New Guy First Fishing Boat Redo

Hi Guys,
New member here in Minneapolis, MN. Just picked up my first fishing boat. It's a 1977 Sylvan 16 foot with a 1972 Mercury 500 50hp

It was pretty rough to begin with but had a good shell and everything to make it seaworthy eventually.

So far I have gutted the interior and laid down a new floor. I have put down the first layer of carpet. In the process of building up the front for a casting deck.

I removed the old rotted out transom and have been fortunate to receive a solid piece of 1 1/2" white oak from the shop teacher at the school I work at.

I've been working hard at it in my spare time. Hopefully I will have it ready for Memorial weekend....

Will post progress as I make it.

Thanks

more

wow good find !!
you are off to a great start.
this boat will give you many good years of fun n sun.

:WELCOME: to Water World

Barefoot_Johnny said:

wow good find !!

Click to expand...

X2 =D> =D> =D>

That's a beauty w/ lots of potential. You going to keep the remote steer?

I'm going to keep the steering. I don't have the mercury 500 running yet but I think it will with a little love. I'm going to rebuild the console.

Got the new transom wood in and the casting platform almost done

love it, keep itup.

Rick, I have been looking at your boat transom. . . . . and the more I look at it,
The more I am concerned about it. In my opinion, the older outboards weigh
a lot more than the newer ones. ( Just from what I have read in other posts).
I have a mid 90s 1648 with a 50hp and there is a LOT of torque from that old motor.
I think it weighs about 200 pounds. Just a big hunka motor !!!


I guess my question is . . . . is there a capacity tag on your boat ?
Have you visually checked all the end rivets, welds, etc to ENSURE it will safely
hold that 50hp you are going to put on it without some kind of metal fatigue.
The transom wood just looks a little on the small side. (although it is very pretty).
I know it is good wood and very strong, but, (to me) it just looks insufficient for your motor
that may or may not flex quite a bit. Perhaps another board on the outside with
more coverage ?
Just because a boat "comes" with a motor when purchased, does not mean it is the
"correct" motor for that boat. Just put a lot of thought into it before you go WOT.
I guess it is that "smallish" knee brace that is throwing it off. Most boats that carry
a 25-35hp motor have two braces. (the more the better ???).
Jus my dos centavos

any others with the same/different opinion ????

Edit: I just did a quick search and I-Boats has a lengthy list of the 1977 Sylvans.
There are several models for the 16' that are rated anywhere from 40hp to 85hp.
so, it may be in your best (safe) interest to find out exactly what model you have.
Happy Boating !!!





.

Perhaps I missed something....but....that decking looked like treated lumber. Hope it isn't.

richg99

Barefoot Johnny a motor that old was rated off the power head not the foot like a newer motor does so he is probably only getting 12 to 15hp at the foot on that motor but weight could still be a factor in it

only getting 12 to 15hp at the foot on a 1972 50hp Mercury ?????????
is that what you are saying ?

This is the Sylvan Seaman 16. I have the coast guard tag although very worn it does show max h.p. at 50. The transom will have a steel plate that goes over the front and back where the motor clamps down (see old pic). There are also L shaped braces that bolt in on either side of the knee brace you mentioned. The old transom literally crumbled when I touched it. If that thing held that 50 horse on there then this 1" and a 1/2" oak should be ok. I guess I'll just have to try it out

Rick, it is not the oak board itself . . . it is all the other items that hold your stern together.
such as rivets, screws, nuts n bolts, seams, welds, etc etc etc.
I guess a good wire brushing and visual inspection should satisfy the rigidity requirements for the 50.
Tight Lines

Everything seems to be tight. I still need to rivet the end caps back on over the corners of the transom. I guess I won't know anything until it's in the water

Finished the casting deck. Just need to mount the seats, install console, upholster benches and rig up the motor and steering

lookin good 8)

Almost done...

Cleaned her up. Just need to mount the motor, tie up loose ends, and throw her in the water...

good job. that set up looks easy to modify once you adapt to the use you have for your boat.

Looking good! And I'm liking the noodles. =D>