Restoration advice needed: 87 SeaRay Seville 19 bowrider: Merc 470

[cptnmcluvin]

I'm in limbo. Should I fix her or buy a newer one? I'd like to get some feedback from folks who know this type of boat.

I've never done a boat restoration and I don't know where to start or if it should even be attempted. My 87 SeaRay has soft floors, worn carpet, and nasty upholstery. Condition of the stringers and transome are unknown. Mechanically the Merc 470 ran fine last time we took her out. Compression is 145, 135, 140, and 130. The engine is hard to start when cold but runs fine once it starts. A mechanic told me he thought he could hear the cam and values clicking. The AlphaOne sterndrive is usable but the gimbal bellow is leaking water into the lower unit. The solenoids need to be replaced as well.

The Merc 470 is not the motor of choice and is the main reason that restoring the boat is questionable.

First reason: 470's are not known for reliability. I don't want my family left stranded. The alternator and closed cooling water pump can be disasters.

Second reason: 470's have been discontinued, parts can be difficult, and resale values on boats powered with 470's are low.

Third reason: Could this boat be repowered with another block? I've read that converting to the 4.3 V6 is more trouble than's it worth. Is that true? If switched to the 3.0 I4, then the boat needs a 1.98 gear ratio outdrive. What's the best repowering option?

How much will all this cost?

If someone has done this before, please give your honest opinion. I'm concerned about wasting time on a project that may not pay off.

On the positive side the 19 foot hull design and size is perfect. The boat is easy to trailer, launch, and retreive. The hull has never been bottom painted, has no water stains, and looks good. Performance is decent and fuel economy is good.

What things should I check before we make the decision?

Attached are some recent pictures.

Thanks for the suggestions.

John
Richmond, VA

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Restoration advice needed: 87 SeaRay Seville 19 bowrider: Merc 470

Hi Mcluvin,

Welcome to iboats. I am restoring a 1986 version of the same boat with the same engine. I have read a lot of bad stuff about the engine also, but this one has always ran great for us. I owned it from 2001 to 2005 and then bought her back last year. I only do closed water boating, so I am not overly concerned that it may have a problem some day, as many older motors do. When I am done, I will certainly have a good radio and SeaTow (or some other version of AAA for boats).

I guess the answer to your question has a lot to do with your finances. If you have the money, buy a newer boat with a motor known for more reliability. If not, fix it and enjoy it. If you decide to restore, you are in for a ton of work. I have read that a ball park figure is about $2,000 and 80 hours of work.

Check out the thread in my signature to see what I have done and spent so so far. I am certainly not doing everything as well as it can be done (I am an accountant with no boat building experience), but it is coming along OK. Also check the threads of many of the guys who have replied to my thread, like LR, Stampeder, and Tink. They all have similar boats and are doing complete restores.

Good Luck!!!

 

[oops!]

Re: Restoration advice needed: 87 SeaRay Seville 19 bowrider: Merc 470

hi.......welcome to iboats

this is boat university.....here....you can learn.

its a shame that boat was cursed with a 470....it looks great from the pics.
im a searay kind of guy.

a few points in you post have ma a little concerned.

you asked "will it be worth it" .....answer.....no.
not with the 470 the transom stringer deck repairs will be about 2500 and tons of hours.......80....is for the transom alone.
the actual time the boat will be layed up in dry dock ....working a few ours each night and straight weekends will be around 2-3 months.

the gymbal bearing and bellows will be around 250 bux.

if you fix the back end so the motor and drive wont leave the people stranded.....you can still sell the boat for around 2500.
add the 2500 you will spend......and 5k will get you a nice newer searay with a v6 and an open bow.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Restoration advice needed: 87 SeaRay Seville 19 bowrider: Merc 470

As opps stated you can sell that boat and add the funds to a purchase of a newer ride. Or if you like that one fix it right and enjoy it. I do not like the 470 but they have their own little fan club. I think that is a love hate engine. Some love it others hate it. Which one are you? Fantastic looking boat by the way. Most would love to start with a hull that clean.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restoration advice needed: 87 SeaRay Seville 19 bowrider: Merc 470

I think I'd bail on that particular boat. It's a shame because it is a nice looking hull. If your engine/drive were in better shape my opinion would be different. No sense throwing good money after bad.