New to Forum so here we go!!!

[Ramcononer]

My first project.....will keep track here...
First off, this site is addictive. A lot of useful advice already just from lurking.

I purchased (for a steal) a 1984 25' cruiser inc sea devil. Boat, Motor (2.6l omc sea drive) and dual axle trailer. All Trailer lights work after I replaced one brake/turn light and the trailer is in good shape but could use a coat of paint. Axles are strong.....

Motor runs and shifts into gear no problem. No soft spots in floor, transom is strong,boat is dry (thankfully). Gel coat is in great shape, still has a shine and NO Spider cracks. I searched high and low and there is no stress/spider cracks anywhere. a couple of tiny scratches in the gel not too deep. My friend, a marina mechanic/restorer said she will shine like new after a buff and polish. original clock on boat says 90 hrs. but who knows. She was dirty as all hell but she cleaned up really nice.

Wipers, horn, nav lights, deck lights, wash down pump, head, fridge, cabin lights, trim tabs, engine trim/tilt all working, all gauges work.

This project will be more of a refresh than a restore since her structure is good and very minimal Fiberglass work will be done. Mostly a little paint, new decals/pinstripe, Tints, upholstery, galley work, teak work and some mechanical/electrical work. She is almost sea worthy as is but I would like to make her "nice".

A few pics attached

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Work done so far:
Fixed trailer lights
Fixed trailer tire
Cleaned boat (about 2 garbage cans full of junk)
found a full enclosure, almost new, that the guy didn't know was there. Found 2 shore power cables, pig tale and brand new prop. He didn't know those were on the boat
Found a bunch of fishing rigs, some filet knives, about 30 life vests, 2 VHF radios, Downrigger, tools, 2 first aid kits, outriggers and some other misc. stuff....fuses, bulbs, 5 drain plugs etc. also have the owners manual for both the engine and boat. Pretty useless though. Repair manual would be ideal......

Tested drainage on fish boxes....will def have questions about this and the live well

pulled out all chairs and V berth cushions to test head and look inside hull...clean as a whistle looking like it was just painted.....


I saw stickers on the boat from a local marina, took pictures and Hull ID to the Marina and spoke with the owner who will be now getting all my money because he is great. Went back into his records and we found he sold the boat originally to the 1st owner. We were then able to verify that I am the 3rd owner of this vessel and the hours clock seems to be accurate. He spoke with me for about an hour regarding the boat, vro pump, sea drive, OMC etc etc etc. He deserves my business, and will be getting it. In my mind, price shouldn't be the only determining factor in who you do business with. I'd rather pay $10 more and like the guy I am dealing with. His time and advice is invaluable and he goes out of his way to help. Some OWNERS would be too busy or not care to talk to a guy about his old boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Sweet boat. Welcome to iboats!

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Thanks!

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Plans for this weekend:
I plan on draining all fuel and oil and bypassing the VRO for now.
I would like to test the battery charger and find/Diagnose my bilge pumps
I would like to find my seacock for the washdown
I would like to check functionality of head and holding tank and ensure no issues there.
If I am really rolling:
New plugs in motor and find this pesky power steering leak
Check oil in lower unit
Sea test her!

 

[boatflipper]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Sounds like you are well on your way to having a very nice boat!
Great first project!
Good luck!

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

Plans for this weekend:
I plan on draining all fuel and oil and bypassing the VRO for now.
I would like to test the battery charger and find/Diagnose my bilge pumps
I would like to find my seacock for the washdown
I would like to check functionality of head and holding tank and ensure no issues there.
If I am really rolling:
New plugs in motor and find this pesky power steering leak
Check oil in lower unit
Sea test her!

OK so as of tonight I tested the battery charger and it charges. I found out my bilge pumps weren't working because the battery was dead. Head and holding tank are A OK. And I found the seacock for the salt water wash down. I noticed a pump in the bilge compartment, Looks like it's connected to the live well?? I also want to check the rest of the thru hulls to make sure no water is coming in as I see a loose hose down below with a broken fitting on it. I bet its off the back of the live well. That is all for now.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

I purchased (for a steal) a 1984 25' cruiser inc sea devil.

You don't have to answer or can make one up but, How much???

I love hearing about great deals...

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

You don't have to answer or can make one up but, How much???

I love hearing about great deals...

$2k with dual axle trailer, 2 shore power cables, downriggers, full enclosure, new canvas etc. etc. etc. I can part it out and make more. I was down in the bilge and I still surprise myself at how solid everything is. My friend, the marina tech, told me it was solid but I still worry.

 

[Ramcononer]

Re: New to Forum so here we go!!!

All thru hulls look tight....next step is to drain all oil and fuel, check oil in lower unit, refuel, plugs and SEA TEST!!! Got a little jammed up with Halloween and my daughter, a ladybug. When sea tests go well She will be getting pulled out for more updating and fixing......will post more pics shortly.