Yep. Been there done that including three new motors, new dry tailpipes, three rebuilt drives and transom assemblies, new paint, and even new trailer tires just like you but on a much smaller scale. It still takes forever and it's the little things that kill you especially when you are multiplying by two or in my case three. I missed an entire season when I did it and it killed me, but it also made me realize or maybe a better a better way of putting it, do I really even need this thing? Now that it's done I'm glad I went through with it but there were times I almost pulled the plug and parted it out. On a side note.........I could never have done what you are doing, pull that big killer sounding power to go slower and be more reliable. Kudos to you and I enjoy reading your posts. Good luck!

Thank you. What really kicks me in the nads is when I log in here and the list of threads pops up and one is "Took apart a perfectly good running boat". I refuse to open it even though it seems to have a ton of traffic. LOL

Those people on that thread must have never been back to the Skater factory, where there are several "perfectly good running boats" de-rigged with the decks cut-off. All you are doing is a simple re-power - so just ignore any/all haters. You're going to have a much better all-around package when you're done imo. I keep hearing nothing but great things about Merc 700 powered rigs. Keep updating us with posts and pics!

Yes, I wish I would have put Merc 700s in my project. What I thought was a deal at the time, ended up costing about as much as the package, or more when you factor in all the missed boating with no return of pleasure. What can a pair of 700s be had for?

Getting down to the wire but the tailpipes showed up and the interior going back in. Brand X has had all three guys on this since the parts showed up. Can't ask for anymore than that.

Stainless Marine did a great job on the pipes. The Smartcraft is run through the Garmin now. We hope to fire them off tomorrow.

video tomorrow evening right ?
what's the vent on the transom for ?

What are the diamond shaped vents in the tailpipes?

If I can get there by when they start them up. I am buried trying to get wrapped up in time to leave.

The slatted vents are the blower vents.

Good question.


It's only a guess but they are may be the water outlets. If you expand the pic I think they are vented into the pipe jacketing.

Afterburners!