18' 2+3 V drive info

[Donaldson]

I own a 1970 18' 2+3 with the original 428 Holman Moody engine and V drive. Does anyone know how many of these were produced, I can't seem to find much information on this model. Any ballpark suggestions on the value? I am thinking about selling it but don't know where to start on the price.

[Just Say N20]

Welcome to the site! Sounds like an interesting boat.

More information about the condition of the boat, engine, upholstery along with some pictures would be helpful. The more information you can provide, the more accurate the assessment will be.

[Rob M]

Not sure on production numbers - but very few have shown up here over the last 10+ years, so they would appear relatively rare. The original HM BB is a nice plus. Let's see some pictures!

[silverghost]

Was the 427 engine used in saltwater for years ?

Is it the original 427 side oiler engine ?

[mattyboy]

Donaldson,

there should be a HM serial number plate on the bell housing that will give us alot of info. the hull number as well usually on a foil tag in the backseat area or written on the backside of the dash and by the bow eye backing plate. the serial number on the v drive as well. color of the boat and pics as mentioned very helpful.

they are rare as survivors most have been altered overtime.

[Donaldson]

The condition of the boat is good, needs some touch up on the fiberglass in spots, I don't think the front seats are original, the deck has been painted over in white but I can see the orange stripe under the paint. I'm not sure if the scoop on the hatch is original or not (maybe you guys would know). The motor is all original and runs great. It's not a 427 side oiler but it is the original Holman Moody 428. I purchase the boat from a man who's father owned it in Ohio so I assume it was used in fresh water. The numbers on the title show MFR's Serial # 18-573 and the H&M Motor # G5HM9424MAI. The metal Holman Moody plate on the back of the motor shows it to be 420 HP. I've attached a few pictures that I have from when I purchased the boat several years ago along with a couple of the motor when I pulled it to have the heads done and paint it.
Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[mattyboy]

you're going to need to find the hull number on the boat the title number looks to be wrong 573 was made in 77 not 70. the serial number looks to be off on the HM as well a "G" motor would be a 494 "M" would be a 428.

[Donaldson]

Thanks mattyboy,
I took that information off of some miscellaneous paperwork I have in a folder that came from the previous owner. I will do what I should have done in the first place ( had it not been 10:45 PM ) and get the numbers directly off the boat.

[Donaldson]

mattyboy,

I got the number off of the bell housing and it is as follows:
A7HM-1066-1-RW Z
CPM 400 4V C6 HM MA5 I'm not sure the third letter is M - It is scratched but I think it's M
CR 10.5-1 Timing 10 degrees

The model number on the Velvet Drive is AS11-72C 1:1

I didn't find a number on the V drive and I can't find a number anywhere on the hull. I looked in all the places that were suggested as well as everywhere else.
All of the paperwork I have including some old titles list it as a 1970.

Thanks for any help.

[mattyboy]

A7 would indicate older than a 70 and would be a 427 or 427 SOHC.

what was the boat's original color?? that might help track it down

[mattyboy]

Look for the hull number written in marker on the backside of the dash , look for any black lines the numbers are not always rightside up. check the bow eye backing plate as well.

[mattyboy]

Donaldson,

have you confirmed it's a 428???

[silverghost]

A true 427 "side oiler" should have side cross bolted main bearing caps I believe ?
If it were a 427 "side oiler" you should be able to see these side main bearing cross bolts on the outside of the crankcase.

[mattyboy]

donaldson,

not to worry

side oiler or not if it is the original holman moody motor it is worth something. the side oiler is a better motor but the center oiler 427 was no second fiddle. not every HM 427 was a side oiler. the only visual keys I know of to tell an fe427 from an fe 428 is to find the external balancing weight ( the 428 is externally balanced) or to find the block casting number.

keep us posted on the hull number and the size of the motor.

[silverghost]

Impressive BB Ford engine indeed.
Your engine appears to have most, if not all, of it's original Holman-Moody engine bolt-ons.

[BUIZILLA]

Hello Donaldson.... Donzi.org researched their library and we believe you have hull # 322 with a 7/69 build date

please sign on there and introduce yourself www.donzi.org (http://www.donzi.org)

good to have you onboard

[Donaldson]

mattyboy,

I haven't found any more on the hull or the motor. You asked earlier about the original color. I believe it was a completly orange hull as shown in the pictures I posted with a white deck and orange stripe. I assume the interior was black because the rear seat upholstery looks original. When you mentioned in your last post about the difference between a 427 fe and 428 fe block is the 428 has and external balancing weight. Are you referring to the harmonic balancer? Mine definetlly has an external harmonic balancer, you can actually see it in one of the previous pictures I posted. It has new timing tape on it.

Thanks

[mattyboy]

that color scheme would match hull 322 , do you see any counter weights on the balancer? see if the numbers 7171 are anywhere on the v-drive