PDA

View Full Version : 1971 Donzi Boat



jameseaves
07-13-2010, 11:06 AM
Does any one no anything about a 1971 Donzi boat. I recently picked up one and it is a V-Drive, was that stock. Also it has a Chevey 454 big block in it

mattyboy
07-13-2010, 11:12 AM
yes v-drives were a stock option from the factory, what model donzi is it? the 454 most likely is not original but might be.

jameseaves
07-13-2010, 05:54 PM
I am not sure what model it is or how to tell the boat is about 18 foot long

onesubdrvr
07-13-2010, 05:58 PM
I am not sure what model it is or how to tell the boat is about 18 foot long
A picture would help,... but 71 and 18, I can only think of a 18 2+3,.. but that's me and my relatively uneducated mind in these matters

Wayne

bertsboat
07-13-2010, 06:22 PM
It wouldn't happen to only have one seat would it?????

mattyboy
07-13-2010, 07:51 PM
how do you know it is a 71??? in that era Donzi made a couple of 18 footers a couple of 19 footers and an almost 17 footer that could be v drives also some 21 and 22 footers as well

pictures are needed

seating layout

1 drivers seat and an L shaped side rear bench??

2 buckets and a rear bench??


if it is a single benchseat it most likely is not a 71 plus it would be 19 feet long

most likely not a skisporter with a 454 in it

look at the model list link to the left of the page see if you see your boat?

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 06:18 AM
The boat is registered as a 1971. It looks like a classic 18. Two swivel seats, bench seat in back, no windsield, drivers seat on left side of boat. I will take pictures and post. any idea what this boat would sell for?

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 06:25 AM
Looking at the pictures of the model listings it looks mostly like either the 2+3 (18) or the Corsican.

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 11:55 AM
How do you upload photos?

Just Say N20
07-14-2010, 02:57 PM
Click the Manage Attachments button.

Then it will let you browse your computer. Find the pictures, and when all 5 lines are filled (or not if you don't have 5 pictures), hit the upload button.

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 07:29 PM
here is a piture

mattyboy
07-14-2010, 07:34 PM
18 2+3 do you have a hull number?

look on the tranny for a serial number

the motor serial number should be on the bell housing and the hull number should be on a silver tag in the back seat area or written on the back of the dash in black marker

427???

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 07:34 PM
What is a boat like this worth?

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 07:37 PM
Hull # 18V-26

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 07:39 PM
I am pretty sure it not the stock motor, it is a Chevy 454 with a Holly double pumper carb, and it looks like maybe a 400 turbo transmission, and it has a bm quick shifter, i reealy dont understand why it would have a car trans

mattyboy
07-14-2010, 07:52 PM
sorry that's right you said 454?? would have been a ford from the factory most likely a 400 hp 427 side oiler

where did you get the hull number??? it looks like it is missing a digit, a double digit hull would be a barrelback

nice boat would be worth more with the 427 but still a decent boat depending on structural , mechanical and fuel system condition the ball park is like 3k to 10k maybe a tad more to the right buyer if the condition is very good

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 09:20 PM
I was told it was a 454, how can I tell, the only thing I could fine on the motor was the casting numer on the block. The hull # was on the back behind the rear seat on a silver tag very hard to read

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 09:22 PM
was the 18 2+3 a V drive

Just Say N20
07-14-2010, 09:34 PM
18 2+3 is the way many people label this boat (hull & deck together). There was also an 18 with the 2+3 seating that had a different deck, called the X18. They also used the same hull with a different deck for the Corsican.

Most of the 18 2+3 boats were stern drive. They did make a few Jet drives and a few V-drives.

jameseaves
07-14-2010, 09:35 PM
Whats a barrelback?

Just Say N20
07-14-2010, 09:41 PM
The hull of the 18 started out with a slightly different bottom, and deck.

The bottom went to a sharp "V" at the keel, rather than the rounded bottom like we have today. The inner lifting strakes also went all the way to the transom, where later boats have them stopping maybe 2' in front of the transom.

When viewed from behind, the hull/deck joint looked like a barrell, hence the name.

