This is going to be awesome!

[alden135]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

I don't want to rain on your parade as that Crestliner is a thing of beauty but, I would suggest you remove the alum. caps on the transom and inspect the wood. I was in the process of fixing up a 61 Crestliner Del Rio (basically your hull without the cabin) and discovered a 1/2 shot transom. This rot had escaped the "tap on the transom with hammer"? test. Also look for fractures where the splashwell meets the transom as they are a sign of a weakness on that hull. There should not be any flex while pushing down on the motor either.<br /><br />The good news if it is rotted is that removing the caps make for easy access to the wood core which could be dug out and filled with sea cast without popping the deck off or removing the skin. <br /><br />I can tell you from personal experience that that hull handles extemely well and will go like heck with an 85hp.

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Thanks Mark<br />Thanks Alden<br />I will let you both know how those turn out.<br />

 

[ErikDC]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Wild, the '59 Squall King my buddy and I are working on is a somewhat similar design and I haven't gotten much farther than you except that EVERYTHING has been removed, it's down to the hull, deck and 'glass cabin. Alden is right on, I had to do some squirming and contortionist-like moves to get under the splashwell and do some probing with a drill and an awl and the transom is about a 1/3 rotted out. I'm not worried about replacing the transom (and deck) it's just gonna be a real pain in the tookus. Best of luck, that's a cool little Crestliner you have! Pay attention to the old salts here, they know what they're talking about!

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Thanks Erik, It's nice to hear from someone else who is actually bringing one of these back to life. <br />I think the fact that I purchased this boat in Henderson Nevada then towed it to Wisconsin, as opposed to buying it in Wisconsin, will result in me finding significantly less corrosion. Henderson which is part of the Las Vegas Valley has little to no moisture much of the year. Hopefully that will turn out to be the difference between having significant rot and not having it. I towed this boat approximately 2,000 miles with the motor right where it is sitting currently and didn't have any problems, I think this is a good sign.<br />

<br /><br />

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

That splashwell design adds a lot of strength. Nice boat. The motor looks pretty clean on the outside too, does it have power trim/tilt?

 

[ErikDC]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

You towed her 2,000 miles? I'd call her 'Road Trip!'

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Yeah the motor is surprizingly clean and has had quite a few new parts replaced by the guy I bought it from. <br />Replacing battery cables here!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

We've got some real issues here with this darn ignition switch. So this is how it goes on this particular day. I don't have the key so I need to either get a new key made or replace the switch. I venture to the local farm and fleet store and find an ignition for the low cost of 5 dollars. Now I go and open up the shifter/throtle box and begin the swap. As I am replacing the switch I notice everything is pretty weathered inside there and that has me somewhat concerned.<br /><br />

<br /><br />The good news is that I got that ugly ground wire replaced and looking good.<br /><br />

 

[Realgun]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Wow I bought my boat in MN and towed it to NM about 1400 miles. Al because a boat here is almost alway 2000 and in MN was 1000 and probably in better shape too.

 

[Mark42]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

That control box looks rather simple. Time to take everything out, clean it, clean contacts, check any solders, clean the throttle friction control (make sure the friction material is clean and not worn out/off) and reassemble. Use TripleGuard grease on all bearing surfaces. Then you will be good to go. Keys for old ignition are available pre-cut at the Johnson dealer. Just bring them the number off the old key and they will order new key. About $4.00 per key.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

You mean there's more than one key? I bought a new ignition switch and my old keys work in it!

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Be careful with that replacement Ign switch.<br />A lot of marine switches actually ground the magneto (Ign box) to stop the engine.<br />If you have the wrong switch there you may do damage to your ignition module.<br />Most older outboard Ign systems are completely separate systems from all the other electrics.<br /><br />Peter

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Wow, thanks guys. Once again you have all given me truly great advice.<br /><br />Here is my latest pickle.......<br /><br />I was turning my motor over for the first time and received a jolt while doing so. I was standing outside of the boat and had one hand on the key and the other on the side touching the rub rail. Does anyone have any suggestions on where or how to find the short?

 

[tr918]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Look for a short in your control box. That motor looks familiar is it a 1972ish 65hp Evinrude Triumph? Since you had it apart and the only thing with power that you were touching was the switch, I would look there first.

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

You are exactly correct. It is a 72 65hp Evinrude Triumph.<br />My next big decision is whether to replace the accessory wiring or repair it.<br />

 

[bossee]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Hi,<br />Try to get the outboard to start first.<br />Remember to use rubber muffs (outboard flusher) on water intakes in lower unit and plenty of water pressure from garden house connected to the muffs. If water pump rubber wheel (impeller) status is unknown, consider to install a new impeller before You go out to sea with the boat.<br />Impeller should normally be replaced in about 2-3 years intervals.<br /><br />After that I would start to worry about the rest of the electrical system (navigation lights etc).<br />It is not that complicated to replace all wiring from battery to dashbord switches etc. You need a main switch (on plus cable) at battery compartment and a main fuse (on plus cable) there also. Then just one black(-) and one red(+), both rather thick that goes to under the dashboard or other suitable place. There I suggest You use a BlueSea Systems ST Blade Fuse Block With Cover - 12 or 6 Circuit with Negative Bus. To that box You just connect via new cables and the switches you use the accessories You want to use (Nav light, CD/Radio, Bilge pump, horn etc). I use the BlueSea Systems Fuse block and it works great.<br />You must use ATO or ATC fuses (not included) with it.<br /><br /> Link

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

I gave up and bought a less complicated boat. I am selling this one for $300.00<br />If anyone is interested you can email me.<br />wildwestten@yahoo.com

 

[Mark42]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

If you were a bit closer, I would take the trip. But, last time I checked, Wisconsin and New Jersey do not share any borders....<br /><br />Hope it doesn't end up in the dump. Boats like that usually make much easier projects when gutted and refit with everything new. <br /><br />Hmmm. Wonder if the wife is up for a trip to Wisconsin?

 

[wildwestten]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Well Mark if I, for whatever reason, end up needing to be in your neck of the woods I will definately post it. <br />For all of you who are lucky enough to live where boating is a year round sport this picture is for you. Sad, oh so sad!<br />

 

[JasonJ]

Re: This is going to be awesome!

Thats a pretty cool boat. If I had the time I would make the trip. I could do some stuff with that boat...