Deep Six that... Motor?

[David R]

<br /><br />Hello all, as you can see from the image, my boat has had an incident. The insurance company has said the hull is a right off. I'll be going up to look for myself and decide whether to go for the repairs or say goodbye.<br /><br />The motor is a different story, the insurance company says its repairable. The mechanical side is fine, but the marina and appraiser say the electric's have to be replaced. The problem comes from the cost, the job will cost $2800 cdn, but is only covered to $2200 cdn.<br /><br />I'm hoping that you (the forum) can help me with a short list of electrical components that need to be replaced vs. a list of "it would be nice" components.<br /><br />David

 

[David R]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

I guess I should have mentioned, the motor is a<br />1988 Mercury 70hp, oil-injected, no tilt & trim.<br /><br />David

 

[Solittle]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

Ouch!!! I woul not dare ask how that happened. I'll leave it to others to list out the parts.<br /><br />I think though that you may find that the cost of the parts will come close to the value of the motor. That plus the questionable reliability of running a once a submerged engine even if all the good stuff was done to make it right.

 

[plywoody]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

At least it was in fresh water! What lake was that in? Georgian Bay? Just curious...<br /><br />At any rate, it is so hard to tell what might be ruined, and what might simply need to be dried off and cleaned.<br /><br />It is a project that I would not attempt unless I had lots of time, and enjoyed that kind of work, tih all the frustration and aggravation involved. (There are some that really enjoy such a challenge!)<br /><br /> I would not attempt it if the goal was to just save a few bucks

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

OK, I'll be the jerk (I feel your pain!). How did it happen?

 

[Maximum Gravity]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

I think plywoody is correct. This seems to be something that can be repaired much faster, and cheaper, if the repairing dealership is already in there with components disassembled. ALso, what may appear to be ok, may be found out to not work once another part in the system is replaced. I think the only one that can give you an idea of what needs to be replaced is the dealership once they get into it.<br />Also, just think of the chaotic mess the motor may be left in you tell them you are going to replace all the electriconic components. Some subassemblies have to be disassembled to replace some compoents, and some of the ignition components (i.e. stator, trigger etc) are under the flywheel, connected to the crankshaft. You would get your motor back in several small boxes.<br /><br />I say bite the bullet, and either spend the $500 out of pocket, or look for a new motor (or used).

 

[David R]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

Thanks to all.<br /><br />That is Georgian Bay, the winds that day where measured locally at 45 knots (sustained). The boat as shown would have been OK when floated, but it was another three days before it was floated. The actual sinking was during the night when a squall blowing North to South swamped it. Normally for that area front-line squalls run West to East. That spot is sheltered, less than half a football field to the next island in a straight line. West winds are showing in the photo and that run is about a football field.<br /><br />The marina did clean and run it as soon as they got their hands on it. The they winterized after running it for about an hour. What's being said is that a year or two from now the electrics will be trouble. I was thinking have them do the hard stuff, Stator, Trigger assemble, etc.. I would do the easy stuff, three screws and a plug kind'a things, coils, solenoids etc.<br /><br />I guess the problem comes from the insurance company saying its fixable. It would be easier if they wrote all off.<br /><br />Anyway I'll see it tomorrow.

 

[Trent]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

Blue book here shows the value of the engine at around $1000.00 US<br /><br />Why not take the insurance money and put it in the bank. Run the engine and if problems pop up use the money to fix it yourself?

 

[David R]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

Trent, i'm not sure what a blue book is, Wholesale? The insurance company is willing to go to the maximum insured value, 2200 cdn.<br /><br />I've talk to lots of people inside the industry and outside, about whether or not to do the repairs. The general feeling I get is for sure the starter motor and any switchs or solenoids that aren't sealed. The rest of the money put in the bank and see how the motor is in the spring.<br /><br />Fortunately I've had many beater cars over the years, so the starter motor (if it isn't a block of rust) isn't a problem for me.<br /><br />David

 

[roscoe]

Re: Deep Six that... Motor?

Take the insurance money and run. If they will let you keep the motor, fine. You can work on it, but don't put too much money into it. Use the bulk of the $$$ to repower if needed.<br /><br />Their offer of $2200 c seems more than fair.<br /><br />The cowl,(cover), will run you $700 - $1000 alone.<br />If you can find one. Replacement parts for an older motor are just as $$ as for a new one.