We did have the Linda K in the water last weekend, for the first time in many years.
The original motor had suffered from water damage internally, so the decision was made
to just replace it. Fortunatly datsun engines didn't change much ,and are easily interchangable.
A 2 litre was purchased from a running automatic car, and swapped straight in.

Peter Newcombe was the test pilot for its first outing.
Unfortunatly, it wouldn't pick up cooling water, (No pump used, just pressure from movement)
We filled it from the pick up with a garden hose while it was still in the water,
then gave it another quick run hoping we had primed it, no result.
The decision was made to alter the pick up tube which is just a copper tube, angle cut, poking through the cav plate.
A greater angle was cut with a hacksaw and the tail of it was bent forward a little to assist in scooping water in.
That worked a treat and away we went. We had a little oil leak & a little water leak, but they will be fixed easily.
Peter went for another spin and the boat ran like a charm

Peter Newcombe preparing for his first drive in the Linda K since about 30yrs ago

After Peter had had his go, I got to take it out for a spin.
It really surprised me just how quick it was

Happy as a pig in $#!t
The boat was being sign written yesterday & today, so it should now be completly finished.
This monday we have a photo session and interviews with the local Victor Harbour newspaper
to promote the Goolwa Aquatic Club reopening and Aquafest event.
I'll get to bring her home for a week, and in that time i'll get a tune-up done just to freshen it up.
When I went down there last week, I towed my little wooden skiff to deliver it to a shipwright in Goolwa to
give me a quote to fix the hull. Initial diagonsis wasn't to bad, and the ball park figure given was very reasonable.
Hopefully this one might be ready for summer.
Cheers
Jeff