I know nothing and have some questions.

[BPrickett]

Ok, let me start by saying that I'm 18, I've grown up around boats and after moving out and being settled for a while, I've decided it's time for my first boat. I need to do it as cheaply as possible but I also want quality. I have a question about one of the many options I'm looking at. There is a 72 glastron for sale near me with a 6 Cylinder Volvo Penta that doesn't run. They haven't had it looked at so it could be something small, if it is I'll just fix it. If the engine needs to be replaced, there is a rebuilt 1988 3.7 liter mercruiser for sale near me and I was wondering if this would work? How much would it cost to have them swapped? Sorry for the long post and thanks for your help...

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

The idea of finding a '72 Glastron with "something small" wrong with it that you could pick up cheap sounds intriguing......if it's really something small.

There are a couple of things that you say though that have me troubled. I guess it;s not quite **what** you say...but **how** you say it:

They haven't had it looked at so it could be something small, if it is I'll just fix it.

If you don't know enough to check it out yourself.....or if you can't bring someone along who can help...you may be getting in over your head.

If the engine needs to be replaced,How much would it cost to have them swapped?

**HAVE THEM SWAPPED**???? You are planning to pay someone to do the work for you? On a 1972 boat???? You'd be better of saving more money and buying a boat that didn't need a new engine.

Repairs and restoration on that type of boat is generally a DIY (do-it-yourself) affair...otherwise it just costs way too much.

Good luck...don't jump into anything. Let us know what happens.'

Chuck

 

[BPrickett]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Well yeah that's what I'm saying, I don't know what's wrong but worst case, it has to be replaced, could the other engine work? If it's not practical than I'll cross it off the list, I just thought I would look into it. Thanks

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Both the engines you reference are NOT desireable. A guy I know was searching for an exhaust manifold for one of those old Volvo 6 cylinders for a while and he was happy to find one for $2000 at a dealer in B.C.... took almost a year to locate. Volvo is a good drive but that engine is too rare.

The 3.7 will NOT mate to the Volvo drive - it was a Mercruiser only deal and the only compatible bellhousing is a Mercruiser specific bellhousing - it is one of the least popular engines these days as far as 20 year old powerplants go, due to some quirks and it's general "weirdness" with alum block and cast iron head and stuff. Has to be closed cooling.
Glastrons are cool looking, but they have some issues. Quality? not much different than pretty much any boat of that era. An inspection of the hull by someone familiar is best.
Need to take an ice pick and start digging at the floor and transom... if you find rot or soft spots it can turn into a big projectl

For an 18 year old's first boat on the cheap.... I recommend finding an outboard motor without a boat.... and then find a boat that needs an outboard motor and putting them together....sometimes you can do real well $ wise doing that and that way if the engine dies, you have the option of getting something else on there....

 

[gene8084]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Start by doing some searches in you price range...you need to define cheap.

Check out ebay, although it get's a little tough when the boats you want are always a 1000 miles away. I found mine that way. It turned out to be 200-300 miles away.

Also, google craigslist <your state> boats.

I'm not necessarily suggesting you buy one this way, but if you spend some time searching, reading the descriptions, and getting a sense for what's out there for the the money you have to spend it'll make the experience more enjoyable.

oh, and don't forget you have to haul the boat around. Trailers are cheap when they come with the boat...not so cheap when you have to find one to fit your boat. Depending on what state you live in the requirements for registration vary significantly from walking in and getting plates unseen to full inspection and adding surge breaks to the trailer depending on the gross weight.

Good luck... Enjoy!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Welcome to iboats......
I suggest looking for anolder boat that has a Mercruiser drive if you want I/O....
With the exception of the 3.7 you mentioned, or it's other mutations, aka the 170, 470, 488 ......
Something simple to work on for starters.....
Anything OMC or Volvo won't be that.....
I like the idea of getting an out & engine separately as well, but outboards are a whole different ballgame......​

 

