Raven bow rider 2100 br first boat ever ...project

[showstoppr88]

Hi all I just joined the forum a few weeks ago saying I bought a used four wins ski boat. Well the seller went MIA but I fell into a good deal on a Raven with open bow and a motor that needs a starter. The motor is a mercrusuer i/o which I think is a chevy 350 engine? The bellies are all needed to be replaced too.

Look I g for advice on where to start first on getting this running and water ready, thanks!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

start by identifying what you are working on year and serial numbers help

from there, if the bellows are shot, you will need to inspect the gimble and u-joints. dont be surprised if you find a rusty mess and need to replace the input shaft

 

[showstoppr88]

How tough to replace the starter and bellows? Should I try to get it started in the driveway first before anything?

 

[showstoppr88]

Oh and it's a Raven 2100 br 1990 I do have the serial on it

 

[Scott Danforth]

what is the motor and drive. specifically what is the serial numbers on each.

do you have the complete story on the boat. was it stored indoors or was it stored outdoors? why does it need a starter? did the last one get submerged from bilge filling up? if so, you may have other issues.

your boat is 28 years old. did you check for rot in the transom and stringers?

 

[showstoppr88]

no i did not picked up the project for 200 came with a mercrusier 5.7 the floor looks like its likely going to need to come out . How do i check the transom? im not afraid of the work just want to do it right the boat was kept outside its totally filthy going to power wash it and start tearing in tomorrow

 

[Boisebiker]

Read some restore posts, read a couple more and then read another one. Many are start to finish projects that will answer questions you have not even thought of yet. Then go to YouTube and look up Friscoboater, he did a complete video rebuild of his boat. All I can say is WOW what a project.

 

[showstoppr88]

Progress!! I was able to get my floor re done here is my progress.....next I think I am going to re wire the boat start doing some of the re upholstery all the seats and panels were trash.

 

[showstoppr88]

Tore down my old seats this week. Used them as templates, cut them out and now throwing on some poly to protect and waterproof!

 

[showstoppr88]

Pictures finally worked

 

[Woodonglass]

Sooo, did you core sample the stringers and or the transom to determine if they were OK. This should have been done prior to installing the new floor. Did you Fiberglass the plywood for the deck. Is that paint or gelcoat?

 

[AShipShow]

Woodonglass was wondering the same... hopefully the answer is everything was checked, cuz no one likes ripping out a new floor... trust me, I know lol

 

[showstoppr88]

Yep core sample and moisture meter all checked out good. The deck was fiber glassed over then topped with non skid paint. I am going to carpet over it I decided.

 

[showstoppr88]

Foam cut and glued to my wooden frames! Next up...vinyl!

 

[showstoppr88]

Moving on to vinyl 70% done!

 

[showstoppr88]

Hey I'm looking to make this interior blue (not navy) do you guys know of places that sells blue carpet and a white/BLUE back to back seat? I see ALOT that are navy but don't want it to be that dark.

 

[showstoppr88]

Anyone?

 

[showstoppr88]

Another question...I need a starter I see a bunch on amazon but I'm also not wanting to sit stranded on lake michigan lol where would you go for a 5.7 mercruiser starter?

 

[hvymtl939]

Another question...I need a starter I see a bunch on amazon but I'm also not wanting to sit stranded on lake michigan lol where would you go for a 5.7 mercruiser starter?

I've had good luck with parts off of their, but I also boat on tiny Kansas lakes where I could always trolling motor/paddle in if need be. Might be worth it for you to buy OEM Mercruiser parts for you purpose.

 

[showstoppr88]

Yep kinda was thinking the same, whats a good source for oem mercruiser parts? (online)