Just wanted to share something I have been working on. I am new to powerboats but have built over 14 boats several of my own design...its an addiction. Lately, been thinking about a powerboat to use as a camper on the water for my wife and I....be nice to not have the setup involved in a sailboat and be able to cover more water on a trip. Was wanting something we could sleep on that would go relatively fast with relatively low HP. Even drew up some plans when I couldn't find something that suited when I can across an ebay listing for a 1952 Lone Star 21' Cabin Cruiser made of aluminum. Kinda like the Grumman canoe I grew up with only a lot larger with a cabin! So, I bought it mid July and have been enjoying working on it ever since.
I actually got the 1964 Mercury 500 Keikhaefer running and tried the boat out midway through restoration. Was great! Unfortunately, that motor stopped running and I am thinking the carburetors got fouled. Will only start and run for a few seconds in full throttle but only after having cranked several times in neutral. So, I picked up a 1988 45hp Mariner and, being a neophyte in the ways of outboards, am having a shop fix it up. So, while I wait I am finishing up the restoration...though more of a rushtoration wanting to get the boat on the water this fall.
My wife and I decided to name the boat "Rosie" both because of the red and white paint scheme and for the old Rosie the Riveter ads from WWII. Like to think some Rosies went to work for Lone Star and helped put this boat together. Unlikely but still fun to think about.
I do plan on rebuilding the carbs on the 64 Merc 500 unless I hear differently from this forum though I plan on keeping the Mariner on the boat for its power tilt and trim and ability to find people to work on it. I am planning on painting the motor black and polishing the motor wrap so that it looks kinda like the old merc.
I actually got the 1964 Mercury 500 Keikhaefer running and tried the boat out midway through restoration. Was great! Unfortunately, that motor stopped running and I am thinking the carburetors got fouled. Will only start and run for a few seconds in full throttle but only after having cranked several times in neutral. So, I picked up a 1988 45hp Mariner and, being a neophyte in the ways of outboards, am having a shop fix it up. So, while I wait I am finishing up the restoration...though more of a rushtoration wanting to get the boat on the water this fall.
My wife and I decided to name the boat "Rosie" both because of the red and white paint scheme and for the old Rosie the Riveter ads from WWII. Like to think some Rosies went to work for Lone Star and helped put this boat together. Unlikely but still fun to think about.
I do plan on rebuilding the carbs on the 64 Merc 500 unless I hear differently from this forum though I plan on keeping the Mariner on the boat for its power tilt and trim and ability to find people to work on it. I am planning on painting the motor black and polishing the motor wrap so that it looks kinda like the old merc.
