Searching boat manufacturer

[alexpb9]

Hi there...

I've searched all of the internet and could not find anything.. I hope someone here can help me...

My grandfather bought this boat in 1971. It has a Mercury 1350 Thunderbolt Outboard. My grandfather used to say it's a Malibu boat, but after researching Malibu it looks like they only started up in 1982. But maybe South Africa had a boat builder under the name Malibu in the 70's. I am restoring it at the moment so I don't have better photos. I want to find out who the boat manufacturer is, but it's very difficult. I want to get it "water legal". We've had it on the water every summer except 2009 when I had to get the crankshaft replaced. But we used in on our farm dam and the local town dams. Needless to say, we never did buoyancy or got it registered. After I restore it, I am going through all the steps to get it "water legal".

Some photos of the boat.... Anyone have an idea who the manufacturer of the boat is?

 

[ontheplane]

Fletcher Malibu perhaps? Looks a bit like an early Shakespeare? Do you have a side on pic?

 

[alexpb9]

These are the best pics at the moment. I will try and go to my storage unit tomorrow and take some pictures. I haven't worked on it for a few weeks now...

 

[alexpb9]

Almost done with the restore.

 

[QBhoy]

Any pics of the back end ? Hull certainly looks familiar

 

[alexpb9]

Any pics of the back end ? Hull certainly looks familiar

I've been all over the internet and I just can't find anything looking like it..

 

[Deleted member 478]

May I suggest that you contact the Mercury dealer in Johannesburg and ask them if they know? They might be able to connect the dots to the original purchase if you have an engine number.

By the way, my first thought on seeing the pics was that it was a Malibu. I grew up in Jhb and spent many a weekend at the Vaal Dam, where a Malibu was a common sight.

 

[alexpb9]

Confirmation received. It is a Malibu. Also found a plate (That was painted over) right in front of the engine with a hull number and everything...

Received my COF today and going to the dam tomorrow I am a happy man...

Thanks for all the replies.. Helped me a lot.

Just a little advice needed on the 2 stroke oil for the engine. Should I stay with conventional outboard 2 stroke, or should I go over to synthetic 2 stroke?

 

[Deleted member 478]

@alexpb9 Please post a photo of the place where you go to at the dam. There´s a very small chance that I might recognise it too, which will bring back many a happy childhood memory.

 

[ChromeDome]

Just a little advice needed on the 2 stroke oil for the engine. Should I stay with conventional outboard 2 stroke, or should I go over to synthetic 2 stroke?

I think you got the right answer already:

‘normal’ outboard oil I mean
As long as it has ‘tcw3’ on the bottle it will be fine
Any brand
‘Ordinary’ 2 stroke will do as you have found
It’s the ratio/ mixture that’s most important

 

[QBhoy]

Confirmation received. It is a Malibu. Also found a plate (That was painted over) right in front of the engine with a hull number and everything...

Received my COF today and going to the dam tomorrow I am a happy man...

Thanks for all the replies.. Helped me a lot.

Just a little advice needed on the 2 stroke oil for the engine. Should I stay with conventional outboard 2 stroke, or should I go over to synthetic 2 stroke?

Don’t go synthetic. That’s usually not tcw3. Most of the synthetic stuff is for injector di outboards. Long as it’s tcw3 you’re good. Lots to choose from. Personally think rock oil mp oil is amazing stuff. Great value too.

 

[jon and michie]

whatever it is - its looks like a nice bit of kit with lots of fun in store Enjoy

 

[alexpb9]

@alexpb9 Please post a photo of the place where you go to at the dam. There´s a very small chance that I might recognise it too, which will bring back many a happy childhood memory.

At last I found some time to come back to the forum. New projects at work, and at the dam on Weekends.

 

[Seastoke]

That’s a great boat , but you need to protect your self and family with life jackets. Good boating.

 

[alexpb9]

I am back again, same boat and in need of advise.

I need to paint the bottom of the boat. It really needs attention, but I don’t have the cash to get a professional to work on it.

Can anyone maybe recommend a paint I can use on the bottom and the process I need to follow for a diy project?

The boat is in the water over weekends (In the summer) only (Saturday & Sunday) but I take it out every day. So it never sleeps in the water. I don’t need antifouling paint. I just need something to get it more durable and not that expensive.