American Motor Change?

[Todd Gerber]

I've got a '78 American 15 with a Merc 65 that's too far gone to warrant repairs. Is it a big deal to switch to a different brand motor? I've got a line on a Johnson 85 (it's the whole boat so the controls should be included.)

Thanks,

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: American Motor Change?

Hi Todd,
Not a huge deal. If you know anyone at a local Johnrude dealer, see if you can borrow the transom template long enough to drill out the new bolt pattern. Otherwise, it's just a matter of running wires and cables and mounting them to your preference. Make sure you get the good stainless steel mounting bolts, though, and goop them up good with marine caulk when putting them through the transom. You should be able to fill the existing transom holes with epoxy filler, or even a dowel gooped up with caulk, tapped into the hole.
Your boat will flat out FLY with the 85 - enjoy! Prop it to run about 56-5800 RPM.
- Scott

 

[Todd Gerber]

Re: American Motor Change?

Thanks Scott,

By the way, I also need to replace the drain fittings in the gunwale area (through the transom) on my American. Any idea what I should use? They've both broken over the years and I can't seal them with caulk anymore.

Thanks,

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: American Motor Change?

Hi Todd,
My local marina carries the original brass style through transom sleeve, and I have one of the flange tools that flares out the face to hold it in place. I would imagine a full service marina in your area would have the same.
- Scott

 

[Todd Gerber]

Re: American Motor Change?

Well, I ended up with another Merc instead of the Johnson. But this time, I've got more power. I've got '74 Merc 850. The cool part is, it's mounted on a '74 American 15. Somebody painted the entire boat burgundy though. The trailer isn't too bad either.

I'll pull the parts that I want, switch trailers and motors, and hopefully sell off the boat and remaining trailer.

We took it out for a test run yesterday as well. This motor sure has more power than my old 650. It's got a few issues though, I think a fuel problem and it grinds in reverse, but runs great!

Now just to find the time!

 

[78StarcraftAmerican15]

Re: American Motor Change?

Very nice, shame that other American is painted that way. I have been following these forums for a while, I too have an American 15, and she does real well with my 85 Evinrude. I would guess about 45 mph, and i love the hull design, it can really take a lot for its size. I just put new carpet in and reupholstered the interior. Good luck with your motor swap, you will love the new found power!

Oh, and Chinewalker, i was so glad to see your registered to this forum, i have scoured the internet to find some information on these boats, and came upon your restoration page. You really know your stuff. Is there anything more you can tell me about the boats design?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: American Motor Change?

Hi 78SA15,
Glad to meet another 15 American owner! I love mine - and yes, for a 15-footer, it'll take on more of a sea than most. That can be attributed to the fact that the hull was designed by Waltman B. Walters, a noted hull designer back in the 1960s, with numerous successful offshore racing hulls to his credit. It's probably that offshore pedigree that makes the American series such a good ride in even moderate chop.
Be sure to keep yours dry and under cover whenever possible or you'll end up doing what I've had to do to mine. How did the floor of yours look when you had the carpet up?
- Scott

 

[78StarcraftAmerican15]

Re: American Motor Change?

Oh wow. Thanks for the info! And yes, once i pulled the carpet the floor was sound. I sweat a bit wondering if i wanted to know. I used the boat all last year, bought it for $500 with a brand new trailer. The guy told me the motor did not run, i cranked it over, saw how clean the power head was (78' evinrude 85hp) and told the guy that its will really stink to track down a good motor but i really like the hull so i would still like it. After 2 hours of cleaning carbs and the like she was running perfectly in my driveway. Hehehehe! I know them old OMCs to be too good a motor for that. I used it all summer and she performed above and beyond my own expectations. although she looked a lil ratty. This year results in my definitive vision of what she should look like. And once the work is done i wont have to do it again, not for a while. The only thing about it is that the transom did get wet. The splashwell fittings were plastic and they broke before i bought it and water got in, as well as around the motor mount bolts. Still solid however. After this season i will replace it with either wood or seacast. Still deciding. But based on the performance of this hull i would sooner rebuild it completely as you have than cut it up and get rid of it. And the classic boat lines.....

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: American Motor Change?

Hi Todd,
You might want to try again on the years for the boat and motor. The motor looks to be a 1970-1972 era with the red pinstripes. By 1974 they had turn to blue stripes on the wrap. If you can get the serial off the plate I can look it up for you. The 850s are decent motors and it should serve you well.
- Scott