Glen-L.com

Hull: Malahini
Motor: 1957 Mercury Mark 55
HP: 40
Prop: 10.75" dia x 10" pitch, 2 blade bronze
Speed: 24 mph

Yeah, I know that's kinda slow. She's definitely underpowered with only 40 horses. But the old merc just looks so right on this hull, I can't bring myself to replace it.

Beautiful! Any more photos?

And when was this jewel built?

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Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

It's on the Glen L main site under Malahini. Nice job.
http://www.glen-l.com/designs/outboard/dsn-malb.html

It does look good with the Merc!

Jeff, I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from.....That 55 is so cool. Maybe someday you will come across a 58 bumping it up a tad in hp, but HEY, I bet it is LOVED by all that see it.

I bought Charlie's one owner 1961 Evinrude Starflite III 75 hp for our Sea Knight, and it is in wonderful shape, but it DOESN'T have the look the old Merc's had.

You have a great looking ride.


Dale
Indy

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I AM ALWAYS DOING THAT WHICH I CANNOT DO, IN ORDER TO LEARN HOW TO DO IT. ~ Pablo Picasso 1881 - 1973

For my Zip, I bought a 1963 Evinrude Big Twin. It has a totally different look about it than the Kiekhaefer Mercs did. I call it a look borrowed from Robby the Robot and the Jetsons. It is SO retro I can't stop looking at it. It's WAYYYYY cool IMHO. Mine looks good because it's been taken very good care of but I've seen bunches of them across the Tennesse countryside weathering away on the backs of a derilict boats out in some field. Give them a couple of coats of latex house paint, beat 'em up with hammers, throw rocks at them and blow a few holes in them with your shotgun and you'll get the idea. They be UGLY! So I'm hoping to do mine proud.

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Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Dale,

Funny you should mention that. I have a 44 cu. in. powerhead (off a merc 400 not a Mark 58) that I picked up that should fit under the Mark55 cowling. I'm planning to swap out the powerheads over the winter. The intriguing thing is that the Merc 500 used the same 44 cu in powerplant. As I understand it, the only major difference was an exhaust tuner. If I can find the tuner, I may be able to bump up close to 50 horses.

I really wish Mercury made a full gear shift version of the Mark 75 or Mark 78. They look great and provide more suitable HP, but the dockbusters scare me.

Oh and thanks everyone for the compliments.

-Jeff

Hi Jeff, I could be wrong but I think you would have to change up to the 50 hp exhaust tuner and also the 50 hp carbs, they have a larger venturie, Hp= more air in > more exhaust out.. Bill

When a boat looks that good who needs to go fast? Go slower and let all the Tupperware owners get a good look at a REAL boat!

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Graham in Shepperton, England

Good, Quick, Cheap, pick any two.

Bill,

You may be right, it would make sense. I have asked the question before and got mixed answers. I have a set of carbs from a Merc 500 on shipment to me in case they are different.


Graham,

Thanks, I've got to admit, I do enjoy the attention it brings.

-Jeff

I think, if we were really honest, most of us would admit that's a very big part of why we build these wooden boats!

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Graham in Shepperton, England

Good, Quick, Cheap, pick any two.

Graham, I am so darned humble that I havent even had a chance to consider that angle yet !!

Steve

Graham, you hit it there! Besides, 25mph is plenty to blow your hat off in the wind.

First time poster...thanks in advance for all the patience that will be required in answering my newbie questions.
I'm building the Malahini, and although the boat looks best if powered like Jeffs, (Amazing job by the way), this needs to be a compromise. My other half really wanted a high power ski boat as we slalom ski. I have convinced her this will do the job nicely. Working for a Yamaha, Evinrude, Mercury dealer has its advantages. I can get a great deal on any motor I want, new or used. So...if you could hang anything on the back, what would it be? Keeping in mind I need to pull big boys on a ski. Also, the plans call for a 85hp, but is their a weight restriction as well? Would an light weight 2 stroke 90 fit the bill?
Thoughts?

for performance,economy,my preference is the 90 Optimax Merc.But for looks & enough power for what you want,go with an old tower of power Merc,like an old Marc 78 or Merc 800

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Boat building can best be defined as an endless series of
tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

Don't Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream