What have you done for your boat lately?

The boat was originally powered by a Volvo, but was redone in the 80s and replaced with this engine, a 52hp 4 cylinder Westerbeke. This one is a marinized Mazda S2 diesel. Mazda built these engines under license from Perkins and used them in pickups, vans and for industrial uses. It still starts with just a tap of the starter regardless of how long it's sat or the weather, doesn't smoke and burns about 0.7 gal/hr cruising.

Unfortunately it's now obsolete and some parts aren't available. I was thinking I would need a new oil pan for this project and was searching wrecking yards online for an early 80s Mazda B2200 or Ford Ranger diesel pickup. I found a couple in different parts of the country but it looks like mine is probably going to be okay but the jury is still out until I remove it, clean it up and inspect it. It runs so well I can't see taking on the expense of repowering and I imagine it may very well outlast me with normal care.
 
Kfish said:
I got a lightly used Hobie Compass and began outfitting it. Installed a garmin stryker 4 fish finder, jerry rigged the transducer to its Lowrance mount and routed the wirings and battery to the inside.

Bought on Etsy a 3d printed mount for the fish finder and installed map pockets on the sides. Made the drive leash from net lanyard.

A handle was added for something to grip on to load and unload. At 68lb it’s pretty manageable by myself. Also glued on keel guard.

In terms of safety, I made a light/flag pole out of pvc tubing. Bought a orange NRS Raku pfd, bet I’m the brightest thing there is out there:)
Click to expand...
Nice rig Lou! I think the boat name should be Don't Hit Me! 😁
 
Q: What have you done for your boat lately?

A: Found them new homes - still have five float tubes that'll need to go at some point.
Next, we took a fourteen-hour drive to Idaho Falls and placed an order for a snazzy new drift boat slated for a March build, then fished our way home.
Currently we're sorting through the last few details for a new 15 V-hull aluminum tiller for our small to mid-sized lakes.
 
Last carp trip of 2025 cut short because of water pump failure, inspection shows impeller serviceable but housing junk. Parts round two should arrive this weekend, I’ll change em out, put it back together, new lower unit lube and get ready for spring. Yamaha 40 4 stroke 2002 vintage btw. Maybe Rufus in February if the roads aren’t too bad
 
I saw a lot of folks fishing off of jet skis on the sound this summer.
This looks like this will come in similar $$$$ wise to the Pavati. I wonder what it costs maxed out with all the optional accessories.
SF

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top