Mystery Boat
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3207
Printed Date: June-15-2024 at 3:32pm
Topic: Mystery Boat
Posted By: Mercrewser
Subject: Mystery Boat
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 3:52pm
I hope it is OK to post this here. We do this mystery boat thing on other boards and people seem to enjoy it. I am no longer looking for a Correct Craft because I just bought this boat. I kicked a few CC trailer tires, but ended up buying this, even though it wasnt for sale. I knocked on the owners door and made an offer. It needs a little work, but it is 100% original. Thought some of you older boat fans might enjoy looking. Any one know what it is?
Please disregard the name, I had just bought the boat and I didnt have a chance to take it off yet.  ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Replies:
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 4:04pm
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Don't know who built it,But I will guess it was built in 1969-70. Good looking boat,windsheild. It Looks like a Formula.
Congrats. on the new boat.I know you been looking awhile. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: 82tique
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 4:38pm
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Donzi?
....bad luck to change the name of a boat (even if it is cheesy) ------------- Life is Good. |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 5:16pm
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Year is right. 1969. Not a Donzi though, but close. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 5:35pm
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James
Are you saying, it's not a Formula? ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 6:32pm
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Not a Formula. It has a 327 Chev V8 in it. Engine Pic should give it away. Look closely. This is hull number 39 of only 86 made. It is pretty rare. But it built by a well known boat builder. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 6:42pm
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Chris Craft or Cobalt Then....It's a Chris Craft ------------- Scott |
Posted By: duffnit
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 6:53pm
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I'm with Scott.
Between the windshield, and the motor I think it's a Chris Craft. ------------- Danny "no offense- but the rate at which you spread bad information is very impressive" |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 8:27pm
Chris Craft Commander Super Sport.  ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 8:38pm
That was fun! Let us do it again. I got this one in Texas.Very rare. Hint: 455 Olds, Berkley jet drive. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-17-2006 at 8:40pm
That's going to be a beauty! Is that a v-drive? http://www.antiqueboat.com/boatforsale.html check out the prices on these Chris Crafts. Look at "Classic Glass" Section. ------------- Scott |
Mercrewser wrote:Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 8:36am
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You stumped me Scott! Yes mine is a v-drive. Paragon pv31, 1 to 1 ratio. Any more hints? ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 8:37am
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Mercruiser,
I don't find any reference to Commanders that size in any of my Criss Craft books. Looks to me that Commander was the new fiberglass line of boats and most were very large cruisers. Is it possible that it's from the Lancer Line of CC glass boats. That seems to be the brand for their smaller sport boats. They made a 17 and a 19 foot Lancer in 69 and one power option was the 230 hp v8. What is the length of yours? ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 8:54am
President of the Co. was world record holder, Ken Baker.He designed two high performance hulls:Famous V bottom and Tunnel. Built in California. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 9:10am
Looks more like the XK19. Because the hull and windsheild look the same. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 2:11pm
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In 1969, they called this the Commander SS. It is 19 ft long. 86 built with a v-drive and 15 with a I/O. The hull number had a FRAV prefix in the Chris Craft books. In 1970, they called it the XK 19. They only built 276 XK 19s till 1974. I think ORZ was the prefix for XKs. Same hull with subtle differences. Almost all XKs had I/O power. It is different than a Lancer, but both were designed by Jim Wynne.
Scott, I'm still stumped  ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 2:14pm
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Scott, Sidewinder? ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: 82tique
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 6:27pm
that orange boat is FUGLY!
Looks like something austin powers would drive. RIP ------------- Life is Good. |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 6:28pm
You cheatin dog! Did you get that off my file name??? Next time Im going to have to do that different....I'll get you next time! 
What wasn't on the file name was the year? Any guesses? Here's a hint...only 30 original hours! ------------- Scott |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 6:36pm
Your mamma probably cleaned this color out of your diapers when this boat was new! ------------- Scott |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 6:46pm
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Now 82 - calling another man's boat Fugly
is like calling his wife Fugly. Just not a good idea. Scott, I'll bet that orange boat has a "great personality." BKH
------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 6:55pm
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I knew someone was going to jump to my defense! That was harsh, but I'll pull through...I didnt want to mention that I sold my house and first born son to have that boat but with some more therapy I should be ok! So I guess I better not mention I have matching clothes to wear for when I take it out!
