At 0300hrs, I am now on a quest. I checked a lot of my resources (many) and couldnt find the owner (or even that particular boat for that matter!) The stern drive unit appears to be an early Volvo/GMC unit and the Buick V6 @ 155hp was pretty much De Rigueur of that vintage. That Douglas was no run of the mill assembly line boat. You can tell by the custom dash stuff that a lot of planning went into that build. Ive never even seen shifter/throttles like those on the lower right wheel seat pic. Theres a few wooden boat shows up here that Ill be looking for that model for some more info. A few years ago, we made a trip from Chicago to Grand Haven Mi. with the Roamer for an antique wooden boat show and they wouldn't let me enter since my hull is aluminum. I blasted the Kahlenberg D-2s at the crowd and left for the marina next door. Later that day I was holding an open boat (open house) aboard with cold brewski's. Purists really suck! ws
I am more of the belief that the 2 happiest days of a boat owner are the day you buy it and the day you pay it off. I am in the final year of a 12 year loan. Buick’s And fishing are my 2 hobbies but I find it hard to have the time or money for both. For the last couple years it’s been mostly The Buick with some occasional fishing. Maybe once I get into the 12’s I’ll go back to taking the boat out regularly.......yea right. I’ll want low 12,s. Lol Cliff
The 300 Buick was used in mid 60s Evinrude boats. Might be interesting to find one... a bit smoother running than that old odd fire v6 I imagine.
Went to the Piston Power show yesterday, I had more interest in the antique boats than the cars A couple wood boats, (don't remember the make) had the steering wheel mounted on the side, one positioned in front, and one amidships next to the engine, and next to the engine cover was a lever I'm assuming was forward/reverse? On the steering, did you rotate the wheel forward for left, and rearward for right?
I'd like to know more of the history of the marinized Buick engines from the 60's/70's Considering the bad rep the V6's have for oiling, (same as 350/455) what did OMC do if anything to address the issue for reliability. It would SUCK to be out on the water and a rod knock appear My last two Sea Rays were Merc Cruiser powered (Chevy) 350/454 respectively. I kept them stock, just did regular maintenance, and never once worried about reliability. I do know they had an iron timing cover for marine use for the Buick 6, but that's about it.
That's a sharp looking boat! Nice profile, I guessed Stamas then I looked real close, I guessed right
At the rpm marine engines run....max 4500rpm I don' think oiling is an issue at all on a 455 in this use. In fact the tough nodular crank and forged rods are stout. Large main bearings are better for low rpm as well. On the Eastern shore of Maryland the Buick 455 was a favored workboat motor....over the Olds and BBC in fact.
Oldest independent recreational boat builder left in the US. All others got bought out by big conglomerates.
Interesting about the 455 Buick over the BBC, seeing as the BBC is still in production and parts are available verses the BBB hasn't been in production since 1976. I was more curious about the oil temps in marine use seeing as marine engines always operate under a loaded condition, 'course they have oil coolers, and the hugest coolant capacity (lake/ocean) water, and you can regulate the temp pretty accurately.
No I was speaking past tense. Supply has dried up....guys used to buy a wrecked Electra for 300 bucks or less yank motor and put in workboat. Sometimes they just hooked up a large car radiator and the motor never saw saltwater. Motors often just had covers when at dock....rest of time exposed so oil temp not a big deal.
