Talk me out of a twin 485 24x7
07-14-2023, 10:27 PM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Talk me out of a twin 485 24x7
Hey All,
In the process of rebuilding a Baja sport and came across an 80's Cherokee 24x7 with twin rebuilt 485's and alphas. Some research shows the Cherokee could be a MI or FL boat that were well built and 90% of comments on the 4cyl Merc, whether 140, 170, 485, 488, etc is all bad, but the other 10% love them. There's even some love from the old Hot Rodders for the big 4. But compared with a SBC, its no comparison, from the alternator, water pump, heat exchanger, cam seal, etc, etc. Looking for something I can take out on Lake MI and the last 3 Novas and 242's that were if "good shape" were not worth the trailers they were setting on.
The Novas and Formulas all seem to be solid boats when in good shape, so thats kind of my comparison, just finding one thats not all rotted out.
Going to look at the boat tomorrow and possibly another twin SBC Nova.
Comments appreciated.
H
In the process of rebuilding a Baja sport and came across an 80's Cherokee 24x7 with twin rebuilt 485's and alphas. Some research shows the Cherokee could be a MI or FL boat that were well built and 90% of comments on the 4cyl Merc, whether 140, 170, 485, 488, etc is all bad, but the other 10% love them. There's even some love from the old Hot Rodders for the big 4. But compared with a SBC, its no comparison, from the alternator, water pump, heat exchanger, cam seal, etc, etc. Looking for something I can take out on Lake MI and the last 3 Novas and 242's that were if "good shape" were not worth the trailers they were setting on.
The Novas and Formulas all seem to be solid boats when in good shape, so thats kind of my comparison, just finding one thats not all rotted out.
Going to look at the boat tomorrow and possibly another twin SBC Nova.
Comments appreciated.
H
07-15-2023, 02:41 PM
#2
Hey All,
In the process of rebuilding a Baja sport and came across an 80's Cherokee 24x7 with twin rebuilt 485's and alphas. Some research shows the Cherokee could be a MI or FL boat that were well built and 90% of comments on the 4cyl Merc, whether 140, 170, 485, 488, etc is all bad, but the other 10% love them. There's even some love from the old Hot Rodders for the big 4. But compared with a SBC, its no comparison, from the alternator, water pump, heat exchanger, cam seal, etc, etc. Looking for something I can take out on Lake MI and the last 3 Novas and 242's that were if "good shape" were not worth the trailers they were setting on.
The Novas and Formulas all seem to be solid boats when in good shape, so thats kind of my comparison, just finding one thats not all rotted out.
Going to look at the boat tomorrow and possibly another twin SBC Nova.
Comments appreciated.
H
In the process of rebuilding a Baja sport and came across an 80's Cherokee 24x7 with twin rebuilt 485's and alphas. Some research shows the Cherokee could be a MI or FL boat that were well built and 90% of comments on the 4cyl Merc, whether 140, 170, 485, 488, etc is all bad, but the other 10% love them. There's even some love from the old Hot Rodders for the big 4. But compared with a SBC, its no comparison, from the alternator, water pump, heat exchanger, cam seal, etc, etc. Looking for something I can take out on Lake MI and the last 3 Novas and 242's that were if "good shape" were not worth the trailers they were setting on.
The Novas and Formulas all seem to be solid boats when in good shape, so thats kind of my comparison, just finding one thats not all rotted out.
Going to look at the boat tomorrow and possibly another twin SBC Nova.
Comments appreciated.
H
07-15-2023, 08:41 PM
#3
Registered
Thread Starter
Looked at the boat today and structurally was in pretty good shape. Overall fair to good condition. No real stringers under the motors as the mount off a front C frame. Had the alternator conversion and the 4" heat exchangers. The floors were solid with no ski locker or a lowered section int he cuddy so it was a small crawl in. I liked the look of the boat, but with the cosmetic work needed and the 485s we didn't come to an agreement.
H
H
07-26-2023, 03:18 PM
#4
Registered
Thread Starter
Finally stopped thinking about the Cherokee when I brought home an old Webbcraft 26 Nova clone, 1979, fresh water only.
26' Webbcraft
Twin 350's built to 375 hp
Overall boat is in good shape with new transom and composite "stringers". Looks more like post and beam construction under the floor than typical 1x or 2x wood stringers. Aluminum trailer towed great and going to do a quick tune up, battery, and fluids and drop it in the water.
Under 600 hrs on hull and motors done about 200 hrs ago with higher compression balanced internals, comp cam, Edlebrock intake and 750's. Alphas were gone through with the transom along with all the seals etc.
Got a bimini, cockpit, and camping canvas as well. Flip up bolsters came out of a Scarab he said. Just enough cuddy to spend a night if you needed to and shore power. Interior was re-done at some point, nothing special, but very utilitarian. Std radio and nav / chart plotter I'll have to learn how to use. Hope to finish the season with it as is and go from there.
Cheers!
H
26' Webbcraft
Twin 350's built to 375 hp
Overall boat is in good shape with new transom and composite "stringers". Looks more like post and beam construction under the floor than typical 1x or 2x wood stringers. Aluminum trailer towed great and going to do a quick tune up, battery, and fluids and drop it in the water.
Under 600 hrs on hull and motors done about 200 hrs ago with higher compression balanced internals, comp cam, Edlebrock intake and 750's. Alphas were gone through with the transom along with all the seals etc.
Got a bimini, cockpit, and camping canvas as well. Flip up bolsters came out of a Scarab he said. Just enough cuddy to spend a night if you needed to and shore power. Interior was re-done at some point, nothing special, but very utilitarian. Std radio and nav / chart plotter I'll have to learn how to use. Hope to finish the season with it as is and go from there.
Cheers!
H
