Hi Van: The 18 has a 351 CID, 233 HP merceuiser with a 2 bbl (probably why the hp is lower than the 350 GM 260 HP). The 351 233 HP engine had a short run and was only produced from 1976 to 1977 which makes me wonder if the hull was laid up in 1975 and the powerplant came in 1976, and then was stolen or MIA for a year. It was resold by Ab Jr. to someone in MI in 1977 as the original receipt indicates (see link). viewtopic.php?f=2&t=186 It has plenty of hole shot and sips fuel compared to some of the newer inboards that I've been in which is definitely a weight to power ratio issue with the newer inboards as in they're heavy in comparison. The 1975 is in the drive way here in Hayward WI and will be in the water tomorrow (me too at the end of the rope), Kevin-
Ok. So the 20 is not going to see water this year based on the progress. Pulled the 18 out of consignment last week and did have some good times; the 18 is just a rock solid performer and makes me smile every time I get behind the boat or wheel. I am re-wiring the HD 20 and was a little taken back at how the original wiring was done. There were in-line fuses on the main + and- but everything terminated to the tach? And then branched out? Weird and hard to figure out if a electrical gremline appeared. I have installed a +block and +block that is fused (will eventually be breaker all switches) but this has eaten up the calendar along with my other commitment. I took on (or should I say adapted but with $$) a CA 1968 black plate Firebird 400 4spd with all original everything 46K mi car in April 2012 (see attached photos). It hasen't seen pavement since 1996 and has dished up some challanges regarding the cooling system. Got to change the fluids every 2 to 5 years or the coolant participates in the ionic (galvanic) exchange of the weakest metalic components which in this case was the radiator core (copper); the fluid became acidic and corroded the raidator core to the point of needing replacement. https://plus.google.com/photos/103493629086672686443/albums/5862779166615659441 Got to "love" the originals and preserve! Kevin Bugel-
Kevin, Do you know about sky craft for marine wire and other parts? http://www.skycraftsurplus.com/marine.aspx jim
Thanks for the link Jim. I'll keep it for future reference. Does anyone know what seats are being used in the new Tom Miller HD 20's? I would think that he has moved to the aftermarket variety and am curious for replacements on the 1985 i/o 20. Kevin-
Van: Just curious about your transom water intruision ssues from a prior post. I am having a (newly restored) transome plate installed and noticed some deflection in the glass mat over the interior of the transom of the HD 1985 20' The folks installing the transom plate indicated that it was water intruision and will get back to me. Does your Fglass in engine compartment/interior of the transom show any questionable flex or deflection in the glass-work? BTW, the engine has to be removed to install the transom plate so I am killing all "birds with one stone." I'll share pics with Hydrodyners when all is done. Have all the interior restoration parts and materials, just need to get to the "mud season" (aka spring). Kevin Bugel-
I don't think I have any harmful transom problems. No visable signs in or out. Thinking my only problem was around the screw holes for the spedo pickup. Having a three event "Perfect Pass" installed this week so the holes for one air guide pickup will be sealed. Looking forward to big skiing summer. Vann
Vann, You might consider leaving both pickups in and "T"ing the lines together and running them to one speedo. This way if one pickup clogs, you still have that speedo. I actually use a fuel selector valve on mine so I can switch. I run both pickups to the valve and then to one speedo. The other speedo is hooked up to the pickup on the motor lower unit. jim
Well, today was a hit to the wallet but somewhat anticipated (no ski trip to the mountains this year). I paid for the work in progress to date of $2,800 for the transom and new engine stringers which seems reasonable from what I have researched. The folks at Great Lakes Marine in Grafton, WI do great work, were up-front with the cost for the engine removal and replacement and transom installation, let me build the transom, and paint/detail the engine compartment to cut costs. Just wish the engine stringers didn't have questionable issues (minor but did not want to have ? marks in the future). I detailed the engine compartment today and the powerplant goes in next week. Now its a "downhill" race to get the interior done and have this boat on the water in the early summer, if and when the fr!ck!ng snow and deep cold depart here in the mid-west (do not have a heated garage to keep the progress moving until the temps get above 32 degrees). Pictures will follow at some point, probably in a photobucket format as this site may not want all the meg of pics that have been taken. I will post in the "Restoration Section" so stay tuned.I'm sure it will be great experience in the end once I get to water. My 1975 351 cid V8 i/o 18 ft T skier is still for sale/available if anyone is interested after the winter heads out. PM me or email me at ktbugel@gmail.com for pics. I will also post in the classified's shortly. Kevin Bugel Brookfield, WI
The 1985 Hydrodyne 20 i/o will see water this year! Did a "touch and go" yesterday at the upholstery shop and will pick up on Wednseday, after the cover is done. Will take better pics after it makes it on the water.
