Late last summer I decided to enter the world of boating. As a starter, we bought a 1987 Century from a friend with a Alpha 3.0l Mercruiser with a 1998 ShoreLand'r trailer for $2,600. The owner had just replaced the bellows and steering cable. The rest of the boar was in real nice shape. We used it 3 times and had it winterized by a reputable marina.
I cleaned it all up this spring, put in a new bilge pumps, and ran it on idle with earmuffs just to make sure she started and everything worked. She started right up and ran well except a hose that leaked because they hadn't tightened the clamp. All excited to hit the lake today, I launched it and cruised around for about 10 minutes. I took the engine cover while my wife drove just to make sure there were no issues. Running at 1/3 throttle, I noticed oil in the bilge and a steady oil drip (1/sec) near the point where the starter is attached the bell housing. I headed back to the marina and loaded the boat back on the trailer.
To add to my misery, about 1/2 mile from home I got flat on the trailer, but was able to make it to the driveway. I put the earmuffs back on and ran the engine a bit above idle and noticed the leak again. If it is the seal, I imagine the engine needs to be pulled. Questions:
1) Anyone have a ballpark figure on the cost of this repair by a marina?
2) The rest of the boat and trailer is in very good condition. Should I sell? I would mention that it has a leaking main seal?
3) I was also considering trading it in. What would it be worth for parts?
thanks!
I cleaned it all up this spring, put in a new bilge pumps, and ran it on idle with earmuffs just to make sure she started and everything worked. She started right up and ran well except a hose that leaked because they hadn't tightened the clamp. All excited to hit the lake today, I launched it and cruised around for about 10 minutes. I took the engine cover while my wife drove just to make sure there were no issues. Running at 1/3 throttle, I noticed oil in the bilge and a steady oil drip (1/sec) near the point where the starter is attached the bell housing. I headed back to the marina and loaded the boat back on the trailer.
To add to my misery, about 1/2 mile from home I got flat on the trailer, but was able to make it to the driveway. I put the earmuffs back on and ran the engine a bit above idle and noticed the leak again. If it is the seal, I imagine the engine needs to be pulled. Questions:
1) Anyone have a ballpark figure on the cost of this repair by a marina?
2) The rest of the boat and trailer is in very good condition. Should I sell? I would mention that it has a leaking main seal?
3) I was also considering trading it in. What would it be worth for parts?
thanks!