Old Sea Ray, think it's worth it??

[GSxTC]

A guy at work has a project boat I've been eyeballing. We think it's a Sea Ray(mid 60's model maybe??). Boat is in good shape structurally, but has been left uncovered for years. Interior is no big deal for me, since I do that kind of work a lot. Neither is wiring, and i will need a complete rewire I'm sure. It has an old Evinrude 70 horse on it. We can't ge the starter to engage, probably due to the wiring. He said his neighbor had it running a few years ago.

So, my biggest concerns are, one, all he cables seemed shot. So it will most likely need all the cables and throttle conrol  replaced. Steering wouldn't budge much, but it is covered in snow and it was below 0 when I looked at it. So, what would I be looking at to replace the throtle controls and such, and what would I be looking for when going over the motor before I ry to throw it back in the water.

I should also add, it has a really good railer. Oh, and he only wants $200.

[mudcatwilly]

My $.02.  I bought a 1975 Lund last year with a 1990 85hp Suzuki that runs well.  I paid $2000 for it and I've put a bunch more into it, none on the motor.  Assuming you're doing everything yourself, here is the list of stuff I've bought to fix mine up:

Marine epoxy  $60

Topside Paint $120

Engine paint $50

Upholstery  $300

new trailer jack $40

new trailer tires plus spare $110

marine grade wire and connectors $100

trolling battery $100

rope $40

custom decals $75

sandpaper $30

brushes/rollers $30

boat cover  $90

trailer wiring harness  $30

boat saftey equipment (fire ext, horn, etc)  $50

80 plus hours of labor and a sometimes irritated wife.

As you can see, it adds up, and I don't have any motor problems...yet.  The trailer alone is worth $200 if its in good shape.  Go for it if you have the time.  I'd invest a little money and get the motor checked out by a shop before you buy though.  

[cart7t]

A 40 year old boat left uncovered for years is structurally good?  

OK.

[Water Dog]

That motor may make a good anchor, although a trifle heavy, unless you are a really skilled mechanic.

Have you ever seen one of those wheelbarrows turned up on its side full of mulch and spring flowers?  It might turn into an art work.

My boat is in good shape and I keep spending money on it.  I call it the "Project".  

[GSxTC]

A 40 year old boat left uncovered for years is structurally good?  

OK.

No cracks in the boat itself, and it actually seems to buff out a bit.

I don't think it sat out that long uncovered. I'm thinking probably the last 4-5 years  give or take.

As for being a good mechanic, I am ASE and have been working on all sorts of cars and motorcycles from basic repair to performance tuning for a long time. I just haven't ever worked on a boat.

[cart7t]

A fiberglass boat is made up of more than just fiberglass.  Wood is the primary ingrediant  that adds structural strength to any glass boat.  Wood, enclosed by fiberglass that gets moist rots.  

A boat 40 years old that doesn't have wood rot in it would be rare, a boat that old left open to the elements that didn't have rot would be a miracle.

But just pretending

New steering system - $150 minimum

Throttle box with cables - $200

Engine - It's probably shot.  

Used engine - $1000 minimum

Gauges and wiring - $200

Fuel system - the tanks interior is suspect to rust or gunk - $100

Trailer upgrades, tires, hubs, wiring, lights, hitch coupler, springs, winch, dolley, paint  - $450 roughly

Carpet - $120 minimum

Seating - $100 and up

Misc (bilge pump, hardware, 5200 caulk, lighting, etc.) - $200

Batteries - $130 minimum

$2650 and you haven't dealt with the rotted wood in the hull.  That usually involves cutting the top cap off in order to gain complete access to both the floor and the transom.  That cost would easily run $300 to 500.

Now, how good a deal does it sound like?

[GSxTC]

Ok, didn't realize the wood was also between layers of 'glass. I thought they used just fiberglass, and then used wood for the flooring. I'm good with fiberglass, but not that patient, so I will probably pass on it.