Zodiac Hurricane 540 - New Project

[sufius]

and then everything changes lol. Looking at a local trailer that is newer this week. Venture VAB-3325 that is a 2019. Looks like it should fit and seems to allow some bunk changes. I will just need to replace the bearings and whatnot as they are orginal.

[sufius]

Picked up new to me trailer. I will need to do some maintenance tasks but great overall. I sanded the top of beams and will clean and put some ceramic coating on it. This only makes it prettier and better to clean.

https://www.rib.net/forum/members/20...cture8884.jpeg

[jonp]

Had a 550 pro with a Yam f70 which was surprisingly good with such a small motor, however a 90hp would of been better for those rare days when the weather allows for more speed. Even the 70 would have the boat airborne without having to run at full rpm.
Ive now got a 500 pro with a merc 60 and a little centre console 4.45 glass boat with a F115, where the performance difference really isn't that much better going from 70 to 115, maybe 6-7 knots.

[sufius]

jonp - I would have thought moving to 115HP would have been a better gain.

Should have boat parts within a week. Battery in and power trim, anchor light, tach light, and compass light work. Bow and horn not so much lol. Trying to get a couple old but good condition metal tanks. Will try and drop by the Smoove store as they are local for some compound and etc. Nonskid is five steps beyond chalky white, so I am skeptical.

Boat is likely too small for trailer due to me making a stupid assumption . I will make it work (safely) for a while and then look for a different trailer. At least I have something for now.

[brveagle]

At least you are making steps in the right direction!

[jonp]

Originally Posted by sufius

jonp - I would have thought moving to 115HP would have been a better gain.

Should have boat parts within a week. Battery in and power trim, anchor light, tach light, and compass light work. Bow and horn not so much lol. Trying to get a couple old but good condition metal tanks. Will try and drop by the Smoove store as they are local for some compound and etc. Nonskid is five steps beyond chalky white, so I am skeptical.

Boat is likely too small for trailer due to me making a stupid assumption . I will make it work (safely) for a while and then look for a different trailer. At least I have something for now.

My 550 was the pro tour, so a bit lighter. I also have a pro 500. I don't have seats in any boats I ever own, so keep them very light hence why the f70 was ok on that one. I do have an f115 on my heavier little 445 but that isn't a rib.

[sufius]

Started working on it yesterday and replaced ignition switch. It didn’t work but then realized power trim stopped working. Eventually I figured I blew the fuse at motor so replaced and both work. Picked up all my parts including ETEC diagnostic software. Ran a report and it has ONLY 55 HOURS. Just about all at lower RPM. No faults and winterization was active. Decided to crank without starting to ensure everything coated from spray a couple weeks ago. I had loosened all the spark plugs and no way could they have been indexed. It scared the snot out of me when it fired up which I did not want it to do but immediately shut it down. So yes motor seems good and I am about to replace a bunch of good parts likely. lol.

[sufius]

jonp - nice boat :-) mine has a jockey seat only but may reevaluate next year...maybe. That said, I may get the bean bag style seats for any pleasure cruising.

Looked at the electrical yesterday and popped the panel and looked inside. Nice components but I should pull each connector and clean 'em up as there was corrosion building especially on the grounds...which are in the far back of course!

[sufius]

More progress...lots of learning in slow motion.

Fuel has been my enemy. Tank, connectors, Coast Guard cut fuel line after it went into motor (weird) and hysterical I did not see it beforehand, clamp/crimper issue, new fuel line length too short, fuel line leaking in motor (loose manufacturer clamp). It is a great learning experience.

Completed this weekend
bought great condition old 6-gallon aluminum tank
greased the zerks that ETEC
greased the trim zerks
hooked up new tank with new hose direct to motor (need longer hose for future)
changed thermostat
started and let run for 10 minutes no issues
trailer configured for boat (friend wants his trailer back)
new fuel filter
Boat titled and registered

Still have a punch list for this coming up week/weekend. Hope to put it in water in two weeks for trial run.

[sufius]

Bought a boat cover for my 20’ Seacraft but never took it out of the box. For poops and giggles I gave it a shot on the rib. Not exactly a custom fit but good considering have not added any posts inside as this was a trial run.