jeff_smith_0423
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2007
- Messages
- 492
Well, i've been asking some questions around the Mercury outboard forum, but I haven't shared my actual project.
Here it is. It is a 1971 Caravelle CX151 Trihull with an open bow, and walk-through windshield. It has a 1977 85 horse Mercury outboard that I recently brought back to life by rebuilding the fuel pump and carbs. The hull is rated for 85 HP max, so i'm thinking that it'll probably scoot.
So far I've done the following.
I'm pretty sure my remaining tasks will be some minor hull cleanup, a new piece of vinyl for the floor, new control cables, and some minor trailer rewiring since none of it looks watertight. I'll also need a water pump impeller replacement and possibly a lower unit service. The floors are strong, with the exception of a small small area near the old fuel tank where i think condensed fuel has caused some of the glass matting to split up (about four inches square. Considering an epoxy repair).
One other issue. The speedometor pickup was trashed by a lawnmower collision, and although i know they're horibbly innaccurate, I'd still like to have a functioning guage in the dash. Hopefully i can source one from someplace nearby.
Basically i'm doing this to get into boating again as a hobby, not as a restorer. If my interest holds, I'll probably use this motor on another boat, preferably something that lends itself more to fishing.
Here it is. It is a 1971 Caravelle CX151 Trihull with an open bow, and walk-through windshield. It has a 1977 85 horse Mercury outboard that I recently brought back to life by rebuilding the fuel pump and carbs. The hull is rated for 85 HP max, so i'm thinking that it'll probably scoot.
So far I've done the following.
- Removed the 12 gallon aluminum fuel tank and old fuel lines. It was full of varnish and I'm more comfortable with portables.
- Replaced the battery
- Located parts and created a fuel line setup using the old Mercury engine connector and OMC style tank connectors. They were on clearance and available locally
- Rebuilt fuel pump
- Replaced all the under cowl fuel lines
- Rebuilt both carburetors
- Got it running!
I'm pretty sure my remaining tasks will be some minor hull cleanup, a new piece of vinyl for the floor, new control cables, and some minor trailer rewiring since none of it looks watertight. I'll also need a water pump impeller replacement and possibly a lower unit service. The floors are strong, with the exception of a small small area near the old fuel tank where i think condensed fuel has caused some of the glass matting to split up (about four inches square. Considering an epoxy repair).
One other issue. The speedometor pickup was trashed by a lawnmower collision, and although i know they're horibbly innaccurate, I'd still like to have a functioning guage in the dash. Hopefully i can source one from someplace nearby.
Basically i'm doing this to get into boating again as a hobby, not as a restorer. If my interest holds, I'll probably use this motor on another boat, preferably something that lends itself more to fishing.
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