TOPIC: '75 Baja with '76 105 hp Chrysler

Saw this boat on my way across the state on Friday and stopped to take a look at it today on the way home. Need another boat like a hole in the head, but this one is tempting for the right price. Thought I could use it as a joint project with my kids and eventually it would be theirs. Really interested in the seats as they would fit right into my GT-150 winter project.

Hull is VERY rough and will take a lot of wet sanding and buffing. It looks like it has been sitting outside for years. Current owner states it hasn't been on the water in 8+ years, but that the motor runs. Not too familiar with Chrysler motors, had the impression that they were not any good.

Anyways - posting pictures below and looking for input on the hull design and the motor. Any input will be appreciated as I decide to fill the remaining spot in my garage with boat #4!!



















Wires are covered with something. Almost looks like old honey.

I'd say it probably is honey! Maybe some bees made it their home for a while. Not the first time that's happened! I had wasps fly out of my 50hp the 1st time I went to take off the faceplate this summer. That was exciting!

Nothing inherently wrong with the 105 Chrysler, if it's got good compresion and spark, likely it'll run.

The Magnapower ign can give you trouble but probably not any worse than the older Merc CDI trigger/etc. Not as many parts around as Mercs but you'll probably find 'em on eBay.

I'd check for spark, check compression, go thru the carbs (easy, they're old Tillotsons, just drop the float bowls), see if it'll run. If it sounds OK, put a new impeller in and run it! Maybe a set of fuel pump diaphragms if everything else checks out.

The motor is actually a 1977 model and here's one site with parts diagrams & some parts still available:

www.marineengine.com/parts/chrysler-outboard-parts/105-1977/1059hg

If you can't hear it run, don't pay top dollar but as you were saying, it's for sale cheap. I'd just assume the engine was for parts and be pleasantly surprised if it's a good runner. At least it's clean, looks like a freshwater motor. Be sure to turn the flywheel over, you can tell a lot just by doing that. Heck, wrap a rope around the flywheel and give it a good tug! You can feel the individual cylinders' compression, you'll know if one or more are "flat".

Be sure to check the boat's transom carefully, that's usually a problem on these old ski boats. You can stand on the back of the motor and that'll put enough stress on the transom where you'll know right away if it's weak!

HTH & let us know how it goes.......ed

Go get it!

He has it posted with $900 OBO. However, it has been sitting so long you can hardly read the sign and the grass is pretty long under the boat. I will talk to the kids and see what we want to do. If it runs, we will probably play with it this year without doing anything unless the transom is bad.

Probably going to let this one go and pick up the '74 Marlin instead. That boat looks a little cleaner and has a sweet Merc tower on it.

But who knows........

The only person I've ever known who had a Chrysler was my Uncle Eric. He didn't think much of it. That Marlin looks pretty sweet and you know you can get parts for it. Good call

Myself, I like the looks of this boat better.(opinions are like...)
And I can tell you FOR SURE, assuming there is nothing major wrong with the big Chrysler it will be tons easier to get in and out of than the Merc (carbs/waterpump/seals=rubber parts).
The Merc is cooler and more powerful, no doubt but when you get into that powerhead (and some have the Merc exclusive biodegradable wiring)... You may never get out!
That being said I love old Mercs! (That sound!!!) They just make you get to know them better than almost any other outboard make.

Clyde - I do like the look of the Baja, but need to make a call somewhere on how many boats I can own at one time!! There is a chance I might still pick up the Baja if the price is right in a few months. Might make a good project for my girlfriend and her kids.

Biodegradable wiring ?! LMAO. The Baja's got some nice lines but Uncle Eric would roll over in the dirt if I got a Chrysler motor. Maybe if it had a Merc on it ..........

You know it's true though!
:<D

Just never heard it called that before. I'm going to put that on the side of my old Rude and see if the greenies get the joke ! LMAO.

63LStriton wrote:

Probably going to let this one go and pick up the '74 Marlin instead. That boat looks a little cleaner and has a sweet Merc tower on it.

But who knows........

Given the choice between Chrysler and Merc, there is no choice: Tower of Power!

That 1350 is a great motor, the 105 pales in comparison.

Ed - definitely the Merc. I just might end up with this one too!!

63LStriton wrote:

Ed - definitely the Merc. I just might end up with this one too!!

Even better! The Chrysler might make a good fixer-upper to sell and recoup $$$ for the boat with the 1350.