Help identifying old sterndrives

Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by DogCavalry, Aug 5, 2021.

  1. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Forgotten in a field for years. My friend found them cutting the blackberries.
    These boats were used for log salvage by beachcombers. Some gear still on board.

    What are the drives? 20210804_203949.jpg 20210804_203942.jpg 20210804_203932.jpg 20210804_203849.jpg 20210804_203829.jpg 20210804_203527.jpg 20210804_203518.jpg 20210804_203510.jpg 20210804_200535.jpg 20210804_200219.jpg

    And can anyone identify the V8?
     
  2. bajansailor
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    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    I don't know anything about outdrives; although one photo mentions 'Mercruiser', these might be from the days before they have Bravo One and Two drives?

    Re the second photo showing a rusty steel towing post, the hull of this boat appears to be aluminium - is it worthy of salvage?
    I am wondering even if it might be suitable for use as a barge?
    If you can get it for nothing, same as the outdrives, then there could be potential there?
     
  3. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    DogCavalry and bajansailor like this.
  4. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    There's 3 different units. 2 that seem to be alpha predecessors, and the big one: bravo 2 predecessor. The smaller have 4 cylinder engines. The larger a v8.
     
  5. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    The smaller are first generation alphas. The larger is a Kiekhaefer Mercury 220 hp leg. Piece of history.
     
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  6. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Kiekhaefer Mercury became Mercruiser in 1971
     
  7. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Are they from an area where they were likely used in freshwater ? If so, there might, I say might, be something salvageable there. Otherwise, with the old alloy they used way back then, which one fella I heard inelegantly describe as "s*** metal", then it is likely a lost cause.
     
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  8. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    I'll have an uncharitable look at them before spending any money.
     
  9. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    Everything else, solid as hell. This mounting plate is disintegrating. 20210806_144742.jpg
     
  10. bajansailor
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    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    That is some impressive corrosion there!
     
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  11. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    IMG-20210806-WA0003.jpg
    Yes indeed. Long enough in the blackberries to grow trees.
     
  12. cracked_ribs
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    cracked_ribs Senior Member

    I wouldn't be in any rush to spend anything on those.

    I've been literally offered matched pairs of outdrives and motors when in marinas that do outboard conversions, if I would just haul them away. I've never taken anyone up on it, because I didn't need a whole spare everything and it would be a pain to haul and store.

    But I bet if you sit on this need for a while and cruise the big shops in the lower mainland you'll find someone converting their Commander etc to outboards, and you'll be able to get engines, legs and all for next to nothing.
     
  13. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    I'ma little worried you are gonna end up spending 5-10k to put together crap. I think you can get into a more reliable engine.
    The other issue that happens is parts. If you need a certain part; you certainly won't be using that corroded bit. And as you get further into it and other pieces break off in your hands; you'll end up needing them. And those logs always look nice on the outside, but once you realize the extent if corrosion inside, etc.

    I sold some half decent logs on ebay and the seller demanded a refund cuz they saw rust inside on antique i/o parts.

    Anyhow, I'd not spend much(any) money on those. They aren't going anywhere.
     
  14. DogCavalry
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    DogCavalry Senior Member

    I'm coming around to that thinking too. The smaller legs are 120/140's, I'd need both. The bigger is a bit of a mystery. Based on the link @gonzo provided, probably a 160. Not enough power. Rebuilding 2 ancient drives and engines? Rolling the dice too many times. Going to come up snake eyes at least once.
     
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  15. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    If you do a deal like this, see if you can add all the data and controls.

    honda financing.jpg
     
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