Had the boat in the water today to check a couple of props. I forgot my camera, but did get this pic with my phone. I've done a good bit of work in a short time on this boat: Removed the windshield, New raised floor, carpet, starter, raw waterpump, new seat boxes, cut down the motor box, lowered the ski pole, cleaned the gas tank and put back in with new hoses, checked all the wiring and gave it a quick wax job. It only had 540hrs on it and it runs great. I've decided to use it this summer as it is, then tear it down and paint it through the winter. Will post more pics very soon.
Re: 79 I/O Almost forgot about the fiberglass seats. I called the guy that bought my 72' to see if I could measure the seat boxes that were in it, since I built them and they worked great. When I took the cover off I got a surprise, new seats but old seat boxes. I immediately called him. They were still stacked in his garage and he brought them to me the following weekend. For free....
Re: 79 I/O Very nice boat. Nice picture for a phone camera. What was your reason for lowering the ski pole?
Re: 79 I/O I like the cut down motor box. It will give you better visibility and allow you to cut the pole down. That will result in less pitch up. Nice mod. Before I decided to convert mine to an outboard I had planned to install a rotary engine. That would allow a motor box not much bigger that the aft deck. It would look like an outboard with no visible engine. I also considered installing a 3 liter (or more) outboard hooked to the outdrive and laying on its side. That would be very low profile also. I decided that a light weight outboard was better (and easier) for my use. jim
Re: 79 I/O Here is a pic from the front, big difference over stock. I did all this mainly for looks, because the motor cover is pitched up in the front quiet a bit. I cut down the motor box about 4" in the front and it made the top of the box level with the boat. In doing that it allowed me to lower the ski pole the same amount for less side pull, which the hydrodyne don't like. It makes a big difference in the way the back of the boat looks also. Sitting level in the water, the motor cover isn't but about an inch or so higher than the instrument hump. There is about a 1/2" clearance over the risers on the 302. I would like to repower with a 4.3 this winter when I redo the boat, but the 302 runs real good. I will get some profile shots so ya'll can see how much of a difference it makes.
Re: 79 I/O Why a 4.3? I have a friend with a 4.3 in a glastron and its not that great, sort of sluggish. Daniel
Re: 79 I/O An LS-1 is way lighter, and more powerful, BUT the last time I checked no-one was making a marine exhaust for it. What a shame. jim
Re: 79 I/O I saw your posting for your windshield a while back that you were getting rid of. I tried emailing and pm'ing you but never did hear back, do you still have it available, I would love to get a windshield for my 73 (viewtopic.php?f=23&t=867). Great looking boat! I'm sure you'll have fun with it this summer. Cheers Erik
Re: 79 I/O If I am not mistaken I believe Mastercraft is using the LS1 as an optional powerplant in one of their models. Might want to check with them.
Re: 79 I/O Here is a good comparison pic. I have great visibility with the cut down box, just as good as my nautique and better than the 72' dyne I had with a 225 Johnson on it.
