ditchrider
Recruit
- Joined
- May 12, 2012
- Messages
- 4
Ahoy mateys,
I've never owned a boat before, always wanted one, but started my family too early for that. Had a stint of a dirt bike hobby for a while, but gotta save on the body for work, so boating it is...or restoring boats it is for now. I Found her on craigslist, 150 miles away, listed first for 1500, then 900, then 500obo...I couldn't stop myself, I tried to trade the guy for a 68 dodge I had, but he only wanted engine/trans for a project. I hauled the body to the steel yard, got 300 bones for it, took the engine/trans to Belgrade, and came back with the biggest boat i'd seen up close in my whole life. I guess you could say I got paid 50 bucks to get it, since my trip to get it cost $250.
She's sat for a year and 3 months, so I've had lots of time to plan my attack. Heres what I've accomplished so far:
1. Contacted boat's former mechanic, Steve (Classic Boats, Somers, MT), who was more helpful than one could imagine!-SUCCESS
2.Tried to turn engine over with starter-FAIL
3. Sprayed PB Blaster in plug holes, soak, repeated crank test-FAIL
4. Began engine removal proceedure, learned all about closed cooling, manifolds, risers, and y pipes-SUCCESS
5. Stuck on outdrive removal, Used tractor to lift engine, wouldn't come apart...hmm, forgot inspection cover bolt lol-FAIL
6. Rigged up chain hoist to tractor bucket, took it slow, Engine out with no damage to boat!-SUCCESS
7. Removed manifolds, intake came right off, one exhaust manifold had rusted to the bolt, and required much force to break, damaged manifold-FAIL
8. Removed Heads, had rust in exhaust runners of nearest port to risers. Stern 2 Cylinders rusted tight.-FAIL
9. No longer rebuild, now its replacement, found a 97 f250 wrecked with 351w thats said to run good-600 bucks if I like what I see-SUCCESS
10. Countless hours of internet research on repowering the 233 Mercruiser wisely. Found awesome resources here and elsewhere on the net-SUCCESS
Plan A
Engine-Mercruiser 233 upgrade for reliability/tunability/mileage/power
*obtain running 351 from somewhere in Montana on craigslist; wont put it in unless compression is good, bottom end good
*rebuild current D0OE heads if rebuildable or get a set of aluminum or gt40 iron heads if not
*Install fuel injection manifold, injectors, rails, regulator, distributer(modified to marine), fuel pump&return, O2 sensors between manifolds and risers
*Control fuel injection with Megasquirt DIY ECU, tune with laptop mounted permanently by dinette as a dvd player/music library
*Order and Install OSCO or Barr center rise manifold/riser/elbow kit $750
*Flush heat exchanger, install hot water circuit for cabin heat/shower, replumb cooling system
*Replace damaged steel plate between engine and outdrive which i bent badly removing engine
*Install replacement engine and test
Outdrive-Mercruiser pre alpha 76 model 21p 3 blade prop
*Replace prop-$125
*Have skeg replaced at local weld shop-$100
*Replace little doodad on side of outdrive where the wires corroded it
*Fix leaking pump on trim cylinders, 2 lines
*Pressure test
*Run Test on muffs, check for water flow etc
Hull-Hand laid 22' fiberglass cuddy cabin
*Fix rub rail dent
*Refinish Swim deck, ladder, treads on gunwale, stern cooler/livewell lids
*Buff and polish gelcoat, fix any bad spots
*Reseal thru hull transducer? I dont know what it is, but its a teardrop shape sticking through the hull under cockpit
*Replace missing stern light, antennas, and hardware
*Silicone around all protrusions in back
*Install underwater lights on stern, bow to scope the bottom and swim at night;}
Interior-10 person capacity 4-6 person sleeping capacity(depending on relationship)
*Re-carpet stern area just up to hardtop(6-8'x8')
*have mooring cover stretched/repaired or buy a new one
*Build fabric camper top with aluminum frame, windows, and zippered openings
*Re-upholster back seats, engine cover, backrest, gunwales-everywhere any sun hit it
*Check freshwater tanks for leaks, replace hoses
*Test/repair alcohol stove
*Install stereo system-I'm young, we still like it LOUD
*Install mounts for laptop-to control efi and play music/videos, email pix, check weather, get repair info, etc
*Install new batteries
*Build better seats in back-loungers
*Test all wiring, replace lights with leds
*Rebuild missing bar(the only thing missing)
*Install cabin heater and curtains for open spot in hardtop
*Install hot water and mixing valve to operate a remote shower, like one you could use up on shore with engine idling
Trailer-76 Caulkins tandem
*Replace hitch/brake assembly
*Repack bearings
*Repaint
*find nicer wheels 13"
Well, thats the rundown, sorry to be so long winded, I've been thinking about this for a very long time!
