Mercury 850 85hp. Good engine or stay away?

[airshot]

Unfortunately these boats always rot from the bottom up so near the bottom of the hull is where you should test. Lowest point on the transom wood and same with stringers, closest to the bottom. If garaged that is a big plus, just be sure the structure is sound before taking family and friends out.

 

[redneck joe]

good deal

 

[Bman2895]

Unfortunately these boats always rot from the bottom up so near the bottom of the hull is where you should test. Lowest point on the transom wood and same with stringers, closest to the bottom. If garaged that is a big plus, just be sure the structure is sound before taking family and friends out.

How exactly does one test this without doing damage? I don't intend to go tearing into the boat or drilling holes. Transom feels strong and the floor feels solid. Also these boats don't really have any under floor access. Atleast that I'm aware of.

 

[redneck joe]

are you planning to add a depth finder? If you are then those holes will be your test holes.

Most people nowadays mount a thick plastic or starboard piece with 5200 all slathered in behind it. So you would drill the hole to check that, if all is well continue with the starboard with way too much 5200 that you can wipe off with acetone. Then do the transducer or the depth finder.

 

[airshot]

Test holes are drilled on the inside and do not go thru, just deep enough to get into the wood skeleton....if the chips are wet and dark colored there is rot, but if the chips are dry and normal wood color your safe. Holes can easily plugged with marine sealant. Small holes of a 1/4" are all that is needed. Glass boats over the age of 40 are rarely are rot free.