1983 Wellcraft Restoration Project: Pulled Engine

[lmannyr]

Finally found a family boat that suits my tastes for fishing and cruising. It's a 1983 Wellcraft Aft Cabin 230. Bellow are some pictures.

Plan:
redo the interior
Rebuild engine
paint the outside
replace CB Radio
relocate cb radio
relocate radio
prep for paint
paint exterior
A/C (possibly)
Generator or inverter for a/c specifically
add flat screen TV with DVD Player
Add Rod Holders
replace oxidated exterior fixtures
replace throttle.
replace interior fixtures, sink, faucet
install missing toilet
research "overboard poop modification"
and the list sure goes on.
oh yea, tidy up the trailer

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Here are more pics.

Is this really a merc 5.8? I have a pic of the block #. I'll post it when I find it. Can I pop in an truck Vortec and swap out the exhaust, starter, alternator, and the other safety stuff?

The engine doesn't budge right now. It moves maybe 1/4 inche at most by hand with rachet at the crank and with the starter.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

What is the white container in the second picture?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

For exterior fixtures, what will hold up best, stainless or chrome plated?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

What is the white container in the second picture?

The white container under the red wires?? That looks to be your fuel/water separator filter. How long has the boat sat with salt water in the engine?? Nice boat, definitly has promise. what did you pay for her if you don't mind my asking?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Sounds bad if you can not crank the engine..... pull the plugs and flood the cylinders with marvel mystery oil and let it soak for a few days. After a few days (with the plugs out try to turn in just a bit and then re-add some more oil. Before the week is out hopefully you would have freed it up or it could be toast.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

The tear down has begun. The first pic is the current status. The second pic is the engine block code.

Anyone able to figure what block this is.

Sounds bad if you can not crank the engine..... pull the plugs and flood the cylinders with marvel mystery oil and let it soak for a few days. After a few days (with the plugs out try to turn in just a bit and then re-add some more oil. Before the week is out hopefully you would have freed it up or it could be toast.

The seller said it was used last Memorial Day. But I'll do what was suggested just for kicks.

What types of materials are used these days on the interior of new luxuary boats of comparable size? Are the cabinets made with formica like mine? Or do they use REAL wood? If wood, what type of wood and what the best source. I'm looking for a contemperary (sp?) wood look. No corners, all tops and edges rounded etc. I would assume this can only be done with real wood.

Please post nice interior pictures if ya can. I'm searching the net as well.


Thanks!!
Luis

P.S. It's a killer working on this project in the middle of the day here in W. Plam Beach, FL. It was much nicer working at night. With shore power of coarse.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Is this stainless or Chrome plated? My guess is chrome but I'm just learning as the process goes on.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Removed the plugs this AM. Tried to the crank with no success. It moves about 1/4 inch like before and now I hear a "clunk" in one direction. I think it's toast but I'll lube it up anyway and try again in a few days.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Good job on the boat purchase. If you need another engine for it, go to www.rapidomarine.com They are in Miami and aren't very far from you. You'll be able to buy a 5.7 longblock from them for like $1300 if you can pick it up yourself. I bought mine from them.

I'm interested to see what you come up with for your air conditioner. The best thing you could do is get one of those honda 2000 watt generators that are real quiet. (they are about 3 or 4 times the price of other generators that size though).

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

I've been looking at this site for the A/C:

http://www.marineair.com/contained/index.html

The honda generator has been one option. The other is an extra battery with an inverter. Just need to figure how long a bank of 3 batteries will last and still let me start the engine. I'm leaning towards the generator though.

Not sure what I'll do yet. I'm working on taking things apart first - the easy part - with tons of photos. Surfing the net for luxuary interiors is another task in place of the hot sun outside

I'll check out Rapido Marine, but I may just build myself with a wrecker 2000 or newer truck engine. Another option would be to drop in a diesel. Need to do some research.

Thanks for your input. Keep 'em comin'.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

I'll check out Rapido Marine, but I may just build myself with a wrecker 2000 or newer truck engine. Another option would be to drop in a diesel. Need to do some research.




You need to get a Marine long block or short block. If the hours are low you might save the heads and get a short block. But you have to get a marine block with the proper cam set up, in order to run the RPM range.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Is this stainless or Chrome plated? My guess is chrome but I'm just learning as the process goes on.

I believe that is chrome plated, you should be able to pick up at local marine supply.

 

[tommays]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Looking good

you need to stick with the same Year motor as it looks GM? there are minor changes in 12" and 14' flywheel 1 or 2 piece rear main ect

It becomes a PITA VS and easy switch when you stray from the orginal motor

Tommays

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

I believe that is chrome plated, you should be able to pick up at local marine supply.

Stainless does not get all peely looking the one in the pic above. It just fades, right?

Tommays,

Not sure the internal condition of the block (block casting id: 10066036) yet. When I pull it out, open/inspect the internals then I'll post back with the damage to get your suggestions. Need to find some sort of cherry picker high enough the engine will clear the stern - at least 8 ft high is my guestimate. Or should I pull the heads and take a peak first?

Truck/SUV blocks are the marine blocks. I'll search for a very informative thread and post it for everyones education.

Thanks everyone.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Here is some good info regarding automotive engines. The information given by "Stonebreaker," is VERY informative. He cues in on page 10 of this Thread on another forum.

http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=650&page=10

 

[bigtom]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

What a project, I would love to find a project like this one, To be nosey how much did you have to give for her?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

2K

 

[kmurray802]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

What Honda generator are you considering?Is it just an air-cooled portable or do they make one for a marine application?If portable type where do you plan to install it?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Re: Begining a restoration project.

Not sure the exact model yet. It will be one of those small, compact, quiet versions. When I start in the engine room I'll look into more detail.

Stay posted.