PaulO
05-01-2000, 02:19 PM
Despite less than ideal weather and suffering from a nasty cold, I launched the Donzi this weekend for its trial run after a long winter full of updates. 1973 2+3 Here is the short list:
Repowered from SBC/Volvo to SBC/Alpha
Moved steering from Port to Starboard
Repainted transom/deck in Imron
Installed new guages/switches
Installed windshield
I kept the motor from the donor boat which was a 260 Mercruiser. I swapped cams and intake and replaced the risers. I reworked the stringers to accomodate the new motor. I used the Morse rack and pinion steering along with the power assist. I used the donor boat's merc single lever control with trim/tilt switches.
Happily, there were no show stoppers. I got the engine running and the shift cables adjusted in the driveway and only had to make minor adjustments to idle and shift once in the water.
The wind was horrible so the bay was way too rough to do any speed testing. But I can report some interesting things. Although hard to describe, the boat handling is completely different. Operation at all speeds is much smoother and quieter ( this can be due to many things. I will not speculate). The poor shifting that many Merc owners complain of is negligible. The outdrive seems to "carry" the boat much more at both bow and stern. Even trimmed in, the bow rides higher. Of course, trimming out produces unbelievable results. The whole boat rises up out of the water and does its little chine walking dance. Steering is great and overall handling is much improved. Even at high trim angles, the boat is much more stable and corners better.
Unfortunately, I do have an oil leak that needs to be fixed. I had a funny looking timing cover that I decided to go with anyway. I think that is the source. Hopefully, I will be able to fix it without pulling the motor.
Many thanks to all for questions answered and suggestions offered. Without GEO's input, I probably would have talked myself out of moving the steering. That would have been a big mistake as it rides perfectly at speed. Thanks to Gene D. for many pointers on the stringer thing and the transom hole. Thanks Chris for egging me on. Now, get yours done!
Paul
Repowered from SBC/Volvo to SBC/Alpha
Moved steering from Port to Starboard
Repainted transom/deck in Imron
Installed new guages/switches
Installed windshield
I kept the motor from the donor boat which was a 260 Mercruiser. I swapped cams and intake and replaced the risers. I reworked the stringers to accomodate the new motor. I used the Morse rack and pinion steering along with the power assist. I used the donor boat's merc single lever control with trim/tilt switches.
Happily, there were no show stoppers. I got the engine running and the shift cables adjusted in the driveway and only had to make minor adjustments to idle and shift once in the water.
The wind was horrible so the bay was way too rough to do any speed testing. But I can report some interesting things. Although hard to describe, the boat handling is completely different. Operation at all speeds is much smoother and quieter ( this can be due to many things. I will not speculate). The poor shifting that many Merc owners complain of is negligible. The outdrive seems to "carry" the boat much more at both bow and stern. Even trimmed in, the bow rides higher. Of course, trimming out produces unbelievable results. The whole boat rises up out of the water and does its little chine walking dance. Steering is great and overall handling is much improved. Even at high trim angles, the boat is much more stable and corners better.
Unfortunately, I do have an oil leak that needs to be fixed. I had a funny looking timing cover that I decided to go with anyway. I think that is the source. Hopefully, I will be able to fix it without pulling the motor.
Many thanks to all for questions answered and suggestions offered. Without GEO's input, I probably would have talked myself out of moving the steering. That would have been a big mistake as it rides perfectly at speed. Thanks to Gene D. for many pointers on the stringer thing and the transom hole. Thanks Chris for egging me on. Now, get yours done!
Paul