My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

[dh2009]

I purchased a 1979 Monark McFast 150 bass boat. It has a great hull & transom. But, it was stripped down & the seats were all rotted. I had to get the boat totally rewired & bought new bilge/livewell pumps. I bought a 1980 Mercury 90 HP (that I was told has been bored out to run like a 110). The motor is not getting electricity from the batter. I have a guy coming to look at it. I now have two new batteries, a foot controlled trolling motor, new rod holders, new lights and I've just bought non-skid paint for the deck. The boat could use a new paint job, but it's not that serious yet. **Keep in mind, this is my first boat EVER, so I am learning as I am going along. What am I learning?? I need more money... LOL

I took the boater's safety course and I have all the safety gear.

I am open to any suggestions about working on a project boat. Let me know if I am missing anything or anything I NEED to have done.

I have included pics of what I've done so far. I will post updated pics.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

**Keep in mind, this is my first boat EVER, so I am learning as I am going along. What am I learning?? I need more money... LOL

I took the boater's safety course and I have all the safety gear.

I am open to any suggestions about working on a project boat. Let me know if I am missing anything or anything I NEED to have done.

I have included pics of what I've done so far. I will post updated pics.

Welcome!

Congrats, you've learned the most important lesson

Just my opinion, but from what I can see I like that color. I take it you're using a cell phone for pics? Might want to consider a cheap digital camera, the quality is great for not much money (4x better than a cell phone for $30).

Once we see what condition the boat is in we can tell you more. From what I see the engine looks ok on the outside, if it's been bored out that much you won't be able to do it again when it needs it, and that type of engine is notorious for problems, at least around here (Merc tower of power). The trim pump looks ok, you'll be able to tell more from how it sounds than how it looks.

Electricity is relatively simple in a boat. 12v systems usually, run off one battery. I'm not sure if that engine will charge the battery (if it has an alternator). The battery also runs the trim pump, see if that's getting power.

If you're not getting electricity somewhere, get out a voltmeter and check the battery voltage, then check the cabling to the motor, the key switch (and voltage there) and make sure your kill switch isn't on (usually attached to a lanyard, it kills the engine if you fall out). Check fuses.

We have separate boards here for boat driving and other topics, electricals, full restoration, and outboard engines. Post specific questions with pics in each area to get quicker, better answers than this

Erik

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

Nice looking rig you got there. The good thing about it missing so much when you first got it, is that you can now outfit it for your needs. I'm still a rook myself, but I would say, don't go too far off the deep end with this one. If you grow to really like boating, it won't be your last boat, so don't spend all your money on one.

 

[dh2009]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

Eric,

I do have a digital camera (I was just too lazy to bring it out and attach the USB cable to upload it to my computer)... but I will use it to take pics of where I am and the progress. Thanks for all the advice!! Well, the kill switch in on "RUN" so that ain't it. There is a guy who is a member of iboats coming to take a look at the motor. He is the one who actually rewired my boat.

Welcome!

Congrats, you've learned the most important lesson

Just my opinion, but from what I can see I like that color. I take it you're using a cell phone for pics? Might want to consider a cheap digital camera, the quality is great for not much money (4x better than a cell phone for $30).

Once we see what condition the boat is in we can tell you more. From what I see the engine looks ok on the outside, if it's been bored out that much you won't be able to do it again when it needs it, and that type of engine is notorious for problems, at least around here (Merc tower of power). The trim pump looks ok, you'll be able to tell more from how it sounds than how it looks.

Electricity is relatively simple in a boat. 12v systems usually, run off one battery. I'm not sure if that engine will charge the battery (if it has an alternator). The battery also runs the trim pump, see if that's getting power.

If you're not getting electricity somewhere, get out a voltmeter and check the battery voltage, then check the cabling to the motor, the key switch (and voltage there) and make sure your kill switch isn't on (usually attached to a lanyard, it kills the engine if you fall out). Check fuses.

We have separate boards here for boat driving and other topics, electricals, full restoration, and outboard engines. Post specific questions with pics in each area to get quicker, better answers than this

Erik

 

[dh2009]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

Lakeorbay,

Yeah, I am not going to put thousands and thousands into it. I just want it to look decent and run good. It has come a long way though!!

 

[pwfish1]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

DH, you forget to look up boat befor you started:

Break Out Another Thousand.

you'll get used to it.

good luck

 

[dh2009]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

pwfish1
Cadet
Join Date: May 2009
Location: MASS
Posts: 17

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DH, you forget to look up boat befor you started:

Break Out Another Thousand.

you'll get used to it.

good luck

_________________________________________________________________

Yeah, they guy who rewired my boat told me that exact same thing. I will post new pics. I have done more work since I've last posted.

 

[jakebrake]

Re: My project started at $125.00 and escalated quickly

dh 2009;
cool boat, just don't give yourself a deadline. approach this as a hobby, not a job.
find a manual for the engine and start reading!
you can find decent used parts...that'll help keep the $ realistic