So I picked this beauty up a few months ago. It was just too good of a deal to pass up. The trailer made it home so its already worth more then I paid for it, 
so I was happy with my purchase. However im feeling overwhelmed with where to start. What I have here is a 1989 Sea Ray 160 Bow rider with a 100hp Mercury outboard. I have to imagine the boat sat outside for at least 5 years with out a cover on it. Or at least it didn't have a cover on it the last few years.
the outboard appears to be in good shape and I've had it running a few times for short periods of time off of a small tank. However it doesn't stay running that well. The tank I'm using is a small plastic one with a fuel hose running to it. I also think the primer bulb on my fuel line has a leak in it which introduces air while it running and doesn't help the situation. I did try removed the lower unit to inspect water pump impeller as I couldn't see any water coming out of the drain hole while it was "running". Long story short its not coming off very easy. I fear that the vertical drive shaft is slightly fused or corroded onto the upper drive shaft? Im not sure if those are the correct terms but basically when the fasteners are removed from the lower unit it does not simply slide off. It acts as if its still fastened. Im working it off with some plastic and wood wedges for now.
On to the boat/hull..... The hull itself looks to be in great shape despite needing a good wash and maybe have the oxidation cut down. I dont see any repairs or damages or any stress cracks etc. The transom appears to be solid as well. Just from knocking on it though. I haven't tried taking any core samples yet.
The floor/deck of the boat is complete trash. It needs to ripped out. I'm not sure about the stingers but I can only imagine. It looks like I have most of the interior except for the rear bench seat? It looks like it was a bench anyway. The vinyl is all there too but its dry and dirty. As for the floor that where I planned to start im just not sure exactly how to go about it. As you can see in one picture it shows where the fuel tank is towards the stern from the ski locker. The wood was all rotted and ripped up there. You can see how rotten it is around the perimeter.
My question really is where do I start? I can demo the interior no problem but I dont want to get ahead of my self. Ill take lots of pictures but what measurements do I need? How should I go about ripping things out? Anything I should try to save?
I really appreciate any advice. Im sure once i get started Ill feel more comfortable bu ive been hesitant to do much. I am very good with electronics and quite handy with mechanics as well. Ive been a car/engine junkie my entire life and in the last few years gotten into boats. This is however my first outboard. In the last year I completed a total gut and remodel of my kitchen including removing a wall, plumbing, gas work, electrical and structural changes. Everything was a first time for me except the electrical and some plumbing work. I like to learn new things but I like to do them correctly or at least try. So this is why Im asking for some advice on where and how to start with this.
Thanks for any information! Boating season is coming up on us quickly!
so I was happy with my purchase. However im feeling overwhelmed with where to start. What I have here is a 1989 Sea Ray 160 Bow rider with a 100hp Mercury outboard. I have to imagine the boat sat outside for at least 5 years with out a cover on it. Or at least it didn't have a cover on it the last few years.the outboard appears to be in good shape and I've had it running a few times for short periods of time off of a small tank. However it doesn't stay running that well. The tank I'm using is a small plastic one with a fuel hose running to it. I also think the primer bulb on my fuel line has a leak in it which introduces air while it running and doesn't help the situation. I did try removed the lower unit to inspect water pump impeller as I couldn't see any water coming out of the drain hole while it was "running". Long story short its not coming off very easy. I fear that the vertical drive shaft is slightly fused or corroded onto the upper drive shaft? Im not sure if those are the correct terms but basically when the fasteners are removed from the lower unit it does not simply slide off. It acts as if its still fastened. Im working it off with some plastic and wood wedges for now.
On to the boat/hull..... The hull itself looks to be in great shape despite needing a good wash and maybe have the oxidation cut down. I dont see any repairs or damages or any stress cracks etc. The transom appears to be solid as well. Just from knocking on it though. I haven't tried taking any core samples yet.
The floor/deck of the boat is complete trash. It needs to ripped out. I'm not sure about the stingers but I can only imagine. It looks like I have most of the interior except for the rear bench seat? It looks like it was a bench anyway. The vinyl is all there too but its dry and dirty. As for the floor that where I planned to start im just not sure exactly how to go about it. As you can see in one picture it shows where the fuel tank is towards the stern from the ski locker. The wood was all rotted and ripped up there. You can see how rotten it is around the perimeter.
My question really is where do I start? I can demo the interior no problem but I dont want to get ahead of my self. Ill take lots of pictures but what measurements do I need? How should I go about ripping things out? Anything I should try to save?
I really appreciate any advice. Im sure once i get started Ill feel more comfortable bu ive been hesitant to do much. I am very good with electronics and quite handy with mechanics as well. Ive been a car/engine junkie my entire life and in the last few years gotten into boats. This is however my first outboard. In the last year I completed a total gut and remodel of my kitchen including removing a wall, plumbing, gas work, electrical and structural changes. Everything was a first time for me except the electrical and some plumbing work. I like to learn new things but I like to do them correctly or at least try. So this is why Im asking for some advice on where and how to start with this.
Thanks for any information! Boating season is coming up on us quickly!
