Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

[DramaFreeBoater]

Hey everybody,<br /><br />Recently I inherited a small Fisher-Marine 16' aluminum bass boat from my father. Due to illness, it has not been in the water since (I<br />believe) 1991 or 1992.<br /><br />I would like to get the boat back into good shape, but I really don't know where to turn. Here's the stats I have for the boat:<br /><br />1978 or 1979 Fisher-Marine 16' Boat - Aluminum Hull<br />Cox Trailer<br />35 hp Electric Start Johnson Outboard Motor - don't know what year<br /><br />If you need more specific information about the setup, just let me know and I'll dig it up for you. Thanks.<br /><br />As far as I know, the engine has not seized up, and is in great working order (my father was a fanatic about that kind of thing), but<br />it does need overhauling.<br /><br />Here are the problems I KNOW need to be addressed:<br />--------------------------------------------------<br /><br />- Engine overhaul - please elaborate what I need to do, and resources<br /><br />- New gas tank & fuel line - I know that's an easy one<br /><br />- New bench seat - wood has dryrotted & seat has pulled off of original mounts - where can I get a seat built or buy a replacement?<br /><br />- New livewell cover - same issue with the wood<br /><br />- The boat hull & trailer structure are fine - no wear, dents, or damage<br /><br />Here are issues I don't know about:<br />-----------------------------------<br /><br />* Boat:<br /><br />- Full electrical replacement??? - all wire covers shows signs of drying and splitting - including to engine area, side & underneath<br />console (including throttle gearing), and forward electrical (for running lights & trolling motor), bilge & livewell pumps, etc - if so how involved would this be?<br /><br />- Full replacement of all rubber tubing (for the livewell, etc.) <br /><br />- Console-mounted throttle handles & gearing - could they be bad/good -<br />hard to do?<br /><br />- Replacement of carpeting or wood underneath - seems structurally sound & solid - but is there anything that could be hidden?<br /><br />* Trailer:<br /><br />- Have to check tires to see if they're dryrot or just flat<br /><br />- Pack bearings on trailer?<br /><br />- Trailer springs good or bad - I have no idea<br /><br />- Light surface rust on trailer axle - big issue or not<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />The boat obviously has a lot of sentimental value, but considering all the potential work that has to be put into it to get it afloat again, would I just be better off selling this boat as-is to someone that knows what they're doing? If so how much is something like this worth (I know not much). I'm located in Baltimore, MD, so if you know of any local resources I can check out I'd appreciate it. Also any online resources would be great too so I can start reading up or looking up information.<br /><br />If anyone has any advice for me, I'd really REALLY appreciate it. If you would like some pics to help with figuring things out, I'd be more than happy to provide some - just gimme a day or two to get them together.<br /><br />Thank you very much. I hope to see you on the water someday haha <br /><br />Willis

 

[JB]

Re: Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

Why does the engine need overhaul? I doubt it.<br /><br />You will need to overhaul the carb(s) and replace the water pump impeller.<br /><br />Replace cracked wires with marine grade wire and rotted tires.<br /><br />There's a start. If you will post your engine model number and situation on the Outboard Forum you can get a lot of advice that will save you BIG bux.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[DramaFreeBoater]

Re: Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

Thanks JB,<br /><br />Ok - so maybe the term engine overhaul wasn't exactly necessary, but it would definitely need new oil, hoses, etc - I'm going to dig up engine & boat model information sometime today or tomorrow. I'm going to get some pics this weekend to put up online so people can check it out if they want.<br /><br />What kind of money could I be looking at to do some of these repairs???<br /><br />Thanks again everybody!

 

[one more cast]

Re: Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

DFB,<br /> If your boat is like my 1983 model there is very little wood in it,the decking is all alum.My bench seat was rotted so I cut a base out of plywood and was able to save the cover.I left the back off,and found a stainless piano hinge at a garage sale to mount it.If/when i replace it I'm just going to cover the seat base with carpet and mount 2 swivel style seats to the base.My front live well is nothing more then a 32 ? quart cooler with plumbing.<br />***********************************************<br />OMC

 

[imported_Paul_H]

Re: Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

I'm looking at getting my first boat from a co-worker (zodiac w/ 40 hp o/b), and hence have been looking at what would be involved in the minimal amount of work for the motor. What I've found is that the water pump impeller, carb kits, spark plugs et all will run ~$50. Not sure what's involved in replacing lube and seals in the bottom end, but I'd be suprised if it cost me more then $100 to go through the engine, this assuming I provide all the labor. A new prop will be ~$100 for aluminum, and several hundred for SS.<br /><br />Personally I place a high sentinmental value on itmes passed down in the family. For the few hundred dollars, and many hours involved in overhauling that boat, I'd say it's well worth the effort. You can create new memories with the boat with your children, and pass it down to them in time.

 

[DJ]

Re: Need a whole lot of help on a Fisher-Marine fix-up (please)

Drama,<br /><br />I think you have made a pretty good assessment of what you have. One more thing you may want to look at is the transom. Does it appear to be solid? The best way to check is to lock the engine in the full up position and gently press down on the foot of the engine. Does the transom flex?<br /><br />If so, you'll probably have to replace the wood in the transom. It's not nearly as hard as you might think. Actually, it's consierably easier on an aluminum boat as opposed to f-glass.<br /><br />With that said, I believe having a look under the floor is a must. If the floor is indeed aluminum, there is not much you can do. If it's wood, I would expect some rot. Again, this is not as hard as it may appear. You'll just have to drill out all the rivets holding the floor boards down and have a look. Save the old pieces for a pattern.<br /><br />Do you have access to a digital camera? If so, take some pic's and either post them here or send them to me at: djohns19@peoplepc.com<br /><br />I can help you make an assessment. <br /><br />There is really nothing very complicated, it's just going to take some determination.<br /><br />As far as the engine goes, you're probably looking at:<br /><br />Carb. Overhaul.<br />Water pump replacement.<br />Lower unit service.<br />Throttle and shift cables.<br />Spark Plugs.<br />Paint, if you desire.<br /><br />I would recommend a manual for the engine, you'll thank yourself later. They are about $30.00. I would get an OEM manual.