$500 Center Console Build - Mercury 2.5 200hp on a Aluminum Bracket

[jsboat]

Just picked up this motor for $500 in Fort Lauderdale to finish up my budget boat build. I paid $500 for the hull (80s 20ft Chaparral with a customer bracket) and trailer, and $230 for the jackplate. I got the motor running and will change the impeller and thermostats this weekend. I will test it out on the lake behind my house this weekend, I just need to finish up the hydraulic steering and figure out what this tee is for that is coming off the coolant flow to the pee hole below, looks like it may have gone to a water pressure gauge.. The boat has an old hynautic steering ram that has holes for two different size fittings.

Can someone tell me what the tee is for coming off the coolant flow to the pee hole and what two size fittings go into the steering ram? See pics below.

[FUJIMO]

[Turtleherder]

Don’t know about the ram but that T is definitely for a water pressure gauge.

[jsboat]

Don’t know about the ram but that T is definitely for a water pressure gauge.

Thanks one bird down, water pressure gauge is ordered and will be in Saturday. Just need fittings on the ram and I'm golden.

[Whaaaaat]

Pressure gauge from pissed hose? Doubtful and not accurate. Maybe temp sensor? Hot water wash?

[home made tunnel]

That T on the pisser hose is useless. It's only going to see low pressure after the thermostats. Need a fitting on the block somewhere. They usually have a nipple on the top somewhere to T into.

[home made tunnel]

But nice score! Boating on the cheap! That bracket off the back makes the boat look small lol.

[jsboat]

But nice score! Boating on the cheap! That bracket off the back makes the boat look small lol.

Thanks, I'm going to block it off and just run straight to the pisser. What can I say I am addicted to cheap boats builds. The boat looks 14' in photos because of the bracket. Guy I bought it from said it was a drug boat in its past life. Someone went through great lengths to close the transom, reinforce it, then cover the bow with fiberglass. Going by Chapparals site this was a side console bowrider. I am going with a 4 blade $100 quicksliver nemesis propeller 14 x 19 that came in today. I'll be happy if this thing hits 50mph.

[noli]

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JS,


where did you get that humvee

please keep us posted with your build....pics





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[Capt.Insane-o]

Nothing better than a beater build.

[jsboat]

When I found the$500 hull, its actually rock solid


When I found the motor,it had been sitting in a warehouse. Previous owner re powered a contender.


When I got the motor mounted. Forklift out of the bed.


I got the propeller in and replaced the thermostats, impeller, hydraulic steering hose, and new SeaStar orb fittings.

[jsboat]

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JS,


where did you get that humvee

please keep us posted with your build....pics





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I actually got the Humvee through another forum, Steel Soldiers. I need to replace the thermal air valve, one of the plastic nipples broke. Once I bleed the steering lines I will be able to give it a lake trial.

[noli]

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if you have a thread on your Humvee please share here




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[home made tunnel]

works on beater boats . . . Drives a Humvee lol. Nice.

[jsboat]

works on beater boats . . . Drives a Humvee lol. Nice.

Lots of toys to play with, but I love the challenge of putting together a boat on a budget.