Hey y’all from Alabama

[Blackwaterforge]

Just purchased a 1959 Lonestar Eldorado.
Picking up next weekend. It appears to be in nice condition. It has a 1979 Mercury 115 hp outboard motor. I am going to rewire as the wiring is a mess. I plan to pull the floor to check rivets for leaks and paint the inside.
This forum has a lot of great information and I am sure I will have lots of questions.
I am planning to add kicker motor as the lake were I live has 650 miles of shoreline some of it remote. Should I consider moving fuel tank and battery forward since the engine is larger than the boat was originally rated for?
Thank y’all

 

[airshot]

Running an engine over the boats rated HP is a serious liability on your part. Insurance company won't cover it, and any accident you might be involved in makes it your fault from negligence on overpowering !! How big a gambler are you ?

 

[Stand Up]

Welcome aboard @Blackwaterforge .
If I'm picturing this correctly, this boat is covered with a canopy?
I'd love to see a picture of it.

 

[Blackwaterforge]

Here is a picture of the boat.
18’ and very few dings to be a 59

 

[Crazyboat]

I think the max rating is 80HP, that should move her along nicely. Just be careful with the overpower. It was fun when I was a kid, but it can cost a lot as an adult

 

[Tin Man]

Welcome! As others have mentioned, be careful with that 115hp. Find correct specs and stick to it for everyones safety. Remember, that the motors of that vintage were 2 strokes which are lighter than current 4 strokes.... so that also needs to be considered. Enjoy, and share pics of your build!