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Topic Title: Crest/Maurell Houseboats
Topic Summary: vintage 1983, 35X12
Created On: 09/05/2008 05:26:50 PM
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 09/05/2008 05:26:50 PM
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PrimeTime
Junior Member

Posts: 18
Joined: 05/21/2007

We've owned this good houseboat for 3 years, and use it/love it on the IL River at Peoria. Couple questions that could use help with.

1) They were built at Owosso, MI at one time; however, no one at Crest has any documentation and previous owner doesn't have either.  Does anyone have specs, prints, drawings, wiring diagrams, etc that I could buy copies of?

2) There are small plastic plugs on the top of each pontoon section.  Are these for inspections? Can they be removed?  Have they been sealed under pressure?

Deck upgraded this spring: Removed old worn carpet, filled some rotted deck places, sealed and primed ( stuff from Rot Doctor), screwed/glued 1/2" ext. plywood over old deck, gave it 1 coat primer, 2 coats of Eco-Tuff rubberized non-skid safety coating.  Pleased with results.  

Thanks, PrimeTime
 09/08/2008 05:21:31 PM
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CaptMark
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Posts: 174
Joined: 07/23/2007

Hey Prime,
Long time no hear from you!

My 1979 Crest has those plastic plugs on top. I have removed them to pump out water that has leak in. I think I may have a crack above water letting rain water leak in. Either that or a tiny hairline underwater that leaks when cruising. Anyway, back in the spring I noticed the boat sitting low in the one front corner. I ended up pumping out something like 100 gallons. Now 3 months later no more water?? If you remove them, you may hear some air pressure due to temperature differences. Actually, I am told that is good news-- it is evidence you have very tight pontoons.

-------------------------
Mark
1979 Crest
Brookville Lake, IN
 09/08/2008 09:20:49 PM
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FranticallyRelaxing
Admiral

Posts: 370
Joined: 09/10/2006

When we bought our '95 Party Cruiser, this is what it looked like on our maiden voyage:



--the right rear was almost sunk!

When I got it home, I removed the plug on top of the log, inserted a small hose and siphoned the water out. I timed how fast it was running out, and calculated there was 90+ gallons of water in the log.

Turned out to be easy to find the leak, it was right at the back, a weld on the edge of the M bracket had pulled up:





The hole was near the top of the log, somewhat covered, and only big enough that maybe 3 toothpicks would fit. But when underway, lots of water flows over the top of the log. Amazing that it could take on that much water. Best I can figure it was probably like that since new. (we bought it in '05, and this is the boat that led to our SkipperLiner)

Rather than go to the expense of welding, I mixed up some JB weld epoxy and packed it in and around the hole. It sealed it just fine, and the plug still 'whooshes' when I remove it so it's holding air! (btw, we still have this boat...)

I have no idea what your pontoons look like or how they're attached, but check along all the welds. If you can't find a leak visually, you can pressurize them (lightly) and spray soapy water over the 'toon till you see bubbles...

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1988 SkipperLiner 53x14
1995 Tracker Party Cruiser 32 *for sale*
2003 Chaparral 260 SSI
2000 Allegro Bus 40' DP
 09/12/2008 07:55:20 AM
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PrimeTime
Junior Member

Posts: 18
Joined: 05/21/2007

Thanks CaptMark and FranRelax.  I don't think I have any leaks, but will check logs in Nov. when it is lifted from river and set on trailer.  It's level in the water -port to stbd.  I put a tape on bow and stern logs, with draft inches marked - riding with 14" at bow and 22" stern - Need to pump out holding tank real soon!
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