SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

[foresteronw]

I have a 1989 Sunbird Eurosport. It is a 21 foot cuddy cabin sport boat. It is equipped with an OMC Cobra 5.7L and Cobra outdrive. There is some water in the oil, it doesn't increase in quanity (on the dipstick) over any amount of running time. There also is not any evidence of water in the oil pan, only under the valve covers. The next problem is that I need a steering cable, mine is frozen. Thirs problem is the trailer needs work(brake cable, 2 hubs.) The interior could use to be replaced and that is all I can think of right now. <br /><br />The question I have is weather or not the boat is worth putting the time and money into. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Solittle]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Only you can answer whether it is worth it or not. The problems you mention are all repairable.<br /><br />Am puzzled by a couple of things you wrote. How could you have water in the oil without it getting into the pan? Have you changed the oil? If not do so and recheck.<br /><br />I have never heard of a trailer with cable brakes. Please explain. Also what is wrong with the hubs?

 

[jomac]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

As SoLittle said your problems are repairable priced any new one's lately, if you buy used you may be getting someone elses problems Gotta love um!

 

[chris in va]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Sounds exactly like what I just went through. You know what, I'd say go for it. Steering racks/cables are only about $200 and not that hard to replace, the outdrive seal change is the same cost. Consider yourself lucky if that's the only thing wrong with the boat, mechanically.

 

[record hunter]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Your darn right it,,s worth it. Those are not that hard to fix. Give your boat alittle TLC and it will give it back to you .Your oil has me puzzled need more info.

 

[Bondo]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Your water problem is Only Condensation... That's Why it only shows at the valve covers,+ Not in the base.... Clean it up,+ Run it.....

 

[horndog]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

I would do an oil change on that motor to get rid of any water that MAY be in the oil pan. You don't want something to go bad. <br /><br />Would I repair it? Damn right I would! That boat is still worth something! If you don't want to put the time and money into it, buy a new one and just make sure you take care of the new one.

 

[foresteronw]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Hey guys thanks for all the info, i was shocked when i got up this morning and had this many replies. <br /><br />As far as the water probem goes, there is only water under the valve covers. The oil level never increases at all. There is no evidence of water in the oil pan, nothing on the dip stick. When I changed the oil I let it sit in a clear container for over a week and there was not any water oil seperation. The guy I bought it from did not use the boat a lot and I have been told that it is condensation. I have also been told that I need new heads, manifold, risers and all that. The engine runs fine other than that. <br /><br />The trailer......I meant it needs a new brake cable, the hydraulic brake cable broke. The hub is worn out, it looks like the bearing went out and the hub won't hold a bearing buddy or a hub cap now. The opening is too big. <br /><br />Someone mentioned an outdrive seal.....what makes you think it would be that, what does that cause. <br /><br />Thanks again for all your help.

 

[foresteronw]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

also to add to this, i bought the boat new last summer and the guy had recently had the heads redone, i don't know if this will help with the water problem.

 

[chris in va]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

Oh I'm sorry, when you said some water in the oil I automatically thought of the outdrive, as mine had water in it and is a common problem. Hopefully your's doesn't.

 

[MrBill]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

foresteronw: I concur with the train of thought offered by the others...all of us would probably love a brand new boat, but there are constraints which often prohibit that. In doing a semi make-over, or set of repairs like you may have in front of you, I like to estimate the total cost of getting things "ship- shape", and then treat it like a budget. In your case, if you could sink $800 to $1000 into your boat, you'd probably have a great toy and a lot of hassle free fun. Do the most important items first (steering cable and brakes, then move to the interior (that can be done more easily over time). If your capable of doing much of the work youself, you'll get great satifaction from your efforts...and the condition of your boat will continue to improve.

 

[foresteronw]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

thanks a lot guys for all the information. i really think i am going to keep it. i think i was just a little frustrated with what seemed like getting someone elses problem and not knowing it. the more people i talk to say the the water in my oil problem is condensation and not as big a deal as i originally thought(the fact that the oil level never rises and there is nothing in the oil pan. I am posting a seperate topic now that you can read if interested. It has to do with another stroke of bad luck i had just yesterday.

 

[JBrooks]

Re: SHOULD I PUT TIME AND MONEY INTO MY BOAT

bump