1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

[lakenorman]

Hello,

I am new to this forum but looks like I'll be spending some time here in the future. I have been seriously looking for a 1966-67 Larson 18ft. Lapline boat from the All-American series.......most of the boats I've seen from this time frame are either 4 cylinder or outboard motors.

I want the in-line 6 motor because of it's high performance pulling power. These engines were the top of the line with the Larson boats from this time period.

My family once owned one of the boats new and I'm looking for one to restore and enjoy again - I really like the look of the front race stripe and the deep hull - but have found the they are difficult to find.

Does anyone have any info on these motors or can compare them to the 120 or 140 hp motors - anyone have the complete boat for sale? Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Ayuh,.......

The I6 motors were the Chevy 250cid, at about 165hp,.......
They're the Big sister to the 120hp,+ the 140hp.......
They Look just like the smaller sisters, with an extra 2 holes in the middle of the block.......
Kinda like the 350cid, V8s,+ the 262cid, V6s.......

If you found the Boat of your dreams with the 4cyl. motor,.....
An I6 swap would be relatively Easy.......

 

[lakenorman]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Good idea Bond-o - does Chevrolet/Merc still make the marine version of the I6 and what would the expense be to make the switch? What about parts to overhaul an original I6 are they available? These boats have character unlike many of the flat bottomed run abouts - kinda like cars today - most look like bars of soap. Thanks for the help...........

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

does Chevrolet/Merc still make the marine version of the I6

Nope,..... But there's Plenty of rebuildable cores around.......

and what would the expense be to make the switch?

If You're doing it,.... Not too Bad.....
If you're Hiring it out,........ Donno.......

What about parts to overhaul an original I6 are they available?

Ayuh,.........Sure Are......

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

That Chev I6 Is a great engine. I had one (150 Mercruiser) in a 1966 Mark Twain that my dad bought new....When I sold it in 2005 it still ran good with only having had the coupler replaced in 39 years! It was a 230 cu-in GM truck engine. A couple of years later Merc went to the 250 cu-in engine. Another possibility is the 292 cu-in engine too although you may have engine mount problems. The 230/250/292 engines are plentiful. Every wrecking yard has a lot of them on hand.

You can mix and match parts too. These people can probably answer just about any question about modifications etc for any GM 6.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Every wrecking yard has a lot of them on hand.

Ayuh,.........
But,...... There is 1 "Gotcha".........

The Car blocks,+ some Truck blocks, Don't have the "Ears" on the front of the Block to mount the front Motor Mount........

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Yes that's true.


Before I sold the boat I was considering replacing the engine and looked specifically for blocks that would work and I found 10 at the local pickup wrecking yard I went to. So I guess they're out there.....


Hey, I finally ran that 97 454/Bravo III yesterday at the local lake!


55 MPH at 4600 RPM!! Launches like a rocket!.....Absolutely shifts perfectly!

MAN, I'm glad to be rid of that 460 and Khing Khobra!!!!

 

[lakenorman]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

So the engines would be identical except for the marine "ears" for mounting the engine?

I can remember pulling 4 skiers out of the water fairly easily - the torque of the motor was very strong. Maybe only 43-5 mph top end.

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

They are torquey motors. Mine jumps out of the hole but will run 43 flat out, nothing more but my boat is an 18 foot tri-hull that weighs 1,800 Lb dry. Fast enough for me.

Great motors though. I love mine.

Nice to see another area boater.

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

BTW, LakeNorman, I just sent you a link to one just like mine with a 140 in it. It's identical to my boat but restored. I know it's not the boat you are looking for but give it a look, it's in the area.

 

[lakenorman]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Bill - Thanks for the 3 pics - I didn't get the link you mentioned with the local boat. What problems, if any, have you had with your motor?

 

[Akira]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

So the engines would be identical except for the marine "ears" for mounting the engine?

I can remember pulling 4 skiers out of the water fairly easily - the torque of the motor was very strong. Maybe only 43-5 mph top end.

I have A 1969 Dorsett 19 1/2 cabin with the good old 160 hp 250 cyl. And does she ever run sweet with plenty of power. The boat is very heavy deep hull. I just rebuilt the old stern drive and 250 6 cyl this summer. All the parts including NEW intake Exst Manifold for $450.00 is readily out there. Everything I needed to rebuild it correctly was found with little efforts on my part. Taking it out to Fort Bragg in 2 weeks for Salmon and rock fishing. Wish me luck! Good luck on your search there out there still. I bought this one in very good shape from the owner who bough it NEW. VERY GOOD HEAVY DUTY TRAILER come to $1,800.00 only have $1,500.00 in it in new parts and machine work...

Akira

 

[lakenorman]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

Sounds like you got a good deal. Are you fishing for Salmon around Ft. Bragg NC??

 

[Akira]

Re: 1966 or '67 Merc in-line 6 160 hp i/o

No Fort Bragg California region. King Salmon, So far been A real slow season