Testing My Boaterhome on The Lake For The First Time in 20 YEARS

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I am a shade tree boat mechanic. Mercruiser engines are just Chev blocks with different heads and cam. Parts are readily available and the outdrives are basically bullet proof. Check your bellows, gimbal bearings, exhaust hoses, impeller pumps etc. Most things are relatively easy to repair or replace minus the gimbals. Kind of bears to do. Make sure the outdrives get a good fluid change and pump the fluid from the bottom to the top. It eliminates air bubbles. When ever you run those engines, get those outdrives down as low as you can. The clutch dogs and u-joints don't like that extreme angle and keep them either watered with a fake a lake or submerged. Like you said, running them dry eats those rubber impellers alive! Also, make sure when you do pull the engines, the stringers are strong and true. If the pulleys are pointed towards the hull, you will overheat due to the water not being able to have the right angle of attack under water and it will cavitate at the intake strakes at FOT. The engines not being level WILL lift the outdrives up. But as soon as you drop speed, it will pick water back up and things will cool down. Keep that thing as original as possible. Its so, so DOPE!

No outboard motors. Try to keep everything as original as possible. That is what makes this such an awesome machine

Honestly if money isn't a deal breaking issue, I think it would be amazing to see that thing rebuilt as original as possible, and looking new. I think it would add way more value to it, and mean a lot more to you guys if it was restored. My humble opinion. :). Love the content, love all the guys, and all the crew. Thanks for sharing.

You have to save the entire system, truck and boat! Originality rules! I'm 66 years young and this reminds me of my youth! Stay with it guys! I know it's a money put now...but when restored... you'll be the envy of motorhoming and boating!

You are killing those U joints in the outdrive by running it in the up position. Pull the drive, grease the joints, check the bellows and shift cable. 👊

Restore/rebuild it! This is a treasure many people would not have known about it if it wasn't for you guys. Let the people of This generation know where ideas come. from

Don't destroy it ! Keep it original !! Restore it !!! This is a world legacy. I used to watch it in tv in argentina when I was a kid. Now im living in usa. I'm sure it's known worldwide.

You've got to restore it as it is. They're an icon of retroness. Repower the inboards and van so you know the running gear is good but keep the looks. Yes, a ton more money but the end result would be well worth it

That vehicle is so unique. Only 21 ever made. Best served to try & keep it as original as possible. Overhaul the boat engines. Get rid of whatever powers the van & see if a 24 valve diesel will match up with the unique transmission the thing has, then update all the upholstery to Heavy D taste. That's my 2 cents. Do what you want, me i'd keep it original as possible except it's heartbeat. Ty for taking us along

Good Call !!! Something that rare is only all original once.. So glad you decided to keep it as original as possible. Let that ol girl keep her soul..

Clearly there’s a lot of work to do on this beauty! Update everything but try to keep the same look as much as possible! Love this!!

Gentlemen, It's so unique. My opinion is do what you can to rebuild it. Really test your skills. I have faith in you! God bless you all.

Restoration with better and lighter materials, new props, weight reduction, most powerful and reliable engines possible, would be a good start I think.

Imagine this is restored, it'll be the biggest flex one everyone, would love to see it look MINT

I've said this before but once again, this might be your best videos - EVER!!! I had a one year old 1979 Dodge van and a buddy who worked at the local speed shop. He asked if I wanted it to be fast, I said sure. He said he just hot rodded the same engine a 318cu inch and knew what it needed. I said go for it. A week later he calls and said parts are in come and get em. Waiting for me was an Edelbrock dual flow 360 manifold, a 650 Carter and a shift kit for the automatic transmission. The carb was popped open on his counter, the main jets changed out in less than five minutes and out the door I went. Parts installed in a day and the following weekend I was headed out to the Mojave Desert. Let me just say he was right, it hauled hinny. First gear held up to 55 MPH and I chicken footed second gear and slowed down because I couldn't afford a ticket. It was well spent money and added a bunch of power for a few hundred bucks at that time. The shift kit did it's job as well.

You have to save the entire system, truck and boat! Originality rules! I'm 66 years young and this reminds me of my youth! Stay with it guys! I know it's a money put now...but when restored... you'll be the envy of motorhoming and boating! 😍

I’m glad my opinion matters. I think you should keep it as original as possible, but add that HeavyD cool. You know what I’m talking about.

I'd say to try to keep it as visually original as possible. Under the hood, go for broke with the upgrades. That boat on the water is quintessential '70s.

What is missing in the market, it's an affordable and design proof amphibious ATV or compact boat with retractable wheels. Way more convenient for the average person.