I own an 1972 Hydrodyne Tournament Skier. I recently got it out of mothballs and have it running again, and what a thrill. Am now starting a restoration. Here are a couple questions that I would appreciate help on: 1) Where can I find a replacement for my black Air Guide pitot tube? Would prefer not to use one of those "universal" replacements if possible. Even if they work they seem kind of ugly and not original. Any suggestions? 2) My engine is a Merc 160 I/O. I replaced the outdrive with a Sterndrive Engineering aftermarket unit. So far it is perfoeming flawlessly. However, before I replaced it I got max revs of about 4500 and now its about 4000 - 4100. Also, when in gear at idle, the engine is running a little rough (hesitates) so it seems that idle revs in gear are too low. I am running a Merc quicksilver SS prop, 15 x 19. Is it possible that I have a slightly different gear ratio in the new outdrive? If so, should I change pitch? How much? 3) Looking for a good fiberglass finisher in Minnesota to restore my gel coat. Any suggestions? 4) Is there a source for replacement rub rail? Mine is qhite with red/blue trim. Any suggestions are appreciated. Tom Goodnow, Edina MN
If you check on the main page (hydrodyners.com homepage), there is a section devoted to restoration where one of the members walks you through a complete hull restoration. That should help you out quite a bit on some of your questions. There is a previous thread that contains contact info for someone that makes a similar rub rail, but I believe it is plain white. Jim will chime in pretty soon with info on your gearing/prop selection questions. I haven't seen any replacement airguide pitot tubes, but I have seen airguide speedometers on ebay, you could try looking there for pitots. Otherwise, just start calling marine dealers and see if they have any old stock. Please post up if you find any, as I'm sure there are others looking as well.
To question #2 did your top end speed increase even though your revs are down? If your answer is yes it indeed may be a different gear ratio. If your answer is no it may be fuel related.
Heavy: Look at the written descriptions on the restoration section. Those will answer many questions. The rub rail can be obtained from Wefco Rubber. It is part no. 187-1. http://www.wefcorubber.com. The rub rail will be white with a black insert identical to the original. See restoration section on getting measurements, etc. On the airguide, you need to watch on E-bay. New and used units and accessories continue to be listed although these gauges are no longer made. Hydrodyne 18 Specialist "Jim" on this website can help on I/O questions. However, he will most likely not be available for the next couple of weeks. Good luck. MarkBano
Heavy, There is a replacement pitot that looks almost identical to the airguide. It even looks a little better to me. It has been discussed here and a search might find it. I will look through my stuff and see if I can find it. It may take me a while. It sounds like you got a V-8 gear ratio in your replacement outdrive which is 1.5 to 1. The six cylinder ratios were a little high numerical number. A 17 pitch prop should get you another 300 to 500 rpm. I would start with a 17 pitch Mercury Marine aluminum prop. If that does not get you enough rpm, then have the cup removed from the prop. The Hydrodyne hull likes that. Then you can have the pitch changed to get exactly the performance you are looking for if necessary. jim
Here is the replacement pitot pickup I had in mind: http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=769B I am getting old, but if memory serves me, I think Dynebob has used these. jim
I just checked the Sterndrive Engineering web page. They have a bunch of gear ratios available. Your paper work should say the ratio of yours. A quick check of the Merc specs should say what the old ratio was just to nail this down, jim
