1983 Procraft 1750V Boat Restoration

[boedekerj]

Sure thing. Here's my thread:
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...n-about-sizing

 

[eggs712]

Well, despite the cold front this weekend, I decided to test the boat out when the wind calmed down for a few hours.







The motor ran really well. The low idle was rough and wanted to die at first, but after running WOT for a while, it started to idle a lot smoother.

Top speed was only 35mph on GPS (at 6100 RPM), but I was running a mildly damaged 17P aluminum prop with no power trim. I plan on finding a good stainless prop before going on the water again.

The new fishfinder was great, too. Being able to map the lake as you go is an awesome upgrade for me.

 

[oldrem]

Looks like a nice setup

 

[Watermann]

Glad it went well and she looks ready to tear into some fish.

6100 is a bit high for your TOP, 5500-5800 is where you want to be. Power trim is a must!

 

[eggs712]

Thank yall! All the livewell pumps worked, and didn't have to test the bilge pump thankfully. So I'm ready to fish. I don't know that a better boat will keep me from getting skunked like normal though

I thought so too Watermann. I'm gonna see what my 17P Stainless prop from my other boat does on there. If the RPMs aren't real low with that, I'll then try a 19P. Does anyone know how many RPMs I should drop from a 17 to 19 pitch prop on this motor?

 

[chevymaher]

Roughly 400 RPM.

 

[Watermann]

Thank yall! All the livewell pumps worked, and didn't have to test the bilge pump thankfully. So I'm ready to fish. I don't know that a better boat will keep me from getting skunked like normal though

I thought so too Watermann. I'm gonna see what my 17P Stainless prop from my other boat does on there. If the RPMs aren't real low with that, I'll then try a 19P. Does anyone know how many RPMs I should drop from a 17 to 19 pitch prop on this motor?

I have a 19p Turning point Hustler prop on my 140 TOP. Going from the 17p to 19p with your motor should be between 300 and 400 RPMs difference but not having trim is going to make it tough on you to get it exactly right.

These new performance props have such a huge amount of rake compared to the old style, I had to modify my trim tab to get enough clearance.

 

[eggs712]

I have a 19p Turning point Hustler prop on my 140 TOP. Going from the 17p to 19p with your motor should be between 300 and 400 RPMs difference but not having trim is going to make it tough on you to get it exactly right.

These new performance props have such a huge amount of rake compared to the old style, I had to modify my trim tab to get enough clearance.

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Wow, that's a huge prop! What diameter is that? I'm looking into 13" diameter props, wasn't sure how well these inlines would push something larger.

And agreed on the trim. I'm taking the hyd. lines to a shop tomorrow to see if they can copy them. I guess that this boat should be able to hit ~45 MPH if everything is working right.

 

[Watermann]

It's a 13-1/4 x 19 prop, these TP props have aggressive rake and substantial cupping. Also they're vented.

My 140 TOP with the 19p prop

 

[eggs712]

No hydraulic shop locally had any hoses smaller than 1/4" ID, and they wanted way too much to remake the larger hoses. So I bought the Sierra smaller ID hoses and 1/4" hose to use with the reusable fittings already on my larger hoses.

Anyway, I got the ordered hoses in and the power trim works with no leaks now. I'll test the boat on a good weekend to help select a prop and add cosmetic parts slowly as I can afford them.

 

[eggs712]

Last time I tested the boat, I had issues with the control box having an alarm go off. Also, my eight year old battery finally crapped out, so I had to run on my trolling motor battery.

I found out that the control box had crimped some heat shrink when I closed it (tight fit) and caused a couple of shorts. Got that fixed and I think I'm ready to test again. I'm gonna buy a 19P prop soon to see what that does.

I also replaced the hasp latches on my livewells, and got the trailer lights to stop flickering by cleaning grounds.

 

[eggs712]

I went to Academy today and splurged... New starting battery (on sale), two white fenders, anchor line, some toggle switches, battery switch, and some LED courtesy lights.

I may add some blue LED light strips under the gunwales mainly to look cool.

 

[eggs712]

I got the courtesy lights installed! They all run to one switch on the dash.

 

[kcassells]

They look great Eggs!

 

[oldrem]

Those look great.

 

[eggs712]

Thank yall! They're plenty bright too, so I'm happy with it.

I went to Joann's and got some vinyl for my small amount of upholstery. My neighbor is a retired upholsterer, maybe he'll help it not look homemade if I give him enough beer.

 

[eggs712]

I got the main part of the upholstery done. I still have to make the running boards for extra deck storage, and the flap that goes below the walk-through windshield for cold days.

 

[eggs712]

I had to replace the switch boxes on my Merc; hopefully it runs right the next time I take it out.

Tonight, I made these:



They give a little extra storage under the gunwales on the main deck. I just gotta get them installed.

 

[eggs712]

I got a used bimini top that was way too wide for my boat, so I trimmed the aluminum poles a few inches on each side. Then I installed the eye straps onto the boat, and now I can have some shade. The canvas does need cleaning up more.





For the trim pieces I built in the last post, I needed to make something for the middle and end of the pieces to screw into. The factory screwed the attachment blocks into the deck, but I'll glue them down instead with PL Glue. I painted them to match the deck and will install it all when the paint dries.

 

[Watermann]

Nice score, having shade out on the water is one of the best things ever, lets you enjoy being out way longer.