1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

[jpstude]

I've picked up a 1980 Sea Ray 210 cuddy. The engine is gone and most of the outdrive. It was a 454 model (330 hp). It is a Mercruiser outdrive. To replace this engine is there a specific year (or range of years), series number, or model 454 I have to use? Can I use a 350 engine to replace the 454 and still use the same outdrive? I'm replacing the aft deck, and need to know if I should replace the foam (if it's soaked) while I'm at it or, just remove it and not replace it. Advice and information will not only be used, it will be greatly appreciated... J.P.

 

[zach103]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

if the foams wet than replace it

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

Ayuh,... You can bolt a SBC into a spot for a BBC...
But,...
Which outdrive that Was there is quite Important...

 

[jpstude]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

Thanks guys. The outdrive is off the boat and in the previous owners shop so, I haven't seen it yet. I'll find out what model it is and get back to you with that info. I'm sure I'll be picking your brains more as this project moves along. Any ideas on what's entailed in the hull foam replacement?

 

[MTribe08]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

Thanks guys. The outdrive is off the boat and in the previous owners shop so, I haven't seen it yet. I'll find out what model it is and get back to you with that info. I'm sure I'll be picking your brains more as this project moves along. Any ideas on what's entailed in the hull foam replacement?

You can either;
A) replace it with the original 2 part foam, that you mix as a liquid, pour it in and it expands.
B)Cut to size, the pink foam that comes in sheets from home depot or lowes
or
C) Many people have used, with success, cut to fit pool noodles.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

I have a 1981 model of the same boat. Rebuilding it now (not to original spec, though).

I doubt the 454 was original... I've never heard of one of these boats having one of those. Mine originally had a GM 305, since upgraded to a 350.

I'm gonna bet your boat had a pre-alpha drive coupled to a 305 originally, and someone upgraded it to a 454, possibly without changing the drive type (which would tend to wear on the drive quickly).

Post a pic of your transom - if the transom kit (bell housing and interior plate) are there, then we can tell what type of drive it had (pre alpha or bravo or what) and can recommend parts for you.

A lot depends on how much care and maintenance the boat received in its lifetime, but my 1981 needed new deck, stringers and transom and had wet foam from the bow to the stern. They were definitely built using inexpensive materials and fast construction techniques except the hull itself, which is super heavy fiberglass.

That said, I like the sea ray hulls... heavy duty, take lots of abuse, classic deep V shapes... that's why I'm keeping mine and rebuilding pretty much everything else on the boat

Erik

 

[jpstude]

Re: 1980 Sea Ray 210 CC - Restoration Project

Once again, thanks guys! Being a "newbie" to the forum, I didn't do my homework on looking throught the threads (lesson learned), otherwise, I would have seen that the subject of foam replacement has been "literally beat to death" - LOL. From now on I'll look before I ask questions. That being said, I'll see if I can post some pics of transom and whatever Mercruiser parts are there. Then maybe I can find out for sure what the outdrive is and what I should be putting in for power. Thanks - This really is a great spot to get some input