Thanks Brian! I knew I could count on you... ------------- Scott |
Posted By: JEFF KOSTIS
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 7:09pm
A orange speedo??? 
I couldnt pass this one up.. Jeff... ------------- MUSTANG COUNTRY http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1074 - 1974 Mustang 17 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1093 - 1976 Mustang 17 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 7:16pm
Orange speedo,and water shoes  ------------- Scott |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 6:14am
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The Sidewinder should have been an easy guess due to the unique/patented high back/windshield design, should have been if it wasn't copied by so many others. My outboard skiboat is a Tahiti, one of the big sidewinder clones, they weren't shy about copying either it takes a real expert and a close look to tell the difference without the badges. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 6:36am
Good job! I don't know many people, that have even heard the name Sidewinder. And no one that knows they were copied by so many other boat builders. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 7:08am
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Of course maybe there weren't have been so many copies made if sidewinder was so predesposed to produce such awesome hull designs with such fugly colors, the orange hull is much more to my taste than the not quite emerald greens and almost peanut butter browns of the sidewinders that I have seen over the last ten years. Can't say enough about the hull design though, fast, turns on rails and takes on water much larger boats would be turned back by, only problem with the hull on the outboard versions is the propensity to sink if left tied to the dock overnight with the stern to weather (was that two or three times that boat has sank on me now?). I am sure the jetdrive versions don't share that issue since there is not a big goofy outboard hanging off the transom making the stern sink and bow rise. The only jetboats I have ever owned I kept just long enough to rebuild the engine and sell, seemed like if the old guys I was buying them from kept blowing engines there was no way I wasn't going to do something stupid and blow one up.
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: Mojoman
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 7:43am
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Mercrewser..
Check out this site: www.forestportboatco.com I almost bought a XK19 Chris Craft from them. I couldn't get them down from the $35,000 price tag though.. They have one pictured on the site they were building for Alan Jackson.. They rebuild them from the hull up.. Pics on the site of a lot of these boats. They might be of assistance to you.. Moj 
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Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 8:00am
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James
I forgot to ask you the other day, what your plans were for your new CC. Total restore,or clean and buff it and enjoy? Joe I got that Sidewinder about a year ago, and haven't taken it out yet. The only jet drive I have driven was a Glastron cvx20..real fast. When you eased off the throttle, water washed over the stern and flooded the cockpit.A real cool looking boat ,but not very practical. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 8:27am
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Scott,
I would recommend getting some sort of rev limiter before really enjoying that boat, it doesn't take much cavitation to let one of those big blocks really rev up, like I alluded to before most big block jet boats I have seen for sale over the years are needing rebuild, or just rebuilt very few are around that are original engine high hours boats. Glastron/Carlsons have been big on my lake forever so I have owned/driven a few, typically they are best left to small lakes although some of the Carlson versions were made well enough and some were downright fast. As for stopping too quick and drenching the back seat, most any of the 4 seat sportboat type outboards I have owned including my current Tahiti are very prone to that type of behavior, so in fact is my mustang if you have people in the back seat. I am hoping once I get the old foam and stringers out it becomes slightly less prone to swamping (front and back) but we put a lot of people into it so I am not holding my breath. I doubt its ever going to be a completely dry boat. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: 82tique
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 8:28am
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Sorry to offend. Thought you were playing trivia, not showing off your own rig. Should have read a bit closer....(wasn't really talking about the color though)
BKH- thanks for chiming in- you're always right. sorry for thinking outloud  ------------- Life is Good. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 8:38am
A nice thought, but if I had a dollar for every time I've stuck my foot in my mouth . . . well, you know. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 9:42am
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Brian; You are the conscience of the site. We all need ya man!
john PS; plus our trivia expert. How's the back, BTW? ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 9:54am
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Another nice thought, but this site has great concience on its own.
Threadjack I know. Thanks for asking John. Back is doing great. 6 days of snow skiing in the last two weeks with no problems. Pulled the boat out of the water this weekend for fluid changes and new impeller. Now, if it will ever stop raining here in CA looking forward to giving the back a try out on the water. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 11:10am
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82
It took awhile and some research before I bought it..That boat has to, shall we say..grow on you. I knew when I got it, I was going to take some ribbing. And I also knew,it was one of a kind, and in new cond. So... I can take anything dished out to me,in the spirit of fun. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mojoman
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 12:26pm
Bla Bla Scott, now where's the damn pics of the Torino already hehe.... Let's see the new paint....
