1977 Caribbean "craigslist special" first project

« **on:** May 17, 2015, 03:02:43 PM »

So after a few tech related posts I figured I would do a proper intro. This is my first project and I'm sure with the help of this forum ill have no problem at all. Thanks for the help already peeps!

So here it is my $650 dollar craigslist special. It's a 77 Caribbean with a 455 old and a jacuzzi 12wj jet. Feel free to chime in if you know anything about this hull. It's been sitting in the desert exposed to the last 15 years. Aired up the tires and it survived the 80 mile ride home.

Replaced all the hoses, fuel pump and a rebuilt Holley 750 and it fired right up. There is water in the oil but I think it's from sitting and the PO I suspected have reversioned the water. Did 2 flushes and it's almost oil again and not getting any worse. A couple more flushes and a trip to elsinore will tell.

Anyways ill try to keep the posts related to this build here and please tell me I I'm doing something wrong. Looking forward to this.

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« **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2015, 03:03:46 PM »

Started sanding the garage paint job off. I'm digging the 70's flake. I'm seeing a theme here...

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« **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2015, 08:53:42 AM »

Check the condition of the wear ring and impeller in the pump. This is fairly important on the Olds/WJ combo...ask me why I know

Dan'l

« **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2015, 09:02:49 AM »

Yup. Olds don't like high RPM, and a loose pump causes high RPM.

Olds also like to push water so watch the pressure from the pump.

« **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2015, 03:28:09 PM »

Ok thanks for the heads up. Rookie question but the gate valve controls the flow to the engine right? So I should dial that down ?

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« **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2015, 04:38:01 PM »

Quote from: JB1314 on May 18, 2015, 03:28:09 PM

Ok thanks for the heads up. Rookie question but the gate valve controls the flow to the engine right? So I should dial that down ?

You should start at about 1/2 open and go from there. Depends a lot on your setup though... every boat is different.

« **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2015, 05:15:41 PM »

Got it thanks. Another question. I have a new electric fuel pump I need to mount. I know it says mount close to the tank but I don't see how I can mount it and get it stand vertically close to the tank. I know there pushers not suckers but seems like there is some debate on wether or not it will work mounted at the rear. Any thoughts? The pump is a Chinese knock off of a Holley blue.

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« **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2015, 05:20:38 PM »

Your tank is under the bow? You definitely want the pump up front or just stick with a mechanical pump.

An electric pump can be made to work away from the tank but it can be difficult to prime. Not something you want to deal with out on the water.

« **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2015, 05:29:58 PM »

I hear that but I've had no luck finding a pump for the olds. Guess I need to figure out a way to make this setup work. Yes tank is under the bow.

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« **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2015, 05:41:33 PM »

The regulator can stay at the back of the boat. Mount the pump up near the tank somewhere. It doesn't have to be right on the tank.... just near it. The more volume in the hose between the pump and tank the less likely it will prime on it's own.

« **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2015, 06:03:40 PM »

Yeah I want to try to keep the hose a max of 18" between the tank and pump.

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« **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2015, 06:33:07 PM »

Quote from: JB1314 on May 17, 2015, 03:02:43 PM

So after a few tech related posts I figured I would do a proper intro. This is my first project and I'm sure with the help of this forum ill have no problem at all. Thanks for the help already peeps!

So here it is my $650 dollar craigslist special. It's a 77 Caribbean with a 455 old and a jacuzzi 12wj jet. Feel free to chime in if you know anything about this hull. It's been sitting in the desert exposed to the last 15 years. Aired up the tires and it survived the 80 mile ride home.

Replaced all the hoses, fuel pump and a rebuilt Holley 750 and it fired right up. There is water in the oil but I think it's from sitting and the PO I suspected have reversioned the water. Did 2 flushes and it's almost oil again and not getting any worse. A couple more flushes and a trip to elsinore will tell.

Anyways ill try to keep the posts related to this build here and please tell me I I'm doing something wrong. Looking forward to this.

Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats

I was curious what you used to flush the milky out with?

« **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2015, 06:45:09 PM »

I used oil, oil and more oil. I know your not supposed to but I've just been running Wally World 1040 through and change the filter again and again. I'm only letting it warm up enough to drain easy and do some minor adjustments. No blue smoke so that is a good sign right?

Personally I thought it was toast and I had no intention of running the boat this season. With the help of this forum and a few beers I'm looking at a test run in 2-3 weeks!

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« **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2015, 07:17:26 PM »

Ok I had heard diesel fuel works for a flush but never tried it.

« **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2015, 08:57:19 PM »

Never heard that but I'm no expert that's for sure. Not sure if that's the safest method but I could be wrong...

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« **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:38:50 AM »

Heres mine. Its a 77 20.5 Carribean. I paid $325 for it. sold the seats that came with it for $100. They didnt fit. It needed EVERYTHING else. Only thing useable was the jet and the gas tanks. It had no engine. Gauges were shot. It needed a new floor. And trailer was junk. It took about 2 years to gather parts. It took me about 8 months to build it and run it. Worked on it up until the night I left for its maiden voyage in Havasu. I didnt even test it out locally!!! Ran great considering it was my first boat build ever. Take your time and do it right. Listen to these guys here. I would be lost without this forum.

« **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:39:29 AM »

Here it is

« **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:45:09 AM »

Over the ( late) winter i had it painted. I added a second battery and switch. And i wired up all the gauges and lights. I took it out the first time with no gauges or lights. I just got back from havasu. I had zero issues and we were all over the lake. First trip of the season. This boat feels so solid.

« **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2015, 09:20:59 AM »

Nice ride! I scored these bad boys for 25 bucks off craigslist. Score! I have the rear bench but it's shot. At least there's a good base to start from

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« **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2015, 11:16:28 AM »

Good luck with it man!! Thank you for the compliment

« **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2015, 09:11:35 PM »

If the vinyl is good, carefully tear it apart staple by stable and rebuild the frame. Thats what i did with one of my seats. I bought almost everything used for my boat. Ive never worked with wood but i managed to copy the seat frame even though it was mostly rotted.

« **Reply #21 on:** May 22, 2015, 05:48:05 PM »

Figured out the fuel pump mount. A couple of modified Simpson brackets and voila!

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