restoring a 24' bayliner

[motoguru]

Ok, first off, I would like to say hello to all. I am new here and have already learned a great deal just by browsing the forum. Anyways, lets begin.

I just picked up this 24', 1985 bayliner trophy(I belive it's a 2460, correct me if I'm wrong). It has been in storage for the last 8 years, the guy said it was winterized before it was stored. It has a 350 chevy with a penta outdrive (I think it's a 280 but I may be wrong, has a duoprop too!). Me and a friend went in on this project 50/50 and I belive we got a decent deal. I've always loved boats and want to learn as much as I can about them. Kinda why I got this project.
I would like to know what I need to check as far as the structure and integrity of the boat. I would like to know how to check the hull for any bad/soft spots. Any advice as to what to look for and how to fix anything I may find would be great.
I am going to put in a rebuilt 350 in it. I will be building it myself and would like to know if there is anything particular about the engine that should be tuned/built for a boat? Do I need to keep it under a certin HP? I would also, like to replace the seals and u-joints on the outdrive. is there anything else I need to do to the outdrive?
I plan on at least cleaning up the paint on the hull, and if it's not too hard re-painting it and I guess gel-coating it. Any advice in cleaning the hull and what to use would be awsome. Aslo, if I go the route of re-painting it, do I need to strip the existing paint? What kind of paint would be recomended as well as gel-coat. What is a good ball park price I should be looking at for the re-painting job? I would be doing it myself, my father is experienced at painting and has painting equipment. However, he has never painted a boat.
I know this is a lot of questions and any answers would be great. This is'nt something I expect to get done fast. Below is a link of pictures of the boat.

Thanks in advance, Will

http://www.rutledge-photography.com/boat/Damifino.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: restoring a 24' bayliner

your engine and outdrive questions should go to the inboard/outboard forum for best results. you need serial numbers on the engine and outdrive, for specific answers. Don S. is the guru of i/o's. the innards of marine engines are similar, the electrics have to be marine grade (spark arrested to keep from blowing up the boat.) get a rubber hammer and start tapping listening for the different sounds. open all accesses, and look inside. i think the worse problem is getting to fuel tank clean of old varnish. that damage on the bow eye and the bow bottom need attention, probably causing damage in cabin. replace the trailer tongue, and service bearings new tires. if you are going to trailer it you can paint the fiberglass. i think there is more labor, than cost. can be a really nice boat again.

 

[Solittle]

Re: restoring a 24' bayliner

Welcome Mr. guru - You got yourself a bit of a project. Don't go nuts with it just yet. tashasdaddy's advice on getting the engine/outdrive info is solid. Before I started ripping the old engine out you might check out what you have. It looks relatively clean. Have you checked compression? Marine engines are quite a bit different than their automotive cousins from cam, electronics, carb and even freeze plugs.

I suspect if you do a thorough clean & polish all you will need to do paint wise is the bottom paint. As for other painting it is just like a car and lots have been written in the posts here at iboats. Read your brains out. Oh and forget re-gelcoating. Gel coat is only used by boat manufacturers when they build em.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: restoring a 24' bayliner

an automobile engine is designed to run about 3000 rpms all day. a marine engines run 4500-5500 all day. they have to take much more abuse than and auto engine.