Opinions on possible rebuild

[dcarver]

Well after a couple of weeks of owning our 94 manta ray and viewing all of the resto threads, I've been thinking of possibly restoring our boat. I have noticed it takes on a little water maybe 8-10 gallons and hour. I'm basing this on turning the bilge on about once an hour and the bilge pumping out the water in a minute or less. Anyway my real question is, would this resto be worth it? It would definitely be my first. 4.3 mercruiser is running great, outdrive great as well so I figure that would save tons of money. Interior is in fair condition so I would probably just replace the few pieces that have some wood rot. How much does a floor and stringer repair cost? Will I recoup this in a few years when we decide to sell?
I guess I had a few more questions than I originally thought, but I got to typing and had some word vomit.
Thanks for the help

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Forgot to mention, the only soft spot I've found is in front of the ski locker, but I did notice rotten wood spilled in the locker so I can only imagine that's just the beginning

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

When you restore a boat you get a like new boat for a small fraction of the cost of a new one.

I say go for it, it's a nice looking boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

When you restore a boat you get a like new boat for a small fraction of the cost of a new one.

I say go for it, it's a nice looking boat.

Ayuh,.... Usually, Waay Better than when New,.....

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Haha well I hope I can make it better than new. How much do I need to set aside to purchase the supplies I need? Also, before I do tackle this, is there any tool that y'all can think of that makes the job easier? Something like, when I was doing ____, I wish I had ____

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

No offense but do you want to restore your boat because it needs resoration or because of all the excitement and the adrenaline rush you get when reading/watching restoration threads/videos?
Either way, it is your decision and your boat. I just did not read in your post any urgent reason for making a restoration decision while the summer is on its way – here in Seattle at least.
I would say, inspect the boat to access the situation and the immediate need for restoration. Take core samples for the transom and the stringers – give us a shout if you don’t know how – if the wood is not rotted, you got some time to go and you get to enjoy the summer. If not, so it is what it is. If you got some time to go and you still want to restore the boat for the learning experience, you should aim for a winter project. I have to admit that my response is highly motivated by the preciousness of the summer time in Seattle so that I find it extremely hard to – voluntarily – let go of it. In Texas, I am sure it is different.
Just a different perspective to consider.

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Oh it will definitely be a winter project. Way too nice to to not be on the water. Probably won't begin until October/November. Also, Yes I will need some help with taking a core sample, but I will search and youtube how to do this if I need to

 

[zool]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

I would be a little concerned if my boat took on 10 gallons an hour....but thats just me...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Haha well I hope I can make it better than new. How much do I need to set aside to purchase the supplies I need? Also, before I do tackle this, is there any tool that y'all can think of that makes the job easier? Something like, when I was doing ____, I wish I had ____

Ayuh,.... An angle grinder,... 4, 1/2",...'n lotsa wheels,..

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

I would be a little concerned if my boat took on 10 gallons an hour....but thats just me...

True. And I would as well. But there are many reasons for that. My 28 did the same thing when I drove it from Lake Washington to Everett. As I guessed - or was hoping for - it was the shift cable below which I changed with the cable. That is why I suggested he accesses the situation and see if a restoration is truly required.

 

[scottmm73]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

I would be a little concerned if my boat took on 10 gallons an hour....but thats just me...

:thumb:

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

So I am having trouble finding exactly how to take a core sample. Any suggestions of how and where would be great.
Also regarding the water I'm taking on, there is no hole or crack anywhere underneath so any ideas where it might be coming in? I resealed around the outdrive and around the drain plug but no luck obviously

 

[zool]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

True. And I would as well. But there are many reasons for that. My 28 did the same thing when I drove it from Lake Washington to Everett. As I guessed - or was hoping for - it was the shift cable below which I changed with the cable. That is why I suggested he accesses the situation and see if a restoration is truly required.

Yep, its usually the little things that bite you...I have a 28 as well, and it can handle significant water weight, but the little ones can turtle under on ya rather quickly.

I wouldnt just tear into it, unless it really needed it too...It can easily become a multi season killer.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Use a hole saw to drill out a quarter size glass from you transom. Go as low as you possibly can reach. Mark the hole saw bit so you don't go deep, you just need to drill 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch max. With a screw driver, pop the glass and inspect the wood behind. You can use a 1/4 inch drill bit to further drill through the glass and examine the shaving. Gold and dry = good wood. Dark and wet, not good. Do the same for the stringers as close to the transom as possible. Most stringers rot aft first. The guys here suggest using a 1/4 drill bit from the outset and not a hole saw. I prefer the hole saw method because it gives me direct visibility to the wood I am dealing with. Whatever works for you. your decision. After you done, glue the quarter size glass back into place with 3M 5200. Here is a picture from my resto thread. The side that is showing in the picture was OK. The other side (port side) was rotted so the transom had to come out.

For the water, make sure all your bellows are OK. Torn bellows in the outdrive is will cause water to find its way inside the boat

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

so basically just saw through the fiberglass to see the transom wood correct? And using the hole saw will give me a silver dollar size piece of fiberglass that I'll glue back?

I will check out the bellows Thursday to see how they're doing. The water is only in the bilge so I'm guessing they will be the culprits. That seems like it's going to be a difficult job judging by posts in different threads.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

As Bondo said......10 gallon of water in an hour is a lot.

That would be the first priority in my boat.....you should have 0 water in your bilge...unless someone is wet getting in and out of the boat.

Post over in the merc I/O section about your problem.

By the way...Good luck on your reto this fall.

 

[dcarver]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Well the 10 gallons an hour is an estimate. If I knew how powerful my bilge pump was I could give a more exact estimate

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Is this boat on a trailer or in a boat slip? With that much water entering, I would not leave it floating anywhere too long, you could have a sunk boat. And I wouldn't use it with 10 gallons and hour entering either. I would take the boat in to have it inspected or do it myself to see where the water is entering before I used it again, but that's just me. Could be as simple as a bellow that is torn.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

I am just saying that any water.. however much it is ....needs to be looked at ASAP. Especially if its in a slip.

The way is has rained here in last few weeks...would of sunk a boat if the bilge pump quit working! People often think a little water in boat is no big deal...its supposed to get wet. Thats not true......... water's getting in from somewhere and its not people or splash.

Nice looking boat...well worth the time and effort for the rehab.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Opinions on possible rebuild

Yeah, if she's trailered, I'd suggest taking her to the ramp on a slow day, strap her down and back her in till the outdrive is good and sumberged. Set the brake get out and go back and Climb in with a flashlight and start looking for water. If it's the bellows or any other seal associated with the drive you should be able to see it in a short time of it be submerged.

Did I mention to make sure and Set the Brake!!!!