1975 srv220

[SRV220]

Hey all, I posted a similar post in the Newbie section before spotting this section, which is probably better suited for me and my newly acquired 1975 SRV220 Cuddy Cabin. I'll refrain from repeating the entire post, but would like to ask those of you with similar years and models to comment on the depth access I might need to launch/load her. I won't be in big water for the most part, as there are many many lakes very near to me that range from 4,000 to 8,000, with slightly bigger ones accessible with a short drive. Do I need something far deeper than a typical 16-18ft fishing boat might need?

This is my first boat of any kind so I'm a little nervous about, well, everything. But the launch/load part is the biggest at this point. (Roller trailer, if that makes a difference to anyone.)

Thanks all, and sorry to repeat other post somewhat, but this section seems more appropriate.

 

[ghuskin]

SRV220,

Welcome! Congrats!

You're vessel is similar to mine. you'll need approx 3 ft. of water for a safe launch at the ramp. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Gregg

 

[SRV220]

Thanks for the quick response, and reassuring to boot.

I've been spending the day trying to get it started for the first time. Thought my batteries were dead or weak so I put them on the charger (individually). They both showed near 100% charge once on there and I let them go to nearly full charge. Got them back in the boat and she turned over real strong for me for a couple minutes, and even ran for a few seconds, but now it acts as if batteries are dead or weak again. The starter did spin out on me a couple of times, so are these both symptoms of a starter on it's last legs or is there another problem I'm over looking?

Motor is the Ford 302 btw.

 

[ghuskin]

Not really a mechanic, but I'll give you a rundown of potential items (as I know them from my experiences, as well as from CSR).

- battery?
- water in fuel?
- fuel pump?
- lack of spark?
- starter?
- carb?

How long was the boat sitting? was it winterized properly? do you have access to maintenace records? did you have a mechanical survey done to boat? did you perform a pre-purchase test drive?

Ask yourself these questions, then start with the simple things (fuel separator, sparks plugs, wires, cap/rotor/points), see what you get. then move to more advanced items.

Maybe post in "gas engines".

 

[SJAurora]

When it ran for a few seconds, did it just die after the few seconds? Anything unusual after that - backfire, anything weird?

One thought on it dying if it just died is to check your fuel lines. If your supply line to your fuel pump is dry rotted it may be sucking air and causing cavitation in the fuel pump.

On the batteries, if they are old and sulfated you can show a full "surface" charge, but when any load is applied the voltage will drop very quickly.

 

[SRV220]

Thanks guys, let me give you some fresh info and see what you think. I bought the boat on Ebay and pretty much know what the listing says. The owner told me he had it out about a month prior to my buying it. And this is Minnesota we're talking about, you just don't lie to strangers around here. :smt001

Anyway, I'm confident it will run, based on what I've heard/seen from the motor so far. It sounded good when it ran for those few seconds and I think it only died as a result of not enough throttle input on my part. Unfortunately, I seemed to be out of juice after that. The starter sounds like it makes a half turn or so real slow and eventually does nothing (remember, there was a couple minutes of strong cranking to start with). After my previous post I went back out and put the starting battery back on the charger, which now indicates around 60% charge. As opposed to the near full charge it had before attempting to start the motor. (I had selector on 'both' batteries while trying to start.)

So, bad battery? I don't have anything to test with other than the meter on the Schumacher charger and can't afford to be guessing with the wallet at the parts store. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[ghuskin]

Take the battery to an autoparts store. They can test it for you for free (ultimately they want you to buy a new battery from them - and provide free testing). If the batteries are good, you need to look at other options (fuel/spark). No need to use "both" unless you have low battery (one strong battery will do the trick).

I have to "pump" my throttle a few times to get her to fire, as the choke is not working, then let her idle high for a few minutes 'til warmed up.

Keep us posted.

Gregg

 

[Trout Slayer]

I'm sure it's your batteries, or possible connection.
Your meter shouldn't read 60% after cranking a few times on a full charge.

 

[BillyT0020]

Sounds like a bad battery to me. If its only holding a 60% charge then its time for a new one. I would go ahead and buy two new batteries. Batteries in boats only last a couple of seasons and you need good batteries for it to run right.

After you put new batteries in you should do the following before you put her in the water since you are unaware of the last time these things were done, and they should be done yearly.

Change the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
New Spark Plugs, Wires, Distributor Cap, Rotor, Condenser and Points and then check the timing.
Change Outdrive Oil
Change Outdrive Impeller
Replace the thermostat
Make sure your Power Steering Fluid, Trim Tab Fluid, and Trim Motor Fluid are topped off with ATF.
Change the Fuel Filters (Water Seperator Filter and the tiny one inside the carb) Dump them into a bucket, if you see a lot of junk look inside your gas tank and check the sending unit for rust. If its rusty replace and pump the gas out of your tank. Clean and refill.
Clean the bottom of your boat and put a fresh coat of bottom paint on.
Check all the belts on your engine and replace any that are worn or cracked.

You can get all this stuff done for a couple hundred bucks if you do it yourself and you will know that its done.

Good Luck, these old boat will run a long time if maintained properly.

 

[SRV220]

Well, I got a new battery in there and got her running today. That put a smile on my face that I haven't been able to shake yet. I'm going to pull over to my mechanic buddy's place in a couple days and have him look over the motor and get her running smooth. Hopefully I'll get some lake time by this time next week.

Billy, you mentioned I should clean and paint the bottom of the boat and then I went and found two unopened cans of bottom paint in the cabin! But, being a boat newbie, I don't know what this entails. Should I get a hold of a high pressure hose for cleaning it or what? Or maybe someone could point me to a sort of boat cleaning guide, or paint prep guide perhaps.

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful thus far.:thumbsup:

 

[BillyT0020]

That's awesome man!

The high pressure hose would work pretty well to get any loose paint and dirt off the bottom. Then just tape off the waterline at the top and roll on your bottom paint with a fine roller. I use one of those mini rollers for the area that shows the most (top 4 inches or so) and then a regular large roller for the rest. You can also take some sand paper to get any loose paint off if you don't want to power wash it.

Good luck and enjoy your boat!