Moj' |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 1:59pm
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It's painted, but not put back together.So....no pictures till I can really show it off.Then it goes up for sale! ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mojoman
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 2:44pm
Awww, selling ??? why's that? Just on to the next project? Bring it to Green Lake, will ya??? Moj'
|
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 3:19pm
I guess some guys just prefer fugly boats. LOL. Just kidding.  BKH------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 3:52pm
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Scott, is this a hobby that you turned into making a little money? Sounds like you turn a few boats around. Here's what's bugging me, your profile says you're only one year older than me and yet it says you're RETIRED/ Self Employeed. I'm self employeed too and I work harder than a 3 legged dog. I think I need some advice man, you're doin something right. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 3:57pm
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Yea, Time for another project.I'd really like to go to GL.But that 10hr. drive........
And yes,BKH I just might keep "Miss Fugly" for awhile. But it to will find a good home probably sooner than later. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 4:07pm
What my profile doesn't say,is that I get the kids on and off the school bus,make breakfast,lunch and dinner,clean the house,cut the grass,wash the clothes etc..etc...I have a new respect for stay at home moms. I'm also partners with a guy that repairs boats.I don't do alot of the work, but I do like a project or two a year..just to get away from the kids/house..I need a job. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 4:38pm
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[QUOTE=scott8370] James
I forgot to ask you the other day, what your plans were for your new CC. Total restore,or clean and buff it and enjoy? Buff and enjoy! We are putting a new floor in, and trying to run the engine. The boat was left out, uncovered to the elements since 1996. It is amazing the condition it is in. There was only a few areas of rot on in the floor. Stringers were fine. It is 100% original, on the original trailer. Mojoman, which boat is Alan Jacksons? I have heard rumors he has one, but I would like to know which one. It is a Commander, or an Xk19? ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 4:54pm
Scott, I feel better now, I thought you just sat around drinking little umbrella drinks working on your boat. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: Mojoman
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 6:28am
The blue one shown with white strips I believe was a 69' XK19 with a 318 chrysler motor, V-drive... Rare. They built the boat from the ground up after presenting it to Mr. Jackson. $35K... I wanted the same one but in white with white interior... but he wouldn't break the price.. There is only a handfull left.. If that is what yours is, it's worth some cash for sure !! That boat company does some quality work. I was very impressed... They find those boats up there tucked away in boat houses all around the lakes in upstate NY.. Moj' |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 8:26am
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Yet another small world story. The Forestport boat shop is in the town where I spent all my summers growing up. Population about 52. Was surprised to see Forestport come up in a conversation here, especially from a midwesterner. I guess that shop does pretty good work though. I know of people who have taken their woodies there to get redone.
That orange boat certainly is...unique. Sort of a distorted one of these 
I ran this taylor jet for about a year. Couldn't keep it going. Jets are tough. About 12,000 rpm and no resistance whatsoever is bad for engines, I guess. ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: Mojoman
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 8:34am
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75', I thought the XK19 was the coolest boat ever.. My dad almost bought one when I was young.. Researching a few years back, the Forestport boat co was the only place I found that will go and find the boat you want, refurbish it in the color of choice and warantee it... So on a trip to Plattville, NY on business once, I checked out the boat shop and that's when they were finishing Alan Jacksons boat.. The price is to much for me for a 5 passenger, no sking type boat... Place is still around.... Lot's of old boats in the mountain lakes up there !!!
Moj' |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 9:20am
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75 Tique,
You have a good eye, the taylor is indeed similar, in fact it is one of at least a dozen companies sued by Sidewinder for copying its hull design, and one of the worst offenders. Marlin, Tahiti, Wriedt, and Taylor are all basically built of molds made from Sidewinders, in particular the 16 and 18 foot "super sidewinders" that taylor is an exact copy of one of those very simaler to my tahiti. Don't know the model of Scott's boat though maybe he wants to enlighten us? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 11:10am
The taylor had nice lines, was quite slick, and with the same engine as the sidewinder (455 olds, 355 hp) and huge exhaust ports, the thing screamed. I liked the lines. The orange boat seems a tad short and fat (really, we're not picking on you again) I was thinking maybe the photo got distorted in production and it really looks more like this.
