Dads old boat.

[Stockton_]

Good Morning,

I have an opportunity to buy my dad’s old boat (STV) River rocket. It was a big time part of my life growing up, and my dad has recently passed away so it would mean the world to me. I don’t have much wheel time, and to be quite honest, don’t know a ton about motors. The boat has a 12 inch mid on it and I would need a power and gearbox. I live in Nebraska so I’m a little worried about the cold weather and winterizing the boat. It seems like I got all these things going against me but to have a boat like this one that was custom built for my dad and meant so much to me would mean a ton. What do you guys think? Can a newbie like me jump in a

[rock]

Welcome to the site. Sorry to hear about your Dad. Lost mine a couple years back and I understand wanting to keep it going. You will have no problem learning to drive it. Just take your time. Reading on this site can provide a lot of info and unlike our mainstream media, most of it's true. Good luck.

Rock

[Frank Molé]

welcome aboard

[LakeFever]

Welcome aboard! If you have the funds buy it. I doubt you would have much issue selling it if you decide it’s not for you. Sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity to me

[JPEROG]

Get it, guys on here can steer you thru whatever pitfalls you encounter. As far as the seat time concern, you can start it out with a small motor and move up as you are able. My son had a 115 on his STV as a starter and it still ran in the low 80s. Weatherization is a simple 10 minute deal on outboards. Get it so you don't regret it-it was one of the things that probably made him smile the most.

Joe

[Stockton_]

Get it, guys on here can steer you thru whatever pitfalls you encounter. As far as the seat time concern, you can start it out with a small motor and move up as you are able. My son had a 115 on his STV as a starter and it still ran in the low 80s. Weatherization is a simple 10 minute deal on outboards. Get it so you don't regret it-it was one of the things that probably made him smile the most.

Joe

Thanks for the reply man. What all entails weatherizing one? It gets pretty dang cold here.

[Stockton_]

Do you know anyone in the marine business? That boat is easy to drive. Best of luck.

I would sell the 12 mid and, if possible, get a complete 15-in set up. What are your goals?

I remember attending an MVP race on a reservoir in Nebraska about 1982 or 83.

The worst conditions ever, a front was moving in, Tim Seabold submarined, I believe it was one of his first races.

Finding others in your area with a similar type of boat and interest would be good.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a 12inVS15in? The wind can get pretty narly here so I’d definitely pick my days to take it out wisely.

[Stockton_]

The 12 is the Champ boat bracket, I really don't know much about them except the old one was manual height adjustment and later hydraulic, I don't believe you can trim one as high, not many use 12 in strictly racing.

Show pictures if he was using a 12-inch. Your transom should be cut down lower, and you will need a bracket to raise the motor higher,

See attached.

[Jim Speros]

Welcome, Sorry about your dad. I suggest you change as little as possible. Buy some modest or stock power and spend a season learning. Winterizing an outboard is easy. They are basically self draining of water. A few easy things to do to prepare them to sit. After seeing the pic it looks like your dad a real nice boat. I had a river racer STV many years ago. Very fun boat. I wish I had the steering your dads boat has.
Nothing cooler to me then a second generation bad ass boat!
Cheers

[Stockton_]

Welcome, Sorry about your dad. I suggest you change as little as possible. Buy some modest or stock power and spend a season learning. Winterizing an outboard is easy. They are basically self draining of water. A few easy things to do to prepare them to sit. After seeing the pic it looks like your dad a real nice boat. I had a river racer STV many years ago. Very fun boat. I wish I had the steering your dads boat has.
Nothing cooler to me then a second generation bad ass boat!
Cheers

Jim,

Thanks for your reply. Dad was a big man, 6'11 in fact. He loved the water and actually had this boat custom built by Wally (just learned a couple days ago). The owner now actually installed that cable steering, dad had hydraulic. I think mainly because I rode with him in it everywhere and he never wanted the cable to bust. I guess my main concern is something gelling up with how cold it gets here, sometimes in the -20s and 30s. The boat is in pristine condition, dad kept it that way, and so does the current owner. Very nice boat. To own what was once my dads, and have just a little piece of him back is what makes it so cool and I think worth it.

VR,
Troy

[JPEROG]

Thanks for the reply man. What all entails weatherizing one? It gets pretty dang cold here.

I lived in Northern Michigan for 30 years of my life and we had boats from the time I was born. The motor will self drain, you will drain the gear case and refill it with fresh oil--you don't' want any water in it (rust , freeze, etc. all bad) "maintenance that I do every time the clock hits 10 hours to check for water intrusion and keep fresh oil--its simply and drain and fill". You will pull the battery, and fog the motor by spraying fogging oil in the intake while its running and the motor will choke out as it ingest the lubricate which coats all of the internals for the winter months. Done-- Put a cover on it, drop a few moth balls in around to deter mice and park it in the garage.

You have the a very nice hull (Wally Lamkin went next level on construction, glass work, and resin ratios when he was building the STVs--they are perfect). A 15" mid section motor will be an easy bolt on situation for you to go with. I would also go with hydraulic steering for ease of use and peace of mind. Please call me, if I can help in any way, I will.

Joe

[NICE PAIR]

See attached.

[Stockton_]

I lived in Northern Michigan for 30 years of my life and we had boats from the time I was born. The motor will self drain, you will drain the gear case and refill it with fresh oil--you don't' want any water in it (rust , freeze, etc. all bad) "maintenance that I do every time the clock hits 10 hours to check for water intrusion and keep fresh oil--its simply and drain and fill". You will pull the battery, and fog the motor by spraying fogging oil in the intake while its running and the motor will choke out as it ingest the lubricate which coats all of the internals for the winter months. Done-- Put a cover on it, drop a few moth balls in around to deter mice and park it in the garage.

You have the a very nice hull (Wally Lamkin went next level on construction, glass work, and resin ratios when he was building the STVs--they are perfect). A 15" mid section motor will be an easy bolt on situation for you to go with. I would also go with hydraulic steering for ease of use and peace of mind. Please call me, if I can help in any way, I will.

Joe

Thanks for the information. I will have to get some fogging oil. With a quick google it looks like they make a Marine one. What part of Northern Michigan? I was stationed in North Chicago (Great Lakes) for 5 years. Lake Michigan is an awesome body of water. You think a 15" mid is the way to go? I couldn't go with the 12 that is already on there? I'm not sure how to switch over to hydraulic steering, but I'm sure I could figure it out or have someone do it.

VR,

Troy

[JPEROG]

A 15" was offered on production motors and if you are going to use it as recreational toy, that would be my recommendation. Do you know what gear case he had on it? Get the details of what parts you have and get in touch with me. A 15" 200XS Generation 2 would be great on that boat (dependable, good on fuel, dependable, reliable, oil injected, dependable, pump fuel, dependable)-you get my point. I was in Grand Haven for the most part but had a cottage in Cadillac and spent alot of time in Traverse City and the lakes around it. We now have a place at lake Gogebic in the Western U.P. of Michigan "largest lake in the U.P.".

Joe

[FUJIMO]

...western upper peninsula = god's country. had a cabin in trout creek u.p. in the 70's. home on peninsula drive in traverse city right on grand traverse bay. bon fires on our beach with silver foil covered potatoes & corn. went to old mission school out on the peninsula, etc. a lifetime ago...(sorry for the side track)... its just me, but i would somehow utilize that mid/steering, etc. your dad knew what he was doing, rigging wise, to haul the mail...