Re: [OMC-Boats] Tips on bringing Sport Fisherman back to life

Hi Tom,

Welcome Aboard!

You're asking all the right questions:

1) Trailer: I'd go with a bunk design. You could probably find a single-axle
that will handle the load, but a tandem would probably be better.
You 19-footer has the weight advantage of the little GM Chevy-II four
cylinder, but the tandem will tow & track better. A modern trailer will
allow the boat to sit lower than the original design. You'll have no
problems towing with your pick-up. A folding tongue on the trailer might
allow you to garage it, but height and length will be very tight.

2) Start with a plan and stick with it. Break the project into small
subsystems; I'd start with a complete overhaul and upgrade of the fuel
system, as it most likely is varnished.
The electrical systems are well designed and documented, but age and
oxidation take their toll. Go thru everything for reliability including
relays, switches, connectors, fuses, cables, bilge pump/blower, instruments,
etc.

3) The machinery is pretty simple and fool-proof but you want to have access
to manuals and parts lists. It would be best to find a shop that has worked
on the ELECTRIC SHIFT OMC stringers. Don't substitute auto-rated parts for
MARINE engine parts. For proper shifting and reliability it is critical to
get the engine tuned and idling at specified RPM (around 500 - 600 RPM).

4) Personally, I'd do the cosmetics, deck, hull, interior last. You know,
reward yourself and her for all the basic seaworthiness stuff.

What's cool about your Sport Fisherman --- It is one of the most ECONOMICAL
running boats E/J/OMC ever built, very EZ-going on fuel. And it's roomy and
a very stable platform. Nothing fancy, but a solid, well built boat for the
ages, to be sure.

You didn't mention your location? Has the boat ever been exposed to salt
water? If it's a fresh-water only boat you job will be a lot easier!

See my website for ideas:
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/

Lee Shuster

----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Hovind" <tchovind@...>
To: <omc-boats@...>
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 7:41 AM
Subject: [OMC-Boats] Tips on bringing Sport Fisherman back to life

> I've been given an Evinrude Sport Fisherman of an unknown year, 4 cyl. As
> this vessel hasn't seen water in 35 years I'm not sure where to begin or
> what to keep an eye out for.
> It will still probably be another 3 years until I can get the boat in the
> water, but seeing as this is a rare boat I thought I'd try into the groups
> collective knowledge and file this information away for when I can use it.
>
> I suppose the first thing I'll need will be a trailer. So any
> recommendations on them would appreciated. I'm thinking of an aluminum I
> beam trailer, single axle with disc brakes and torsion suspension. I'm
> mixed on roller or bunk style, and of course welcome recommendations on
> that and manufacturer. If it matters I plan to tow it with a 1/2 ton
> pickup. Another question about trailering, should trailer it with the
> mooring cover on or off?
>
> After getting it out of the garage I think the next logical thing to look
> at is the mechanicals. The engine I think I'll be okay with once I find a
> rebuilt kit for it I think I can tackle that without much fuss. But I have
> no idea what to do with the drive system. Is there anything unique about
> it that I should only trust certain boat shops, or is it generic enough
> that any shop would be able to check it out and get it back in running
> order? Given the conditions under which this has been stored I suspect
> that anywhere a rodent could get into, they have, so my thought is to
> disassemble it and make sure there aren't any old nests or anything in it
> first.
>
> Next up will be patching the nicks and scratches in the hull from 35 years
> of being in a garage with children's bikes and toys bumping into it. The
> deepest of these is only about 1/4 inch, and their few and mostly at the
> bow. Additionally the deck surfaces are very faded and will need some sort
> of reconditioning, again anything you're found that has worked I'm open to
> hearing about.
>
> Any tips, hints, words of wisdom that you may have will be appreciated.
> Are there items that I shouldn't even question but just replace (steering
> and throttle cables come to mind)?
> This is my first boat, and although these rare one's don't seem to be
> worth much, I'd like to keep it as original as possible.
>
>
> Thanks, and I hope you all are able to get in a few nice days of boating
> before it turns entirely too cold.
>
> -Tom
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Received on Sunday, 26 October 2008