Those numbers are alright for that motor with it's age, I would run it until it dies which would most likely be many years to come, that 90 is not over worked at all on a 16'r.
@MNhunter1 That's an awesome rig! I really like the color schemes and set up in general. I noticed you have a rocker switch panel on your dash. From what I can tell It looks some of the ones I've seen on amazon for about $40...is that right? How do you like them/do they work well/have any issues with getting them wet? I was planning on doing the same thing.
That's what I'm thinking as well...I'd like to get out on the water and enjoy the boat this summer even if I might be missing a little power. Then maybe do a tear down in the fall/winter.
Couple questions on the flooring...How much vinyl did you end up ordering to do your whole boat? I'm trying to estimate my total costs going into this build.
Yes, I was going to do a custom switch panel but just went with the store boat one. Nothing fancy and I swapped out some of the included wires with known tinned marine grade and waterproof connectors. The complete front casting deck is open underneath, so the hatches just allow for different access points. I thought about separate compartments, but figured the open concept doesn't limit my storage space and allows things like wet lifejackets, ropes, etc. to air out. I also would feed my rod tips underneath and lay them on the deck during transport/trailering.
@racerone As
If its that simple I'll definitely order up some gaskets and pull those covers to take a look! I'll look for any scoring/ring condition/excessive carbon build up...anything else I'm overlooking?? Much appreciated advice.
Yes, I've looked at the hydroturf as well. Used a lot on duck boats, just no personal experience with it and unsure of the longevity. They use to have some discounted "B" sheets available, but don't see them on their website anymore. I plan to do my MR180 in the same Duralux green paint I used on my Nova and am debating staying with the grey Nautolux for the deck, or using something like the hydroturf in an olive drab or darker grey. Another thought I had was covering the complete deck in the Nautolux and using hydroturf on top, almost as pads, in a similar fashion you see the snapped in/removable carpet on many boats today.
Couldn't help but notice you aren't running any gages... how do you keep track of engine temp and RPM, especially? But man do you build some clean looking boats!! Great work on the aluminum trim.
Sound, smell, sight
As long as I can see the tell tale and know the impeller is working, the sound of the outboard pretty much tells me what I need. I'll likely add some gauges to my next build, but I wouldn't consider them a necessity for an outboard.
Never mind....just needed a little convincing from the torch and a couple soaks with WD40.
Just make sure to torque all the bolts to spec. I didn't in some areas and it caused issues..... Couldn't figure out why it would run like a champ at idle but when I tried to give it gas it would die or just sputter with no power. Turned out I had forgot to torque the intake manifold and extra air was being pulled in after the carbs....
Unfortunately that is a common issue on these older hulls. Different ways to fix it: Aluminum Angle Iron or Welding are the common methods
I would go with a coating. You can see in other crannies that were not exposed to the wear and tear of gas/combustion the "red/orange" coating looks undamaged.
