Almost there and then

[nymack66]

Ferm, If you need a replacement engine , I have a 1977 v4 140 25" , complete with all parts looks great and clean , I got a steal on it , was told it needs a pack , Its all yours for free , well kinda , I will just pick your brains from time to time on my 87 v4 140 , You have provided great help and this is my pay back time !! I can send you pictures if you need em

[THEFERMANATOR]

This is one of those times where a compression test isn't always right. It has good compression 82-90 across all holes, but you can't measure crankcase compression. The engine sounds fine at 1100+ where it runs on the hose, but once it drops down knock knock. I should have known better than to take his word, but he seemed upfront and honest. Oh well ,looks like I found a replacement powerhead already. Just waiting to see how it goes on Ebay. I do still have my 85 140 that is pretty potent, but these hulls need at least 175HP to really perform. There about 500 pounds heavier than a V-20 with a variable deadrise coming out close to 19 degrees at the transom, but ALOT in the bow area. And I don't trust other peoples rebuilds for just this reason. You can tell it was recently apart, but who knows what they did in there(obviously not what was needed).

And thanks for the offer NYMACK, you can still pick my brain for free. Just don't pick too hard, there aint much there.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Well hopefully this one works out. I'll bring my micrometers with me when I go to get it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWA:IT&ih=002

[Bygracealone]

Ferm, I hope this works out well for you. I'm so sorry you've had so many troubles with it.

Also, congrats on what seems to be a sweet deal on that rebuilt powerhead. I wish I lived closer to you, I'd be happy to give you an extra set of hands (but that's all I'd be able to lend you since I don't know much about outboards...).

Anyway, when do you pick it up and when do you think you'll have the work all done and ready to take her out?

[THEFERMANATOR]

I sent him my number to arrange pick-up on it. With my luck, I'm going to pull this one down and go through it myself first. I'm hoping by next week if all goes well to have it done. My other half is going to her parents house SUNDAY and coming back TUESDAY, so hopefully some peace and quiet will let me get it knocked out. And then I'll get this one tore down and survey the damage. I went ahead and took it out today, and the boat rides like a dream. BGA will have a grin from ear to ear when he gets his out on the water, but definately get trim tabs. The variable deadrise on these hulls tends to list from one side to the other.

My girlfriend was also VERY happy with the ride of it. The last big boat I took her out on was the SEARAY 250, and this HYDRA rides SO much better. Unfortuneatly I forgot my camera and GPS at the house, so no figures or pictures to post. But my taking it for a ride really helped to give me some motivation to finish it. Hopefully soon I'll be able to put LUMBER into shock from fish blood EVERYWHERE!

[Bygracealone]

Oh man! Now you got me going... I've got to get a move on the work that I need to do...

I'm really happy that you're digging the boat. Glad your lady likes it too, that's always a plus.

[THEFERMANATOR]

This one has a set of LENCO'S on it, 9X12 tab size. They're actually marginally big enough. I figured a set of M-80's would do, but after seeing how it reacts to tabs M-120's may be better. At slower speeds I could easily run full tabs to push the bow down, making me think it could use more tabs. I personally like the BENNETT tabs, but these were on it with a new control box so they can stay for awhile. They do react quickly when you hit the button, but electrical and saltwater just don't ever seem to agree for me.