1974 Southwind

I just got a 74 20ft southwind I traded my atv for. They owner was the original and has family marine business.
In 1996 they put a 350 EFI fresh water cooled in and put stringer and floor in. My question is does anyone have a pic of the bilge and floor structure? I think they made a change to it.

Did somebody say Southwind? Welcome to the club! They are great, versatile boats especially for bigger water. At this point, your floor structure is what it is. I wouldn't worry too much about it (as long as its safe, and after 17 years, I am guessing it is). Just go out and enjoy the boat. We would love to see some pictures of it.

Man that is a purty color scheme. Nice trade!

Mojo wrote: That sure looks off to me. Looks like the motor mounts are tied to a 2x4 that's tied to a sub floor, but I'm probably off base, I've never seen the stringer supports for a Southwind..

Sharp eye Mojo. My 74's stringers were redone by PO (partially and I'm sure not perfectly) and my bro's 72 Swind is original (to my knowledge) and both look original (or at least close to). The 2x4 on this one is a funky look indeed and I mostly wonder how this jacked-up new-style engine fits in the doghouse, but i guess if it ain't broke don't fix it....although I would add a few comfort items, like side storage and rear seat..

Great looking boat! Love that color with the white boot stripe. Very clean looking boat.

I think your concerns about the changes they made to the floor/stringers are valid, especially in the area where the engine mounts. Part of the reason for the change may have been to fit in a Chevy where a Ford or Chrysler probably was originally.

My biggest concern would be the location of that 2x4 that the engine mounts attach to. If the stringers are in the original location, then that 2x4 is not situated over any structural member- rather a thin piece of fiberglass over a foam filled cavity between the main and secondary stringers.

Get some more pictures of the stringer/bilge area for us to look at.

TRBenj is far more knowledgeable than most of us, but conventional wisdom aside...

IMHO, if you traded an ATV for it, you obviously haven't got much $ in it. It might be a bit funky, but unless you wanna delve deep and potentially shut yourself down at the start of the season, I'm with DavidG...just run it unless it shows some serious issues that can't wait till fall.

Ran my 74 Southwind (original 351) first time of the season yesterday. 39 Years Young and has sat for almost 8 months. Fired right up, and ran like a champ all day long. Go Southwind!

Great looking boat and welcome to the club!

If it runs great, you should at least enjoy the rest of the summer before doing anything too crazy, because projects always take longer and cost more than you originally estimated.