This is a picture of another V-Drive Donzi that sold a while back, which also happens to be a barrellback.

mattyboy
07-15-2010, 05:48 AM
the model name is or was "2+3" as it was one of the first boats to have individual buckets seats up front . the barrelback and standard 18 both held that model name until the mid 80's when the name classic was given to the 18 and 22 during the Staples era. the X 18 and Corsican are different models even though the use the 18 bottom.




on the tag should be some other serial numbers for the engine and v drive . the serial number for the engine should start A9HM or something like that

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 06:27 AM
I looked at the Hull # again and it looks like 18V-626

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 07:13 AM
The tag is very hard to read but could be hull #18v-326 outdrive #7174 engine #a9hm-1030-1-r/w. Does this mean anything to anyone?

gcarter
07-15-2010, 08:29 AM
W/the late model auto trans mods reminds me of a boat that was posted on this site maybe 6-9 months ago...I don't remember if it was in this classification or "Donzis for sale" classification.
A thourough search should turn it up.
It was expemely well done.

V-drives w/their inherent parasite drag are usually fairly restrained in the speed department.
The fastest Donzi V-drive I know of is Wa-Lo, a V-drive Hornet w/a Roots blown BBF and about 900 HP.
It does about 85.
It sure is impressive though.

mattyboy
07-15-2010, 08:30 AM
yes that would make sense

if it is hull 326 that is from the right era . it is a 69 model not a 71 but that could be just from registering it with DMV.hull 26 is too early and 626 is to late

the motor was a 1969 holman moody ford 427 400 hp side oiler with a v drive and raw water cooling.

looks like the original "tangerine" orange color

is the boat still in NY???

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 11:10 AM
Why would they put a 3 speed auto transmission in a boat is that common, I have never seen a boat with a shifter

mattyboy
07-15-2010, 11:39 AM
that is not the original tranny

i have no idea why

mrfixxall
07-15-2010, 12:17 PM
W/the late model auto trans mods reminds me of a boat that was posted on this site maybe 6-9 months ago...I don't remember if it was in this classification or "Donzis for sale" classification.
A thourough search should turn it up.
It was expemely well done.

V-drives w/their inherent parasite drag are usually fairly restrained in the speed department.
The fastest Donzi V-drive I know of is Wa-Lo, a V-drive Hornet w/a Roots blown BBF and about 900 HP.
It does about 85.
It sure is impressive though.


George, what about the Mello Yello 18' v drive with the hilborn fi BBc in it..Didn't she clame it went over 100 mph?

gcarter
07-15-2010, 01:16 PM
Why would they put a 3 speed auto transmission in a boat is that common, I have never seen a boat with a shifter

These setups are very popular in SK boats on the West coast. A lot of them are Chevy Powerglides. They can be modified to handle 1500 HP or so.
I think the reason for them is if you're running an agressive prop pitch, you can accelerate pretty hard from a stop w/o prop cavitation because the prop is turning slower w/the greater reduction of the transmission.

gcarter
07-15-2010, 01:16 PM
George, what about the Mello Yello 18' v drive with the hilborn fi BBc in it..Didn't she clame it went over 100 mph?

Maybe so, I'm not familiar w/that boat.

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 05:31 PM
Is there a way I can tell if it is a Chevy Powerglide transmission

gcarter
07-15-2010, 05:40 PM
I think so....a Powerglide is about half the length of a THM 400 as it is only a two speed transmission and only one planetary gearset inside (I think).
But your first inclination is probably correct though.
As I mentioned previously, there was another (or maybe the same) boat w/a 400 if I remember correctly.

gcarter
07-15-2010, 05:42 PM
I don't think there's a torque converter in the tranny as it's not needed.

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 05:47 PM
Was there a lot of v drives built does it make it worth more

gcarter
07-15-2010, 06:14 PM
Not a lot. some here know the exact number.
It was an option for more horsepower in an era when outdrives were fairly weak.
If you wanted more than about 200 HP, I guess, your only option was a V-drive.
As far as value, it mainly depends on the condition and how bad someone wants a particular boat.
Boat collecting is not anywhere near as lucrative as car collecting.

mattyboy
07-15-2010, 07:47 PM
v drives were more popular in the earlier days by the 70's they were getting scarce in the classics as the new volvo 250 would take 350 hp it also was the waining years of the ford HM setups more and more chris craft small block chevies and volvos were seen, then shortly after that the trs boats

the v drive is an uncommon boat but being it is a 69 there is a possibilty that the tank is steel and needs to be replaced as well as the fuel lines.

