1966 Sea Ray SRV 170

[Drb007]

Found this (free) on CL. The previous owner says it's a 1965, but I think it's a 1966 Sea Ray SRV 170 with a 1100 SS Mercury. The Merc is what I drove a couple of hours to get. It is claimed to have just over 100 hours on it, and should run. However, the gear box was snatched off the lower unit by a brother for his boat, so I need to find one.

As for the boat, it's rough. the interior is all there, but shot. I am impressed with the quality of the brightwork on the boat. It clearly has not been kept indoors, and other than the horn, all the chrome is in pretty good shape. All of the metal trim is there. Even the chrome on the seat frames is there and in good condition. The boat is dirty. Small trees are growing out of the seats. I told the guy I was likely going to strip it and use the motor on my 1958 Skagit SeaMaster. He started in about how solid the boat is and just needs seats. I can't image the transom is any good after sitting outside.

He claims there is no wood in the floor or stringers. I have been lucky in that my Skagit and the Larson All American we are restoring have fiberglass stringers. However, I have never heard of a floor not being plywood.

Anyone know about the construction on these old Sea Rays?

As always, I have to decide this boat's fate. It is a sexy classic, and I'd hate to scrap it. Anyone ever had one of these that can steer me into keeping it?

 

[jbcurt00]

Check your PMs Drb. Thanks

 

[Drb007]

jbcurt00, thank you.

I have heard that some of thees old Sea Rays had solid fiberglass transoms. Anyone confirm that?
What about the stringers?
The floor does feel quite solid, though I have to get the seats and everything out before I can confirm that.

 

[Drb007]

Some potential peeking through after just a bit of elbow grease...

 

[Frey0357]

DRB,
Is that even the same boat? I like the lines on that old boat....woooow! What is wrong with me, I'm a tinny guy....lol. Really cleaned up nice. What did you use during your 'elbow grease' session on that hull to shine it up so nice?

Frey

 

[Drb007]

yup, same boat. Pressure washed, wet sanded with progressive grits, and then just some carnuba wax. Still needs a total restoration.

 

[theoldwizard1]

jbcurt00, thank you.

I have heard that some of thees old Sea Rays had solid fiberglass transoms. Anyone confirm that?
What about the stringers?.

I find that EXTREMELY hard to believe ! I am no expert on Sea Rays but I have to believe they used wood in the transom, stringers and floor. Sneak up under the splash well and drill a 3/8" hole through the inner glass of the transom and see what you hit. If it is bad wood, drill another hole in the transom below the water line. That will be the one that will tell you how bad things really are !

Sea Rays from the late 60s through the early 80s were quite popular around here because the were made in MI. Most had a Chevy inline 6, but the larger, faster ones had a small block Chevy V8.

Good luck on finding that foot ! The foot and a prop are likely going to cost as much as the rest of the boat. Hopefully the folks over in the Merc forum can help you locate one.

 

[Woodonglass]

I guarantee your transom is NOT solid fiberglass. It has a Wood Core so be sure and core sample it. That "Tower of Power" merc will put a LOT of torque on the transom and It absolutely needs to be 100% sound., If you are going to replace the deck and stringer then go ahead and do the transom and she'll last for another 50+years.

 

[Drb007]

I suspected that that was just a rumor. It looks like a worn out wood core transom, spider cracks in the corners, give when I stand on the motor.
I assume any boat that has lived a season outside need a new transom. So far, only one of my boats ( the Sea King) was solid enough to not need a transom redo.

Yes, I see that the lower unit for my Merc is going to be pricy. I will try to run a compression test to see if it even has potential to run. Otherwise it my just be parts.
So far I have only gas money into this one, so no harm if it isn't a runner.

The SeaRay will get tucked deep into the barn, low on the list of potential redos. But it is perty.

 

[mickyryan]

damn nice looking boat once ya shined her up, amazing! was that boat in florida I coulda swore I saw it on craigslist lol

 

[Drb007]

Nope, this boat lived its life in Wisconsin. She has seen snow...

 

[Tnstratofam]

Some potential peeking through after just a bit of elbow grease...

I really like the lines on this boat. She sure did clean up nice. Certainly a worthy candidate for a restoration in my opinion. When or if you decide to restore her please keep us posted as I would follow along. Good luck on finding the parts you need for the Merc. Hopefully you wont have to break the bank for them.

 

[cals4200]

Yes she did, Great job on that boat !!