18 foot dual console Custom Craft need some information

[joesharp]

I recently purchased a 1991 Custom Craft dual console that measures just about 19' long and has a nice wide beam. The boat is in great shape and has an Evinrude 185 2 stroke that runs but needs the carbs rebuilt and some new hoses etc.. It has already had the oil injection eliminated.
I can't find anything out about the boat online. It was built by Venco manufacturing (David Lott) in Douglasville Ga and I understand they had a fire which destroyed their records and tooling, and are no longer in business. A shame, such a great designed and sturdy boat.
My Hull ID is VCM01316H091
I assume it has a built in fuel tank under the deck however I cannot find an inlet for the tank and know nothing about it's size or material type. There is an inlet and stainless cap on the rear deck for a built in oil injection tank. A build in fuel tank would only make sense.
If anyone has any information about this model boat or could point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.
Many thanks...
Joe Sharp
Augusta GA

 

[mr 88]

If you can't find a fuel cap / fuel gauge or any fuel/ air vents then the odds are the boat is set up for portable tanks .

 

[racerone]

Just needs carburetors rebuilt , it is a common sales pitch.----There is not much that can go wrong in them.-----Do some trouble shooting on the motor.-----Post compression test results.

 

[Willyclay]

Welcome to the forum. The members here are great and should be able to help you with any questions about your boat, motor, trailer, etc. I had the 1996 model of your boat and it had a built-in fuel tank. The fill, vent & feed hoses were routed under the deck floor in the gap between the hull & deck that is just forward of the drain plug. Sorry, no pictures. What other info do you need? Good luck!

 

[Willyclay]

I forgot to mention the most obvious indicator of a permanent fuel tank in my boat. There was an access hatch about ten inches in diameter in the deck/floor just forward of the splashwell. It was positioned directly over the fuel tank connections.

 

[joesharp]

Just needs carburetors rebuilt , it is a common sales pitch.----There is not much that can go wrong in them.-----Do some trouble shooting on the motor.-----Post compression test results.

Thanks for the reply Racerone. I bought the boat at auction in an adjoining state, a couple of hours away. It was part of an estate sale. The big 2 stroke 185 runs pretty good. First thing I did was check compression which was very good, then proceeded with electrical including new plugs, and next will be the carb overhauls and new water pump including housing.
Thanks again...
Joe

 

[joesharp]

If you can't find a fuel cap / fuel gauge or any fuel/ air vents then the odds are the boat is set up for portable tanks .

The cap in the rear that thought was for a two stroke oil tank, was actually marked GAS but was very faint. I looked under that area yesterday and there is no hose connected to that filler. It would appear that the onboard tank was abandoned or removed all together. I will investigate further in a day or so, probably with a saw unfortunately.
Thanks for the reply..
Joe

 

[joesharp]

I forgot to mention the most obvious indicator of a permanent fuel tank in my boat. There was an access hatch about ten inches in diameter in the deck/floor just forward of the splashwell. It was positioned directly over the fuel tank connections.

I had been gone for just over a week visiting my grandkids and got back yesterday. I looked as you suggested and there is an access under the deck just as you indicate. The filler on the rear deck upon closer inspection, is marked GAS. There is no hose however connected to that GAS filler neck. I assume the onboard fuel tank either abandoned or removed. I will have to do some destructive checking under the deck as one way or the other it will have a functional onboard fuel tank of at least 30 gallons of fuel to feed that big 185 Evinrude.
A lot of wasted space in that rear deck area and splashwell. I might have to change that up a bit since I am going to dig into the deck and figure out the fuel tank situation.
Thanks for the help....
Joe

 

[Willyclay]

I never used my permanent tank because it had a lot of water in when I got it and I never was comfortable that I could get all the water out. Not sure of the capacity either. Sorry I cannot help you more!

 

[joesharp]

I never used my permanent tank because it had a lot of water in when I got it and I never was comfortable that I could get all the water out. Not sure of the capacity either. Sorry I cannot help you more!

Thanks Will, my tank has been removed probably when replacing a soft deck in the past. I will have to tear up that deck and make or buy a new tank. The 185hp Evinrude will eat some fuel so a large portable tank in the rear of the boat would be too much weight and a lot of wasted deck space. The boat really needs a built in tank mid way up its length for balance and performance. There is a chance I can find a used tank that will fit however that may be impossible. It looks like I will have to make a fiberglass tank or fire up the tig welder and make one out of Aluminum or steel.
I may while I am doing the tank, make a pod for the motor and redo the back of the boat to free up a couple of feet of deck space. My son wants me to convert it to a center console as well. I have no problem building a composite console but would rather find a used one instead of starting from scratch. We shall see what comes up on FB Marketplace or Craigslist that might be a good fit.
This is really a project for my five grandchildren who so far love to fish. No better motivation for a grandpa than doing something for the next generation and giving them something else to do in life instead of sitting in front of a computer or getting in trouble.
We will see if I can pull this rebuild off..
Again, thanks for the reply and input. There is so little online about CustomCraft that you have to rely on the experience of others to learn just about anything about these boats.
Joe

 

[Willyclay]

This is really a project for my five grandchildren who so far love to fish.

Enjoy the QFT while you can. IMHO, it does not get any better than that!
Please update this thread as you progress. That's how we all learn. FYI, it is possible someone at Custom Marine in Statesboro, GA may be able to help you find out more about your boat. That was Frank Franklin's business when I needed info and he was great. He is no longer in the picture but his family still owns it. Good luck!

