New additions.
Now to see if they'll fit in the sun lounge ;)

This I've had a while but just ran it for the first time a couple days ago. 1964 3HP folding motor. Has not been run in 7 yrs that I know of. Stuck it in a bucket of water and it started on the 5th pull. Cleaned the plugs and it now starts on the 1st. Direct drive but spins 360* and idles so low you can't even hear it run and can hold it at dock w/one hand.
I've got a video of it running that I still need to upload. Hilarious. 48 yrs old, never a part and runs like a top. Do that w/a 4 stroke.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...rspixs/3hp.jpg

Bought this dinghy for it today. 7', perfect to try and shoe horn it into the sun lounge.
Comes w/the seat but does need oars.

Now, can I make it plane with 3 HP's ????

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...s/dinghy-1.jpg

Dingy's are the best. Nothing like rolling up to the dock in 7ft dingy with a liitle 2-stroke. People's faces are priceless :lolhit:

Looks like you have another boat trip coming up soon, this should give you more excess to other areas. should be fun.

Thanks guys. Will definitely add another chapter to the exploration possibilities. Especially in fighting the $2. per foot dockage in the Keys.

Working on going through my Lightning gear cases now. Stripped them to bare aluminum and polished them like the Merc Sportmasters. RH is done and working on LH now. Chunked my 3rd set of gears in the lefty and still scratching my head on that one.
Experimenting w/a few things on this build.

#1. I switched the LH guts to the RH case as it is living and the housing is my guess to the issues W/the LH unit. On my second housing as well but they both came as bare housings from blown up units so very easily could be junk. When you switch the LH that put's the forward gear in the aft end of housing instead of front as in the RH. This gives it way less support. I can see a RH surviving in a slightly tweaked housing where it may not with LH gears.

#2. I'm researching gear lube also. I switched to synthetic 75/85 yrs ago and never had a failure until building these LH Lightnings. Was in the auto parts store yesterday and they had synthetic 85-140 (I think) that looked good. Think I'll do a post and see what the guys are running in their high zoot, high $$ drives.

#3. Some of the late model units have a tiny wedge that screws to the rear of the prop shaft bearing carrier. It actually wedges itself between the bearing housing and main housing to lock it in position. I'm deleting it on this build as I fear it may be helping to force it out of align although w/pinned (bolted) carriers I doubt it.

#4. Cross my fingers. I'll post some pix's of the lower units when I finish them. The boat looks like a fichse bote w/stock lowers ;)

Since OMC/BRP never built LH Lightnings I can't really call anyone either.

So what's the new chapter on your little hot rod? Slip numbers? Dingy sink yet??? :evilb: just kidding.

Got a new job thats running my ass off w/very little free time. I either have too little time and no money or money and no time. Dont seem to be able to come up w/a happy medium.
Dinghy hasn't even been wet yet. I need to modify the top of the lounge supports in order for it to fit which was at least expected.

Put another pair of Lightning lower units together too which have not been wet yet either. Also scored a set of VERY rare 26" 4 blade Choppers which are also waiting.
Summer just hit us here too w/90+* and 100% humidity so my motivation to try it all is a bit lacking ;)

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps1247c503.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps5476de40.jpg

Gary, we're heading down to Conch Key (Bayview Inn & Marina) July 7th through the 12th! I've got the guy who owns the Red Checkmate 2800SX joining us. You should come on down!!

Wish we could join you.
 

We just got back from a week in Ohio after 4 months on the job.Another week might be pushing it ;)

Know the place well though and one of our favorites. Hope you're good at navigating skinny ass water though. Was all white knuckle for me.
Heres the view from our room when we were there.


http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...psa2693be6.jpg

That's the place! I don't know the area at all but I'm going to bring a GPS or chart plotter. Definitly don't want to destroy any gear cases! If we can get out to the reefs for some good snorkling we'll be happy!!

I gotta imagine that skinny water is better with twin OB's... But if Gary is scared... :poopoo: