Hello & thanks for having me in your forum. I'm a former Marine and new boat owner doing my best to restore an old boat. I plan to use it on the Potomac River as often as life, my wife and children will allow.
I have recently purchased a 1989 Astro Aluminum Bass Boat and I am trying my best to restore the boat or at the very least make it safe. I am hoping you guys/gals will be able to help me.
First off I have identified that the boat has 1989 Mercury 25hp motor. A tip to anyone else that needs to research the motor (drop the leading zero). My serial number 0C172638 lead me no where until I learned this and that the number is also called a "production number." 25 HP 1989 MLH B38500 - C221499 (If correct my motor falls here in the numbering.)
1.) I am hoping someone here might have a manual for this motor
2.) I am hoping someone here might have a manual for this boat. It isn't entirely clear to me if there are any good ones that contain any useful information.
3.) I am hoping someone here might have information on what this boat is supposed to look like without mods (any pictures of this style would be awesome).
4. ) I am hoping someone can help me determine if these seat post holes are the original seat post holes and if so what is the part # for the correct seat post or a seat post that should work. Currently the seat feels extremely short. When attempting to sit in it and control the trolling motor my knee is at my chest.
The boat appears to have numerous modifications that were done poorly or just not maintained at all. I believe the seat posts have been hacked or cut and I'm struggling to find a good replacement. Here is shot of the seat post. It appears cut and has no pin on the bottom. It is just cut metal and the plastic that the seat is plugged into is abused and will fall out if the post is removed and turned upside down. I have tried a Attwood Rise Post and it won't fit / seat in the hole. The other posts I can obtain via West Marine (my local store) are either too thin or have a pin. There also appears to be a spring in the base of the tube. I am working on lubricating it and seeing if I can remove the dirt and the spring if possible.
20150802_102219.jpgThe post as it is now. It looks to me like they cut this post in half to use it in both seat holes (just a guess.)
20150819_193211.jpg The best shot I can get down the tube showing the spring.
20150820_164607.jpg My attempt at sizing/fitting a SWIVL-EZE Pin Pedestal Set 14" Rise Part # 97739-T 11'in post with 7" x 7" base. It clearly isn't going to work. The angle on the bottom exceeds the size of the pipe and base is too large. I have also tried a smaller diameter post and it has alot of play and is clearly not the correct option.
5.) The boat maximum capacity / weight value is a concern for me as well. I'm 250lbs. While the title says the boat is a 15ft the Astro Graphics on the boat say "Astro 16".
6.) I'm wondering how I get the proper measurements (long tape measures? etc) It is badly worn but the capacity plate appears to me as to suggest the max is 485lbs.
Given that there are mods, carpeting, anchor, rope, life jackets, wiring, seat mods, rods, tackle, a fuel tank and battery to consider. It seems very likely that I should not have 2 people in the boat. Any guidance here is greatly appreciated (you might save a life.)
Here are few more shots of the boat.
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Thanks for your time.