 

[joesharp]

Gentlemen,
I found a used 30 gallon poly tank that was originally made in Tennessee buy a manufacturer that supplied many OEM boat manufacturers. The hull shaped tank looks like it was made for the boat. The tank came with a sending unit that test good, but no fuel hoses. Have you priced coast guard fuel hose recently. It's stupidly expensive. When you had a very bad surgery that leaves you disabled, your finances get tight. You are not afraid of the physical work (although it takes you ten time longer to do some things due to pain and other limitations) you just have to figure out how to pay for things with limited income. I am just happy that I can still get around and do something great for my grandchildren...
Any ideas other than marketplace for cheaper fuel hose that meets CG requirements?
I will post a pic of the tank when I can get back out to the shed and take a pic.
I have obtained considerable fiberglass cloth of various types and weights, a few gallons of epoxy (also now crazy expensive) there has to be a supplier or two that supplies epoxy for something south of crazy retail prices.
It will take time with my financial resources to obtain the rest of the materials and parts to begin reconstruction and modification of the boat.
I still need to find railing to place around the boat for additional safety for younger boaters. SS or aluminum, perhaps something salvaged from another boat will work but difficult to find and people want a fortune for 40 year old hand rails.
I will get there, patience and an occasional great deal on marketplace or craigslist will eventually get me there...

Advice? know where some parts or materials I can get for an old fashioned price, I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction. Many thanks.... Joe
View attachment CustomCraft Engine Startup.mp4

 

[racerone]

They all sound good on a hose.

 

[redneck joe]

Yeah but starting is the first step....

 

[joesharp]

They all sound good on a hose.

If you can get a 35 year old engine that has been neglected for 5 years to start at all, there is something finally satisfying to hear that throaty running sound so deep on a garden hose.... I agree...

 

[joesharp]

Yeah but starting is the first step....

Yes and on an old neglected engine, that first step can be many hours, days, or even weeks long with a stubborn motor....
I have all the external little cooling lines to replace, 100% replacement of water pump components, a good carb rebuild (I have the kits), new plugs installed. I had to remove and dremel brush "every" electrical terminal and connector on the engine. The corrosion was not yet seriously bad but already causing electrical issues. Cleaning and diolithic grease, and all is good for a couple of years. Of course a lower unit gear oil change even though the oil in the unit looks like it was just changed... Plenty to do...

 

[redneck joe]

If you know what yer doing, enjoy

 

[joesharp]

If you know what yer doing, enjoy

Most of my experience (I am now 65) is with Evinrude and early Johnson motors. Although a couple of years ago I went through a large Honda 4 stroke for someone. It was actually an auto 4 stroke that required regular valve adjustments and other maintenance. When he got the motor, it sounded like a bucket of bolts when running. We purchased the manufactures manual for the motor, then I went to work. It took half a day but bring everything back up to spec, tightened the motor right up and it has ran perfectly since then. Two strokes are much simpler for the power generated. I even had one of those Belgian Johnson 2 stroke trolling motors that someone gave to me.
When I was growing up, about all we could afford were what are now very antique small two strokes. Simple magneto engines with speed controlled by timing. When you are a kid and graduate up to a 9.9 Johnson on a small boat, you are suddenly Evil Kinevil in a boat. What a thrill.
I don't mind the work. I would rather go through an engine and make everything right, than trust what others less skilled might have done, and correct mistakes. Carbs, carbs... A lean 2 stroke carb can melt a piston, I have done it. The crappy state of fuel these days means that carbs need special attention to prevent damage due to ethanol in the fuel and the moisture it attracts.
When I get over my head, I take my engines to a certified shop that has the correct training and tools for those things I am not confident in fixing properly myself. Usually money well spent (if you have the money).
Thanks for the reply and following my fix on this boat.
I will post more pics and video as soon as I can muster up the energy to get started with the more challenging parts of the project.

Joe

 

[joesharp]

Thanks to all for input, help, and offers... I will read them all and take advice good or critical in this project. I never post for things I build or modify like this. But... this is a family boat and I have to make sure what I do is safe and structural sound for many years to come. With this, I need others to watch my back a bit.
Again thanks to all...
Joe Sharp

 

[joesharp]

I recently purchased a 1991 Custom Craft dual console that measures just about 19' long and has a nice wide beam. The boat is in great shape and has an Evinrude 185 2 stroke that runs but needs the carbs rebuilt and some new hoses etc.. It has already had the oil injection eliminated.
I can't find anything out about the boat online. It was built by Venco manufacturing (David Lott) in Douglasville Ga and I understand they had a fire which destroyed their records and tooling, and are no longer in business. A shame, such a great designed and sturdy boat.
My Hull ID is VCM01316H091
I assume it has a built in fuel tank under the deck however I cannot find an inlet for the tank and know nothing about it's size or material type. There is an inlet and stainless cap on the rear deck for a built in oil injection tank. A build in fuel tank would only make sense.
If anyone has any information about this model boat or could point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.
Many thanks...
Joe Sharp
Augusta GA

Some have been curious about what I paid for the boat (a starting point).
I bought the boat at an auction in South Carolina. It was a large lumber mill and this boat was used by the late owner. I found clay pigeons on the boat so I assume the owner shot clays from the boat out on the river, who knows. After seeing the lines of the Custom Craft hull, a hull that is both inshore and capable of moderate offshore in the right conditions, made this an acceptable boat to make useful and safe for my family project.
I paid $350 for the boat, trailer, and motor at auction. There is no such thing as a cheap deal on a used boat if you consider that you will have to go over every inch of the boat where you will discover issues of neglect, design, or damage that may not be readily noticeable. All will require work and even a new boat will need the issues worked out but hopefully at the cost of the builder/seller...
Anyway, the cost was $350 FYI...
Joe