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Might buy a Trimate II this weekend w/questions?

U

upnorthbacon

New member
I've been looking for a cheap fun boat and have a line on a 1977 16' Checkmate Trimate II w/mercury v-6 150 motor with stainless 23 degree prop. I posted in the motor section about some issues I'm concerned about and have a couple more questions. The previous owner said it will do 56mph gps which seemed slow from what I'm seeing around here. I'm not sure how the boat is setup and I'm reading a lot on here about setup and such. I'm going to be checking the compression, and it sounds like it needs a new starter too. He told me he was having fuel pump issues and on high speed runs he could see the fuel filter running out of fuel. He said he changed the fuel pump and then ended up going with an automotive pump and the issues have gone away. I haven't found much an automotive fuel pump conversions so I don't know much about that. I've been listening to suggestions from everyone and appreciate the advice. Does 56mph sound right with that motor, hull, and prop? I'm hoping the motor is solid, he says it's reliable, it's been re-ringed and one cylinder re-sleeved a few years ago. He also told me the carbs were cleaned and one needle replaced too. My main concern is the need for an auto fuel pump, hopefully that's not a sign of other motor issues? In all likelyhood I'll be picking it up this weekend and then I can post pics and ask more detailed questions, just wondering if everything sounds ok with what I know so far?
 
Do you know what year that 150 is? It may be more like the modern day equivalent of a 135, which would seem to make more sense. If it's pre-1980, you may as well think of it as a 135.
 
Where should I look on the motor to see what year it was built? Here's a couple pics, they are pretty small though, not sure if it will help.

boat3.jpg

boat2c.jpg

boat4.jpg
 
You'd have to find the serial number of the engine- I believe it would be stamped into either the block or mounting brackets for the powerhead... not sure. :confused:
 
Judging by the pics and assuming that is the original cowl and graphics on that outboard that is a 1980 or older Merc 150 which as was mentioned about has the hp measured at the crank and not at the propshaft. Still, from what the pictures show its a clean looking boat.
 
upnorthbacon said:
Where should I look on the motor to see what year it was built? Here's a couple pics, they are pretty small though, not sure if it will help.

boat3.jpg

boat2c.jpg

boat4.jpg
Click to expand...

I have a good friend that had a 1975 Trimate II and he had the same motor with a 6 inch jackplate - and a 24 pitch chopper prop and he got 65-72 mph out of it and was very happy. ~ you found a very nice boat looks like someone did a nice job re-working it~
Welcome to the Checkmate family
 
Good find. When my fuel pump went out I converted to an automotive type pump with a preset of 7lbs of fuel pressure. I went this route for a few reasons. 1, merc is very proud of there replacement pump. 2, I needed the higher volume of fuel ( engine is not stock) and 3, makes it real easy to drain the fuel tank.
 
Nice find . There are a few of us on here with Trimate's . Boat looks to be in really nice shape.
 
Unfortunately the transom was half-ass patched and still cracked in a couple places. The motor had some issues and the floor was rotted too. The guy was a really nice guy but it wasn't worth it to me. I'm going to hold off and save up until next year when I can buy something nicer. Thanks for all the replies!
 
Hopefully you will still check back...

I have an '81 Enticer for sale- open bow, inline 115 that was rebuilt last year, original interior. Everything in very nice shape. You won't be disappointed like you were with the Trimate. She'll fly to about 52 as is- with a little setback, engine height, and more prop I think she can get to 60. Here's a couple pics and a video, PM me if you want more information. VERY reasonable price!!

http://s223.photobucket.com/albums/dd201/MIenticer/Boating/

P7120017.png
 
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