1976 SeaLark 24' Inboard Resoration

Discussion in 'Inboards' started by larkinja, May 4, 2016.

  1. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Most will have a plate on them or at least casting numbers. It'll likely be a Velvet Drive (Borg Warner).
     
  2. 7228sedan
    Joined: Nov 2009
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    Location: New Jersey USA

    7228sedan Senior Member

    Take a pic and posting it would be good. Or try to see if there are any manufacturers tags on it. Velvet Drives have a tag rivited to a flat spot of the transmission with the model, serial number and gear ratio etc.
     
  3. larkinja
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    Location: Michigan

    larkinja Junior Member

    OK I climbed in there today. Pretty tough to see anything. Can you tell anything by the photos? Found a tag for the enigne. Got a laugh about the leaded gas.
     

    Attached Files:

  4. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    That's a Velvet Drive (a 71C most likely).
     
  5. larkinja
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    Location: Michigan

    larkinja Junior Member

    Thanks! Looks like you might be right. Pulled up a new 71C and they look pretty much the same. Which really helps because the tag you guys are referring to is right on the flat part where it bolts to the motor mount. It is clearly right in my photo, but so old I had no idea that was it. Now I know what to look at better.

    Thanks!
     
  6. larkinja
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    larkinja Junior Member

    Do you guys think it would be better to get a remanned velvet drive from somewhere such as ebay, or would it be better to have mine rebuilt? There might be nothing wrong with it, but would just rather have everything in good working order. At least try to minimize problems on the water.

    Getting ready to order a long block. Anyone have any experience with Rapido Marine Engines? A friend of mine got one a few years back and it has been working without any issues, but wouldn't mind some input if anyone else has any experience with them. The guy seems knowledgeable enough. Reviews online seem mostly good. Prices are good, and don't have to ship back a core.
     
  7. 7228sedan
    Joined: Nov 2009
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    7228sedan Senior Member

    Velvets are pretty bullet proof. If I were you, I'd change the fluid and the cooler but try it as is. If the peace of mind is worth enough to you though, have it rebuilt. Pump, seals, bearings & clutches. My local auto transmission shop does them in fact.
     
  8. larkinja
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    larkinja Junior Member

    I might just do that. Any idea what the going rate would be on a rebuild?
     
  9. 7228sedan
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    7228sedan Senior Member

    fortunately, no :) When I got my boat the transmission (71C VDrive) was fried as the previous owner had not paid any attention to the alignment or the fluid level. As the boat has a Big Block, I wanted to upgrade to the 72C velvet drive. I found a used unit on ebay. I replaced the transmission cooler & lines, and gave it a paint job. That was 6 years ago other than a slow drip of fluid the output shaft seal, it's been perfect. It sounds like you are fairly mechanical inclined, there are books & videos available outlining the rebuild process. When the time comes, I will probably go at it myself. There's not much to them. Parts are readily available.
     
  10. larkinja
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    Location: Michigan

    larkinja Junior Member

    Yeah, I had been thinking that myself. From what I have read so far they seem pretty simple, and the rebuild kits are pretty cheap. Thanks for the input!
     

  11. Chuck A
    Joined: Aug 2022
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    Location: Michigan

    Chuck A New Member

    What did you ever do with this boat?

    I looked at it before you bought in bay city.
     
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