I've never owned a boat before, always wanted one, but started my family too early for that. Had a stint of a dirt bike hobby for a while, but gotta save on the body for work, so boating it is...or restoring boats it is for now. I Found her on craigslist, 150 miles away, listed first for 1500, then 900, then 500obo...I couldn't stop myself, I tried to trade the guy for a 68 dodge I had, but he only wanted engine/trans for a project. I hauled the body to the steel yard, got 300 bones for it, took the engine/trans to Belgrade, and came back with the biggest boat i'd seen up close in my whole life. I guess you could say I got paid 50 bucks to get it, since my trip to get it cost $250.
She's sat for a year and 3 months, so I've had lots of time to plan my attack. Heres what I've accomplished so far:
1. Contacted boat's former mechanic, Steve (Classic Boats, Somers, MT), who was more helpful than one could imagine!-SUCCESS
2.Tried to turn engine over with starter-FAIL
3. Sprayed PB Blaster in plug holes, soak, repeated crank test-FAIL
4. Began engine removal proceedure, learned all about closed cooling, manifolds, risers, and y pipes-SUCCESS
5. Stuck on outdrive removal, Used tractor to lift engine, wouldn't come apart...hmm, forgot inspection cover bolt lol-FAIL
6. Rigged up chain hoist to tractor bucket, took it slow, Engine out with no damage to boat!-SUCCESS
7. Removed manifolds, intake came right off, one exhaust manifold had rusted to the bolt, and required much force to break, damaged manifold-FAIL
8. Removed Heads, had rust in exhaust runners of nearest port to risers. Stern 2 Cylinders rusted tight.-FAIL
9. No longer rebuild, now its replacement, found a 97 f250 wrecked with 351w thats said to run good-600 bucks if I like what I see-SUCCESS
10. Countless hours of internet research on repowering the 233 Mercruiser wisely. Found awesome resources here and elsewhere on the net-SUCCESS
Plan A
Engine-Mercruiser 233 upgrade for reliability/tunability/mileage/power
*obtain running 351 from somewhere in Montana on craigslist; wont put it in unless compression is good, bottom end good
*rebuild current D0OE heads if rebuildable or get a set of aluminum or gt40 iron heads if not
*Install fuel injection manifold, injectors, rails, regulator, distributer(modified to marine), fuel pump&return, O2 sensors between manifolds and risers
*Control fuel injection with Megasquirt DIY ECU, tune with laptop mounted permanently by dinette as a dvd player/music library
*Order and Install OSCO or Barr center rise manifold/riser/elbow kit $750
*Flush heat exchanger, install hot water circuit for cabin heat/shower, replumb cooling system
*Replace damaged steel plate between engine and outdrive which i bent badly removing engine
*Install replacement engine and test
Outdrive-Mercruiser pre alpha 76 model 21p 3 blade prop
*Replace prop-$125
*Have skeg replaced at local weld shop-$100
*Replace little doodad on side of outdrive where the wires corroded it
*Fix leaking pump on trim cylinders, 2 lines
*Pressure test
*Run Test on muffs, check for water flow etc
Hull-Hand laid 22' fiberglass cuddy cabin
*Fix rub rail dent
*Refinish Swim deck, ladder, treads on gunwale, stern cooler/livewell lids
*Buff and polish gelcoat, fix any bad spots
*Reseal thru hull transducer? I dont know what it is, but its a teardrop shape sticking through the hull under cockpit
*Replace missing stern light, antennas, and hardware
*Silicone around all protrusions in back
*Install underwater lights on stern, bow to scope the bottom and swim at night;}
Interior-10 person capacity 4-6 person sleeping capacity(depending on relationship)
*Re-carpet stern area just up to hardtop(6-8'x8')
*have mooring cover stretched/repaired or buy a new one
*Build fabric camper top with aluminum frame, windows, and zippered openings
*Re-upholster back seats, engine cover, backrest, gunwales-everywhere any sun hit it
*Check freshwater tanks for leaks, replace hoses
*Test/repair alcohol stove
*Install stereo system-I'm young, we still like it LOUD
*Install mounts for laptop-to control efi and play music/videos, email pix, check weather, get repair info, etc
*Install new batteries
*Build better seats in back-loungers
*Test all wiring, replace lights with leds
*Rebuild missing bar(the only thing missing)
*Install cabin heater and curtains for open spot in hardtop
*Install hot water and mixing valve to operate a remote shower, like one you could use up on shore with engine idling
Trailer-76 Caulkins tandem
*Replace hitch/brake assembly
*Repack bearings
*Repaint
*find nicer wheels 13"
Well, thats the rundown, sorry to be so long winded, I've been thinking about this for a very long time!
