Thread: Project boat.

And look at the old trolling motor wiring which goes from the back of the boat to the front. I'm replacing that immediately with 6 gauge.

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Good idea

Originally Posted by Slab

Replacing steering cable. Already got one on order. It was pretty stiff, I tried to free it up, took it off the motor, lubed the parts I could, but still super stiff. The cable gotta be bad. I'm also changing it over to a rotary type from a rack and pinion. Doing it this way gives me all the steering components for the same price of just a cable. Rack and pinion may be slightly better (supposedly), but like I said, the steering box and everything will be new.

Also, I wernt to my local boat shop/part shop, and they don't carry so many items. Yeah I know, it's a 1987! But the funny thing is, I found everything else I needed on ebay! New old stock stuff. Plugs, seals, just little things, but wanted to put new stuff where I could since I have the lower unit off and all. You know, give the boat some loving care so she don't leave stranded! doh

I no like stranded on the water either

Sounds like you are doing it right.
I built my 1754 Crestliner basically from scratch. Took my time and did it right the first time. That has been about 3 years ago and never had a single problem. Knock on wood!!!



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Looks good Slab. That's a real nice ride...

Wind shield, is it just for looks? It will be to low for you anyway. If your project boat was tiller steer you would not have a wind shield. $180 seems to much.

Originally Posted by thill

I don't know the boat, but I do know those motors well. Force has a bad reputation among some, but the 85 is a very solid motor that is super easy to work on.

Even though it runs well, I recommend that you pull the carbs, remove the bowls and clean them and the pickup tubes with carb cleaner, and put them back together. There will typically be some sludge at the bottom if they have been sitting. Just be careful to disassemble carefully, so you don't tear any gaskets.

But a fresh carb kit and gaskets isn't a bad idea. Here is a set for $7.99:
Amazon.com

Here is a good kit to help you clean the carbs for less than $7:
Amazon.com

Besides that, put a good dose of Seafoam in the fuel, top off with fresh 50:1 fuel/oil mix and run the boat for an extended time. That should clean out the inside of the engine. I recommend Penzoil XLF semi-synthetic oil for those engines. Very good stuff.

Then enjoy. Those engines run well as long as you keep fresh gas in them.

Congrats on the new boat!

I ran the boat in the water. Funny thing is, it idles good, but runs bad with any throttle. Only get 20 mph out of it. Gonna take your advice and clean out the carbs. Carb kits are on order. And gonna buy some seafoam too. Thanks.

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A dirty fuel filter gave me similar issues, replacing or adding one will help keep the carb jets as clean and free flowing as possible. Have fun on the renovations. Looking forward to seeing pics of you holding up some of your catch in it.

Jim