New member 1978 220 overnighter.

nauti dreams

New Member
Aug 3, 2017
21
Boat Info
1978 220 overnighter
Engines
188 mercruiser w/ alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive
Hi everyone been lerking around reading posts thought I should introduce myself. I'm josh I live outside Houston. Basically first time boat owner I just acquired a 78 220 the outside looks great needs a wash and the wood trim re finished. But a great looking boat. However that's where it ends. The floor is rotten and at least the rear stringers are also. Basically anything not covered by the hard top. The motor is a 188 mercruiser with what I believe is a alpha 1 gen 2 out drive. Was told motor was good but its full of water up to the intake. The cabin however seems untouched by time

I wasn't looking for one this big but it fell in my lap for free.

I'm a great mechanic and know wood work and fiberglass. repairing the floor and stringers seems fairly straight forward. Already see a few things I will do differently to seal the wood better as well as fiberglass over the whole floor when done.
Basically I plan to strip almost every inch of this and restore it back close to original. As far as layout Plan to add a live well as I like to fish possibly two one for live bait. Will upgrade all electrical and new digital gauges.

I'll be around asking question as well as posting some of the repairs. Thanks in advance for the help.

PS how do photos work here?
 
Good luck with her and welcome to CSR!

With a recent software upgrade to this site, it looks like pictures have to be hosted off site and linked to here.
 
Good luck with her and welcome to CSR!

With a recent software upgrade to this site, it looks like pictures have to be hosted off site and linked to here.

I was under the impression it was easier now to upload the images. I use the Upload a File button now and it creates the image with a thumb and full image button to view.
 

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I was under the impression it was easier now to upload the images. I use the Upload a File button now and it creates the image with a thumb and full image button to view.
OK, tried that, works great!
Now how did you get your signature picture on there?
 
OK, tried that, works great!
Now how did you get your signature picture on there?

Once logged in mouse over your profile name.
 

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OK, tried that, works great!
Now how did you get your signature picture on there?

I had to host hat picture on another server unfortunately. Maybe there's another way but I couldn't figure it out. The image attached shows where to edit your signature.
 

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I don't think there is a way currently to upload a pic into the CSR database and into your signature.....I think you have to place it on an outside storage site then use the url from that site when you try to 'insert' a pic....

cliff
 
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OK thanks. I will try when I get home. Pics on the phone are nott very good. But I have some better ones on my laptop.
 

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I now have a pic of the out drive posted can anyone confirm what I have I think its a alpha 1 gen 2. Thanks
 

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This is not an Alpha. It is a Pre-Alpha, an "M" or an "MR". I don't think the Alpha was introduced until 1893 or '84. With the year and serial number you should be able to look it up. Being that it is 40 years old you may want to just look at replacing the entire unit with one from SEI. They are very reasonably priced and their dependability has been proved.
http://www.sterndrive.cc/
 
I don't believe this drive is original there is a newer trim switch with more functions there is a unused set of hoses going through that went to a different trim pump. This is what I identified the drive with.

http://www.sterndrive.info/sterndriveparts/identify_my_outdrive.html

Unless there info is wrong the one that says gen 2 looks identical to mine In every way
 
OK found out its not a gen 2 but it is an alpha1.
 
Pretty certain you do not have a Gen II but then I didn't think you had an Alpha either. :) And you're right, it is not original as the Alpha wasn't produced until 1984.

That model is fairly unique and over the years there have been several members that have had them and they seem to love them. But in looking at your pictures you have quite a project on your hands. I should know as I am restoring/refurbishing a 1985 Cobalt CM23. Another rare boat with only 84 produced over 3 years. The best advice I can offer you is to part it out and don't attempt it. But since I know you are going to ignore that advice I'll give you some more. Take your estimates of time and money to complete your project and double it. My Cobalt has a solid floor, transom and stringers and I am already at $10,000 and entering my 3rd year. I'm not doing a full "restoration" in the full sense of the word but more rather like a "RestoMod" as I have a 383 Stroker motor rather than the stock 260 and I am upgrading things like electrical and switchgear.

On your boat, with a bad floor and stringers I would be stunned if the transom isn't rotted as well. All of that can be repaired and there have been some posts here from people that did it and documented their work. But trust me....you haven't found everything that's bad yet. There will be more.

I'm not trying to dampen your spirits here at all but this forum is filled with posts from people that have tried to do what you are hoping to do. For me, this Cobalt was a boat that I owned 19 years ago and so there is sentimental value, there is the rarity factor in the limited number produced and the serial number shows I have the last CM23 that Cobalt ever made. Take a really serious look at this project before you proceed.

If you do go forward I wish you lots of luck and I hope you follow through with the project. If you need any tips or advice on locating parts or anything, please ask. I am willing to help any way I can and I too am on the Gulf Coast in the New Orleans area so we're practically neighbors. Oh....one last thing. Don't try and rebuild that engine. I believe it is a small block Ford motor and you should really be thinking about a GM small block. I'm a Ford guy but for better parts availability there are far more GMs than Fords in boats.

All the best....
Shawn
 
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Thanks for the advice and your right I will proceed with the project lol. I have 3 kids and the older 2 are wanting a project they can do with me.

I'm looking at it basically like an empty hull. what does look good just the age makes me wanna replace it while I'm that deep. I got the boat for next to nothing so even if I'm spending that much on a total overhaul in the end I would have a really nice boat to pass on to the kids.

I've been looking into Chevy motors but everywhere I read about swapping say to just keep the ford. I guess due to all the marine parts like manifolds they say its too expensive. I like both ford and gm and parts seem easier to find on gm but I was given a good 302 block with a steel crank so its tempting to build that.
You said my drive was unique is it more than an original alpha?
 
No....the drive is not unique, the boat is. Check out AtlanticMarineStore.com for marine engine prices. And don't forget, you can't just take any auto engine and put it in a boat. There are many parts that are marine specific for safety reason. I still wouldn't put that 188 HP motor in a boat that will be close to 4000 lbs. when full of fuel gear and people. Here is another site for you
http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNIWR260.pdf

Best of luck
Shawn
 
I'm not wanting a ton of power and though I like Chevy better and its more popular these days in boating. I just can't see myself tossing all the ford stuff in the trash. A 302 is a great Lil motor and I figure 220hp or so will move it just fine. On a larger boat like this I would think more motor would just make more noise. Its so big I don't see it breaking 35mph

I can't find a straight answer on how to swap anyways. I know I need Chevy manifolds marine carb, alt, starter and all the bolt ons obviously motor mounts will be different but my question is what do I need to just to bolt it to the out drive? just the bell housing? Special flywheel?

If I could get that answer I may go gm but I already have all the ford stuff and could go 351 or just hop up a 302
 
I've never pulled, swapped or installed an engine that wasn't my jackshaft model. I suggest you go to YouTube and do a search for the swat or installation. there are videos for everything and I have used it a lot while doing my project. If you decide to go GM you could find all the parts you need on eBay and there is probably a boat dismantler or 2 in your area.

Also remember, if you stay with the Ford you have to make sure you are using a block and heads designated for a marine motor. There are differences. Example? You have to use brass soft/freeze plugs. The carb is special as are the starter and alternator.

Seriously, check out YouTube.
 
OK thanks. I have searched and most are incomplete partial videos. I was hoping someone on here who has done it would chime in. But I'll continue looking and post my findings
 

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