Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 19

Thread: Adventures in deferred maintenance...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0

    Adventures in deferred maintenance...

    Last summer my wife and I decided to get back into family boating. We have an awesome little 13 Whaler, but it is obviously limited in capacity and capability for a lot of the things we want to do. I tried hard to talk Mama into a 22 Classic, but it just wasn’t very practical for toting around my 8 year-old daughter and her friends and we started looking at other options. While driving around after lunch one day my wife said that she saw a Donzi bowrider on the boat lot that we just passed. I thought she was mistaken, but did a U-turn anyway and headed back. Sure enough, it was a 21LXR that had been consigned to the local ski boat dealer in our small town in northern Alabama. We spent an hour or so checking out the boat, which was in amazing condition, and I made an appointment to come back for a sea trial. Ended up buying it and running it on the TN River last season and it has been a great fit for our family, and I love the fact that it’s a Donzi.

    This winter I have been tackling a lot of major and minor issues that just seem to materialize even on well-maintained boats. Last night I started digging in under the hatch to get ready for the upcoming season (and the Gorge run in June!). If I hadn’t Conan’d the risers and broken two of the bolts I could probably have gotten another season or two out of the exhaust, but it is pretty crusty even though this is a low-hour fresh water boat. So I’m thinking my best option at this point is to cut my losses and throw some new manifolds and risers on there.

    I’m leaning towards GLM aluminum replacements to lose some weight in the stern and because I don’t feel like inducing a hernia trying to line up new cast iron manifolds while contorted in the engine compartment. Does anyone have any feedback on these things? Dennis Moore has small block GLM complete kits for $650 on his site, which is the best price I have found. Any other vendors or alternatives out there before I drop the hammer?

    So bottom line I’m whining a little about unplanned boat expenses and looking for some input on the exhaust. Thanks!

    duckhunter

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4,015
    Rep Power
    22
    Seems like you're taking the practical approach with the new exhaust. Certainly cheaper to put it on now than to try to milk a couple more seasons out of the old stuff and have a failure.

    No problems that I've seen with the GLM aluminum stuff. There's plenty of alternatives from stock replacement to crazy expensive, but you're not going to find extra power in the exhaust alone so I can't see a benefit in spending more money unless you're planning to build a sleeper out of your bowrider.

    And yes, it never hurts to loose a few pounds (on the boat!) and the aluminum parts are sooo much easier to install.
    Don
    '01 22 Classic, 502/B1
    And a bunch of other stuff

    "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough" - Mario Andretti

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2000
    Posts
    2,341
    Rep Power
    27
    ----GLM stuff is pretty good and Dennis is (in my experience) very easy and good to deal with!.......Bill S

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    9,571
    Rep Power
    32
    this week I ordered my GLM manifolds from Dennis for the Flying Couch, if your getting risers he needs to know if it's for 3" or 4" hose, I didn't need the risers... one thing to remember on the GLM's is to tap every threaded hole, and take a flat file and sweep the gasket surfaces since the paint texture can be inconsistent, I think it's a great product for the price...
    Charter Member - WAFNC, SBBR, KWOSG
    1955 Perfect Mate
    1986 Hornet III, 502-415 TRS

    www.donzi.org


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    Guys,

    Thanks for the input. I really hoped that the stock exhaust would live to fight another day, but with two broken bolts and a good bit of corrosion it just isn’t worth it. Unfortunately this will put a big dent in my boat slush fund.

    Speaking of the depleted slush fund, I have a brand spanking new SEI 116 drive sitting on the workbench. The original Alpha had a lot of gear whine even after the dealer replaced the gimbal bearing. I pulled the top cover and the gears were good but the bearing and race were corroded and there was an alarming amount of bearing material on the drain plug. After comparing the cost for a rebuild I went with the new drive for warranty and peace of mind.


    The motor is a 1998 350 Mercruiser 250hp; 2 barrel, Vortec heads, and roller cam. From what I can tell in the Merc manual it is the exact same specs as the 350 Mag that year other than the EFI. I was planning to put on a dual-plane high rise aluminum intake and 600cfm 4 barrel because it seems like it is starving for air on the top end. I think another 25hp would really wake it up and make a noticeable difference on this small stepped hull. Also need to re-prop (have a 19P Merc Vengeance on there) but that can wait until I throw some horsepower at this thing and have a good baseline. Unfortunately the fun stuff will have to wait until I take care of all of the “gotta have” stuff.

