Re: newbie just purchased my first boat. 93 chris craft 197 5.0
Being a mechanic, or at least very mechanically inclined so to speak, you've got the motor end pretty much covered. Don't use any auto parts on that motor, though. Use only marine rated replacement parts. Auto parts tend to spark, as you are well aware. The inside of your motor compartment fills with gas fumes, which is why there is a blower/vent. Make sure you run the blower prior to starting the motor every time.
Walk around the deck of the boat (every square inch). Walk slowly, and put as much pressure as you can, everywhere you step. You need to check the deck for soft spots. Soft spots mean rot. Hopefully your deck is rock solid everywhere. The deck is also called the sole. There is no floor on a boat.
The deck is supported by stringers. They are like ribs, supporting the deck. If your deck has one or more soft spots, chances are, the stringers are also rotting. Rot generally starts from the bottom, and works its way up. Check the transom for soft spots. These are the three areas most prone to rot: deck, stringers, and transom.
I'm not trying to scare you, or get you worried over something that may very well be nothing. These are things to be checked prior to purchase. You didn't know, and we're going to get you through any obstacles which come across your path.
Let us know what you find when you check the deck and transom. We'll go from there. Please post some more pics. You've got yourself a beautiful boat.
Show us close-ups of the outdrive, motor, and the whole inside of the boat.
Take a boater safety course. You'll be really glad you did, shortly after it begins. You'll be amazed at how much you didn't have a clue about. A lot of the things you'll learn will keep you alive, and from hurting others. You're going to need a lot of safety equipment which you may be completely unaware of...
Keep us posted. Enjoy!!!
