Finally got the boat bug lol

[VERV]

Hello all my name is Robert and after 37 years I was stung by the bug pretty good. I just purchased a 1986 4 winns horizon 195 cuddy cab for 1300 with a easy load trailer. I heard it run and it was singing its song to me the whole way. The trim didnt work and the guages dont work. The interior needs work a lot of work. I need to do some fiberglass work and some other things. Im still enjoying it all the way even though i havent got it in the water yet. Some of the things that Im thinking of doing is redoing the way the interior is laid out. Also i have some wiring nightmares that I have to remove but all in all im really looking forward to getting to work on it.

 

[sam60]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

That's great VERV, it will be a fun hobby because you already have an idea of what your getting into. Your in a good place.....

 

[BonairII]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

First thing to do, is to give it a good inspection(assuming you already haven't). Check transom for rot and floors for any soft spots. Check all electrical connections for corrosion.

Check motor over. Make sure impeller is new(or pretty new).

Don't bother with any "beautification" projects until you are absolutely sure the vessel/motor are sound. You've got a "little one" that I'm sure will be onboard, so make "safety" your first priority.

Take a boating safety course and make sure your new toy has ALL safety equipment onboard.
Just my 2 cents.

Congrats on your new boat!

 

[sam60]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Buckle up boys, we are in the wrong place to discuss this....we will be going for a ride.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Hi Robert,

Welcome to iBoats. It sounds like you bought yourself a project boat. Is that your helper in the picture?

As has been mentioned, you will want to establish a baseline of the overall condition:
-- boat's structure (transom, bulkheads, stringers, cockpit floor, etc.),
-- as well as the engine (compression test, cylinder leak test, etc),
-- the electrical (wiring, circuit breakers, gauges, etc),
-- then the interior (seating, vinyl, etc).

You might need another helper

Much of the electrical system is based on the engine, so get yourself a Clymer's or Seloc manual for the engine. There are also many online resources to view/download manuals, etc.

If you have structural rot to deal with, then that will be a real project, but boat's are not safe with a rotted structure.
Check out the restoration threads, which is where this posts will probably be moved to . . .

Post pics on what you find, etc. and it is helpful to post your engine serial number/model, etc (looks like a Mercruiser from the photos)

 

[VERV]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Well took it out to the lake to day and I have some good new----it floats-----but it didnt run battery was weak and when I took the one out of the Dodge and jumped it to the marine battery and it still wouldnt fire up. So after a while I decided to bag it and load it up and go home. Better luck next time.

 

[VERV]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

It looks like it has to be restored transom is shot and strippers are to. Ugh now what.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Cut your losses.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Well you are in good company on this forum. Lots of folks doing that sort of thing here . . .

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

looks like its gona be a long summer of repairs.

 

[VERV]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Well since i have owned i have fixed a lot of things and learned a lot more. I have fixed the tilt and trim pump, the bilge pumps, rear swim deck, water pump impellor, rebuilt the carb, gave it a tune up, repaired most of the gauges, and now it starts really good runs good but im at an impass now what to do with the boat. Diffantely going to play but curious what will happen if i hit big waves with bad stringers and suck. Also I have to figure out why the gauge for tilt and trim isnt working.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Glad to hear that you are making good progress on the mechanicals.

The structural issues will have to be dealt with before the boat is put to general use . . . it is a safety issue for the family. It is hard to tell how much of the stringers are left, but a combination of speed and wave conditions could result in an impact that fractures the hull, and usually sinking occurs.

I think it is a matter of setting expectations, and as I recall, you got the boat at a fairly low price.

As far as the trim indicator gauge . . . there are two 'senders' on the pivot point of the outdrive. They have wires attached that run into the transom assebly and then up into the engine compartment. One is for 'limit' and the other is for the gauge. They should be imprinted with their purpose. Often the wires fray/break and the gauge and up trim button do not work any more.

At some point, you will probably have to start digging into the structure. Post some more pictures when you can

 

[Jhudds]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Welcome the wonderful world of used boats!
Get some pics of the issues you have. Plenty of good advise will be given here.

 

[mk4713]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Yes, Welcome. Let me know how the fiberglass work goes. You would think it would be easy......wrong. I like having something to work on and you must be the same. Good luck bud

 

[VERV]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

I have lots of carpentry experience and some glassing, but the thing that gets me is how much its going to cost and the I dont have a garage but i do have a place to store the engine and such. My biggest problem is how much is goint to cost? What is the best stuff to get? And where is the cheapest place to get it. And I do still want to get some quality stuff. I may even buy a heavy duty sewing machine and redo the interior myself.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Finally got the boat bug lol

Probably about 1-2k in materials. Don't DIY the upholstery. It rarely comes out well and a hack job would kill any resale value you may have after the restore. Also, I consider replacement boat seats to be a pretty good value.