    At the end of the day I just want a fun, reliable boat. This thing would be a sleeper for sure with a 383, but I am going to run what I’ve got until it needs a rebuild. Don’t want to even contemplate what a pain it will be to extract the motor from under the hatch…

    duckhunter

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    BUIZILLA
    "this week I ordered my GLM manifolds from Dennis for the Flying Couch, if your getting risers he needs to know if it's for 3" or 4" hose, I didn't need the risers... one thing to remember on the GLM's is to tap every threaded hole, and take a flat file and sweep the gasket surfaces since the paint texture can be inconsistent, I think it's a great product for the price..."
    That deckboat is pretty sweet and it is kind of cool to have a non-standard Donzi. I have gotten a lot of thumbs up with the LXR because it is something you don't see very often. Not a "Flying Couch," but maybe the "Flying Recliner."

    Current exhaust is standard Merc 4" and I have a Corsa captain's call diverter setup (the loud button). As tight as the diverters are to the transom it would be fairly difficult to adapt any of the cool (and expensive) aftermarket stainless risers. At my hp level I don't think it would make a difference anyway.

    Good advice on chasing threads and checking mating surfaces with a file, I will do that for sure. Thanks.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    9,571
    Rep Power
    32
    if you add a 4 bbl intake and a 650 marine carb it will put out about 290-300 hp, and you'll need a 21" prop, we have about 5-6 new and used Turbo props when you need that item... where you run WFO mph wise now will become your fast cruise speed after the carb and intake upgrade...
    Charter Member - WAFNC, SBBR, KWOSG
    1955 Perfect Mate
    1986 Hornet III, 502-415 TRS

    www.donzi.org


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    BUIZILLA - that is exactly what I'm hoping for. I know the Vortec heads and roller cam are good to go and my big limitation is the 2 barrel.

    I have been very impressed with the overall ride and handling of this boat. Had a little trepidation about the stepped hull at first but it has turned out to be a non-issue, just something to be cognizant of while driving. It has a notched transom, but is otherwise very similar to the 22ZX hull (and I believe identical to the Z22 hull).


    It is definitely expensive to get meaningful speed gains in a boat. That said, I feel like I'm right on the edge of getting the hull aired out and really performing. Just need a little more power and the right prop for the application. DonziJosh mentioned on a different thread that the 350mag powered LXRs were solid 60mph boats (with a B1 I believe). With close to that power and an Alpha that probably isn't a bridge too far.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    4,279
    Rep Power
    21
    Zero pressure, but if you decide you're looking for a 650 cfm Holley 4160, I have two to choose from. 1 brand new (well, 45 seconds use ) and a used one that also works perfectly. Either of which I would sell.

    Just PM me if you are interested.

    Regards,

    Mike
    "I don't have time to get into it, but he went through a lot." -Pulp Fiction

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    1,419
    Rep Power
    21
    Just need a little more power and the right prop

    sounds easy enough
    Please keep in mind I don't know anything......
    any information I have is made up.....
    and generally I am part of the problem
    VICE President-Weller's Bay DONZI Association

    OFFICIAL LAKE GEORGE POKER RUN CHAMPION

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    Sounds easy enough... just like all of my previous projects have been!

    - Riser gaskets = brand new exhaust system
    - Noisy bearings = brand new outdrive

    At this rate some extra power and a prop will turn into a procharged 540 and a Konrad.

    Ghost - thanks for the offer on the carbs. I will get in touch with you once I have the current projects buttoned up!
    "Speed's fine, but accuracy is final."
    - Bill Jordan

    1998 Donzi 21LXR
    1971 Boston Whaler 13

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    1,903
    Rep Power
    21
    GLM's are fine just do yourself a favor. Most GLM dealers are just straw buyers from the factory so check if they have them in stock before you buy. Last year it 3 months for me to find a set of BBC manifolds (everyone was waiting on the boat). Also SS Mercruiser riser are on eBay all the time. These risers never wear out or go bad so you may be able to save yourself a few bucks.
    A winner is just a loser that got up and did it one more time.
    1959 Biesemeyer - 4pt Hydro Drag - 2013 ACBS Winner - Best Race Boat
    1967 Nova Marine - SuperNova24 - ACBS Winner - 2012 Best Race Boat - 2016 Peoples Choice & Best Non Wood
    1972 John Allmand - Nova 19
    1972 John Allmand - Nova19 (#2)
    1982 PolarKraft -Jonboat - Crab Killer