I know you are trying to nail down a value but until you can answer if the stringers , transom and hull are solid and what the tank is made of and what condition the fuel system is in a value is hard to reach.my point if the tank is steel it most likely needs a deck off tank replacement that is a big minus on value

uncommon boats usually fetch a tad more money , but not like a limited edition/production boat like an X 18 or corsican with a wide fan base the fan or person willing to pay more for an uncommon power and drive combo of a v drive is a smaller market

it is worth what the buyer will pay, if this is for insurance replacement i would go with at least 25k

hdsadey
07-15-2010, 07:55 PM
The easiest way is to look at the pan. TH400 has a long pan looks like a shield and the PG has an almost square pan. On the Powerglide right hand side will be a triangulat servo cover with three bolts close to the bellhousing, the TH400 has a square four bolt cover towards the tailshaft on the right side.

jameseaves
07-15-2010, 09:07 PM
The transom and hull are solid and the gas tank is steel but apears in ok shape. The boat is dull and faded and could be re painted or jelled

JimG
07-15-2010, 09:26 PM
Very nice boat...

Don't gel or paint that boat. Keep it original. You'll be shocked at how that gelcoat will buff out...

Matty is dead on. I do disagree on one thing though...not all steel tanks have to be replaced right away. Mine is doing just fine and it's 40 yrs old.

Preserve... don't restore.

gcarter
07-16-2010, 06:53 AM
It's impossible to be absolutely sure of the tank condition if the tank is foamed in.
The only part you can actually see is the top and not the bottom where the corrosion takes place.
Also they will corrode from the outside in, so inspecting the inside is no surefire way to absolutely establish the condition of the bottom of the tank.
I've replaced two aluminum and one steel foamed in Donzi tanks. In the case of the steel tank, it was leaking, in the case of the aluminum tanks, they were corroded more than half of the way through the 1/8" aluminum.
I'm surely not saying that a 40 year old steel tank couldn't be in excellent condition, but I think that stitistics are on the side of being cautious.
It certainly doesn't devalue the boat to replace the tank, and gives people peace of mind.

On another subject, a couple of years ago, a member bought what could have been the sister to this boat. It was in pretty sad condition and missing the 427 side oiler. He asked me to make the hull and deck in "like new" condition and re-wire the boat. When I told him it would be $10K or more, he lost interest and resold the boat. Whatever you do, understand it's a pretty expensive hobby w/o very much upside.
There's a guy on eBay selling new side oiler 427's, or larger, for about $15-$20K.

mattyboy
07-16-2010, 07:22 AM
Maybe in texas's moderate climate but if that boat is in NY and it has the original steel tank and lines and fittings it has been exposed to ethanol which changes things real fast. I have 15 yr old system in the hornet the tank is ok but the lines were shot looked ok on the outside till you grabbed them . they were eating them selves from inside out. not to mention all that stuffed moved towards the motor who knows where it ended up

Bob
07-16-2010, 12:18 PM
Interesting boat. What V drive is in it? My 1971 Hornet has a Crusader (blue)connected to the Borg Warner velvet drive transmission. The model in mine is AS1172C. The decals, Instatrim trim tab pump and controls all match mine. If you are close to Lake George, I'd be happy to look it over and share what I know.

jameseaves
07-16-2010, 01:22 PM
Not sure what drive is in it, I dont no alot about boats, trying to learn as much as I can

v-drive
07-16-2010, 01:56 PM
George, the other v-drive boat that you were thinking of with a turbo 400 is under the thread REAREST DONZI MADE post numbers #276 and #281. Richy.

gcarter
07-16-2010, 05:39 PM
Thank you for posting that Richy. I tried to find it but was unsuccessful.
There's some very descriptive pictures here that go a long way to explain what Richy did.
This is very impressive work and a pretty exciting boat.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55457&highlight=V-drive&page=19

Start here and read to the end.

JimG
07-16-2010, 05:52 PM
George/Matty, are the tanks foamed on a 1971? I can't see any on mine...

gcarter
07-16-2010, 06:43 PM
Jim, I believe they've always been foamed in intil very recently w/the plastic tanks.

v-drive
07-16-2010, 06:50 PM
JimG, my serial number is C18V-357. Was it 2 boats from yours? Mine is a 1970 and the tank is still original, and it is foamed in.

gcarter
07-16-2010, 07:04 PM
Barry Kamp's 18, #219, which makes it somewhat older, had a foamed in rotten steel tank, which I replaced. Went to a longer 42 gallon aluminum tank.

gcarter
07-16-2010, 07:51 PM
FWIW, here's a new side oiler 496 CI Ford engine on eBay,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/427-FORD-SIDE-OILER-ENGINE-496-CUBIC-INCH-STROKER-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45e90b1cd0QQitemZ30026 2563024QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

JimG
07-16-2010, 09:48 PM
I had no idea...