[BPrickett]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

I have done a lot of internet searching, I would like to go with an I/O, the mercruisers are my best bet? I keep seeing deals on boats with bad engines and also good deals on rebuilt mercruisers, not just the odd 3.7 I mentioned but also a few 3.0's. As a beginner should I steer clear of that idea? I don't know anything about mechanic work but I can figure things out if it's not too easy to mess up. Also I'm in Florida so marine mechanics are plenty. If I chose to have it done, what would it cost to have a 3.0 mercruiser installed to a boat that had one. My price range is something around 2k and could probably stretch up to 2500 for the right boat, but it would be a stretch. Is it possible?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

It would depend on what you can use from the old one.....
You do see complete 3.0 freshwater used engines on ebay quite a bit for under a grand....
I think a 3.0 would be a good starter engine....
If you can get a repacement fully dressed, the labor should be under 8 hours.....​

 

[VT_RainMan]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

I have done a lot of internet searching, I would like to go with an I/O, the mercruisers are my best bet? I keep seeing deals on boats with bad engines and also good deals on rebuilt mercruisers, not just the odd 3.7 I mentioned but also a few 3.0's. As a beginner should I steer clear of that idea? I don't know anything about mechanic work but I can figure things out if it's not too easy to mess up. Also I'm in Florida so marine mechanics are plenty. If I chose to have it done, what would it cost to have a 3.0 mercruiser installed to a boat that had one. My price range is something around 2k and could probably stretch up to 2500 for the right boat, but it would be a stretch. Is it possible?

There has to be solid boats around your area in good working condition for $2500 or less. Well, I guess that depends on the length and motor you're looking for. But, if you're not finding what you want, then maybe you should aim lower. If you can't sacrifice on what you want then, save up until you can.

Anyway, here is my advice coming from some automotive experience.... If you know nothing about motors. Then a swap is not for you. Unless it is an apples to apples swap (sorry for the lame analogy), 8hrs of labor... usually turns into a lot more.... And sourcing for parts and keeping track of everything will become a full time job. There is a good reason why you are seeing a lot of good deals on boats with bad motors. Nobody want to mess with them. If it was as easy as getting a boat, finding a new motor, and puting them together for cheap... Everyone would be doing it and there wouldn't be any of them for sale.

So, that being said, I recommend buying a solid boat you can afford that runs... you can pay a technician a couple hundred dollars to give it a good tune-up and overhaul. Then go out and enjoy your boat. Going down the other path almost always leads to disaster... a lot of wasted time, stress, and empty pockets.

Oh and +1 on the trailer... dont make the mistake of buying a boat without one. Your trailer will end up costing as much as the boat. well... more than you want it too anyway.. if you can find one.

But, that's just my opinion. Good luck!

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

My price range is something around 2k and could probably stretch up to 2500 for the right boat, but it would be a stretch. Is it possible?

You mean for a project like you are asking about? Geez, around my area there are good running boats for much less than $2500.

I think you would be better off to just buy an excellent running older boat in the $3000 to $5000 range (I'm guessing boats are more $ down there). Test drive it, compression test the engine, ispect the drive fluids and see how it handles. Buying a boat that doesn't run is never as good. You'll never know if the hull is made right or suits your needs until it's on the water.

Here's one in my area - 18 foot V6 i/o on a roadworthy trailer runs and can be test driven -seller is asking $1000.00. You could buy 3 of them.

 

[EricR]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Yeah, he may find a complete, running rig for 2500, but the problem is coming up with it all at once! I been there done that!

I started with a VW squareback someone gave me, wrecked it, swapped the longblock into a VW bus I got FREE with a blown motor- found a rearended bug with no engine- swapped the engine in to the bug after bobbing the nose and tail Baja style- baja was pretty rotted underneath- a year later my sisters 70 Bug caught the carb on fire and burned the engine compartment- the engine went right on in there. Yeah I am talking cars here but the principal is the same. When you are young and broke you mix match and scrounge.

FInd a solid enough hull and sooner or later one with a bad hull but a running engine will show up. The main question is do you have the place to work on stuff without getting evicted by a landlord or fined by a city? That was the biggest hurdle I faced in my endeavors back in the day.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Take your time & look around (e-bay, Craigs list, ect) there are alot of good deals out there right now (end of season) i paid $3000 for my 18ft rinker last year. it runs exellent. OMC 4.3 V-6 Cobra.

 

[GiMLit]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

You mean for a project like you are asking about? Geez, around my area there are good running boats for much less than $2500.

