71 Crestliner Muskie 15 Project

LaqueRatt said:

Interesting about the trailer button. I wonder if mine is bypassed? The motor goes up pretty high.

Check out the pic in post #1. If motor went up any higher it would be inside the boat!

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Yep, I don't think it would go any higher.

Like I said, I'm not sure what models actually used it. It's very possible that someone has bypassed it already, the trim switches can be problematic and really aren't all that useful on your application, just a safety hand-holding type of thing.

Well looks like this is going on hold with the weather getting crappy. Cold and drizzly. Upper 30s and 40s overnight. Wow, everything sure seems to have changed quickly this year. Going to try out my new round muffs in the next few days, mainly to see if by some miracle my impeller is still good and it's just the crappy muffs I was using that was causing erratic peeing. Then I'll prob just run the Merc dry and drain the carbs. It's already got a ton of SeaFoam in the tank so it should then be good until spring, which seems so far away right now! If I take anything out this week it'll be my trusty tinny.

Aw man, I have to wait till spring for the next installment! Looking forward to it.

Thinking of taking a stab at redoing the upholstery, if so I'll post some pics. I've never used a sewing machine in my life though. A lot of it I can do without one I think, because it's basically vinyl stretched around a board. All the side panels are like that. The bow cushions have piping, which if want to do it the same way I'll need a sewing machine. I just don't know what kind. One with a walking foot.....whatever the hell that is.....LOL

LaqueRatt said:

Thinking of taking a stab at redoing the upholstery, if so I'll post some pics. I've never used a sewing machine in my life though. A lot of it I can do without one I think, because it's basically vinyl stretched around a board. All the side panels are like that. The bow cushions have piping, which if want to do it the same way I'll need a sewing machine. I just don't know what kind. One with a walking foot.....whatever the hell that is.....LOL

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Like your thinking process.

Even with a major setback, I'm determined to restore this thing. Was a sad day yesterday, but I soldiered on with my cover support upgrade. It needs a little tweaking, but looks like it should keep the rain and snow from accumulating.

LaqueRatt said:

Thinking of taking a stab at redoing the upholstery, if so I'll post some pics. I've never used a sewing machine in my life though. A lot of it I can do without one I think, because it's basically vinyl stretched around a board. All the side panels are like that. The bow cushions have piping, which if want to do it the same way I'll need a sewing machine. I just don't know what kind. One with a walking foot.....whatever the hell that is.....LOL

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Many years ago when I needed to do some canvass work on the boat, I joined an adult ed upholstery project class. It gave me access to the heavy duty machines and someone to ask questions.

Interesting thought. Guess it wouldn't hurt to check into it, but I've never heard of classes like that around here.

Currently pricing similar replacement seats in the $165-225 range. So not so sure the lounge seats are worth messing with.

LaqueRatt said:

Interesting thought. Guess it wouldn't hurt to check into it, but I've never heard of classes like that around here.

Currently pricing similar replacement seats in the $165-225 range. So not so sure the lounge seats are worth messing with.

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I should clarify, this was back in the early 80's. I don't' know if they offer them around here anymore either.

Maybe you can find some in an old junker boat and offer a few bucks.

I'm looking, I'm looking! Closest I found so far are in Aurora, IL. Trying to see if the guy will meet me half-way.

OK, if it were me, I would seriously consider getting some foam (to replace the chewed up ones) and some vinyl by the yard from the local fabric store. Then I would sew simple slip on covers and staple them underneath. It does require a sewing machine.

LaqueRatt said:

OK, looks like this isn't going to be a biggie. Some of you may be chuckling, but I honestly thought this could be a brand/year specific original part which, of course, just my luck......would be NLA!

Just for the heck of it, decided to test the flip up feature. It flipped up, but that really did it in. Now it's in pieces. Either it's really old or a real piece of crap. So going to order a new one, but was wondering if silicone is the proper goo to put underneath the bracket? Looks like that's what the last guy used. Is the quality pretty much the same with all replacements?

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The black ones tend to be UV resistant and not be brittle, FWIW.

LDUBS said:

OK, if it were me, I would seriously consider getting some foam (to replace the chewed up ones) and some vinyl by the yard from the local fabric store. Then I would sew simple slip on covers and staple them underneath. It does require a sewing machine.

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Thanks for the idea. I have to do something at least for the time being. Did you know they make actual seat covers for boats that are a lot like car seat covers? They look decent from a distance, but look like crap up close. Plus they run about 1/3 the cost of new seat assemblies.

Got a little bit done over the long weekend. The aftermarket bilge pump didn't look like it has led a kind life so I pulled it out for testing. Locked up. Even though it was glued together was able to break the bond and access the impeller. A little persuading and copious amounts of WD40 and what do you know. It started working. After a little bit of running it is pumping like a champ. Now I just got to figure out the best way to mount it. There's a cubby hole way in the back under the spillway, but there is a lot of crap down in the bilge. Foam chunks that I guess are supposed to keep the boat from sinking? Corrugated discharge hose was not attached to anything and pretty much junk. Replaced it with a dishwasher drain line. Much better quality. I'm just not sure where to discharge it to. Do I need some sort of discharge fitting?

Also repaired the messed up seat as best I could using some vinyl I got from a local upholstery shop. Priced re-doing the seats and was told $700 and up....EACH. Yikes, more than I paid for the boat! I'm definitely going to have to learn to do this myself.

Nice job on the seat repair.

In the past, I have used car guys, those that rebuild old cars and do the upholstry in the cars. Not only do they good work, I have found them to be much cheaper than boat upholstry/ cover guys. Just a thought....

Very nice job!!!

Thanks, I just hope it holds up for awhile.

Actually it's a glass and trim shop I went to. They've done a convertible top for me, a bike seat, car seats. Even thermopane windows. I imagine the shop rate is the same for boats as cars, but I can see how rebuilding these seats can be time consuming. Maybe more than for a car. I had to do some carpentry as well as replace the chewed up vinyl.