Alright. Today's work will just be with the thermostat. I'll pull it out and drop it in 140 degree water to see if it's opening. Then I'll clean up the valve and spring in the other section (think that was how it works. I've got a diagram for it). Tomorrow I will be picking up a water pump kit to replace the one posted above. If needed, I will also buy parts for the thermostat. Once that's complete, the only other things needed are aesthetic and creature comforts. I do need to repair my seats as the wood has rotted out of two of them. I've got all the plywood and fasteners I need to repair them.
I think my next big question is about installing a tach. Is that possible on these? From what I've read, WOT should be 5,000rpm. I'd like to put as much prop under it as it can handle, but I haven't the foggiest idea of how to select a prop. I've read about pitch angle and some stuff, but is there a way of calculating what you need? The prop currently on the boat isn't too bad, but it's seen better days and is missing a bit of metal. I filed down most of the damage to at least smooth it out so that it will hopefully cut through the water easier. Currently, My boat can hit about 35-40mph and can go about 42 miles on ten gallons of fuel (4.2 mpg average though obviously tides, currents and wind are a factor). How do I select a prop to ensure that I'm getting the right performance out of my boat? I don't want to go too aggressive and lose range. Is there an equation that I can do based on weight and power or something like that? Do store allow you to try out multiple props (obviously as long as you don't damage one) to find the right one? What about prop weight? Is heavier better? Or lighter? The prop on it currently is really light.