Towing and launching (first time owner)

[jimmbo]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

Looking at the picture showing the engine I would have to say that the engine is older than a 77. Late 1960s or very early 70s is more like it.

The master of machines... Just curious, what prop were you running when your boat was doing over 70mph and at what rpm?

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

First I'd like to thank everyone for there help, you guys have been a lot of help.

I found another boat that I'm planing to buy which looks a lot better, I'm able to afford it if I borrow some money. He is asking for $1850 I'll try to get it for $1750 Please tell me if its worth the price. I think the engine is a 85 HP Johnson and the year is 1977

I think it is a 77. That motor is purty much bulletproof. The trailer is galvanized, which is a plus, but someday I would change the tires to 13 inch ones. You would need a receiver hitch to tow that, and possible a tranny cooler. It looks well cared for. You would want to do a compression check, and check the LU oil, and take a long test drive. Make sure there are no soft spots on the deck, and give it a good go over. Preferably with a seasoned boater, if you happen to have any friends who own boats.
The only thing is, you saved 1400. After getting all the stuff you need, you will probably be closer to 2200.
I wouldn't throw out the first one as a possibility.
Where do you live? I check ebay and Criagslist at least daily, and wouldn't mind pointing out something I saw to ya. Also, what type of thing are you looking for? Obviously you aren't a real fisherman here, so it seems to me that you just wanna cruise around the lake. Am I right?
Good Luck!

 

[usda]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

In the area where I live...here for over 15 years (Southern Oregon)...this is the first spring and summer I have seen boats and other stuff for sale in the numbers that are in the papers. Lots of good boats, some especially cheap.

This is because the world's greatest economy is squeezing some folks real hard.

I spent close to a grand on a boat...which was fine for last years prices, but had I waited a few weeks...better, bigger boats with more powerful motors were up for sake for just as cheap or cheaper than the little boat I bought.

So I wouldn't be in a hurry...other peoples extremity is your oppertunity. By all means get someone who really knows boats to go with you. Even simple boats end up with complexities that can boggle the mind. Buying a good older boat takes knowledge and courage...you may have the courage but take knowlege with you to look it over.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

Isn't that motor the dreaded electric shift johnson?? That first boat looks like problems to me as far as the transom and mismatched motor is concerned.
I think for 1700-1800 I could find a better deal than either of these boats,except that it might not be the best time of year to find a 'boat bargain'.---

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

Looks like a 70-71 Johnson to me which would be electric shift I believe. Other than that though, it looks like a perfect starter boat. I think you'd be much happier with that one compared to the previous one. I think you'd outgrow the other one quickly. Around $1500 for a turn key boat at this time on the season is a decent deal.

 

[arya6000]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

I think it is a 77. That motor is purty much bulletproof. The trailer is galvanized, which is a plus, but someday I would change the tires to 13 inch ones. You would need a receiver hitch to tow that, and possible a tranny cooler. It looks well cared for. You would want to do a compression check, and check the LU oil, and take a long test drive. Make sure there are no soft spots on the deck, and give it a good go over. Preferably with a seasoned boater, if you happen to have any friends who own boats.
The only thing is, you saved 1400. After getting all the stuff you need, you will probably be closer to 2200.
I wouldn't throw out the first one as a possibility.
Where do you live? I check ebay and Criagslist at least daily, and wouldn't mind pointing out something I saw to ya. Also, what type of thing are you looking for? Obviously you aren't a real fisherman here, so it seems to me that you just wanna cruise around the lake. Am I right?
Good Luck!

Thanks for your reply

I live in Ontario, about 30 minutes from Toronto, I found this boat on kijiji.ca
I'm seeing this boat tomorrow, I have a compression tester that I have used on a Honda before, would that work on the boat? and what is a healthy compression for that engine? and yes you are right about cruising around the lake, I won't be doing a lot of fishing.

 

[The-Machinist]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

The master of machines... Just curious, what prop were you running when your boat was doing over 70mph and at what rpm?

Well jimmbo, we(my prop guy and me) have been expierimenting with different props and pitches for a couple of weeks. Right now it is a 4 blade ss somewhere around 29" of pitch(He actually cut the blades off and welded them on steeper) Im not sure on the dia. after blade removal and re-installation. Also, I dont have a tach, yet. I can tell shes running pretty hard at 70, just dont know how hard.This boat is so f-ing unsafe at those speeds it would be simply retarded to go that fast for more than a couple of seconds (chinewalking, front lifting like it wants to take flight) I belive this motor has taken a couple years off my life.

 

[Firestar]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

Pull on the engine and see if you can flex that transom.The extra wood on the transom was added for a reasonIt looks like it sat in the water alot from the scum on the hull. If the transom is soft give him 5-700 if the engine runs ok.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

As for the year, it is definitly not a 77. The throttle control is a 1969 - 1972 unit an only works with the Hydro-electric gearcase of that time frame.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Towing and launching (first time owner)

As for the year, it is definitly not a 77. The throttle control is a 1969 - 1972 unit an only works with the Hydro-electric gearcase of that time frame.

Duh! I recognize that controller all too well. As a first boat, I would probably stay away from the second one.

I just need to stay out of this topic. I cannot seem to give any productive info, even though I know half the crap. This thread is a jinx for me.