Sean
Well-Known Member
Well,
I've been posting enough that I thought i should keep a progress report (of sorts) in one place. So, this is the place.
The (condensed) story so far...Bought the factory original boat in 2008. general condition overall was good. A couple of soft spots led to a chain of decisions that resulted in a complete new hull, about half the frames and keel plus new transom.
While the hull was at the SPA, the Mercruiser 165 HP IL6 cyl and pre-alpha drivetrain was out being refreshed (with no major surgery). They were reunited in spring of 2011 and scheduled for completion for August 2011. Uh...nope. didn't happen for many reasons so, we pushed for spring 2011 and I got the boat back in May 2011.
Due to the messed up timing I had to send the boat for it's interior right away (or loose the spot at the shop I'd waited 2 years for). We decided to modify the interior to allow for a hidden convertable top by moving the rear seat forward. At the same time we chose a more modern "Greavette" upholstery pattern while leaving the wrap around seating. The combination ALMOST proved too much and the progress was slow. In the end I received the boat back in mid - June...But the results were spectacular.
So off to the wiring shop it went for a two day complete re-wire job. This, of course turned into a 5 week ordeal. While the wiring worked it wasn't what I wanted and wasn't a neat as i was expecting...but, what are you going to do?
I was excited to pick the boat up and finally get it wet. It looked great and drove beautifully except...and there's always an EXCEPT...it was overheating. the details of this problem are on this forum in other areas. Suffice it to say we tried, and tried until late September to get it right. After looking at the dollars spent and the still looming uncertainty of the actual problem I decided to ditch the old powertrain for a new one.
I found a 1988 EDSON 17' GTS with a 4.3 V6 Mercruiser/alpha combination. I test drove the craft, bought it and had it delivered to my boat tech in the same day. Two days later the Edson was "chips in a landfill" and the important stuff was in my garage.
In the mean time, I changed all the rub rails on the Greavette to 1" polished aluminum and re-worked the boat cover tie downs on the trailer to withstand trailering with the cover on (or hurraicane Sandy).
After a little research, I bought a pair of Vortec heads from the local pick-a-part and sent them to be redone. new 1.6 roller rockers and stiffer springs included. I also ordered an edelbrock 2114 manifold and matching edelbrock 1409 carb to feed the Vortecs. The other big choice was a Mercruiser camshaft (from the 230HP version of the 4.3). I have also treated myself to an aluminum water pump and alloy engine pullies to lighten up this lump and add a little bling for the ACBS purists to get peeved at.
So, as of November 11 (rememberance Day) this is where we sit.
I've been posting enough that I thought i should keep a progress report (of sorts) in one place. So, this is the place.
The (condensed) story so far...Bought the factory original boat in 2008. general condition overall was good. A couple of soft spots led to a chain of decisions that resulted in a complete new hull, about half the frames and keel plus new transom.
While the hull was at the SPA, the Mercruiser 165 HP IL6 cyl and pre-alpha drivetrain was out being refreshed (with no major surgery). They were reunited in spring of 2011 and scheduled for completion for August 2011. Uh...nope. didn't happen for many reasons so, we pushed for spring 2011 and I got the boat back in May 2011.
Due to the messed up timing I had to send the boat for it's interior right away (or loose the spot at the shop I'd waited 2 years for). We decided to modify the interior to allow for a hidden convertable top by moving the rear seat forward. At the same time we chose a more modern "Greavette" upholstery pattern while leaving the wrap around seating. The combination ALMOST proved too much and the progress was slow. In the end I received the boat back in mid - June...But the results were spectacular.
So off to the wiring shop it went for a two day complete re-wire job. This, of course turned into a 5 week ordeal. While the wiring worked it wasn't what I wanted and wasn't a neat as i was expecting...but, what are you going to do?
I was excited to pick the boat up and finally get it wet. It looked great and drove beautifully except...and there's always an EXCEPT...it was overheating. the details of this problem are on this forum in other areas. Suffice it to say we tried, and tried until late September to get it right. After looking at the dollars spent and the still looming uncertainty of the actual problem I decided to ditch the old powertrain for a new one.
I found a 1988 EDSON 17' GTS with a 4.3 V6 Mercruiser/alpha combination. I test drove the craft, bought it and had it delivered to my boat tech in the same day. Two days later the Edson was "chips in a landfill" and the important stuff was in my garage.
In the mean time, I changed all the rub rails on the Greavette to 1" polished aluminum and re-worked the boat cover tie downs on the trailer to withstand trailering with the cover on (or hurraicane Sandy).
After a little research, I bought a pair of Vortec heads from the local pick-a-part and sent them to be redone. new 1.6 roller rockers and stiffer springs included. I also ordered an edelbrock 2114 manifold and matching edelbrock 1409 carb to feed the Vortecs. The other big choice was a Mercruiser camshaft (from the 230HP version of the 4.3). I have also treated myself to an aluminum water pump and alloy engine pullies to lighten up this lump and add a little bling for the ACBS purists to get peeved at.
So, as of November 11 (rememberance Day) this is where we sit.
