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Well, I,ve been using the 1966 Merc 650 for anout a season and a half. Noticed a new issue. It will run fine for awhile and then cut out for an instant then keeo running. This can happen and any RPM. Seems to be happening more often each time I take it out. Also, doesn't seem to have the same power ...

Thanks for the info. I have removed all the decals and have it almost ready to paint. I'll use your recommendations for paint and give it a whirl.

I plan on putting a 1966 65hp Merc on it. If it performs well enough, I'd like to stay with it. It's the original engine that came with the boat. Both the boat and engine are of the same year. If the mechanic thinks this engine is a dead horse, or if its performance is totally inadequate, then I wil...

I used Kirby paint from New Bedford, Mass (507-997-9008) which was recommended by Andreas and it worked great. I used high gloss for most of the job and a mixture of Semi-gloss / High gloss for the final coats. It seemed to knock it down a bit and hide any imperfections. I ended up using Epifanes Wo...

I was hoping that someone could describe the process and materials used to refurbuish an old "Black" Merc.

What do you use (do) to get the lower unit etc. ready to paint?

Where do you get the black Merc paint?

Help is appreciated.

Quite a project really. Here's a list of what I've done to the '66 Sea Coaster. Everrywhere I could I used new African Mahogany solid wood to replace old parts (except white oak frames, etc). sanded hull to bare wood new ribs aft of dash new keelson new stringers new keel new transom new splash well...

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The 1966 Thompson Sea Coaster Deluxe was deputed in the Red Wing, MN, River City Days parade today.
Next project is to rebuild the engine.

I usually would have just myself and wife in the 17' Sea Coaster and occasionally would have another couple (4 adults total). Not too much waterskiing, tubing really just a fun recreational boat for cruising or fishing. The engine needs seals for the lower unit plus tune up etc., maybe (impellers ?)...

When I restored my boat, I added weight to the original specs by adding Mahogany hardwood to the deck and seat boxes. When I bought the boat it came with a 1966 Merc 650 that ran. With the added weight, do you feel that this boat will be adequately powered? I will need to have someone else look at t...

The clamp that attaches to the two ribs on either side may be a good idea especially when approaching the transom. Those bends are tight.
Thanks.

The planks are in, the whole hull is as normal. Expose all ribs without the stringers, floor support rail, etc. One end of the rib is first placed against a stop at the inner keel. The steamed, pliable rib is then hand formed to the hull with downward pressure applied from the other end with assista...

I watched a couple of retired guys put ribs in a boat last week and I plan to copy what they did. They used a propane tank (the size for gas grills) and the burner from a turkey deep fryer. The whole thing costs $39 at Menards. They had a steel exhaust pipe welded on one end (so it holds water) abou...

Now that the new transom is in, I am ready to put in new ribs using the hull as the form. I would like to do this in two steps. 1) Remove every other rib and replacing those and then 2) remove the remaing ribs and then replace those. Here is my question: Can I remove every other rib without distorti...