Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

[dutch135]

Ok,<br />I had one shop tell me that a total rebuild of my Merc 135 could cost as much as $3 or $4000 dollars. OUCH!!!! I see boats listed in classified ads like my Sea Ray for $5,000 complete.(it's an older Seville bowrider).<br />Does anybody have an idea of what I should expect to pay for this rebuild? Is it worth doing? Yes we like the boat, but it surely hasn't been trouble-free. Overheating problems, prop ventilation problems, control boxes going, and other stuff that could be normal. I just am not sure I want to sink (no pun intended) $3000 dollars into a boat I can replace for $5000. And if I replace it, what can I sell a 1988 Sea Ray 18' outboard for with a sick motor? A boat that is in otherwise very good condition? <br />All advice is welcome!! <br /><br />thanks as always, Dutch<br />

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

Toss a coin.<br /><br />You know the only way you are going to get your monies worth is with the satisfaction in knowing you made the right decision.<br /><br />A rebuild might very well cost that much with incidentals and all.<br /><br />You could call around to the local dealers and see who offers competitive pricing or maybe one of them has a used motor they want to set you up with. <br /><br />But if you have a good feeling with a particular shop you might be best served with their suggested offering.<br /><br />New motor would be sweet but probably, no doubt, pricey.<br /><br />If so inclined you could probably find a boat and motor combo to take a used motor off of for yours, but then again............ that could be just a big gamble too.<br /><br />Maybe it's time to find another boat/motor combo and take whatever you can for what's left of the old one.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

Is the Seville newer than your Searay?<br />Is it larger than your Searay?<br />Is it better looking than your Searay?<br />Is it better equiped than your Searay?<br />It obviously runs better.<br /><br />What I'm getting at, are you trading up or trading even?<br />That's what I'd be asking myself.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dutch135]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

The seville is my Sea-Ray!

 

[Hooty]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

Same question!<br /><br />Are you trading up or trading even?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[roscoe]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

Maybe keep the boat and just repower. If you like the boat and it in decent shape, why not? <br />$4000 should get you something decent. iboats is selling some 1998 or 2000 or 2001 model at $5500 to $6000.<br /><br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/rebuilt_outboard_motors/ <br /><br />Also, use the phone number at the top of that page to see what else thay have. (not every motor available is listed on the site)

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

dutch...<br />How handy with tools are you? Simply pulling the power head for an exchange is NOT a MAJOR task... (see re-built power heads section of i-boats for pricing).<br /><br />Especially not a big deal, if you're even somewhat handy with tools, and have a cherry picker (or go rent one). You might be able to save a grand or so doing this much of it yourself.<br /><br />Inexpensive rebuild kits are also available for the more experienced/skilled mechanical sorts out there... HOWEVER, I would caution you to think twice before getting into a total rebuild of these with only limited mechanical experience/skills, and or limited amounts of tools.<br /><br />Good Luck... ob1jeeper

 

[dutch135]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

I wouldn't be afraid to tackle pulling the powerhead. I have done a lot of mechanical work on this boat, along with other trucks etc and would say that I am a decent backyard mechanic. I have access to a garage with a hoist, and most tools I would need. My concern would be if I was to swap out the head, I certainly need somebody of greater experience to make sure whatever caused this problem is fixed. ie overheat, oil, or whatever. My son works with an experienced mechanic that has mentioned salvaging the motor with some acid to remove the aluminum from the cylinder walls, then address whatever caused the problem and he thinks he can save the motor without an overhaul. He hasn't actually seen the motor yet either, hopefully this week he can do that. Are there any buyers for a boat with the motor like it is? I told the mrs that it could be our float, anchored off the end of our dock, and we could swim out to it to listen to the stereo and lay in the sun. that didn't go over too well. ;-) <br />I have read a lot of posts about problems removing powerheads., things sometimes do not come apart very easily. should i expect this in freshwater also? <br /><br />for anybody reading this that isn't familier with my motor, i have posted earlier with pictures of the motor http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=018061 <br />but the pictures don't show there anymore. they can be seen at http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/dutch...com/bc/dutch68/lst?&.dir=/Boat+Motor&.src=bc&. view=t<br /><br />and then the rains came..................

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Decisions, Decisions..., rebuild, or replace????

dutch,<br />IF you are content witht he pricing for re-built power heads, then I'd suggest you:<br />#1- buy a manual for this motor. (or go down to the local library, and check one out and read up on what bolts to take loose to get it to come off. OR, if you have a good dealer in the area, most are willing to help those of us who are not overtly "mechanically-challenged", to do some of our own work, as they know you'll probably come back to them for parts, supplies, and major work...)<br /><br />#2- THEN once you know which bolts to take off, it should come right on off. If the lower end splines have been properly lubricated andthe o-ring is not gone, it should come off reasonabley easily.<br /><br />I would NOT let the horror stories here about hard to get off ones be a deterent to trying... Besides... If all else fails, take it to your local shop, and let them remove it for you...<br /><br />AND... This is a GREAT time to re-seal the lower end, while you're at it... Make the whole she-bang last a bit longer, with more piece of mind...<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan