1980 stars & stripes project boat-questions

[Sidewinder]

Barefootjoe,

Do you have any pics of the transom looking from the engine area aft? I'm about to fix my swim platform and/or remove it and I'm really curious to see what it looks like / what bolts / lag screws go into... I posted a few questions here http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=33234 if you're interested. Thanks!

[Cloaked]

Someone has put the shadetree knee grow mojo on that boat. It's not a lost cause but you have some work to do to get it back to a state of somewhat original.

If you pull the exhaust hoses at the manifolds, be prepared to struggle to get the new ones back into place. If the current ones are good, leave them be for now and work on the transom. Don't ask how I know...

You'll need a blower too. Do not use the boat without proper (and required) ventilation.

[Cloaked]

Originally Posted by Sidewinder

Barefootjoe,

Do you have any pics of the transom looking from the engine area aft? I'm about to fix my swim platform and/or remove it and I'm really curious to see what it looks like / what bolts / lag screws go into... I posted a few questions here http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=33234 if you're interested. Thanks!

It's nothing but a 2" x 6" plank on it's edge running the length of the boat (the stringer). The lag bolts screw into each side (stringer) right into the end of the exposed grain of the wood. I have pics of through-bolt installation. Your pics in the other thread show the stringers that the lag bolts go into. Look at the thread I did a few years back when I did this replacement.

.

[Cloaked]

Originally Posted by barefootjoe

Todays question, Speedometer lines and ?(large metal tubes) What are they and should they be replaced? My thinking is its easier to replace this stuff now while the back end is apart.

Yes and correct. Also replace the older pitot tubes with the newer pickups. They do not collect trash near as much.

[barefootjoe]

Thanks for all the input, so more to add to the to do list.
Im going to try 6 inch ledger lockers where the lag bolts were and see if I can hit some solid stringers to grab. Will let you know on the results. I am also having plates made up for the inside/bolts simular to the pic you posted.

Yes, blower, I forgot all about that.
When I was a kid in WI I watched a stars and stripes blow up. It launched the two kids sitting on the engine box right out of the boat and then burned to the water line. Everyone got out safe thankfully.

Where is the blower normally located and where should I look for the electric leads?

[thatsmrmastercraft]

The blower on my '77 is above the fuel tank. Pretty much have to be a contortionist to do anything with it unless you pull the tank ahead.

[79_SnS_atl]

Yes, this makes changing the oil MUCH easier, keep that there and flush it. I recommend putting a gate valve just after the line from the oil pan so you have redundancy if the plug a the stern comes out accidentally.

[79_SnS_atl]

Originally Posted by barefootjoe

Bent front fin.

Call Donnie Bennett at Bennett Boat Works. He more than likely has a replacement , he bought all of MasterCrafts old parts. 865-982-9589. If he does not have it then Rambo marine In AL could have what you need also www.rambomarine.com

[79_SnS_atl]

Originally Posted by barefootjoe

Todays question, Speedometer lines and ?(large metal tubes) What are they and should they be replaced? My thinking is its easier to replace this stuff now while the back end is apart.

Might want to be careful about replacing those because it is not easy to run a new line down the gunwale of the boat, they are encased in a tube and then surrounded in foam for flotation.

Check out my resto project of my '79 SNS
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=...02832819752389

[79_SnS_atl]

Originally Posted by barefootjoe

This weekend I completed step one and sold the bayliner! Yea! Now I have some funds freed up to really get going.

I Removed the gas tank and 15 gallons of 3 year old gas. Here are my questions on this end of the boat.

1. What is the best way to clean the varnish out of the gas tank?
2. Do I need to tear up the floor to get the mufflers and lines out or can I disocnnect the lines at the the flaps and engine, and slide them and the mufflers out past the engine?
3. The back transom seems really flimsy and my swim platform is loose, what is the best way to re-inforce the rear transom?
3. While I am under there, is there any maintinance that needs to be done to the steering fin coupler?

Thanks for the input.

#3. Check the rudder port and see if the jamb nut is loose or binding. If so you either need to replace or tighten. If worn you need to replace because your steering will bind in a turn. 3 parts to the rudder - rudder, rudder port (through the keel) and the rudder arm.