clinton152
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2008
- Messages
- 30
Good Morning. Two weeks ago I picked up a new project. This is not my first boat. The first was a handbuilt hydroplane in high school around 1980. My last was a brand new 2004 Sea Ray that has taken two years to recover from. The worst money decision ever. Never a payment on a boat again. After shopping for about 6 months, and driving, and driving, I happened to catch a new posting on C.L. While talking to the man on the phone he pointed out that he was merely selling the boat for a women whose husband had passed. (heard that one before) It took about an hour to get there. This was older,dirty, and not in running condition. Not really what I was looking for.The outdrives were not in place and only one motor was installed. The trailer was heavy duty, but steel. OK That was the bad. One of the conditions was, that if I took the boat, everthing from the shed need to go also. Before taking the cover off the boat we opened the shed door, and yes it was the widow who was there to open and give whatever answers she could. Inside the shed was a small warehouse of boat pieces. Two engine short blocks, one good and one needed machine work. A newly redone head and all the gaskets. New manifold in a box. There was a freshly painted outdrive with a rebuild receipt. Problem was no matter how hard I looked there was only one outdrive to be found. The list would be too long so I can only tell you there were thousands of dollars of stuff for the boat. Everything was there. The hull looked and sounded solid, The transom looked in good condition with no noticeable repairs. And, the style and line of this boat, really caught my eye. Mind you, the asking price was 1200.00. After we took the fitted cover from the boat I was suprised at how clean the interior was. He had done the sides in teak and done a very nice job. The deck was also re-done and just needs some clean up. Clear gauges that looked newer and in working order. Opening the engine cover to reveal a new engine COMPLETLY installed with only the outdrive to connect. You could tell by the oil and the gaskets that this motor had just been completed. My budget from the begining was about 3100.00 and doing some math It seemed to work. The outdrive at 800.00 and the motor at 1000.00 minus. Although I have built many small block v-8's the inline six was concerning, but with the other side so complete there was an example to follow. I pointed out that only one outdrive was there and offered her 600.00. She came back at 900.00 and it was a deal. By the way my wife has been in the truck for an hour now and, you know...The trailer condition was unknown and we set up a pick up for the following weekend. After having brakes locked up in the past I brought a jack up midweek and removed each wheel to verify free movement and grease. This trailer has surge disc drakes on all four new tires. Bearing buddies that were filled but not overfilled and oozing everywhere, very tidy. We had about 20 miles to cover and with my Father behind me off we went. First stoplight... the wave of brake smell consumed me. I hate that smell! Dad said no smoke and we continued. Made it fine. Since that time the engine pieces have been delivered to a builder who has given an estimate of 500.00 to get into running form. The outdrive was identified with the help from this forum, and after a little horse trading, a matching rebuilt unit for 400.00. I have attached some poor pictures of when we backed it into storage and plan on updating if people are curious. The last couple days have been cleaning sanding painting etc, while the main components come together. One thing that has struck me as odd...With all the info out there I cannot find anything regarding my boat. Lots of google time..All the title says is 1965 Formula 24' Cruiser. I dont know if there were several models available that year and if so what make is ours?
