Thread: 1982 16'8 Swift

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  1. #1
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    1982 16'8 Swift

    Hello,

    Please forgive me for not using the correct terminology, or any other mistakes I have made writing this ;)

    I am now in my third year of owning this rare boat I call Loosey. It is a 1982 Champion 16'8 Swift, with a 1984 Evinrude 150 V6, with an Apollo 14" 21 pitch stainless prop (no jack plate yet) and front and rear fuel tanks (about 30 gals total capacity). Loosey is blue with a ton of sparkle and white interior, I would post pics, but the pixels count is too big. I'm working on how to figure out post pics for everyone. This boat is not perfect, there are flaws in the gel coat, the interior is not original, and the gauges don't work. But it floats, doesn't leak, and the motor runs great! Also it has an aluminum transom. One day I'd like to get it back to original. Loosey is a really fun boat, and pretty fast too (mid 50s with current prop)

    Things I'd like to get done:
    Rewire the boat so I have functioning gauges
    Replace the gauges to white bezel, to match the interior
    A Jack Plate
    New Prop (suggestions welcomed!)
    Replace the transom back to stock
    An original Champion Trailer (Current trailer is kinda rough)

    I have what i think is the original HIN on an old title, and would like to get more info on the boat.

    Thanks for taking the time to read this, I'll post more as I go on this journey

    Grawg

  2. Pat Goff
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    #2
    You have yourself a little rocket if you want it to be.
    If it has dual cable steering good if it’s been changed to single fix that first. V6 and single cable steering will get you hurt.
    A six inch rapid jack plate and a worked 24 Raker will get you over 65 pretty easy. The swift’s transom is a little low and adding the plate will allow you to get the motor height you need.

    After you grow and learn to handle that little beast there’s more to be had.
    The single most fun champ ever built.
    Pat Goff

    Two degrees from center
    of nowhere.
    Smithwick TX.

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  3. Member
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    #3
    Thanks for the info Pat. It does have dual cable steering. Now, time to learn about jack plates.

  4. Pat Goff
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    #4
    Before I spent any money, it's time to make sure you're solid. You need to make sure the transom is dry, if you can pull the motor and inspect all the mounting holes, and the thru hull fittings. You can use a plastic handled screwdriver to tap around looking for wet spots. Dry makes a nice tap sound, wet will be a dead thud.
    Pat Goff

    Two degrees from center
    of nowhere.
    Smithwick TX.

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  5. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    #5
    Had several rides in the first production Swift that left the factory. It was sky blue and metal flake with a (hand over mouth cough) 150. Was at the finishing shop and watched them stripeing it with Bill Pace, Matt Grabinski, John Sorie and my father.
    Last edited by MMosher; 06-25-2020 at 05:15 PM.

  6. Pat Goff
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    #6
    That's the boat I learned to drive out of chine walk. David Bradford had one with a V6 Johnrude something on it. With his instruction, and two hours of running that little rocket all over LBJ, I finally earned my merit badge. Everything after that was simple to drive.
    Pat Goff

    Two degrees from center
    of nowhere.
    Smithwick TX.

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  7. Champion Boats Moderator Lea's Avatar
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    #7
    Welcome to the forum, Don! That is one neat boat you have. Looking forward to pictures!!!

  8. Born on th Llano Estacado Tx Champ's Avatar
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    #8
    I've only one thing to add ...


  9. Champion Boats Moderator Lea's Avatar
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    #9
    He is trying to figure out how to post his pics, Reggie. Help him out!!!

  10. Pat Goff
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    #10
    I use https://imgbb.com/ upload your pictures there, then use the BB code to put your picture up, much better than trying to size one and follow directions.
    You just copy/paste the URL here, and there's your picture.

    Pat Goff

    Two degrees from center
    of nowhere.
    Smithwick TX.

    [SIGPIC][<a href=http://www.bbcboards.net/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=583&dateline=1498828542/SIGPIC] target=_blank>http://www.bbcboards.net/image.php?t...828542/SIGPIC]</a>

  11. Member
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    #11
    Been awhile since I posted. Loosey had a great summer last year. Went through lots o fuel! i guess that's one thing to be thankful for in a pandemic haha. I did not get a single thing on my list completed over last summer and winter. I'll try again this year. I think I've figure out how to upload pictures, so here goes. Say hello to Loosey! Several pics starting with the day I bought her.
    https://ibb.co/dmcgWCq
    https://ibb.co/6XhDFxM
    https://ibb.co/bQbwTQq
    https://ibb.co/m5ZwSQS
    https://ibb.co/k8bdKB5
    https://ibb.co/SvkBG6N
    https://ibb.co/ZfXB6v6
    https://ibb.co/JR6n8vR
    https://ibb.co/mywfy8n
    https://ibb.co/g3m3XHm
    https://ibb.co/tYmQ7D5
    https://ibb.co/sJnrWTJ
    https://ibb.co/z46qYZF

  12. Champion Boats Moderator Lea's Avatar
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    #12
    Neat little rocket!!!

  13. Lead sled driver 11pounder's Avatar
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    #13
    Lets do this,

  14. Lead sled driver 11pounder's Avatar
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    #14

  15. Lead sled driver 11pounder's Avatar
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    #15

  16. Lead sled driver 11pounder's Avatar
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    #16

  17. Member
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    #17
    Thank you 11pounder! I'm not so good with the technologies haha

  18. Member
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    #18
    That is one sweet ride!

    I’ve never seen one before.

    Ronnie
    2006 Champion 198 DCX Elite / Mercury 225 Pro XS

  19. Member
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    #19
    That's an awesome little Champ!

  20. Member
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    #20
    Love it! Neat boat. Those seats look comfy!!
    Champion 206
    250XB