Hondo Expert Needed

**eagle1** · 04-02-2012, 10:25 AM

Looking at a 71 Hondo, a couple questions - sorry I dont have pics will try to get some: the v-drive is a larger looking case than the Casale in/out, is smoother looking, doesn't have the ribs and splits along the center. I was told it has neutral, forward. Also the boat has a top deck strip separating the engine from rest of boat, I've looked at many Hondo pics and have not seen this style of deck, is this a special model or maybe not even a Hondo? I know some pics would be helpful, I'll try to get some. Thanks

**CHURCH MOUSE** · 04-02-2012, 10:31 AM

Eagle 1, I have a 1971 Hondo, never seen one with a center deck between the motor and front seats, your v-drive is probably a Menkens

**eagle1** · 04-02-2012, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by CHURCH MOUSE

Eagle 1, I have a 1971 Hondo, never seen one with a center deck between the motor and front seats, your v-drive is probably a Menkens

Thanks Church Mouse for the quick response, is the Menkins an ok unit? It looked to be larger than the Casale. Do these boats have transom serial #'s like most other boats? Maybe this thing isn't a Hondo?

**CampbellCarl** · 04-02-2012, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by eagle1

Thanks Church Mouse for the quick response, is the Menkins an ok unit? It looked to be larger than the Casale. Do these boats have transom serial #'s like most other boats? Maybe this thing isn't a Hondo?

HIN's weren't required by USCG until '71 or '72 so if its an older boat, no HIN's.

CC

**gn7** · 04-02-2012, 11:05 AM

Seriously doubt its a Hondo, and seriously doubt the box is a Menkins.
More likely a Hallcraft. And the boat is probaby built before Hondo was even in business. Just a guess. Pics would help the tell the real story.

Early Hallcrafts had no center plate and bolt to a stringer mount. Later units look like just like the Menkins. Never seen a V drive that didn't have the name cast somewhere on the case.

early Hall Craft

later Hall Craft/Menkins

**058** · 04-02-2012, 01:47 PM

I also have a 71 Hondo and I've never seen one with a center deck. It is possible some one added it but doubtful. Post some pics of it.

**eagle1** · 04-02-2012, 03:45 PM

Ok here is the box, I'll see if I can get some more pics on the boat. Thanks for all the information, it's greatly appreciated. The center deck is also visible in this photo, is a thru transom exhaust, I thought Hondos were OT?

**Sharp Shooter** · 04-02-2012, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by eagle1

Ok here is the box, I'll see if I can get some more pics on the boat. Thanks for all the information, it's greatly appreciated. The center deck is also visible in this photo, is a thru transom exhaust, I thought Hondos were OT?

That there is a parallel drive not a v-drive. The odds of that boat being a Hondo is right up there with gas dropping under 2 bucks by the end of the week.

Many Hondos have/had through hull exhaust.

**the bandit** · 04-02-2012, 04:05 PM

Keep your $ and run like hell! Not a hondo the v drive is nothing i have ever seen & rigging is poor at best sorry just tryin ta help ya. Andy

**058** · 04-02-2012, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by eagle1

Ok here is the box, I'll see if I can get some more pics on the boat. Thanks for all the information, it's greatly appreciated. The center deck is also visible in this photo, is a thru transom exhaust, I thought Hondos were OT?

Jeeeesssuus H Christ....That gearbox looks like it came from a paper mill.

Look closely, I'd bet you could find a Weyerhaeuser number stamped on that sucker somewhere.

**eagle1** · 04-02-2012, 04:17 PM

I'd not seen anything like it before, but I'm far from an expert. Thanks for the advice, I'll pass on the thing for sure, was a hoot listening to the recent responses tho, thanks again. Anyone know where I could pick up a Sanger or something NORMAL for a decent price?

**058** · 04-02-2012, 04:24 PM

If the price were right I'd buy it just for the gearbox....You'd make a fortune at the scrap metal yard. A peek at the inside and the gears first...just to see the size of those suckers.

Might even find Eaton R/R part numbers on 'em.

**gn7** · 04-02-2012, 05:33 PM

]

I was a little confused when he said it had no fin or reinforcing, but was LARGER than a Casale. It sure as hell is larger.
What is holding that thing in place?

I love the stock GM alum manual transmission bell housing, COMPLETE WITH THE FORK????
If that thing has a neutral, it has to be internal. Maybe the clutch is the neutral

BTW, No Hondo was ever equiped with a plastic lawn chair for seating.

**the bandit** · 04-02-2012, 06:05 PM

Pm sent

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Hondo Expert Needed

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