1978 Mako 25 - Blind Hog - bottom time

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

Maiden voyage was today - put the boat in at Joes Bayou in Destin and ran to Mary Esther. Neither Conlin nor myself could wait so after about five minutes we were up top and drove from up there the rest of the way. Everything was running pretty good but definitely think the engine is mounted too low. That will get fixed this winter with Chuck's expertise. [8D]



The transom is definitely compromised but should last until early Fall. Then it will get cut, raised, and notched. Lots to do on this old girl to bring her back, but first and foremost this is a fishing machine.

Here is a picture unloading



New bottom paint



Loading back up



I did all this stuff at work from 6 - 10 a couple of nights this week. Sanded the bottom, acetone wipe, then repaint. Loading and unloading solo is not real fun.

The end result looks good



We have approval!

[Leprechaun Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leprechaun]

Sweet ride! It should be an interesting rebuild cant wait to see pictures when the time comes.

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

View from the top. Top sides were repainted - needs to be stripped and redone.



Tower needs some loving but has a lot of potential. The top is wired for a Garmin which hooks up to the main Garmin 3210. Separate VHF up top as well.



This was a pleasant surprise.



This was a very unpleasant surprise! This is what happens when a scupper rots and let's water go into the core. This has been epoxied and I will be keeping a very watchful eye on the transom. No rough water until Fall when she gets hauled.

[weir mako 21 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close weir mako 21]

Very nice upgrade from the 20 Sailor. Got the "bottle on the lower deck and can in the tower" option[], happy family, newer power, sweet pipework what else do you need....until you start a cutting this and patching that and and and...

Enjoy

-John

[MusicCityMako Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MusicCityMako]

Glad to see some smiles on her so soon after the purchase Steve. I'm sure your have big plans for her. I remember finding my Dad's old 17. It was the boat I have the most memories on. It seems you had better luck with your seller than I did.

As you have probably have already seen, it looks as if the 25 is the flavor of the year. Can't wait to see what you do to her. Congrats on the find. [] I bet it feels good to own a Mako again[]

[Stroken Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stroken]

Sailor, Hope that boats ages better than the trailer[] new coming off, old going back on[B)] Looks like great project, and nothing better than "the first"

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

quote:

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Originally posted by Stroken


Sailor, Hope that boats ages better than the trailer[] new coming off, old going back on[B)] Looks like great project, and nothing better than "the first"

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The new trailer couldn't be used again, so I had to use a yard trailer. My 1500 towed it perfectly but certainly would not want to hit the interstate!

Allen - it does feel good to be back in the club. [8D]. Even covered in bugs and mildew since I haven't even washed the boat and still got several "nice mako" comments. I've always loved the lines of the 25 and forgot how incredible well they ride!

As for plans, small items now like battery charger, high water alarm, etc. This fall/winter I'll pull the boat and start on the transom, repair fuel tank hatch and probably paint hull sides.

[michigan dave Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close michigan dave]

That boat is going to serve you well Steve... I always thought you needed a bigger boat with your expanding family and your love for the open waters.... Well Done.....[)][)][)]

dave

[grgrmouse Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close grgrmouse]

I'm so jealous! That's a great sled Steve. Can't wait to se what all you have in mind for her!!

[dcole Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dcole]

Sorry to dig up this older topic, but I missed this Steve and wanted to say congrats. It will be fun to watch for sure. That 25 should be able to take some rough water for sure which seems to be the name of the game in the Gulf these days.

sidenote: I had an awesome month or so fishing the 20 (Steve old 20 for those of you who don't know) this summer so far, and will be putting some pics together in the sharktank section soon. Still loving the boat and she loves the Etec!!!

[mrdelgado Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mrdelgado]

So where are you with prop swapping and raising the engine height???

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

quote:

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Originally posted by dcole


Sorry to dig up this older topic, but I missed this Steve and wanted to say congrats. It will be fun to watch for sure. That 25 should be able to take some rough water for sure which seems to be the name of the game in the Gulf these days.

sidenote: I had an awesome month or so fishing the 20 (Steve old 20 for those of you who don't know) this summer so far, and will be putting some pics together in the sharktank section soon. Still loving the boat and she loves the Etec!!!

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Thanks Dan. GLAD to hear the 20 is still has the fish mojo. I'd love to see some more speed and fuel burn with that motor...and of course pics. []

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrdelgado


So where are you with prop swapping and raising the engine height???

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Well, I decided against raising the motor just yet, especially since water came out of one of the trim tab bolts when I bumped it while changing a zinc. I know it's pretty wet in there and really didn't want to tempt fate this close to the funament.

As for the props, well, I decided to go fishing on Wednesday and then everyone had moved to the beach on the point when we got back, so we didn't actually try the props. Plus the rest of my crew wasn't real excited about the prospect of working on the boat and leave them on the beach. I have to talk to Chuck to find out when he is leaving to maybe try Edgar's props before he has to head home.

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

The mechanic at work was given a junker so I pulled the prop off the old merc 225 to try out. It's another four blade merc prop, 13.5 x 18. At 5000 rpm I was showing right at 20 mph. Definitely not the right prop.

I am starting to chase down a cooling problem. After running at cruise there is steam out the exhaust, which does disappear somewhat after idling but I know it shouldn't do it at all. I put in a new water pump with new housing before the Funament and will order two new thermostats today. Any suggestions appreciated.

I also replaced the water pressure sending unit and hose and it still doesn't register. At idle with the cowling off, i could see water barely gettin pushed up into the hose. The temperature gauge doesn't seem to work either, and both gauges are good to have with the bigger hpdi's, so I'd like to get them working.

[Sailor Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sailor]

The mechanic at work was given a junker so I pulled the prop off the old merc 225 to try out. It's another four blade merc prop, 13.5 x 18. At 5000 rpm I was showing right at 20 mph. Definitely not the right prop.

I am starting to chase down a cooling problem. After running at cruise there is steam out the exhaust, which does disappear somewhat after idling but I know it shouldn't do it at all. I put in a new water pump with new housing before the Funament and will order two new thermostats today. Any suggestions appreciated.

I also replaced the water pressure sending unit and hose and it still doesn't register. At idle with the cowling off, i could see water barely gettin pushed up into the hose. The temperature gauge doesn't seem to work either, and both gauges are good to have with the bigger hpdi's, so I'd like to get them working.