Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

[ehennebury]

Ok,

I'm new to boat owner ship (although I feel I may have purchased more of an anchor). I got an exceptional deal on a mid '80s Rinker with a 3.8 OMC I/O. It needs floors and upholstery, but the hull and trailer are nice. I made the stupid mistake of investing in a new trim motor (I can now raise and lower the outdrive unit!) and a starter before realizing that the crankcase was full of 2 gallons of water. The block is cracked as is evidenced by the JB weld all down one side, but obviously it is leaking internally. All of the wiring works. The boat has not seen water for at least 8 years and has been stored outside with the prop on and the outdrive in the up position.

I'm pretty handy, and not too scared to dive into things, but realistically, what do I have on my hands here? Should I scrap and move on? The interior work is within my capabilities, and I'm more than comfortable swapping in a new block (if one can be found). Any advice from seasoned veterans would be appreciated.

Much thanks,
-Eric

 

[Don S]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

3.8 OMC I/O.

You have an Obsolete motor, an Obsolete outdrive, from an Obsolete company (OMC).

It is not easy or cheap to change over from a an OMC stringer setup you have to anything else.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

If you need floors and upholstry, your going to more than likely need to stringers and a transom to boot.
You might want to pull any parts you put on it and ebay them, then cut your losses and see if you can donate the boat to a school for a tax write off.

OMC, for all intesive purposes, hasn't been in business for going on 15 years now. Everything about the motor, including the block itself, is going to be expensive slim pickins.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

sounds like you have a boat that might be good to pull a few parts off of and push the rest in the landfill.
But of course, anything's fixable if you love it...

If you list what part of the world you live in, someone might have parts or want parts.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

Howdy,

I'll bet you're saying to yourself "I wish I had come here first!"

I got an exceptional deal on a mid '80s Rinker with a 3.8 OMC I/O. It needs floors and upholstery, but the hull and trailer are nice.

I hope you didn't pay more than the trailer is worth!

but realistically, what do I have on my hands here?

You have a completely worthless boat with worthless engine and nearly worthless drive......(if it's full of water, it too, is worthless.....)

You may be able to part out the drive and recover *some* money.

Should I scrap and move on?

Absolutely.


Sorry about that.


Rick

 

[tim24]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

With time and money it is possible if you look hard enough a lot if not all of those parts are out there; somewhere but odds are you will never get back your investment

 

[ehennebury]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

I'm not sure what a trailer is worth, but my investment was small enough that I'm not too upset about things. Just a pricey lesson at this point. If anyone might have an interest in parts, I'm located in Jackson Michigan. Barring that, I'll still keep my eyes open for a block though.

Thanks for the advice.

-Eric

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

Part it out and save the trailer...
Its worth it just to watch them crush the boat at the landfill....

 

[Thad]

Re: Bought a "Bargain" Boat (cracked block)

Hey there, welcome aboard.

I have to agree with the rest of the crew. I'm afraid your boat is worth more in parts than anything else.
It's a hard lesson learned, but if you search around here and ask some questions, it a lesson well learned. The knowledge here is immeasurable.
You will not have many issues with the next boat you buy.

So, to echo the above, scrap out anything that may be of value. Any sellable parts, scrap metal, etc. Then, call the landfill and see if they will take the hull. Some do, I have two in my area and one will and one will not.
Pull it there, take a buddy, and push it off. Keep the trailer and either sell it or keep it for a future boat that it may be compatable with or make a flat bed out of it