I think you would be better off to just buy an excellent running older boat in the $3000 to $5000 range (I'm guessing boats are more $ down there). Test drive it, compression test the engine, ispect the drive fluids and see how it handles. Buying a boat that doesn't run is never as good. You'll never know if the hull is made right or suits your needs until it's on the water.

Here's one in my area - 18 foot V6 i/o on a roadworthy trailer runs and can be test driven -seller is asking $1000.00. You could buy 3 of them.

funny I saw that same deal tonight.
Wish it wasn't a 12 hr drive round trip from me and I had already liquidated some of my stuff.

 

[BPrickett]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

View Post
You mean for a project like you are asking about? Geez, around my area there are good running boats for much less than $2500.

I think you would be better off to just buy an excellent running older boat in the $3000 to $5000 range (I'm guessing boats are more $ down there). Test drive it, compression test the engine, ispect the drive fluids and see how it handles. Buying a boat that doesn't run is never as good. You'll never know if the hull is made right or suits your needs until it's on the water.

Here's one in my area - 18 foot V6 i/o on a roadworthy trailer runs and can be test driven -seller is asking $1000.00. You could buy 3 of them.

Wow...if I was anywhere near that I would buy it right now...

Do trailers need to be very boat specific? There are a couple near me in the size range I'm looking for.

If I go the piece it together route would this be a decent plan?
http://www.boattraderonline.com/addetail.html?83807203
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/455332242.html
http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/boa/464221476.html
+ having the motor changed, whatever that cost...

Or there is another boat/trailer that has a not running 3.0merc in it, but I'm waiting to see some pictures and all that.

It sounds like most of you guys are saying that SOMETHING will go wrong if I try to do this and it will end up cost time and money....
If something comes along ready to go in my price range I'll jump on it, I still want to know if this practical/doable/whatever....

thanks for all the help guys

 

[gene8084]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

..., I still want to know if this practical/doable/whatever....
thanks for all the help guys

It's practical & doable in your price range.

You can find something between $1500-2000 that runs and use that stretch $500 to get a good tune-up and required safety gear.

Taking a boating safety course while your looking.

 

[BPrickett]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Yeah I'm going to go with something complete if I can find it. Building one up is a last resort i guess. There is a nice runner on craigslist but the only contact info is the craigslist email thing and he hasn't gotten back to me yet. Phone numbers are so much better....

 

[drrm123]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

You may also want to check for charity auctions. That's where I bought mine for $300 get a service manual and read read read................

 

[VT_RainMan]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Yeah I'm going to go with something complete if I can find it. Building one up is a last resort i guess. There is a nice runner on craigslist but the only contact info is the craigslist email thing and he hasn't gotten back to me yet. Phone numbers are so much better....

I think you are on the right track with finding a complete boat. Look at every classified you can find.... and keep looking often. Usually finding a good deal and having someone else buy it before you is only a few hours from the time you see the posting. But at the same time... try to be patient. I know it's hard to do that. Especially when you're 18. But, I waited years for the right boat to come around. You'll know it when you find it.

I ended up with a fix'r-upper. Believe me the boat I found is far from perfect. I have alot of work ahead of me But, the differneces is, I have some mechanical knowledge and a lot of friends that know more than me to help out. But even with those resources, building or reparing a motor boat is not easy as I thought it was going to be. There is a lot more differences than similariites to car motors than I could've imagined.

Some times I think I should've bought a working boat. But, I know after a lot of sweat and tears, it will be worth it. But ask yourself, do you really want to live through a lot of sweat and tears?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

this darn thread has me shopping for boats.. grrrr. haha

Sweet thing here - The new bellows speaks volumes - means it's being maintained :
165 Grew 16' w/140 hp Merc i/o runs well, new bellows . Great ski/tube boat. has mounts for down riggers. Comes on a tandem trailer., $2500 obo

 

[BPrickett]

Re: I know nothing and have some questions.

Should I stay away from Bayliners? There is an 87 bayliner stingray with a good running 3.0 chevy for sale near me. He says the steering is a little tight, possibly do to bad bushings in the outdrive. How much would that cost to fix? would a mercruiser outdrive work if it ended up replacing it?