HuckleberryTinn
Member
Hello everyone. I'm so glad I found this forum full of people willing to share their knowledge and experience. I live in Tampa, Fl and am the proud, though somewhat disillusioned, new owner of a 1957 Lone Star Admiral Deluxe aluminum boat powered by a 1998 40hp Yamaha outboard motor. I say disillusioned because the 'pristine' boat I thought I was purchasing seems to have had heavy saltwater use by it's previous owner. There was no dishonesty on the sellers part but perhaps a little over enthusiasm on my part which caused me to see the boat in much better condition than she really is.
I am not complaining in the least, I just had it in my mind that she didn't need any work only maintenance. I love working on things and taking on projects but right now, I really have enough on my plate without this little surprise. Anyway, it is what it is and I need to get on top of the rust and corrosion on the boat and trailer.
I took the boat out two days ago on the Hillsborough River and had a good time. She took on some water but nothing the bilge pump couldn't handle. She handled like a dream. She planed at 1300 rpm and the max speed of the motor is 5500 RPM with a crushing speed of 5000 rpm. I can't wait to see her stretch her legs on a large lake. I feel like a little school boy with a crush, all giddy inside.
Ok, now for a few questions...
The drain in the transom looks strange to me. Granted I have never owned an aluminum boat before but this is just a hole in the metal, no fitting, no flared tubing lining, nothing. Could this be how it was designed? I am concerned that this might chafe or even cut into the rubber plug.
Also, there is no wood on the outside of the transom. It appears as if there should be because of the gap under the motor mounting bracket. Do most tinnys have wood on the inside and outside?
One more question for now. The boat is very stern heavy. Aside from the motor the full sized battery and the pair of 3 gal. fuel tanks are mounted back there. Is this common or should I look into moving the battery, tanks, or both to a more forward position? I am also considering the moving of the controls to the forward most position. there is plenty of cable length for the engine control box to move it. I would need a longer steering cable or would have to put in a retro pulley and cable system. Any thoughts?
Ok this post is getting quite long so I'll end with these questions for now, Thanks in advance for all your help.
Brian
I am not complaining in the least, I just had it in my mind that she didn't need any work only maintenance. I love working on things and taking on projects but right now, I really have enough on my plate without this little surprise. Anyway, it is what it is and I need to get on top of the rust and corrosion on the boat and trailer.
I took the boat out two days ago on the Hillsborough River and had a good time. She took on some water but nothing the bilge pump couldn't handle. She handled like a dream. She planed at 1300 rpm and the max speed of the motor is 5500 RPM with a crushing speed of 5000 rpm. I can't wait to see her stretch her legs on a large lake. I feel like a little school boy with a crush, all giddy inside.
Ok, now for a few questions...
The drain in the transom looks strange to me. Granted I have never owned an aluminum boat before but this is just a hole in the metal, no fitting, no flared tubing lining, nothing. Could this be how it was designed? I am concerned that this might chafe or even cut into the rubber plug.
Also, there is no wood on the outside of the transom. It appears as if there should be because of the gap under the motor mounting bracket. Do most tinnys have wood on the inside and outside?
One more question for now. The boat is very stern heavy. Aside from the motor the full sized battery and the pair of 3 gal. fuel tanks are mounted back there. Is this common or should I look into moving the battery, tanks, or both to a more forward position? I am also considering the moving of the controls to the forward most position. there is plenty of cable length for the engine control box to move it. I would need a longer steering cable or would have to put in a retro pulley and cable system. Any thoughts?
Ok this post is getting quite long so I'll end with these questions for now, Thanks in advance for all your help.
Brian
