Topic: 1961 Dorsett Custom 300 – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 12 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 10 months ago by fifty20ne.

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June 30, 2018 at 8:51 pm #10418
fifty20ne
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Picked this neat little ski boat up for a restoration project!
It is a 1961 Dorsett Custom 300 similar to the Ski Bird I think?

Just need to decide on what HP Mercury motor to put on it 35 or 50 HP?
I am not looking to ski with it, just want to be in the low 30 MPH range.
A white colored Merc 400 would be period correct, but newer ok also.

I want to modify the Pamco trailer to get boat sitting level to gain ground clearance
For the motor when trailering by changing the tilt mount pivot point either front or
Back to get trailer level. The boat fits the trailer good but the trailer is sprung
Very soft as the boat tilts/rocks side to side with very litttle effort? The spring
Uses a shackle mount in the rear, and I would like to change to fixed mount spring
Mount style. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

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June 30, 2018 at 9:47 pm #78760
Buccaneer
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A "drop hitch" in your receiver would be a good start perhaps?

Prepare to be boarded!
June 30, 2018 at 9:57 pm #78761
fifty20ne
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Yes,

Drop hitch my first thought also went with a 6" KURT dropped receiver trailer tongue is now below horizontal level plane.
Boat still pointing sky high! like the fourth of July!!!!

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June 30, 2018 at 10:21 pm #78764
kerry
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Where the main beam meets the A frame is a tilt feature. If you don’t need it, cutting and welding will drop the nose . Possibly a taller tire also?

If you have too many, AND not enough, you're a collector.
June 30, 2018 at 11:12 pm #78770
dan-in-tn
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I am thinking along the same lines the guys are. The ideas mentioned will work. In my case I wanted a longer tongue so I could walk around the back of the truck without being in the water (loading & unloading). Also open the back door/tail gate on the truck? If you decide to lengthen the tongue put it on top of the channel you have now. You don’t want to drop the receiver any lower if you don’t have to. When those catch on a curb, etc. it is like hitting a wall! Don’t ask me how I know!

Dan in TN
July 1, 2018 at 1:24 am #78786
dave-bernard
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look at your trailer the tilt is not down and locked start there.
July 1, 2018 at 12:39 pm #78813
fisherman6
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quote Dave Bernard:

look at your trailer the tilt is not down and locked start there.

X2!!! 😯

-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube
July 1, 2018 at 1:07 pm #78814
lindy46
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I had a 1961 Starcraft fiberglass, 14′ which looked very similar to yours. It, too had a Pamco tilt trailer but it sure didn’t look like yours in the travel position. The back "A-Frame" shaped part locked over the front "I’ beam and the entire set-up was a straight line and not tilted up in the back like yours. I’ll have to look for some pics. My Starcraft had a 1961 45hp Mercury and it would do about 35mph.
July 1, 2018 at 6:08 pm #78828
fifty20ne
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I think this is how my PAMCO trailer should look from the factory.
I am going to have a look at it soon.

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July 1, 2018 at 6:19 pm #78829
dave-bernard
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yes and don’t forget to lock it down. may need to move the boat or winch stand to do it.
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