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    1,064
    Rep Power
    0
    There is a guy in FL on E-Bay that I got my GLM's from cheap and even though a BBC they were at my door the NEXT day...no wait with him. My bud also has a set of 4" SS Mercruiser risers for $300 if interested. You will be glad you got new exhaust, one small leak and you would be buying a new engine....don't mess with 14 year old exhaust, about 7 years too long even in fresh water.

    I have a 13' Whaler and a 22C. The 22 is one of the most impractical boats made but I would not give it up for anything else. The 13' we mainly tow all over FL. My 22 was from Orange Beach until August. Dog is limited to the 13' as he has no way of getting his 85lb ass on or off the 22.
    Nick
    1994 22' Classic-454 B1 Red & white
    1981 13' Whaler sport(original owner)
    South Tampa Bay, FL "May I mamoo dogface to the banana patch?"

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    OK, I spent last evening wrestling with the manifolds. Port side mani & riser came off like butter. The starboard side, where I had broken two of the riser bolts, was a different story. The riser was basically welded to the manifold where the two broken bolts went through. With enough persuasion via a 3' breaker bar, air hammer, chisel, and sawzall it finally saw the light and gave up. Three of the manifold bolts came out easy but the head of the fourth was 50% rotted away and I couldn't get any kind of socket on it. Out came the drill and air chisel and that bolt surrendered as well. Fortunately none of the bolts were rusted into the head... Exhaust ports and valves look great, so fortunately there was no water intrusion into the exhaust, but it wasn't going to take much more rot before I had a big issue.

    Ordered $700 worth of GLM aluminum manifolds & risers last night and grabbed some spark plugs & wires this morning. Might as well throw them in while the exhaust is off.

    This weekend's project will be cleaning up gasket surfaces on the head, some engine detailing, and hopefully checking alignment and mounting the new alpha drive. Manifold kit should be here next week. My wife is officially not amused with boat upkeep at this point... I have more $$ in Donzi parts in the last week than the whole Whaler/outboard/trailer rig. But at the end of the day she's the one who wanted a radio and a sunpad and it will be worth it to be out on the river this summer.
    "Speed's fine, but accuracy is final."
    - Bill Jordan

    1998 Donzi 21LXR
    1971 Boston Whaler 13

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    519
    Rep Power
    0
    biggiefl
    There is a guy in FL on E-Bay that I got my GLM's from cheap and even though a BBC they were at my door the NEXT day...no wait with him. My bud also has a set of 4" SS Mercruiser risers for $300 if interested. You will be glad you got new exhaust, one small leak and you would be buying a new engine....don't mess with 14 year old exhaust, about 7 years too long even in fresh water.

    I have a 13' Whaler and a 22C. The 22 is one of the most impractical boats made but I would not give it up for anything else. The 13' we mainly tow all over FL. My 22 was from Orange Beach until August. Dog is limited to the 13' as he has no way of getting his 85lb ass on or off the 22.
    Our Whaler is a hoot with the 40 Evinrude on it - we call it the snot rocket. The guy I bought it from had it stored out in his Norm Abrams looking workshop and he had redone all of the mahogany the winter before I bought it. I figure if I ever win the lottery it can be the tender on the big boat...

    We definitely love the classics and plan to get one after our daughter heads for college in 10 years. Until then this LXR is the perfect boat for family stuff.

    I hit ebay pretty hard, along with aftermarket marine in New Orleans and a place up in Nashville. GLMs are somewhat scarce right now as was mentioned earlier. Ended up ordering off of the Moore performance website, which had the best price & shipping that I could find. I considered cast iron but it ended up only being $100 difference shipped due to the weight.
    "Speed's fine, but accuracy is final."
    - Bill Jordan

    1998 Donzi 21LXR
    1971 Boston Whaler 13

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •