Author Topic: CVX23 Project  (Read 8856 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
CVX23 Project
« on: October 28, 2017, 11:56:45 PM »
Hello Everyone,

I just picked up this boat yesterday.  Although I've built and remodeled a few houses, I've never rebuilt a boat before, and I'm not really a mechanic.  It's going to be an adventure. 

I'm 80% sure I want to convert to outboard power.  I'm sure a lot of you are saying "nay" already, but that's part of the reason I bought a project boat.  I want to build  96" x 72" "L" shaped bench seating for 7, reclaiming the engine area in the process.  Among other things, it might require beefing up the transom, and it will require some sort of conversion bracket.  Aluminum brackets are available for $900, but I might be able to build out of wood and fiberglass.  I'm thinking of an older Optimax 200, but still not settled on a motor.  I've seen some Opti's for around $3000, but I'm hoping to find something closer to $2000.  Not sure if that's realistic. 

The floor is very springy in the center, so that will get pulled for sure, and then I'll see what the stringers look like.  I do see some signs of rot on a stinger near the old engine area. 

I've got a pile of parts for connecting a Chevy 350.  Motor mounts, and a bunch of doo-hickeys.  No outdrive.  I imagine they might be worth some $, but i'd rather trade for insight, knowledge, and maybe a little labor.  I can send pics to anyone who's interested. 

Much more could be said, but I'll stop for now.  I'm hoping it's a 1 winter project, but it could easily be 2. 

Thanks,
Grant


Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline nes-cv23

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 939
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2017, 08:28:47 AM »
Sound like a challenge...   If I can change a outboard into a jet.   I see no reason you can't change an i/o into a outboard.   You might want more than the 200.. That's a big boat. Good luck!
84 ssv-151, 76 cvx-16 ss, 77cvx-20 jet, 90 CSS-19, 78 cv-23, 77 gt-150, 2-78 cvx-16, 79cvx-16, 79 cvz-18,  73 cv-16, 74 cv-18, 89 219 Futura, 76 gt-150 jet, 79 cv-23, 02 Gx-225,  1980 intimidator = done!.. 79 hvp175   Now  done?

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2017, 09:24:11 AM »
Sound like a challenge...   If I can change a outboard into a jet.   I see no reason you can't change an i/o into a outboard.   You might want more than the 200.. That's a big boat. Good luck!

You might be right.  But I figure I'm losing around 500 pounds of engine weight, so losing a few HP might from the original 250 might gain me some MPG.
Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline Green with Envy

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 141
  • Allan Pfromm
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2017, 11:30:34 AM »
Sounds like an exciting project.  I just picked up a Glastron HPV-175 as a project boat.  Where is your project shop located?

A couple of things to consider;  I have a 100 gallon fuel tank in my other boat, empty to full is a 700 pound difference.  I only see a 4 mph difference in WOT speed.  So, I'm not sure you'll get the trade off you are hoping for by eliminating I/O weight vs less HP.  Two buddies, well equipped, are 500# combined!

I switched prop pitch to get me out of the hole easier with my 26' and sacrificed 7 mph on the top end.  Overall, it was worth it.

Others here know for sure, but I'd guess you have 2 - ¾" sheets of plywood sandwiched between outer and inner fiberglass.  That seems to be a strong enough transom for an I/O or an outboard for a trailered-size boat.

I'd be interested in the gimbal halves in trade for some labor.

Allan
1974 Glastron CV-16 SS
1975 Glastron GT150
1984 Searay Sundancer
1979 Glastron HPV-175

Offline Plugcheck

  • Donate members
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3267
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2017, 12:36:50 PM »
Certainly could be done, converting I/O to OB, but will take some careful planning and design.  Good thing is the whole wooden structure requires replacement, so it's not like your cutting up a nice boat.  Grafting in an outboard transom glass from a similar sized boat might save some time building the splashwell.  Easiest may be to restore original transom and add a jackplate.  May also require some additional bracing inside, but that could easily be incorporated into storage areas above the bilge.  Good luck in your endeavors, hope to see some pics.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline Hyperacme

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13462
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2017, 01:08:58 PM »
YEP ... It can be done ...

Offline Hyperacme

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13462
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2017, 01:10:49 PM »
No great pictures of transom in thread Doran posted ...
Maybe some searching could find more.

