New to me 78 Tique

Had been looking for an older boat to go along with my 99 Sport. Saw a 78 Tique on craigslist this morning obo and thought it was too nice to call about. Thank you TRBenj! Tim, knowing I was looking for something, texted me and told me to get on the road. After speaking to the owner, my friend Jesse and I loaded up and drove the looong 1.5hrs to buy this beautiful 1978 Ski Tique (yes, I will fill out a diary soon). Jesse and I bought the boat together and hope to bring this beauty back to its original condition.

First up will be the engine and the trailer. Engine popped the freeze plugs in 2013 so we are on pins and needles as to engine...anyone know a good correct craft engine shop around the Carolinas? We are going to soak her this week and put a bar on it next weekend just to be cautious. 302 Commander.

Otherwise I am very pleased with the boat. New floor and carpet, solid mounts, and from what I can see, all parts there. Trailer has a little left to be desired but it trailered well on the trip home at 65 mph. Pics follow (people in pics are seller and son). Realize now that I didn't get any interior shots. Those to come. And to all, Fram is on there. Don't worry, will change. Thoughts? Let me know what you see is askew.

Questions:
Oil and filter...same as my GT40?
Anyone with pics of where these freeze plugs are?

Pretty engine and boat. We will get you running again.

Very Nice!

Another 16 footer for the Badin Lake event

As I told David, the trailer looks to be quite a bit older than the boat. 4-lug hubs, raised coupler, early guide post style and cross members that don't extend at all (front) or minimally (rear) past the angle where the fenders are mounted. It would have had curved fenders on it originally, the square ones would have nowhere to mount. I'd be putting a cc-style bow stop on it in any case- either low or high style would be a big improvement over what's on there now.

Let us walk you through the engine... this is going to predate most marine mechanics expertise. You'll get better advice here.

Nice find!

We picked up our '78 2 years ago with the same situation. The freeze plugs are along the sides of the block above the oil pan. Some of them are tough to get at because stuff is in the way. We bought some rubber compression plugs which were easier to install so we could get it running in the driveway.

Quinner's correct. It is a sickness, especially those decent looking fixer uppers like yours. I hope you have good luck and no freeze damage!

How to install block core plugs aka: freeze plugs

Bruce is correct. you may nee to remove things like the manifolds to replace the plugs. Rubber to me is temporary and very back yard. When you get it running, take the time to get the brass installed.

Manifolds won't be in the way, but the starter might be (usually it's the rear plugs that pop). Mounts may block access if it's a front plug for some strange reason. Agree with Pete, use the brass if you have enough access to tap them with a hammer (and large socket). I've gotten lucky in the past once or twice when the core plugs popped and prevented further freeze damage... obviously that isn't always the case. Hope it is this time though!

David,

Great looking boat, and nice find. I figured your next one would be a large Vee Drive for the family.

Please do not call them freeze plugs, they are casting plugs. Now I feel better.

Donald

They are core print plugs Donaldo

Not to worry. I have to get my direct drives while I can. Ridgely has been asking about a vdrive for a while. Will get a 210 someday to replace the sport I guess. Sad, but my plan is to have at least one or two other direct drives as dad's ski boats. This is a step in that direction. Just hope she runs again.

And Marty, I didn't forget about you...mentioned you to Jesse yesterday as we were looking at the decals that are missing or in rough shape. Jesse and I have been talking about a project boat for a while. Our wives are worried it will be a time sink. We have reassured them that it WILL be.

There are two tubes. A clear rubber tube that runs the entire length and a metal tube that runs to the carb. Note in the pic that where the metal goes to the carb it bends the 90degree turn with a thick black rubber hose with hose clamps to the carb and to the metal tube.

samudj01 wrote: Why can't I quick reply from my iPhone? Also, how to post pics from iPhone?

Can't and can't. Or at least I don't know how. Photobucket for the latter.

That engine is so clean I completely overlooked the Edelbrock. Fine on Chryslers but I'd be searching for a 450cfm Holley marine unit with a proper metal fuel line. Not before getting the engine running (probably), but I'd put it on the list.

I don't think an Edlebrock marine carb was used on anything originally. Holley's and Quickfuel's are preferred,(the Holley's being oem) but some people particularly on other sites like them. If it works for you,you can leave it.