I had the first, real in-water test on Sunday, and I was pretty happy with the results.

We didn't sink or get stuck in the middle of the lake, so I consider it "Great Success!". LOL!

Biggest issue I had was leaking oil out of the timing cover. I replaced all of the gaskets on the engine, but that aftermarket cheap chrome timing cover didn't seem to fit quite right. I noticed it when I was assembling everything and should have gobbed-on some extra RTV but.... didn't.... Story of my life hahaha!

I think it leaked about a quart, so I now officially have the dirtiest bilge ever.

The cooling seems to be working fine, I expected it to flow move volume, but the manifolds didn't get too hot. (I could touch them for a couple of seconds at a time without pain.) That's my official, scientific test.

Performance was surprising! The thing would go from idling in-gear, to plane in just a few seconds (13x12.5 prop). The carb seems to be jetted just right. I can go from idle to full-throttle instantly without any hesitation/stuttering. I think I got really lucky there, I heard these carbs can be a pain to tune.

Now I just need to fix the oil-leak and put a temporary floor in the back, and it will be ready for chilling at the lake w/friends.