Can you identify this outdrive - Tunnel craft eliminator

**Bremdanm** · 01-11-2020, 03:37 AM

Hey guys, new member and first post. Looking at buying a tunnel craft eliminator, power is a supercharged rover V8. Anyone know what this hull is like?

Main question is can anyone identify this outdrive? It has a through bolted transom shield, only thing I can find similar is mercury model 2. Top box is finned, haven't found anything similar. Lower is some sort of super Speedmaster by the look of it.

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**Capt.Insane-o** · 01-11-2020, 04:10 AM

Wow...an old III with a ssm. quite a find there! 351?

**HydroSkreamin** · 01-11-2020, 08:22 AM

And it’s a left hand rotation drive according to the prop on it.

He’s saying it’s a supercharged Rover V8, which would be some version of the Buick aluminum 8 they bought the tooling for.

That’s a blast from the past!

**kellytheaker** · 01-11-2020, 09:10 AM

Someone spent a bunch of time and money in that time period . Aluminum block and heads with a Super Speedmaster . Nice find . The Eliminator hull has always been a very nice layed up and cored with balsa that was in my eyes beautifully done . Metalflake to boot . Has that got a serial on the right rear or did these get splashed . I have not seen many in flake . You boys in Ausrailia do seem to have some rare stuff

**Dave S** · 01-11-2020, 02:58 PM

Cudda......that is stock.......mr merc didn't have you around to tell him that..........too bad for Mr Merc.....

**Capt.Insane-o** · 01-11-2020, 04:17 PM

Love to see some more pics of the whole rig.

**kellytheaker** · 01-11-2020, 06:32 PM

I second the need for additional pictures , detailed

**Capt.Insane-o** · 01-11-2020, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by HydroSkreamin

And it’s a left hand rotation drive according to the prop on it.

He’s saying it’s a supercharged Rover V8, which would be some version of the Buick aluminum 8 they bought the tooling for.

That’s a blast from the past!

Yeah it was early and bleary eyed for me. As long as that drive is in decent condition, and the corrosion kept at bay, kept well sealed and lubed it's strong enough for that motor. I think that was the 215 ci motor. Super neat package especially with all the hardware on the motor.

**Bremdanm** · 01-11-2020, 07:13 PM

Nice pickup on the LH rotation, didn't even notice that, was too concerned with the rest.

Not sure about the serial, was looking at the drive more than anything as it has at the least a seized bearing in the upper. Metalflake needs the clear redone really.

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**HydroSkreamin** · 01-11-2020, 08:45 PM

As I was launching my boat across from a campground a couple summers ago, there was a similar rig parked at a campsite. The thing that stuck out to me the most was that someone had cut the skeg completely off!

He was out running the river later that day

**kellytheaker** · 01-11-2020, 09:06 PM

As far as Eliminator - I'm not familiar with that hull style , I'm not saying it' not - just have not ever seen . I would strongly suggest buffing before discounting the finish . Unless it' peeling . But understand the points you got heavily distracted in . Must be early 70s ? . Just the motor attachment and bow - i have not seen in Eliminator stuff . Interesting . Are you the proud owner or are you still pondering this project purchase. It' a head Turner and a scratcher - I WOULD !!! . Be carefull I have done/bought some stuff i should have just admired . Its going to be loud and hopefully fast . And a conversation piece when it' not running cause you couldn' have the conversation when it was . But you can smile allot when it is

**FUJIMO** · 01-11-2020, 09:08 PM

**FUJIMO** · 01-11-2020, 09:09 PM

That things been in storage somewhere, not used, for what, 50 somethin' years? Crazy. But its got a Dolphin on it, which brings it into the late 70's when possibly used. cool.

**Bremdanm** · 01-11-2020, 10:47 PM

Still thinking about it at the moment, if I was going to buy it, I would more than likely get it going, fix the drive, clean it up, use it a couple of times and then sell it. I already have a "normal" boat and this thing would not be family friendly.

According to the owner, the hull is an 84, but I'm not sure how this is possible given the age of the drive, though the rover V8 is obviously a lot later than the drive as well.

Is this thing likely to have monetary value, or simply nostalgia value? If I had more room I'd happily fix it and keep it just for the historic value. Also, if I couldnt get parts for the top box there is no way I could put a bravo on it, it wouldn't look right.

**kellytheaker** · 01-12-2020, 06:23 AM

I can' speak to the value but it' a pretty neat piece - Super Speedmaster - i am not the knowledge base on this drive but hopefully someone jumps in and can educate you on the value of the hull and parts available for the drive . Be patient this is the site .