i'm in the middle of this project and it's not like some engine swaps but does require cutting larger hole in transom. for example.

what year is your 120hp? this would make a difference, as parts for older ones are getting harder to find.

i'd run the 120 til it dies first.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

The boats an 85 and only two owners. My mechanic got back with me and said it would run $1000 to swap between the two boats.

I have heard some say (posted in the mercruiser section) that they are the same from "belt to prop". However, the height of the boat prevents me from doing it myself.

I think I am leaning towards running the boat the way it is and saving that money for any future needs. The old saying of Why fix whats not broke.

 

[barato]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

probably a good call. i based the statement on enlarging the transom hole not on what i've read, but on the pix of people on here doing the job in the course of their conversions.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Welcome! Now go take some photos and post up, eh!

Cheers!

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Thanks Barato. Pics are in progress.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

YES I have always said if it aint broke dont try to fix it. Thats a fine looking boat so do not screw it up. IMHO LOL ED

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Here are some pics. It has brand new canvas. Both the trailer cover and full enclosed bimini. It came with all the fishing equipment 6 poles, 4 large tackle boxes, 2 electric downriggers, refridgerator under passenger seat, ship to shore radio, Garman 340C Fishfinder, Garman GPSMAP 192C with Great Lakes Blue Chart Data Card and a cooler for my beer.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

A few more. I do not need the Blue Chart Data Card because I live in AZ. Looking to sell or trade for the western coast of california and Baja California.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

The discoloring on the hull is the poor picture quality to get it to post on here. Let me know what you think. I am thinking of calling her PRECIOUS METAL

 

[jasoutside]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

I think you have a nice rig there!

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Thanks. I can't wait to get her on the water.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Nice rig you've got there

Welcome to the fleet Post some video of that beauty on the water if you can. I love the Islanders.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Well unfortunately I had to drop it off at my marine mechanic to find out why I have water in my oil. However, it gives me all the more reason to swap out the motor from my other boat. I would still have to repair this motor so I would have something to put back in the other boat. It's amazing how addicting this can be and sometimes costly. Oh well it keeps me off the streets

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Some of you are aware that I took this boat out for it's maiden voyage the other day and had mechanical problems. Prior to this happening, I already had considered repowering this boat with a motor from a Chris Craft that I already had. The link is here.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=427881

In light of what has happened that engine swap is looking more likely. However I still need to find a donor boat that will work as a replacement. That is where this comes into play.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=427881

I talked with the 75 year old owner of the boat. He has not had this boat on the water in years but says it has very few hours. He says the out drive has a small crack in the lower part. My boat is at the mechanics finding out the problem. Here are my questions.

First off, my boat is a 19' Tin Can Islander not the more popular and more common 21' (Tall Boy) Tin Can. Moving to more power on a 21' would entail a V-6. Whereas, the 20hp increase between the 140/120 may help my 19'.

I know the Mercruiser setup on the 1988 Chriscraft and the 1985 Islander are "plug n Play". However, I am unsure whether the 1967 Mercruiser 120 will mate up with the alpha I.

Should I still swap the 140 out of the Chriscraft for added HP and put the donor 120 back inthe Chriscraft? Also, will my alpha I mate up to the 1967 Mercruiser 120? Any other things I might be missing?

Thanks

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Well I went and looked at the Donor Boat and don't feel to comfortable with the motor. It has sat for a lllooonnnggg time. He is asking $350 for the boat motor and trailer. The wife says "Get it out of the Driveway NOW"! I sat and talked with him and told him I would call him first thing in the morning. It would be a long shot to think the motor is gling to be any good. I never heard back from the marine mechanic but think the block is cracked on mine.

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

Now that I have drank the Tin Can Cool-Aide, you view a ship wreck like this through a different set of optics. Like Nostalgic Gauges, Merc shift lever, Quicksilver Steering wheel.......

 

[zbadboy]

Re: New Owner of Precious Metal

After a couple of cans of Tin Can Cool-aide your mind starts to drift........

A Spotlight to shine on the neighbors.

Aluminum Chair Frames for the patio to satisfy the lady.

A sliding bimini to keep the sun of the lady while she enjoys here patio furniture.

And Dual Gas Tanks for the BBQ