newbie- got a 87 hydrasports

[turkeyhunter]

i have a 1987 hydrasports that i have owned for 15 years. it was garaged kept untill i got divorced then i had no place to keep it. long story short it has been outside for 9 years. i had given up on the boat untill i came across this forum. and i would like to rebuild her. it is 18' with a mariner 175. kevlar hull. 3 years ago i bought a brand new 20' bass boat, used it for 18 months and a guy ran into the back of it on the trailer and totaled it out. but i know the hydrasports was a fine boat and i liked it better compared to the new one. sorry for the long post but can you guys give me any advise on what to look at first

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: newbie- got a 87 hydrasports

Start with the outboard, see threads here on how to start a outboard after a long layup. Once you verify the OB runs strong then on to the hull of the boat. Its been outside for a long time has it been covered well or left open? If its been covered and the plug out with the bow raised it might be okay. Check the deck for soft spots, check the transom closely for any signs of flex or rot. The gas tank will need to be drained and cleaned, the motor will need a new waterpump, spark plugs, the carbs may need to be rebuilt or at least cleaned well(taken off and gone through) not a can of carb cleaner. If you put it up well when stored(engine fogged, carbs drained, tank drained etc) it might not take too much to get back on the water. If though it was just parked after its last time on the lake and nothing was done to her you may be in for a bit of work. Also need to change out the lube in the bottom end. If it freezes where you live hopefully there was no water in the lower end lube, it likes to do bad things if its full of water. Send some photos or return a bit more info so we can better get you started.