Offline Hyperacme

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13462
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2017, 01:17:12 PM »
Transom brackets ideas ...

Offline Plugcheck

  • Donate members
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3267
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2017, 02:06:53 PM »
Looks like the 23 with twins has some structure that ties all the way out to the sides.  Using a bracket, jack plate, or other custom mount could allow the tanning platform to remain.  Looks like the 23 with splashwell has a narrowed sun pad.  The 23 w twins actually sits more level than I thought it would, and a single 200 might work fairly well.  Hard to compare HP  numbers between I/O and OB applications.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2017, 03:12:52 PM »
Wow!  I'm getting more good ideas and info here than I could have hoped for. 

Allan - I'm just a bit north of you near 61 / Lower Afton.  The shop thing is a challenge.  My garage is full of crap, and wouldn't be big enough if it weren't.  I'm going to figure out how to build a tent over the boat in my back yard, so I can use a small propane heater throughout the winter.  If you'll PM me your contact info, I'll contact you when I'm ready to dig into things.  If I could find shop space for $150 / month or less I might do that, because I also have a business need for a bit of storage.  So far, I haven't found sufficient space for anywhere near that price. 

I don't need this boat to be a speedster.  If I can cruise at 25, and perhaps hit 50 with a speed prop, that'll be plenty. 

I'm still learning a lot of the lingo, and trying to make sense of things.  I probably will not carve out the middle of the swim deck, but that's mostly because I don't yet know what I'd be cutting into, nor how to make it look pretty after the fact.  If I were to cut into the swim deck, perhaps something like this could work?:  http://www.spirainternational.com/tipsandtricks/2014/140212_splash_wells_for_spira_boats.html
But I'm thinking simple cost effective solutions, where possible.  So - I think that means a jackplate, if they come long enough, but more likely a transom bracket that extends out.  From the transom to the tip of the swim deck measures 25".  I don't plan to keep the tanning bed area.  That will become seating area, but I will need to leave perhaps a foot of space for battery, 2 cycle oil, etc.  Unless I can fit that under the back seat.  The "L" shaped seating I envision will sit just shy of the cuddy entrance, and run to the back of the boat.  No passenger swivel chair. 

Here's the 1st of 3 videos a guy did on a DIY bracket.  Does it look sufficiently scary?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoaULRezTdM
Here's another...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otNYDm51Trk

Thanks,
Grant
Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2017, 04:43:29 PM »
I just took a closer look, and I think cutting into the swim deck is a real possibility.  Best to use a skill saw, sawzall, or something else?  That would leave me with a 23" deep x 30" wide opening.  Might still need a jackplate or self-fabricated transom bracket to push the engine out a bit, making room for turning.  Still beats $900 for the transom bracket alternative. 
Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline nes-cv23

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 939
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2017, 06:21:15 AM »
These are the cutters I use. Mini grinder with a metal blade and a viberaiting tool. You can control both very easy and they leave a nice clean cut with no chipping.
84 ssv-151, 76 cvx-16 ss, 77cvx-20 jet, 90 CSS-19, 78 cv-23, 77 gt-150, 2-78 cvx-16, 79cvx-16, 79 cvz-18,  73 cv-16, 74 cv-18, 89 219 Futura, 76 gt-150 jet, 79 cv-23, 02 Gx-225,  1980 intimidator = done!.. 79 hvp175   Now  done?

Offline thedeuceman

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3355
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2017, 02:51:10 PM »
sounds like a cool idea, mods like this are a matter of personal taste but i will toss my opinion in.
i think as far as aesthetics it would look better with a splash well and having the motor cut into the swim platform.
would prob look vary similar to a CVX20 sprint, maybe even find one of them that is junk and use parts from it, though they don't seem that easy to find. 
I'm in north st Paul, could hook up some time when you get rolling on the project.
Joe
75 GT150 "SeaDeuced"... Its Back !!
92 16CSS "Attitude Adjustment" is for sale
75 CV-16V8, Project
74 CV-16... its Purple !

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2017, 05:08:15 PM »
Nes - I have both tools, so that's good. 

