Looking for input on a possible purchase

[captmello]

(hope this link works)

1982 Century 3000 19' BR w/5.0 GM MERC. w/cracked block. I emailed the owner who replied quickly. Owner doesn't know what an outdrive is but I'm thinking it's probably an Alpha 1, Gen 1. Says the floor is solid.

I have a 350 I could drop into it. If it wasn't winterized correctly should I assume the manifolds are shot? Risers shot too? I guess the outdrive would be an unknown, I can look at the drive oil for water, anything else?

Anyone have experience with these older centurys?

Thanks

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

how bout this

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/boa/885011294.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

see if he can get number off outdrive. seeing that it is a 1982, i would consider manifolds & risers shot, unless he can provide reciept that the have been replaced recently.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

Is your drop in 350 a marine engine? If not, you need to marinize it. Luckily, most of the 305 stuff will bolt up, if the years are close. The cam should be a marine or truck cam. If ther mannys and risers are original, and the boat lives in salt water, prepare to replace them. Look around for an aftermarket kit, to save some dough.

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I emailed the seller requesting info on the outdrive. After a bit of research it looks like that year could have an alpha 1 or a pre-alpha. We'll see.

My motor is marine, it would come out of my old boat which has seen better days but runs strong. I currently run an old volvo outdrive without power trim and would welcome a mercruiser with power trim and tilt.

I'm in the midwest so i'm thinking fresh water use however I'm wondering if the manifolds and risers would be damaged from not winterizing. I'd hate to use them on a good motor only to have them leak internally and damage my "good' motor.

Thanks for the feedback!!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

You are thinking correctly, there is a Very Good chance that the manifolds were damaged by the same freezing that cracked the block. The risers should be okay, though. However, if he drained the manifolds properly, and they aren't that old, they would be fine. Does he know why the block cracked? Did he just not winterize it at all, or did he not get all the water out of the block? Big difference, obviously.

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

see if he can get number off outdrive

I emailed the seller to get numbers off the Drive.

Came back with: 6049005 power trim

I checked with the Outdrive guys. Don said it would be a pre alpha, "1 drive". Hooked me up with the manual.

Are these old drives good? I've got no problem with maintenance just wondering if people have had good luck with them.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

DonS is the one to ask, on that quesion.

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

Don S says:

You have now taken a step down. It will never act like your Volvo.

I have been helped by Don in the past and know there is none more knowledgeable. However, the Mercs have been around a long time and many here swear by them. I've never had one, only volvos. My mechanic told me to buy foreign because they last longer and need less servicing. I drive a ford. Any Merc guys, Pre alpha, with any comments?

Please share your experience.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

I've had Mercruiser Type 1 drives in 4 previous boats, they're fine, never had any issues, as long as it's been given normal maintenance. You can rest easy, so long as it wasn't overly abused, or wasn't affected by the freeze up.

* By the way, Just look at my previous boat signature link, at the bottom, you'll see

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

Just look at my previous boat signature link, at the bottom, you'll see

Those Sea Ray's are fantastic, similar to the Century I'm concidering. 19' with a 8' beam

Know anything about Century's of this vintage?

I'm going to look on friday.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

captmello; our "73" bayliner 1950 had the 165 250 chev with the pre alpha and our boat now has the alapha I.
while i'm sure there are differences, from a maintance and use point of view i dont see any differance. bellowes, working on trim pump, changing oil in the drive ect. are pretty much the same. the pre uses a longer drive shaft and smaller trim cylinder and thats the bigest difference i have noticed. they both use the same prop hub mounting system.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

Century is an old name, and always a well built boat! They were commonly competing in boatbuilding & racing with Chris Craft, GarWood, and a host of other old wooden speedboats in the 40's, and somewhat later. They were one of the big names back then. They always made a strong, slick well designed hull.

Plus, I have nothing bad to say about a Type 1 drive, and I've gotten a lot of use out of them, and that's all I've known in my previous boats, (never had an Alpha, or Bravo), and they have served me well, I've replaced one shift cable once, it was not expensive or that hard to do, plus that, and the shift interrupter switch linkage, are not a chronic problem, but either occasionally need adjustment or replacement due to wear, normal maintenance.

Both my 20' & 24' SeaRay, had a nice 8' beam.

One item to watch out for, which can happen on any outdrive,,, I cooked the gears on my 79'- 20' SeaRay drive, because apparently a small common seal was worn out, and water got in! My Bad! :redface:, because I didn't have the drive pressure tested before the season That was a little pricey, & a pain to fix!

 

[mtnrat]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

I would put in your old engine and volvo drive. Add a pair of bennett trim tabs and you are set. Can get a set of 12"x9" tabs on ebay.

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

I would put in your old engine and volvo drive.

Are you a volvo guy? I am/was one too.

I did consider this. I would save the $700 for the new manifolds but changing the transum around would be a lot more work and I would be without the power trim. Minnesota, Land of 10,000 lakes, most less than 1000 acres. After this last year in the small lakes around where I live trying to manuver at landings and in shallow water I really would like the power trim.

Don't ya think?

 

[captmello]

Re: Looking for input on a possible purchase

I went and looked at the boat. The interior and carpet were all original and in great shape. no cracking in the seats very nice.

I crawled around and found no rot. Very nice!!

However, the bottom off the hull is covered with cracks everywhere!

strange. Maybe a bad gelcoat.

Too bad. Its a cool old boat.

I'm going to keep looking for "The One"