[OMC-Boats] Fwd: 1969 Evinrude sportsman 155

> Hi Doug,
>
> Welcome Aboard, Doug!
>
> You found an excellent source of information as there are many here willing to share their experiences and ideas for enjoying, maintaining, restoring, and upgrading these fine vintage OMC-built craft. You'll learn by asking questions but also try to first do a little internet research on your own-- you'll be amazed what Google will turn up. If you are new to boating, there are lots of resources to look into. While these "can" be good boats for first timers and those on limited budgets, they most likely will require a lot more TLC and attention (not to mention $$$$) than your brand new $20,000 and up rig. I guarantee that your 1969 Evinrude will grab more attention and can provide a rewarding experience if you are willing to approach her in the right frame of mind. (Right, Bill?)
>
> I guess the advice I'd give newcomers is to sit down and evaluate what you have acquired, what is you want to use it for and establish some sort of budget for your project. These guidelines probably apply to just about any hobby or recreational sport. For me personally, I've always encourages people to prioritize safety first, reliability, ease of use (convenience) and comfort and appearance last. Somewhere in there originality and authenticity rears its head.
>
> You'll find out pretty quickly, that many of these boats unique parts, while extremely well engineered and built are simply no longer available. So be willing to improvise, sometimes with your own ideas or use newer off-the-shelf (non-original) parts.
> For safety's sake don't be tempted to substitute automotive parts for marine approved parts, particularly within the engine bay. (Alternators, carbs, flame arrestors, water pumps, etc). At the same time, it is good to know what engine parts are okay to substitute on GM-supplied engines.
>
> I'd start by doing a basic survey of the following sub-systems, you can hire this or DIY-it. If you are inclined to DIY-it get your hands on as much documentation as you can. Original OMC Shop Manuals, Parts manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Owners Manuals exist and a couple of third-party manuals (SELOC and Clymer) are available for the sterndrive. They take some patience to find but to come up on eBay, and some have been scanned and are on Phil's site. There just isn't such a think as a one-stop shopping source, at least none that I've found.
>
> A) Trailer: Wheel bearings, tires, brakes, electrical lighting. People have lost their prized OMC boats due to trailer failures. While these trailers were amazing in their day (disc brakes, torsion suspension, etc.), a modern, wide stance trailer (new or used, properly fitted and sized to support the OMC hull, will provide greater safety and reliability. You can cruise around Phil's web site and see how others have replaced their original OMC trailer or view my website: http://hhscott.com/evinrude/escort_trailers.htm
>
> B) Boat's Electro-Mechanical Subsystems
>
> 1) Fuel (tank, pump, filters, lines), Is the tank rust-free, secure and grounded? Shut-off valve working and leak-free? All fuel lines secure and leak-free? Too many people ignore this, especially on older vehicles that have sat around for any length of time. Start here, do not pass go until you have completely and exhaustively completed this step!!
>
> 2) Electrical (Wiring, Battery, Connections, Alternator, Switches, Fuses)
>
> All helm Instruments and switches in working order?
> No wiring splices or Wire-nut modifications?
> Battery terminals clean and covered with non-conductive covers?
> Relays and terminals cleaned and corrosion-free?
> All aftermarket accessories properly fused?
>
> C) Exterior/Interior Hull
>
> 1) Check for water logging under the interior floor. (Accurately weigh empty boat or drill exploratory "core" holes.) This is common on any boat that is exposed to the elements over a period of time. Fixing it is not impossible but may involve a lot more work (time & money) than you are willing to invest. Best to find out sooner, rather than later.
> 2) Examine transom, keel and under hull for cracks or damage.
> 3) Check, clean, polish hull for best performance.
>
> D) OMC Electric Stringer Specific issues:
>
> 1) Proper OMC Type C lowercase lube, proper upper
> 2) Proper impeller pump care and cooling operation including manifolds and hoses (restrictions or leaks are common on forty-plus year old boats)
> 3) Ball gear wear and protection (Always run engine in fully down position except for emergency shallow water or beaching)
> 4) Insure engine is properly tuned to insure specified idle speed (higher idle speeds will reduce life of lower unit due to clunky, harsh shifting.
> 5) Insure prop is correct pitch and verify lower unit gear ratio are correct for engine (manually count static revolutions of engine to prop.)
>
> E) Safety and Convenience:
> 1) All recommended USCG safety items: PFD's, Navigation/Anchor Lighting, Fire Extinguishers, Anchor, Sounding device, etc., docking bumpers & lines, ladder, VHF radio, bilge pump, bilge ventilation
> 2) Interior seating, flooring, covers (mooring, trailering, front tonneau), top (original or walk under bimini tops), foul weather side/aft curtains
>
> I've probably left off some import stuff -- but that's what comes to the top of my head. Most of all be safe, have fun and try not to break the bank...
>
> Lee Shuster
> Salt Lake City
>
> 1966 Evinrude Sportsman
>
>
> On Feb 21, 2010, at 9:46 AM, spauldingv@... wrote:
>
>>
>> We just purchased this boat and have no idea where to begin which the restoration. Need suggestions of places to look for restoration products.
>> thanks
>> Doug
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Received on Sunday, 21 February 2010