Well, when mine starts giving me problems I'll know what I have to contend with.

mattyboy
07-17-2010, 08:40 AM
yes tanks were foamed in until the poly tanks of the late 90's which were "Strapped in"

in 71 or around then the USCG outlawed steel "terne" tanks and aluminum was used. not knowing alum doesn't rust but it does have issues with wet foam as well. I would only foam in a larger tank or oddly shaped one and use the method that George used some kind of coating to seal the tank, for a smaller tank I would used a support cradle system of feet and straps that let air and drainage under the tank.

now take the ravages of time, installation methods and add new fuel technology the fuel system in an old classic is under attack.

I have seen some 70-71 ish boats with alum. tanks . I guess in anticipation of the rulling from the CG tank mfg's started a little early.

this boat is a 69 so I would say if it is original it is a terne tank and might be sound now but any savy buyer is going to know that won't last

i agree too, the gel will buff no need to paint and any investment in mechanicals will come out on the other end.

a donzi is an investment as far as I am concerned especially from other boats.

in 2001 I bought my 67 16 for $8500 in good mechanical shape and cosemetic shape. over my ownership I put around $3000 in improvements, new tank( needed it),gauges,interior and such.
in 2008 I sold the boat for $9500 and the other stuff I had gathered for it for another $3500 . I used the boat for 7 seasons and it basicall paid for itself. Hop into a sea ray use it for 7 years and see if you get your money back. not to mention the places and events the donzi opened up for me plus the real enjoyment every time I'd uncover it and hit the key.

so back to James' question what is it worth IMO knowing it is structurally solid the low end of 3k just went up to 5k and in the 5k-7k ball park.
if the economy was better a tad higher just my thoughts

JimG
07-17-2010, 09:42 AM
this boat is a 69 so I would say if it is original it is a terne tank and might be sound now but any savy buyer is going to know that won't last



I know that some day this "savvy buyer" will have to replace the tank, (doing it right now on my 88 Pace with alum tanks), but I'm going on seven years with no issues. Ain't broke...no fix. When I have problems with the tank, I'll probably go with a larger one.

gcarter
07-17-2010, 10:28 AM
I know that some day this "savvy buyer" will have to replace the tank, (doing it right now on my 88 Pace with alum tanks), but I'm going on seven years with no issues. Ain't broke...no fix. When I have problems with the tank, I'll probably go with a larger one.

You'll love the 42 gallon tank.
On a boat as efficient as yours, it might give a 300 mile range.

jameseaves
07-17-2010, 06:55 PM
I had the boat looked at and will definally not buff out the boat has been pained pryer but they did a piss more job.. Right not I am just going to get it running and decide what to do next. Here are some more pictures, and is normal in using a driveshaft off the transmission.

jameseaves
07-17-2010, 07:05 PM
Trying to post more pictures but it only lets me put 1 or 2 on at time?

jameseaves
07-17-2010, 07:22 PM
More Pictures

gcarter
07-17-2010, 07:23 PM
Trying to post more pictures but it only lets me put 1 or 2 on at time?

It does better if the pictures are resized using Photoshop or other program.
I noticed some of yours are over 2 mb. The ideal size would be 100-500 kb.
I resize mine to 8.5" X 11" using Photoshop and they'll average 200-400 kb.
The boat looks interesting. You should expect that after numerous owners and a bunch of different priorities that there might be things that will require some attention.
What would you like to accomplish?

jameseaves
07-17-2010, 08:24 PM
Not sure yet the boat was givin to me by my father in law. Just trying to figure out what I have, he doesn't no much about it. It has not been run since 1999. It has been covered up in a barn since then. For now I just a
going to get it running and see how it goes from there.

gcarter
07-17-2010, 08:33 PM
Hopefully the engine was winterized.

hdsadey
07-18-2010, 08:56 AM
That sure looks like a TH400. It looks like its got a 6 bolt tailshaft housing.

jameseaves
07-19-2010, 07:34 PM
Today I got the boat running, the motor sounds good.

jameseaves
07-19-2010, 08:04 PM
Where is the best place to hook water to when the
motor is running, I am hooked into the intake is that ok will it circulate through everything ok, like trans and v drive.

