I've finally found a boat/motor setup. An old man bought this rig(16x44 and 23 vanguard GD package) new and used it for a couple of years before he got tired of dealing with hunting out of a boat by himself. The rig has been sitting under his shed for the last 2 years. The only problem other than needing a new prop that I can see is the fuel line is dry rotted(we live in the desert where it's hot and DRY). Is there anything else that I need to look for or do to make sure this thing is in good shape? Any seals or bearings or anything like that I need to check on?I'm going to change the oil and run synthetic in it, change the plugs and probably the air filter too. I imagine I'll run some sea foam through it to help clean up any junk that's accumulated in it.

One more question...I'll be hunting around 4k feet. What can I do to help the fuel/air mixture and what pitch prop would be good to run on it? The old man said it would run around 20, but that sounds a little quick to me.

Sure you will probably want to get new seals, possibly lower bushing, but these are normal wear and tear items. Long tails are fairly simple, and the 23 vanguard is a rock solid motor. If you buy, you will need to call GD and register your motor then you can get what ever you need. If you go to the GD website they have links to all the parts and how to sevice. Did the seller beat the prop up or wear it out in sand? I run in rivers and beat the snot out of props so i buy whoever is selling the cheapest. in a GD prop you will run a 9x6.

Thanks for the info gar. The prop got eaten a little by sand, but mostly beaten up by rocks. Would I not need to drop to a 4 or 5 pitch prop because of my elevation?

9x5 will work well on the 23. lose a little top end.

I wouldn't think going to a 4 pitch is necessary.

Go with the 9x5

I ran that combo a few years ago - solo 18mph was tops on speed
at sea level with a 23 GDLT wearing a 9x6 on that 16x44 hull....

With 2 guys and gear a 9x5 would be a better choice - especially
with the higher altitudes....

Get you a water seperator from GD and all new fuel lines and
put a few hours on it --- wouldn't worry too much about the
seals unless you find excesive grease coming out of them and
give the U joints a half pump each of grease too but go easy
on greasing those....

Definitely send copies of your sale papers to GD to register you
as the new owner - they will want to update their records to
show you as the new and legal owner - it helps them be sure to
send you the right parts too later on....

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate the help. I've got a little Jon boat I need to sell before I can buy this rig, so I hope I can off load it quick so I can get plenty of stick time on it before teal season.

Solid combo. There's an "old man" in the Glades that is my role model- he's well into his 70's but loves his 15' jon with a 23 LT and never complains. He considers me a "young man" at 58 so it feels good and I only complain in the off-season and my arm isn't what it used to be but I love my 27 LT and 16' duck boat. Enjoy! My Father turns 90 today!