Logo

Accomplished backyard mechanic, new to boats

northcountry777

New member
I just purchased a 1976 StarCraft 18' v-hull with an Evinrude 135 hp motor. I paid $180 for the boat and trailer, so I couldn't pass it up.

However, the motor is not connected to the "pilot seat" if you will. It's securely attached to the boat of course, but there is no steering, throttle, or electrical connection at all.

I have worked on my own vehicles for almost a decade, but that's been limited to cars/trucks, lawn mowers, and recently an ATV. I know enough to know that boats are a whole different game.

After looking at blow-apart diagrams of throttle and steering assemblies I have to admit I feel like I'm in over my head, but I am a quick learner and determined.

Can anybody give me some tips on where to look for good information, (used?) parts, or just get me pointed in the right direction?

I know I'm looking at at least a grand to get this boat on the water, but it'll be money well spent considering the price I paid upfront

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Do a thorough diagnostic of the motor first off. Are you saying the controls are not present or just not connected? The steering is straight forward do the research on how to measure the cable and get a teleflex rotary non feedback system if you have the room under the dash. You can get a good used control box on ebay with the correct harness does it have power tilt trim? As long as the engine has good compression of at least 120psi and even everything else can be worked out easy enough. Drain the gearbox and see if any metal shavings are in the oil. You should be able to start it by jumping the starter motor same with checking compression. The steering is universal but make sure the engine is serviceable before spending any money on it.
 
The engine it turns out is actually a 1973, the model number is 135383M. I have not checked the the gearbox yet but I will. The fleet mechanic at work mentioned something like that as well.
The control panel in front is there. There are controls for power tilt and I saw wires connected to a hydraulic piston so I would say it does have power tilt. I guess there is a harness behind the dash, but the wire casing looks dry rotted and cracked. The only control I'm missing up front is the throttle. The throttle cable appears to be cut at the engine and there are no steering arms at all. Also there is no fuel tank or fuel line. But if I can hook up a throttle and steering I figure a gas tank will be a snap.
Now by control box do you mean the dash assembly or is that a component on the motor itself that the dash communicates with?
And don't worry I intend to make sure the engine is in good shape before a start hooking up steering and what not. How can I run it outside of water without hurting the engine?

Thanks for the speedy reply
 
Pull the gearbox you can inspect it on a bench. The first thing I would do is see if she pops? Pull the plugs and put some fuel mix directly in the plug holes put the plugs in and jump the starter. That oils the rings for a accurate compression test. The engine should start with no wires connected just dont run it that way.
 
That has the hydro mechanical shift gearbox you wont be able to diagnose it properly until the engine is running. There is a arm up under the front of the motor the steering link connects to once you install the cable in the tilt tube.
 
My bad your engone does not have a tilt tube it takes a special bracket you mount on the transom i will try and post some pics of my 40hp with the same setup.
 
Once again i was wrong that makes it somewhat easier. Send some-pics of the boat and-motor sounds like it may have a tilt trim add on tho from what i see itonly has the tilt assist piston?
 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/B9ZniZDT8fOoIXap1 under dash
https://photos.app.goo.gl/mBFom7IgvvkYmUpy2 Model ID plate
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GwB7K5R1ZE8qn3fH2Motor port side
Motor Starboard side https://photos.app.goo.gl/CCoSzBQPM5G7LLM72
Aft Interior https://photos.app.goo.gl/qXMSCp53sFcCUIxK2
Front of Motor
Dash https://photos.app.goo.gl/yfhjfAT8Qu9lhvjz2
Overview https://photos.app.goo.gl/ygrMkU1tqXNsflox1

As you can see its pretty bare bones, but hopefully this will help you help me. sorry its links but I couldn't upload pics for some reason
 
I did not see any throttle shift control. Measure from where they mount next tothe seat to the transom and from the side to the center of the motor round it to the next highest foot and add a foot. Thats how long the shift and throttle cables need to be. The steering just needs the link from the cable end to the motor. Look on ebay for a good set of controls with harness should be plug and play.
 
Thanks guys for the great info.

So I don't mean to sound like a rookie, but that up/down switch you see on the dash pic, is that for shifting or tilt? It seems obvious thinking about it now but I didn't realize boat motors we're geared too. I've only used trolling motors on a canoe
 
That is for the tilt motor i am guessing it is not a trim setup you want to lower it all the way to the trim pin. The controls will have the ignition and neutral safety switches with shift and throttle cables. You may get lucky and have the right length cables. The harness you just loop it under the splash by the battery. Does it have the red plug on the tarness in the engine count the pins?
 
Back
Top