Bob
07-19-2010, 09:01 PM
Your V Drive is a Crusader 4500 which was standard equipment in 1971. When the engine is running, the water dump is on the port side.

mattyboy
07-20-2010, 08:23 AM
it looks to be the original shifter knob and decals , if so this would be the earliest boat 69 that I have seen that has the Chisholm lion and dolphin logo. which would support the theory that when the Chisholms gained full ownership they abandoned the prop logo ( most likely cause of legal issues and not being able to trade made it).

previously this was thought to have happened in the early 70's but now it looks like it was closer to 1968 and the time they gained full ownership from teleflex.

glad to hear you got it running that is a biggy

cutwater
07-20-2010, 08:46 AM
Not so sure, Matty. He said the boat was repainted. They would have had to replace the decals after painting.

mattyboy
07-20-2010, 08:50 AM
That's why I said "IF SO" can't tell if they are or not the shifter knob could have been replaced too.

jameseaves
07-20-2010, 09:37 AM
The decals and shifter knob to me do look original but not sure. Does and one no what the whole on the side of the boat is for. I no the front one is the gas over flow but there is another at about middle of boat on the drivers side is that for water?

jameseaves
07-20-2010, 10:00 AM
If the gas tank leaks will I notice it?

jameseaves
07-20-2010, 10:01 AM
Your V Drive is a Crusader 4500 which was standard equipment in 1971. When the engine is running, the water dump is on the port side.










Is it ok to hook the water to that?

Kirbyvv
07-20-2010, 10:51 AM
The water pick up is the black thing on the transom. Figure a way to connect your water to the hose coming from the pick-up so you get complete flow through the engine. There may be a hose connection on the inside of the transom where the water pick-up comes through.

jameseaves
07-20-2010, 11:11 AM
There are Two hoses coming off that thing on the back of the boat.

mattyboy
07-20-2010, 11:17 AM
There are Two hoses coming off that thing on the back of the boat.


I would imagine one hose goes to the engine and one to the v drive tranny but that's is just a guess


get a flush valve insert it into the water line somewhere between the transom pickup and the Y fitting . it will let you run it on a hose and will feed water to both hoses.

west marine or overtons has the flush valve

mattyboy
07-20-2010, 11:25 AM
like this one, this will also stop the water from running out of the transom pickup when on the hose and force water torwards the motor

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=25608&pdesc=Make_Freshwater_Flushing_Simple_Connecting_G arden_Hose_With_FlushPro_1_1/4_inlet&str=flush+valve&merchID=4005

jameseaves
07-20-2010, 06:44 PM
More Pictures

mattyboy
07-20-2010, 10:33 PM
That looks like the original foil tag with the lion and dolphin that is the earliest boat I have seen it on

looks like a very worthy project

jameseaves
07-21-2010, 03:23 PM
Where can I pick up a bilge blower?

jameseaves
07-21-2010, 03:25 PM
Does everyone agree that this boat is a 1969 instead of a 1971

gcarter
07-21-2010, 03:31 PM
Where can I pick up a bilge blower?

You can get blowers in several different types and sizes at any boating store like West Marine, or for better prices, try eBay.

Bob
07-21-2010, 04:13 PM
Does everyone agree that this boat is a 1969 instead of a 1971

Everything is identical to my 71: hardware, water intake, V drive, foil tag, shift knob. Unlikely a 69.

mattyboy
07-21-2010, 04:53 PM
the boat is a 69 no ifs ands or buts about it the engine serial number on the foil tag is a Holman Moody 1969 427 400 hp the hull numbers fall into the 1969 year . hull number 386 was the first hull produced in 1971 .

so what do we think happened a 400 hp motor sat in inventory at the factory for 2 years before getting installed then they decided to go back 60 hulls in hull numbering???

I know hull 386 very well, most here are familar with it , it is the famed Scott Pearson Chicken boat , it has lived on my lake 99% of it's life I see it almost everyday.

trust me on this it's a 69 ;) what the reg shows is usually off my 67 was reg'd as a 68 and the 68 I have is reg'd as a 69

the boat may have sat at the dealer for 2 years before being sold originally.

jameseaves
07-21-2010, 07:55 PM
my gauges on my dash say holman moody. The boat is in upstate new York.

mphatc
07-21-2010, 08:05 PM
Matty,

I'm 99% certain that the aluminum foil sticker on my 1969 Corsican is exactly like the one shown . .C18 C32.

