850 xs tower?

[53w]

It is a 650 XS, I found correct serial number list on www.oldmercs.com website.

4304334

1976 650 XS 4304325 and up and 90hp

Building the puzzle and part of the fun is trying to finding all the pieces.

I know a couple of guys that used to race these..hopefully they still have some pieces around.

[53w]

Thanks to all that helped figure this thing out!!

[bernie]

The 650xs was 3 cyl and 3 carb correct? How much hp?

I figure i need at least 80hp to push the star around and get it to ride.

If i can find a power head might make a good ride.

The 650XS was around 86-88 hp at 7400-7600 RPM. They had a tendency to grenade if run over 8000 RPM. You will not find a powerhead, BUT, I do know of a very good complete 650XS in Michigan that is seriously for sale. I owned it and went thru it before I sold it to the current owner. It does not fit his Hydroplane application and wants to sell it. Coldwater Michigan, 5 hours from Fond du lac - I know because I delivered it when I sold it. Let me know and I will hook you up with the owner.

[2us70]

A perfect motor for a mid 70s SE boat. As an old E class driver I would love to run one of those motors. They came out right about the time I stepped away from racing.

[willabee]

..... I figure i need at least 80hp to push the star around and get it to ride.

If i can find a power head might make a good ride.

Depends on what you think is a good ride. The 1100 gave it what I would define as a good ride. I wouldn't want anything less than that. If I remember correctly, the 1250 powerhead will bolt onto the housing you have. If you could find one of those from 1968, you'd love the ride and it would run forever ..... just my opinion.

[53w]

Depends on what you think is a good ride. The 1100 gave it what I would define as a good ride. I wouldn't want anything less than that. If I remember correctly, the 1250 powerhead will bolt onto the housing you have. If you could find one of those from 1968, you'd love the ride and it would run forever ..... just my opinion.

Willibee,
I do trust and value your opinion. I still have not not gotten time to go through the 1100ss or work on the star.. I did find a good cdi box for it, so i should have spark.

Every summer i have good intentions to work on it, but it never happens.. other stuff or other jobs that pay gets in the way...

I am also putting together an studs up 1250bp clone to run on it.

I also wanted to try to put together an nice shift engine to make sand bar hopping and docking a little bit driver friendly.

Went over to my friends shop looking for a short short tower assembly for shift engine, says I got just what you need an 850xs hard mount race tower and take it and it free...but turns out it is really a 650xs.

I am thinking on taking it up to Tomahawk WI for the antique outboard motor and boat show this summer. They are doing a big thing on Switzer Craft boats. Maybe back it in the water on trailer and see your old 1100ss and ssm will fire up.. I don't think i will have boat drive able by then, but engine should be ok to try to start.

great to hear from you again

53w

[willabee]

Willibee, ..... I still have not not gotten time to go through the 1100ss or work on the star.. I did find a good cdi box for it, so i should have spark.

Every summer i have good intentions to work on it, but it never happens.. other stuff or other jobs that pay gets in the way...

I am also putting together an studs up 1250bp clone to run on it.

I also wanted to try to put together an nice shift engine to make sand bar hopping and docking a little bit driver friendly. .....53w

It's too bad you can't find time to get the Star running again, you're missing out on one hell of a lot of fun.

As far as 'a nice shift engine' goes, you don't need it. You just need to learn how to drive it without, it's not difficult. You will give away way too much performance just to snuggle up to a bar dock and every Checkmate on the water will see that and want to race!

That boat was built to intimidate, not accommodate.

[53w]

Had it a Tomahawk WI antique outboard meet in 2014. First time I ever had it out of shop washed it and quick wax job.

They having Switzer Craft boats as one of the main attractions this year up there in early August. Going to bring it back up there if weather is good. Has some transom and balsa core minor problems that need to be addressed, it been dry for over 30 years, so not trying to get it wet until I can fix it. Might throw good cdi box on it and fill ssm up with oil and back it in and see if it will start..

53w

[Mark75H]

Which of the 3 possible distributors is on this motor?

[willabee]

...... it been dry for over 30 years, so not trying to get it wet until I can fix it. ..... 53w

Probably been dry since about 1970, almost 50 years!

It always was and still is a beautiful boat, fun memories.

[53w]

Which of the 3 possible distributors is on this motor?

It is the early points triggered cdi system. One year only one. I was lucky enough to find a good spare dizzy and box that came off a running 950ss

[bernie]

Had it a Tomahawk WI antique outboard meet in 2014. First time I ever had it out of shop washed it and quick wax job.

They having Switzer Craft boats as one of the main attractions this year up there in early August. Going to bring it back up there if weather is good. Has some transom and balsa core minor problems that need to be addressed, it been dry for over 30 years, so not trying to get it wet until I can fix it. Might throw good cdi box on it and fill ssm up with oil and back it in and see if it will start..

53w

Instead of tying up the ramps at T-Hawk, test it at home - ramp space can be at a preminum up there if the weather is good.