I appreciate all the help. I certainly hope im not getting in over my head with this.

I don't think so. I'm not trying to discourage you, just pointing out some facts. The price is not bad. Boat LOOKS like its in good condition.

Oh I knwo I appreciate the feedback, I have just havent ran boats in a while (10 years) it is a cat, doe those handle better or worse in rougher water?

I have the Ballantine 65" Griffin Apache which I assume is the boat you are referring to. groups.msn.com/JustaddwatasRCB...griffing62.msnw

Fantastic boat - very well build and a powerful motor. It is not going to be the fastest boat on the pond and useless at racing (tops out in the low 40's). But a fun boat that will take chop that most race boats would drown in.

The G62 is a bear to start. I have every motor under the sun and the G62 is harder to start than anything else. There is a trick to it which I will gladly share. But it will bust your knuckles given the chance (many laugh at my comments but every one I have let start the boat has cursed after trying). It starts easy - but it starts hard.

The motor only revs to around 12000rpm but will turn the biggest props you can find (9515/3 is on the money - you wont find another model boat motor turning that prop). The hull is very sturdy and solid (has to be with that motor).

For $800 in reasonable to good condition it is a good to very good deal. The boat use to sell new for $3500

Hey Justawadda, i have been looking at your boats online today, very impressive. THe one I bought is the Mantis? I dont know if you are familiar with it or not. It is a cat. What shouldnt I run it in? Can it handle 12 inch waves? What is the trick to start her up?!!

The Mantis I believe is 54". I have one of those (and one of the smaller Ballantine Scorpion Vees too).

The size of the waves will depend largely on the waves themselves. tall chop can be tough where longer rolling waves are more conducive to running a litttle faster. She is a reasonably heavy boat and still very solid (all balantine boats I have seen are). Try to get some time on her in milder waters so you have a better feel for her capabilities. I am sure the boat will run well in some pretty rough stuff but your skills as a driver will need to be up to speed too.

Trick to starting her is in the preparation.
1, you need a good sturdy stand.
2. Remove the spark plug completely and choke the carb as you would with a regular zenoah. Make sure she is full of clean new fuel (and 20:1 synthetic oil mix).
Only choke until your finger shows evidence of fuel - too much and you could flood her (and then you will have a real tough starting job). Dont go crazy yanking away - take your time!!
Once you see fuel in the carb - reinstall the plug and cap
3. with the carb set at a high idle to mid throttle - pull the starter cord lightly until you feel the starter pawl engage the spinner. Once it starts to turn the motor - PULL like you are trying to tear the darn motor out. It should fire on the first effort. If it does not fire after one or two attempts revisit your choking procedure and repeat.

It will take a time or two before you figure that part out. You can start it by just popping the motor (basically just a single rotation pull - it can start but it can backfire and bust your knuckles too).

The starters are surprisingly long lived. I have two Ballantine G62's and have not had to replace one yet - though am at the point where one is in need of some attention.

Be sure to check all the screws (transom hardware and radio box mounting screws) as the motor will vibrate like no other. I have been amazed at what will vibrate off these boats (rudder and drive strut - both while in use).

Be sure to have someone take pictures for us !!!!

I have done a few of them and repaired a few of the ones Rich did. I have some parts that will interchange with the one you are looking at. I have some clutch bells, shoes and the starter parts. The cooling rings on mine are not the same as the ones that Rich did but both work well and are alot of work to retro fit. His stuff was very nice and some were works of art with the custom etching and colors. If the boat is in good shape like Matt said it is a very good deal.
Jimmy

She should be here tommrow! I will get some pictures up and let you guys know how she looks. Thanks for all of the advice..

Ok, i had her fired up for on on second in the garage and shut her off so i could get on on bucket of water to check and make sure pump was working.

I then began trying to restart her and in the process of starting, the starter cord is now not recoiling. Do i need to take the pull start off and check it? Also if i have had to get on on new pull start does anyone know which one would fit on the ballantine 62? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Jim, I may need some parts, is there a way I can get ahold of you? Or if you can email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If anyone knows how to get in touch with Jim please let me know. THank you!