Mario L.

mattyboy
07-21-2010, 09:15 PM
Matty,

I'm 99% certain that the aluminum foil sticker on my 1969 Corsican is exactly like the one shown . .C18 C32.

Mario L.


:) Mario I would bet it would be especially with that hull number that has the two C's on for corsican and the other that signified Chisholm ownership I would bet that the lion and dolphin is seen somewhere in late 68 very early 69 way before the old believed time frame of the early 70's

jameseaves
07-22-2010, 06:26 AM
So does that mean it could be a Corsican or is it 18 2+3????????

mattyboy
07-22-2010, 07:01 AM
James ,
your boat is a donzi 18 2+3 hull number 326 produced in 1969 with a holman moody 427 side oiler 400 hp with a zero degree v drive serial number 7174.

since then the motor and tranny look to have been replaced.


if there is a C in your hull number it represents that the boat was made under full Chisholm ownership.

:)

Kirbyvv
07-22-2010, 07:59 AM
james, where in upstate NY are you located?

Bob
07-22-2010, 08:29 AM
the boat is a 69 no ifs ands or buts about it the engine serial number on the foil tag is a Holman Moody 1969 427 400 hp the hull numbers fall into the 1969 year . hull number 386 was the first hull produced in 1971 .

so what do we think happened a 400 hp motor sat in inventory at the factory for 2 years before getting installed then they decided to go back 60 hulls in hull numbering???

I know hull 386 very well, most here are familar with it , it is the famed Scott Pearson Chicken boat , it has lived on my lake 99% of it's life I see it almost everyday.

trust me on this it's a 69 ;) what the reg shows is usually off my 67 was reg'd as a 68 and the 68 I have is reg'd as a 69

the boat may have sat at the dealer for 2 years before being sold originally.
I forgot about the hull number.

jameseaves
07-22-2010, 10:06 AM
I am located about a hour South of Rochester near Keuka Lake

jameseaves
07-22-2010, 11:09 AM
I do not see a C in the hull # just 18V-326

Bubba Dog
07-22-2010, 01:24 PM
I am located about a hour South of Rochester near Keuka Lake

Kueka Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever been on. At one time there was a annual wooden boat festival in Hammondsport, incredible boats; Garwoods, Hackers, PennYans, ChrisCrafts..., good times.

jameseaves
07-22-2010, 02:57 PM
Kueka Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever been on. At one time there was a annual wooden boat festival in Hammondsport, incredible boats; Garwoods, Hackers, PennYans, ChrisCrafts..., good times.





Still is they just had it last weekend.

jameseaves
07-22-2010, 03:09 PM
how will this boat be shifting without a clutch or brake to slow down the drive shaft, seems like it will be a heck of a clunk excpeccialy when trying to dock, any ideas..... with park reverse neutral drive and second and low. maybe turn the key off and paddle in.

LKSD
08-05-2010, 11:22 AM
James, It was good chatting with you on the phone today, I'm here if ya need me.. It would be a cool boat to restore and keep on the water for many more years to come.. :)

Jamie / Lakeside Restorations

gcarter
08-05-2010, 01:32 PM
how will this boat be shifting without a clutch or brake to slow down the drive shaft, seems like it will be a heck of a clunk excpeccialy when trying to dock, any ideas..... with park reverse neutral drive and second and low. maybe turn the key off and paddle in.

The water the prop is in accomplishes the same thing as the torque converter as far as cushioning. There is no "bang" in it. If you had a Velvet drive, it would be the same. In fact, that's why they're named "VELVET" drive, because it's so smooth. Your THM 400 will be the same way.
As far as the dock goes, you simply jockey between 1st/neutral/ and reverse.
No need for a paddle.

glenncal1
08-06-2010, 09:01 AM
I love the idea of a boat with a TH400 tranny. I had a '67 el camino 396 with the th400. Tranny is near indestructable. Change the fluid and filter if you can get to it. Make sure the oil pump for that big block is in good shape and have fun. Wealth of knowledge on this board to help you with the project.

Cuda
08-06-2010, 02:57 PM
The Merc transmission is a one speed Ford transmission. I don't remember if it's a C6 or FMX.