Just a thought. And just kidding...I think old unique boats are great...like the old original glass boats with the monster fins. ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 11:23am
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The Sidewinder that I have is a 1973 XL19 Deep Vee. With a 92" beam, and approx. weight of 2300lbs with the Olds. 455 and Berkley jet drive.
I purchsed this boat and 7 others at a auction in TX in 2005. The story goes, the best I can remember, the owner/president or some hot shot from Sidewinder was going through a divorce and took these 8 boats and hid them in a warehouse somewhere so they wouldnt be included in the divorce. This took place in 1974. This boat was untouched for 30+ years! The Sidewinder came with some original paperwork and brochure. After reading the brochure I noticed the XL models were not offered in this orange color (and the boat is all original) so I suspect he had this one made special for himself. With 30 original hours, needless to say, it has the original upholstery, carpet etc...all in perfect condition. There is not a scratch on this boat inside or out! It came on the original "Dilly" trailer with the original tires, which I have replaced since. The boat is currently in our shop. We pulled the engine out and took it up to our local engine guy who is dismantling, replacing necessary seals and gaskets. Just a precaution due to it not running in 30+ years. Here is the brochure picture and boat feature in case anyone is interested in seeing them. 
------------- Scott |
Posted By: 82tique
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 11:32am
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mmmmmm guacamole ------------- Life is Good. |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 6:17pm
That boat is identical to mine, except I have a 327 CID Chris Craft motor. Same year too, 1969. There were only 86 v-drives that year, and 15 I/Os. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 8:26pm
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Scott, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sidewinder-Jet-Boat-Olds-455-Engine-and-Berkley-Jet_W0QQitemZ4624318667QQcategoryZ80653QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 9:12pm
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James
Thank you so much!I would love to have that one. I'm going to wait till,close to end of auction, and bid on it..if the price stays low.Ican't believe this.I have never seen another one of that model (same as mine). Thanks again..and keep watch for my bid. I'll paint this one purple!.. Just kidding------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 5:47am
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Let me know if you buy it! ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 1:10pm
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Hey Scott, what kind of trans/v-drive do you have in the Torino? I have a Paragon PV-300 series that has some "issues". Sending it out. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 2:07pm
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My blankity blank computer keeps locking up every time I try to reply to your question. Anyway.. I have a velvet drive trans.
I think you can get a rebuild kit for yours on Ebay. What type of issues you having?Not that I know anything about Paragon. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 2:12pm
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Clutch plates are stuck in forward. I was sternly warned NOT to run engine until its fixed. There is no neutral. Goes directly into reverse with bad noise. Gotta find someone to work on it. V-drive has its own fluid, and it had alot of water in it. I want it gone over too. CC guys say v-drive is bullet proof and that it is probably fine. This is a freshwater only boat, so I think I will be OK. Cases seem good. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 4:35pm
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You said the boat was exposed to the weather for years. Maybe the bildge drain got clogged and filled with water, allowing the water to enter through the vents.I agree,you'll be OK
You didn't find water in the engine? If you did,I would think the boat sank at some point. If no water, then just a little too much rain water ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 5:58pm
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Water in engine too. I figure from condensation. Boat was dry when I got it, plug was out and no debris. I thought I had pumped all the old engine oil and water out before I changed it and ran the engine. Well, I got milkshake, and I was running it dry, so some water must have been on the bottom of the pan. Oh well, it bothered me, but everything cant go perfectly. Now water is spread thoughout engine, but I did change it again. There is no drainplug in pan, you have to pump it, and apparently it is hard to get the tube to the bottom of the pan. Engine runs like new, I still cant believe it. A little frustrating to see the milkshake, but engines have been put through worse I guess. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |
Posted By: scott8370
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 6:50pm
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James
Would you be willing to pull the engine and at least remove the oil pan and flush the engine. I just don't think you should start it anymore and risk damage.your lucky so far. If you don't do that kind of work yourself, you should have a pro look at it before running it again.In the meantime it probably wouldn't hurt to flush some more oil through it. ------------- Scott |
Posted By: Mercrewser
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 8:14pm
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Everything is coming out. I think the engine is Ok now, oil looks decent. ------------- 1969 Chris Craft Commander SS #39 |