First run in 10 years, and it wasnt bad. We still havent washed it yet, but it runs good. We ran around at displacement speed for awhile, and then coaxed on to plane. It backfired and complained a bit, but it got there. Between 2500 and 3000, there was alot of racket coming from the driveline, but once we hit 3000, it was smooth as silk. The alignment is .035 off, and there is a very small bend in the propeller. One of those things is probably causing the noise/vibration.
We cruised for a bit at bout 3000, and then the engine died. We werent getting fuel to the carb. Not to worry, we planned for such and emergency, and out came the portable fuel tank. Got us back to the ramp, no problem.
We have to wash and wax it, finish the floor, put a new propeller and fuel pump on, and it should be good to go. The trailer has some issues, it is the original 1969 trailer, and I dont know how they used it like this for so long. The boat sits low enough on it that the rudder sometimes scrapes the road if you get enough of a dip. We have to fix that right away.
Edit Comment: For readers looking at this thread, here’s more! http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1139753845
This is the longest thread in the forum, and it had to be locked because it got so long we couldn’t find the new posts! Lots of good stuff about the 19’ Super Sport Commander!
This message has been edited by FEfinaticP on Jun 12, 2006 8:00 AM
A rare experience in a vintage Commander superboat
June 11 2006, 5:05 PM
I hope you remember this day for a long time. What a privledge being able to take that boat out after a ten year nap! It's a rare experience to be able to be at the wheel of a rare Commander superboat. I'll bet those straight pipes sounded off nicely too!
The shot across the transom, looking back at the wake says it all! Good going, may you have many more sucessful outings in this really special and rare find!
Years ago I did an engine swap on a 17’ Chris Utility, shown here with the 700 pound Hercules coming out, transom removed and ready for work.
I got a 283 setup from a Chris Craft Super Sport, which actually turned out to be a 327 and weighed a lot less. I’m not entirely sure of the power, but it’s not far from 300. Note the stock CC aluminum manifolds that are still good! I polished them up a bit. The boat is fast, by the way, and it also sounds great. Nothing quite like a small block Chevy with no mufflers in a small boat! Your boat would be able to take a lot more power than mine, and it would be able to do something with it too. If the water isn't smooth, mine will beat you to death, it's almost flat at the transom, and the entry isn't all that sharp either, but it's fun. With the deep V on your boat, you can carve up the water even when it get's choppy, very slick!
Your project is of great interest and it’s unique. By all means take photos and document your work. There are lots of people who will enjoy seeing the info!
That s so good to see the boat running under its own power
June 12 2006, 7:15 PM
I enjoyed seeing the previous photos where you discovered the boat and photographed the various elements. Now seeing the boat under way is great. Keep up the good work guys.
The motor oil goes through a filter but the tranny doesn't. Check the fluid shortly after running, put a couple drops on a cosmetic mirror, let it flatten out good, then put a flashlight up to it take a close look. Not sure if you had any internal rust to deal with or not.
What the heck kind of oil do you use in a V-drive anyway? Is it ATF or gear lube?
Glad to know you got the boat running, that is great news, contratulations.
Just had both rebuilt, although it may have been unneccesary because I wasnt familiar on how the trans operated. Works good, although reverse puts quite a load on the engine, sometimes killing it. Sometimes the idle sticks high, at around 1100 or so, and we have to fix that. I dont want to shift it anymore idling that fast. We are now working on the cosmetics of the boat, and I plan to replace the one riser (external crack, and leaky man to riser gasket). There was a small amount of steam coming from that sides exhaust, but no sign of water in the oil. I went out today and fogged the cylinders on that side and manually rotated the engine just to be safe.
Saw your note about shaft rotation in the other thread
June 16 2006, 6:20 PM
Was going to suggest you just put it in the water and run it for a while and then see what happens. Looks like you did. I think things will all loosen up with a little drive time.
Saw your comment about MMO too, good stuff, would not be a bad idea to use some to clean out the engine sump and especially everything around the lifters and valve stems. I believe it's actually better to use that as a motor flush, than the motor flush stuff which is basically kerosene.
You guys dont think that sludge, or flaking rust from the oil pan could clog up my oil pump do you? Its a cast iron oil pan that had quite a bit of water in it from condensation. Oils has been changed 3 times, each time with MMO added. It is now pretty clean, checked right after the last outing. I plan to leave it in there for the rest of the season.
I would be more concerned about clogging the oil filter, than the pump
June 17 2006, 7:19 AM
sludge sitting that long in the pan, is probably a firm layer on the bottom. MMO and running would soften it, but would not likely cause it to turn into a liquid. you prob cleaned off the top of it, so you might watch that filter. Just a thought, for the price of a filter you could have some piece of mind. Any rust in there will run though the pump, not good, but at least it's well oiled, and the filter will catch it. I wouldnt be too concerned about it because the rust would never get inside the oil passages. What does your oil look like on the dip stick???? That would be the tell tale. If it really looks baaad, might change that filter, and-or run another flush, but sounds like you already did that well.
Good luck Merc, great boat you got there, looks like loadz of fun.
