It's official!

I am now the official owner of the boat. The previous owner had pulled the title out of his filing cabinet when he decided to sell the boat, but misplaced it while it was for sale. That is why I did not want to spent any money on the boat yet (remember the wash with just water I mentioned a couple days ago). Now it's mine and I can do what I want to with it.

I've been to the library and checked out the service manuals for my engine and numerous books on boat restoration and maintenance. I hit the 20 book limit for number of checkouts at one time.

As far as a list of things to do, here is a rough outline so far:

1. Get the boat and trailer registered in my name.
2. Purchase and install plug wires and spark plugs. Already done ... ( I know, I said I wasn't going to spend any money, but this is all I bought because my motor guy was available and I didn't want to pass on the opportunity.)

The engine runs great, but there is a slight miss and it runs a little rich. My motor guy and I will adjust the timing and the choke on the carburetor.

3. Purchase and install a new rubber boot for the front engine mount.
4. Purchase and install two trim cylinders (which raise and lower the propeller out of the water).
5. Purchase and install a propeller.

Then put the boat in the water for sea trials (while it's still warm outside). I want to learn if there is anything else mechanically I need to do before I start the interior work. If the sea trials go well, I'll definitely keep the boat and start pricing the interior work.

There are a couple of optional things I would like to do to the engine, but are not required. (in no particular order) First I want to upgrade the heat exchanger from 3" to 4"(it cools the water that cools the engine). I have read that this engine can run a little hot in warm water and the larger heat exchanger is a perfect fix. Second, I want to install an aftermarket kit that includes an alternator like a car. It's a marine grade alternator. The standard constant current stator and sea water cooled voltage regulator are prone to failure. The third thing I want to do is buy a second battery. There is a switch available that can select from none-one-the other-or both. I really like the added security the second battery provides.