Dueceman - Yes, it would be good to connect sometime. Cutting into the swim deck seems like the way to go.  Then I probably will get a jack plate.  Is there such thing as too much set back?  I can get a 5.5" or 10" setback model for almost the same $:   http://www.iboats.com/Manual-CMC-Power-Lift/dm/cart_id.025457086--session_id.776527571--view_id.38721
Until I have a motor, it'll be a little difficult to guess how much clearance I need for everything.  I really do like the looks of the CVX20 Sprint as well.  That would be my next pick, if I didn't care about have lots of seating and a small cuddy. 

My outboard experience thus far is all Evinrude V4:  A 110 hp and a 115 hp model.  They were basically trouble free motors, and on the boats I used them on, they were relatively economical and powerful enough.  The more I research, I think an older Optimax is the LAST thing I should be looking for.  I'm not really all that partial to any brand.  Most important is probably initial purchase and maintenance costs.  We run the motor around 50-70 hours a year, so recouping the cost of an Opti in fuel savings would take a long while. 

As of this moment, I'm on the lookout for an EFI or carbed 2-stroke motor.  25" shaft, 200 - 250 horse.  Something reliable.  The good news is I can afford to be patient and wait for the right deal to come along.  The local Craigslist is really thin on motor options.  I don't know why that is, in this land of 10,000 lakes.  Here are a couple possibilities:
https://madison.craigslist.org/bpo/d/yamaha-pro-200-outboard-engine/6306964956.html
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?330979-1986-Johnson-225-VRO-For-Sale

Thanks,
Grant




Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline Plugcheck

  • Donate members
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3267
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2017, 10:19:37 PM »
Both seem to be reasonable deals, but the biggest OB I have experience with is a v6 175 rude.  Either should work well for your project.  In lieu of a test drive, a compression test, run on muffs and check forward/reverse would be part of my buying checklist.  A good close look may reveal discoloration indicating overheat.  Good luck.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline V153

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4970
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #15 on: October 31, 2017, 05:07:14 PM »
If you're looking for cost effectiveness? Think I'd build your 350 and find an outdrive. I would NOT saw into the swim platform/sun deck to hang an outboard on it.

However if your mind's already made up you're gonna need to seriously beef up the transom, stringers, add knees, etc. And find a honkin bracket. (Priced them lately?)

I'm all into "weight" myself, but yer probly gonna need a 250 or so to run mebbe 60-65. And a place to put the fuel to feed it.

There are CV23 clones built for OB power. Just my opinion.

'81 C500_given away, bought back_75.1 mph
'81 Baja 15SS_140 Frankenrude_66.7 mph
'70 something SpeedCraft_(Allison 16R Clone)_69.0 mph
'79 CVZ19_given away
'71 V153_54.8 mph_wrecked


WALK TALL AND CARRY A BIG BILGE PUMP

Offline G-Force

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 33
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2017, 09:03:52 PM »
I made a couple videos so I could get some of your assessments of how extensive I should be in this restoration. 

Here are the unlisted links:

https://youtu.be/VUcVEv0r_DA
https://youtu.be/Zp3xbubHv70

Thanks in advance!

Grant
Grant
'94 SSV170, Evinrude 115
'91 2000 Cuddy, Mercruiser 3.0
'88 CVX23 - project in process
St. Paul, MN

Offline Hyperacme

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13462
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2017, 10:53:39 PM »
Adding good wood to rotted wood isn't a great idea, old wood will continue to rot.
Willing to bet what you think is still good wood is also rotting or soon will be ...
As most of us have found, the deeper you dig in the more rot you find.

Jeff had the problem with the rub rail pulling out, wood strip behind it was rotted.
See picture below, on the inside of deck / hull is a wood strip that everything screws into.

Shawn's CV23 rebuild thread ...
http://forum.cgoamn.com/index.php?topic=3740.0

Offline dorelse

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5987
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #18 on: December 03, 2017, 01:09:11 AM »
You're tapping on the fiberglass, the wood inside has wicked up all that water... its rotten.

You need to drill core samples with a drill bit until you find dry good wood.  You can't say it's solid yet.



Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

1990 Sierra 1700

Offline dorelse

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5987
Re: CVX23 Project
« Reply #19 on: December 03, 2017, 01:15:11 AM »
You're converting an I/O to an OB, so you need to rebuild it from scratch to be an OB boat.  New transom, new stringers, new reinforcement, you'll have to create a splashwell, cable runs, everything...it's a massive undertaking.

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

1990 Sierra 1700