1984 Exciter 260 I/O

[tburn]

I just got this boat and I love it. Just have a few questions. The steering appears to have some play in it. At low speed it wanders side to side, some people have told me thats the nature of the beast is this true? Did these boats come with hour meters from the factory? Its dark blue with silver metallic and a light blue stripe, The silver metallic is yellowed quite a bit and the blue is pretty faded on top but, I was told this boat has clear gel coat on it, so does that mean I can get it back to shiny again? Could anyone send me a picture of the Checkmate emblam that is supposed to be on the steering wheel hub? My email is cobalt04@roadrunner.com Thanks Tom

 

[Rob B]

I just got this boat and I love it. Just have a few questions. The steering appears to have some play in it. At low speed it wanders side to side, some people have told me thats the nature of the beast is this true? Did these boats come with hour meters from the factory? Its dark blue with silver metallic and a light blue stripe, The silver metallic is yellowed quite a bit and the blue is pretty faded on top but, I was told this boat has clear gel coat on it, so does that mean I can get it back to shiny again? Could anyone send me a picture of the Checkmate emblam that is supposed to be on the steering wheel hub? My email is cobalt04@roadrunner.com Thanks Tom

I can't help you with the steering since your boat is a I/O and I'm a outboard guy. But looking at your pictures on the other thread it's possible that a little wetsanding and buffing will bring the gelcoat back. as for the emblem on the steering wheel you can call Mike @Checkmate. http://checkmatepowerboats.net/contact.html

 

[karzrus]

How much play in the steering, how much can you turn the wheel before the drive starts to move and when you grab the drive how much does it shake back a forth without the wheel moving. What kind of drive is it?

Many boats search/wander back and forth at low speeds (Idle and just off Idle) but the drive is not moving from side to side while this is happening, is yours?

 

[tburn]

84 Exciter

I have talked to Mike at Checkmate and they don't have any of the steering wheel emblams left. I don't even know what it is supposed to look like. I will find one eventually. As for the play in the steering I can move the outdrive probably 3 or 4 inches before the steering wheel moves. I don't know if the outdrive is moving when it wanders back and forth in the water, I will have to check that next time I go out. As for the finish I am hoping wet sanding and buffing will bring it back.

 

[karzrus]

Yikes!!!!!

That is way too much movement in the drive, a 1/2 an inch would be more then mine moves. I would want it fixed before I drove it very far or fast!

 

[Chris E]

I have talked to Mike at Checkmate and they don't have any of the steering wheel emblams left. I don't even know what it is supposed to look like. I will find one eventually. As for the play in the steering I can move the outdrive probably 3 or 4 inches before the steering wheel moves. I don't know if the outdrive is moving when it wanders back and forth in the water, I will have to check that next time I go out. As for the finish I am hoping wet sanding and buffing will bring it back.

if it's moving that much you need a gimbel ring and shaft NOW!!! the boat is not safe and shouldn't be used until that is repaired.

also, its quite likely you'll need a lot of back-end parts as well - gimbel bearing, u-joints, bellows, etc.

when we did gimbel rings, we always replaced the bellows and trim senders. the labour wasn't any less, so it was just parts to install.

 

[tburn]

Gimbal ring

Thanks for the info. I will be looking into all that pretty soon and making it right for next season.

 

[Rob B]

Do you have pictures showing the deck or top of the boat?

 

[tburn]

pics of the top

Heres what I have of the top and some close ups of the finish.

 

[Rob B]

I would remove all the hardware on the top then wetsand and buff. Look at these links for info:http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13528 http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21226

 

[tburn]

wet sanded and buffed

Well here it is after about 60+ hours of wet sanding and compund buffing. I am very happy with it. Also cleaned up engine compartment. Bunch of new odds and ends. Reproduction decals and ladder are going on tomorrow. I am saving up for new gauges and carpet but, what a great boat, all original and runs and drives perfect. Its a real head turner. Thanks to all who gave me some pointers and direction. Now just need gas prices to drop!!

 

[tburn]

Exciter pics

Here is a few more

 

[Ramifications]

Night and Day difference. It really came out nice

 

[Gimme Fuel]

Looks amazing! Very nice boat!