Steury info needed

DanB53

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
5
Hey I'm new to this forum and to boat restoration in general.
I just bought a '66 Steury 415 with a 1966 Johnson 40 horse on it (model RKL-28B) and a spare engine; a 1962 Johnson 40 horse (model RDS-24). This is my first old boat and I know Steurys aren't the easiest boats to find info on.
So I've got a couple questions I could use some insight on:
1:The wood in the transom. Is it most likely rotten? If so, whats the best way to replace it?
2: The hull cap. How does it come off (if I need to take it off)? And how is it sealed against water passage between the hull and cap?
3: I'd love a wiring diagram/descripton of wiring for the boat if anyone has one

If y'all want pictures I'll take some and post em
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Re: Steury info needed

If y'all want pictures I'll take some and post em

Hi and welcome to the Iboats Dry Dock, DanB53...
Even if Steury Boats are hard to find info on, there are a bunch of super knowledgeable guys on here that will help guide you through the restoration of this boat.
The most important things are pictures, to help us see what you see, and the will to do it...
Best of Luck and Have Fun!
GT1M
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,108
Re: Steury info needed

Hey I'm new to this forum and to boat restoration in general.
I just bought a '66 Steury 415 with a 1966 Johnson 40 horse on it (model RKL-28B) and a spare engine; a 1962 Johnson 40 horse (model RDS-24). This is my first old boat and I know Steurys aren't the easiest boats to find info on.
So I've got a couple questions I could use some insight on:
1:The wood in the transom. Is it most likely rotten? If so, whats the best way to replace it?
2: The hull cap. How does it come off (if I need to take it off)? And how is it sealed against water passage between the hull and cap?
3: I'd love a wiring diagram/descripton of wiring for the boat if anyone has one

If y'all want pictures I'll take some and post em

Steury is a very well made boat however, they do suffer from soft decks, stringer rot and yes transom rot. The plywood used was very good quality but the build methods di not seal it up all the way. Some test holes and investigation will reveal the trouble areas.

The hull cap is attached under the rub rail ......some are screwed, riveted, and possible fiberglass tabbing.

Wiring is straight forward and generic. We have wiring diagrams in out electical section. Based on the age of the boat, yes anticipate replacing the wires.

Absolutely post pictures!! Here are the photo instructions. http://forums.iboats.com/non-boating-technical-topics/how-posting-pictures-videos-533219.html

Welcome to iboats.
 

DanB53

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
5
Re: Steury info needed

Boat 6.jpgBoat 5.jpgBoat 2.jpgBoat 3.jpgBoat 4.jpg
I just picked her up so I really haven't taken an in depth look at anything. As far as I can tell its in real good shape. The floor looks to be redone already but when I feel inside one of the drain holes in the transom the wood feels wet and rotted. So do I need to take the cap off to get at that?
In the pics: the dirty engine in the truck bed is the '62. If you spot anything in the pics that maybe I haven't please let me know :D I'd love any and all info I can get on boat and motor
 

bakerjw

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
343
Re: Steury info needed

To me it looks like the cap should come off pretty easily. The rub rail would have to be removed first. If you have to replace the transom, I feel that it is best to get the cap out of the way if it easy to remove.

Wet and rotted wood in the transom isn't a good sign. Can you post some pics of the splash well and a view of the transom underneath of it? That will help the experts give you some plans of action.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,108
Re: Steury info needed

Well, was the deck replaced or just covered over?? That is the question. With that hull design you will not have to remove the cap to do the deck however, to do the transom properly it will have to come off or the splashwell will have to be cut.

The method you decide to use should depend on your fiberglass skills.

I would take a 1/4" drill and drill inside the transom...... go in about half the thickness (in other words do not drill through the transom completely) and look at the shavings. You will be able to tell quickly if you have wet wood.

That is an XL (extra long) shaft motor and I am almost positive that is a L (long shaft) transom. I bet that motor is 5" longer (and deeper) in the water.

What dirty motor in the truck??????

Let the motor down and take a picture from the side showing the relation of the motor to the transom.
 

DanB53

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
5
Re: Steury info needed

The deck is now what looks like a messy fiberglass job. I'll do the drill thing for sure. I'm far from an expert but I'm ok with fiberglass work.
What was the purpose of having an XL motor and what's the difference between a normal transom and an L transom?
I'll get the pictures up tonight after work.

P.S.
The safety switch connected to the vacuum cutout switch -- I get that the cutout switch grounds spark to one cylinder but what's the purpose of the saftety switch that's connected to it?
 

DanB53

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
5
Re: Steury info needed

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Some more pics. Trailer getting new bearings and lights, trying to figure out the wiring mess, fiberglass on floor, does it look to anyone else like that cap has been off and/or resealed?
That engine by the way is (I was told) the same as the other but a '62. I do see differences in the location of the fuel pump, vacuum cut out switch and the flywheel though.
If theres anything you'd like to see that ain't pictured just let me know and I'll take some more
 
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