Twin-Engine Fish Nautique #2

I haven't seen this one in person yet, but it is supposed to have rotary engines. That'll be a new experience for me. I'm sure they'll need to be rebuilt because this boat has been sitting for about ten years. Anyone have any experience with having rotary engines rebuilt?

I have zero experience with rotary engines. Who knows? Maybe they'll fire right up.

No idea what they are yet. I'll post some pictures on Tuesday.

I owned a couple of Mazda RX-7 cars back in the mid 1980's. These came with the Wankel Rotary Engine. I thought the engine was a great little power-plant -- though not the most economical. They were notorious for being "cold-blooded" and my cars had factory manual choke levers. I had my last RX-7 fitted with an after-market turbo and that little Japanese "Corvette" was a rocketship. I owned a Porsche 911SC at the same time, and the RX-7 with the after-market turbo was quicker 0-60.

I often wondered about running a Wankel rotary engine in a marine application as the rotary is a high revving machine. With dual rotary engines in the Fish, I'm assuming that one is "reverse rotation". Don't know if the Wankel engine works righty/lefty like a standard piston mill with just a few changes...

As far as rebuilding...I believe that the apex seals for the rotors are typical major wear items for the Wankel. Don't know what rebuild kit availability is 30 years later...

Cool project.

JQ

Well, this boat arrived this evening. It is very cool, but it is in pretty rough shape.

The engines are rotary 175c engines, which is kinda cool, but they are in rough shape, and will definitely need rebuilds.

Floor is fairly solid, but I am assuming the stringers are likely in need of replacement. It appears to have been stored outside for the last ten years or so unfortunately.

The trailer is the original 1983 Correct Craft 5-T-DV, modified at the factory for a twin-engine boat. It is in decent shape, and the wheels, tires and bearings are new.

One outstanding thing about this boat is the documentation that came with it. EVERYTHING seems to be there from the original owner's manual, to the engine manual for the original PCM V6 engines, all warranty cards from 1983, and even a signed letter from Walt Meloon appraising the boat in 1985. The receipt for the rotary engines from 1998 is there, and lots of other maintenance receipts.

Not sure what I am goin to do with this one yet. It is a little more of a project than I was hoping, but it is an important piece of Nautique/Correct Craft history.

I too would be inclined to go back to the 6's. Where they straights or V's? PCM's? What were they? I'd look at keeping the Hurth's since I've heard noting but good about them. I also recall Eric saying the Hurth's can be run in reverse changing the engine rotation. If so, then getting a RR engine wouldn't be needed.

I doubt I could find a set of PCM V6 engines now. Maybe I am wrong. I do actually have a set for my other twin-engine Fish Nautique, but I think I will probably keep those with that boat.

The 1986 twin-engine Fish Nautique that I don't own has twin 454 engines. Maybe I'll put a couple of those in this one.

It is unfortunate that the previous owner paid over $16,000 for the rotary engines (way back in 1998), and now they are likely junk.

Twin 350s would make a pretty sporty boat 454 is alot of extra weight., There were more twins than you think. I know of 2 or 3 around orlando.

There has been 2 or 3 for sale all had 4.3 engines if I recall same as old blazers had or bayliner etc. Some of the singles have gotten converted with a bracket to outboard and run pretty well apparently.

http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5550
Which one of the 3 is that?

Orlando76 wrote: . Also got the impression that if I ever came across one of the twin FN to run away.

It sure would be interesting to find out some more info. Maybe Art and or Woody will see this and maybe fill us in.

8122pbrainard wrote: Orlando76 wrote: . Also got the impression that if I ever came across one of the twin FN to run away. It sure would be interesting to find out some more info. Maybe Art and or Woody will see this and maybe fill us in.

I have discussed the '81 with Art quite a bit. He's the one that found the build sheets, etc. for me, and he is also supposed to search for the '83 info when he gets time. I have never gotten the idea that these boats were to be avoided. Curious as to why that would be.

Very true.

This one, as well as the '81, have single tanks. Not sure if they all only had one or not.

Seems like used engines and new ones are available at least here;
https://www.1800runsnew.com/re-manufactured-engines/

The 4.3L is a Chevy 350 with two cylinders cut off, that is why parts are less expensive and available. Same Water Pump, same layout just a little smaller if you have access.

The Mazda conversion is an odd one for sure, I only drove one of the rotary engines but I remember it could spin 8,000 RPM and sounded like a sewing machine. It was fast but like others mentioned very low on torque. Maybe they used a small prop and spun it very fast?