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-   -   Old boat dilema, Build it or pass on it?? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/385025-old-boat-dilema-build-pass.html)

Wally 03-25-2025 03:13 PM


Originally Posted by boatnt (Post 4922893)
Wally,,
all I can tell you is, the boat is sitting on top of a hell of a trailer

And believe it or not...still the same color since you sold it to him!!! LOL all we did was cut and weld the bunk support to fit this boat. It was an great trailer too...just needs a paint job :)

Wally 03-25-2025 03:15 PM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ddad8f8a96.jpg
Oh heres a pic of that 28SS with the 500Efi motors....i forgot they were procharged too!! You can see the boxes barely in the back there....all white...

TeamSaris 03-25-2025 03:49 PM


Originally Posted by Wally (Post 4922906)
My only reason for thinking about boxes is it would be easy to not have to fill the transom up and re-cut for the bravos...The box would be an adapter per-say....less fiberglass work to do.
Ive seen another local 28 cig that had 500efi's and boxes (not sure what drives were on it though) that was pushing in to the 90's...but he said it gets hairy at those speeds :D

Unless I missed it....its a 40+ year old transom...more than likely you'll find its worth replacing or at least filling in properly.

F-2 Speedy 03-25-2025 04:10 PM


Originally Posted by Wally (Post 4922911)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ddad8f8a96.jpg
Oh heres a pic of that 28SS with the 500Efi motors....i forgot they were procharged too!! You can see the boxes barely in the back there....all white...

Buy it sell it to me...........:ernaehrung004:

Tartilla 03-25-2025 05:59 PM

Having some room in the engine bay to work and inspect is priceless.

That said, TRS are a robust drive. The Merctrans II is not bad, if setup well, and the fluid is kept cool. The Nemesis is that it hold only 1 liter of fluid, with a very poor cooling system. But they're a shorter package than the BW trans by about 8".

As mentioned, I would pull the engines and go through them. If you go with Bravos, the exhaust will have to be re-worked.

If you can swing the cash, Bravos would be a better long term plan, with more initial work now. SBCs on Bravos would be gentle, but you could still get some good power out of them.

If you do your own work, you can sell the TRS stuff, and offset the Bravo parts etc.

But there would be a lot of work.

My suggestion would be to go with the plan of least resistance to getting on the water.

Right now it's pulling the engines/drives...having a look, repair as required, and install. Maybe a Bravo prop upgrade. Keep with the 3 blades. TRS don't like the 4 blade bite.

Wally 03-25-2025 06:43 PM

I think the plan of attack as of right now will be to see if the other engine still runs.. Do a leak down test and check out the exhausts and decide where to go from there. I know both trannies worked when put away but sitting there for 15+ years im not sure if anything will be affected...If both engines need a rebuild then i think its bravo time and a new transom.
If i can get away with just rebuilding the other engine and have the drives gone through then i will keep it as is for now and start collecting parts for a future update while we enjoy it. :D

Making the boxes still is on my mind as its easier then doing glass work and cutting new holes. I wouldnt need the inner transom plate as i can use a rear engine mounting plate to not worry about the rear mounts. Its all ready got the offshore engine plates up front and i have a CAD file to make a set for the rear....not sure how much difference there is in weight between the TRS and a bravo drive or the weight of the trannies but i think with the drives getting set back 12" it should change the CG too much,,,,and if it does i can always move the batteries as far back as possible and maybe add two more ;)

Wally 03-25-2025 06:46 PM


Originally Posted by F-2 Speedy (Post 4922915)
Buy it sell it to me...........:ernaehrung004:

Thats not mine...it was a guy that i believe used to work for Gaffrig (before they changed to Livorsi) It was at a fun run up to Racine WI back in the very early days of OSO :) Dont know if he still has it or not...was a cool machine for sure

Wally 03-25-2025 06:48 PM


Originally Posted by TeamSaris (Post 4922914)
Unless I missed it....its a 40+ year old transom...more than likely you'll find its worth replacing or at least filling in properly.

You may be right...wont know till i see the boat up close.....but what it has going for it is that its been stored indoors most of its life...At least the last 25years or so and used very little overall

Griff 03-25-2025 11:40 PM

I'd vote for converting to Bravos as well. Whatever you decide though, I can't wait to see how it progresses

Drake22.250 03-26-2025 04:21 AM

BUILD IT< cool boat and story. Thanks for posting Wally. Following.....


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