18'barrell back

[Fenderjack]

Are they worth anything.What is the difference between the regular one and a barrell back.Found a late 60's one with a holman and moody ford in it.Owner says it's a barrell back,drive looks like a later model volvo drive but has a eaton sticker on it.Can a plate be put on them to run a mercruiser.Would a alpha drive and a small block run as good as the ford set up. Price is right,but does need the gas tank pulled and replaced.Thanks JOHN

[mattyboy]

fenderjack,

a barrelback would be one of the first 230 or so hulls produced.
it is also a true 24 degree deep vee with a sharp keel and full length inner lifting strakes. they rounded the keel and shortened the strakes to soften the ride on the standard 18.
it handles rough water a tad better but can have harsh re-entries over the rounded bottom.

i know of a few merc driven barrelbacks both alpha and bravo

a 350 mag and alpha runs just to about 60, the bravo and warmed up 383 runs low 70s. sb ford/volvo run a tad slower.
and hi po goodies for the fords are hard to find compared to chevy stuff.

the volvo drives were badged eaton in the early years. if it is a real spin off eaton it needs to be replaced .
it most likely is a volvo aq200 and is a reliable drive.
they do make a plate for a volvo merc change over

florida marine tanks make the tank it is a fmt 23 dz. props can be found and other resto parts as well

if i can help in anyway please let me know

Matty Veth
Lake George Donzi Classic Club