New to me 72 Skier

Have had several muffler-less boats and can confirm skiing behind the loud ones for long durations on a regular basis can suck! I don’t put them on my 16’ toys but boats doing heavy pulling duty all get them. Been there, done that.

The difference is not huge from the drivers seat, can be noticed a little more from the back seat. Where the difference is really noticed is behind the boat and from shore- if youre looking to alert your neighbors then deleting mufflers will do the trick! Can confirm that the more metal in the exhaust track, the louder the results. Compression ratio is also a factor, as is exhaust manifold material (cast iron seems to dampen a little more). The little boats do sound great with straight pipes for sure.

Our ski tique has fiberglass mufflers. I thought the pipes would be significantly louder. I can’t tell but haven’t had them side by side. Plus those old mufflers may only be glass pipes at this point. Haven’t had rubber hose. Others can prob answer your question better.

Beautiful boat, great job!

Rubber water hose. Ordered online. Cut it longer than the metal upright.

Heard an old Beach Boys song on the radio today that made me think of your project .....some of the words were

phatsat67 wrote: Let’s go, only got to drive one orange boat in NC but I won’t hold it against you.

Come on back down for another visit. I’ll even let you drive one of those 176s you’ve always wanted.

The engine is back together and ran nicely on the hose.  All aligned etc and ready for water test this weekend.

Been a tough couple of weeks/months in regards to the Skier.  Got the engine in and had a very bad vibration at around 2000rpm.  We troubleshot everything we could (unbalance weights, disconnect tranny, run on engine stand, etc etc.).  Long story short the engine shop has it back apart and we are waiting on a call.  Always something with this one.  

She is a beauty for sure.  Nicely done. 

Very nicely done, guys.  Looking forward to a ride in it this spring.

Beautiful. I can’t wait to see sea trials
Well done gentlemen

Think she is ready to water test. A few clean up items left but shake down next. Also some work on the trailer needed. She is on a spare trailer now.

We have alignment issues with this pump. We had to do some work on the water pump bracket and some shimming to get it where it looks good. It does have 1-1/4” inlet and outlet which is nice because so does the tstat housing and the trans cooler. I would be game to look at others. This impeller is wider but not larger in diameter.

We made it to the boat for yesterday evening and this morning. Throttle and trans cable connected. Wiring cleaned up/connected (after below pic). Batt cables run forward to box. Fuses installed. Fuel line and fuel filter installed. Bilge pump hose installed. Raw water hoses installed. Exhaust tubes installed. Floor fitted.

Next up…doghouse install, dipstick fitting and some other small items.

Ah, and I was just remembering the PCM 351 pump we have is a 1" and not 1.25" like the Commanders have.  

Very impressive progress. It is looking great!