Restoring a Rare Bird Part 20 Engine Installation

[@BrianSmith-ps7lh]

Thank you for performing this series. I still run a 1995 MasterCraft Pro Star 205. You just can’t beat the wake of these older boats. I will have to look you up if I re-power in the future

[@seaox2109]

Absolutely beautiful boat! Thank you for all your help. -Dana from Michigan

[@eduardtapiacervantes3930]

Gracias Ron! 🇲🇽

[@jslengle]

That Marine Power 350 sounds so good

[@erniejazz4526]

That is awesome!

[@hosseinhayati9820]

WHy ehen you started the enging, during startup the propeller shaft turned, but when the engine start running the shaft stoped?

[@Z-Bart]

21:38 OH YEAH! Nice exhaust note. Fine work Ron. How many Hp? 375?

[@rontanis1024]

No, this is a mild 320 HP engine that replaced a 240HP Ford

[@Z-Bart]

@@rontanis1024 Mild? Good one Ron. All I know is my body won't be bouncing off the water from a wipe-out. Water tends to feel like concrete somewhere between 40-60 mph. Skied in my youth but those days are gone. Very nice series on getting The Rare Bird shipshape.

[@garyjanzig8500]

Could this boat have been set up for drive by wire to install the ZeroOff speed control?

[@rontanis1024]

Yes, but it would have required new throttle, addn'l wiring, if speed control was desired for this boat I would have recommended the Perfect Pass Star Gazer System, and retain the OEM throttle and save the customer $$$

[@garyjanzig8500]

@@rontanis1024 A fellow skier who used to live in my area restored a 1984 American Skier. New floor, foam, stringers, and Perfect Pass. It skied great and one of my favorite boats to drive. It was a beast! Watching your videos inspired me to give my boat an overhaul. New helm, tilt, steering cable, clamp block, and I repacked the rudder port. I also installed a GPS Speedometer to replace the remaining Airguide. Looking for a chrome ring for my Perfect Pass display so it matches the new Faria Speedometer. 1994 Ski Nautique 2170 hours on it. If you do another complete restore put that on video too! Very informative! Perfect Pass works great, but if training for tournaments Zero Off is a must. A repower will be in my future since a new boat costs six figures now. An older lighter boat with a modern engine and prop must give whiplash acceleration.

[@richardschwyn6990]

I have a 1992 mastercraft prostar 205 with a dead seized up 351w, would the 350 be easier to maintain and put down more power than a new 351w?

[@rontanis1024]

maintenance would be the same parts availability & usually price is much better with the GM, trans fits up the either, GM front motor mounts are in a different position, but you use the trans mounts to locate the engine. Power all depends on which 351 vs 350

[@richardschwyn6990]

@@rontanis1024 big fan of your work! the 351w was the 285 ho gt40 heads, the 350 would be the similar "ski boat" package you described in 21 part build. My 2 plans were go the 350 route or attempt to build my version of the 351w. Just want to get back on the water as fast and as smart as possible.

[@jesusfarias9677]

I was wondering if putting in a 4cyl DOCH import engine, in a inboard 18ft ski boat with a 351 is worth the while I'm thinking fuel economy and making boat lighter?

[@rontanis1024]

Simple answer is no, compare the HP/Torque/RPM/fuel cons. Charts between the two engines and pay attention to the high load fuel consumption. Next is the issue of wet exhaust, belhousing for marine trans, etc....

[@rontanis1024]

Now a true lightweight purpose built ski boat with a modern smaller engine does have merit for basic skiing needs, but forget about ballast and 20 person capacity.

[@johnsherwood2072]

Ron I am going to try and put a 6.0 liter chevy truck engine in my 1987 ski nautique I will call skiboat parts online i need many parts thank you for the inspiration

[@donaldroberts4207]

V Drive SUCKS ! I'm a barefooter !