Since there don't seem to be too many answers to questions for this boat, I am going starting a thread to keep track of the build process. I'll post pictures as soon as I can get a photobucket account set up and the images resized for the forum also.
My goal is to restore this boat to showroom quality, even though there is no real market for them. I aquired the boat and trailer in a deal that I couldn't pass up... I bought a new stove for my Sister-in-law and my Brother-in-law signed over the title
I trailered it from Michigan to Oregon and haven't had it back in the water yet. Since I had to winterize it before the first hard freeze, I started out trying to find out as much as possible about the boat. The results are far from encouraging though! I have 2 manuals on the way, but so far, You Tube has been my best source of information.
So the things I have found so far that need work are various minor engine leaks, a weak battery and some electrical issues and a badly flaking topcoat. I thought gaskets for the engine would be easy, but the Suzuki Jet drive isn't something I have come across yet. It is a J6001 series engine and is very similar to the DT-60, but with enough subtle differences to make you question the parts breakdown available at Brown's Marine Needless to say, the exhaust manifold gasket I need is not on the breakdown!
Better news with the battery though... It is a utility series (U-1) battery and fits the molded battery well perfectly. I found that the Autocraft U1-3 battery is a great fit and fairly inexpensive for a maintenance free battery. Other batteries that are a direct replacement are Odyssey PC535 and the Big Crank ETX-16. The Odyssey has a 2 yr. replacement warranty and will be my next investment. The group 1 battery box measures 8.5" x 5.75" x 7.25" and is a good candidate for a little more protection from spray, as the battery well is located directly underneath the fresh air intake for the engine compartment. I currently use a 15W solar panel to provide battery charging and maintenance charging while the battery is out of the boat also.
My goal is to restore this boat to showroom quality, even though there is no real market for them. I aquired the boat and trailer in a deal that I couldn't pass up... I bought a new stove for my Sister-in-law and my Brother-in-law signed over the title
I trailered it from Michigan to Oregon and haven't had it back in the water yet. Since I had to winterize it before the first hard freeze, I started out trying to find out as much as possible about the boat. The results are far from encouraging though! I have 2 manuals on the way, but so far, You Tube has been my best source of information.
So the things I have found so far that need work are various minor engine leaks, a weak battery and some electrical issues and a badly flaking topcoat. I thought gaskets for the engine would be easy, but the Suzuki Jet drive isn't something I have come across yet. It is a J6001 series engine and is very similar to the DT-60, but with enough subtle differences to make you question the parts breakdown available at Brown's Marine
Needless to say, the exhaust manifold gasket I need is not on the breakdown! Better news with the battery though... It is a utility series (U-1) battery and fits the molded battery well perfectly. I found that the Autocraft U1-3 battery is a great fit and fairly inexpensive for a maintenance free battery. Other batteries that are a direct replacement are Odyssey PC535 and the Big Crank ETX-16. The Odyssey has a 2 yr. replacement warranty and will be my next investment. The group 1 battery box measures 8.5" x 5.75" x 7.25" and is a good candidate for a little more protection from spray, as the battery well is located directly underneath the fresh air intake for the engine compartment. I currently use a 15W solar panel to provide battery charging and maintenance charging while the battery is out of the boat also.
