I just bought a 1985 Thundercraft boat on ebay, sight unseen. I picked it up yesterday and towed it to inside storage until the weather breaks. Unfortunatly, the storage area is 2 hours from home [but free and secure].<br /><br />According to the previous owner, he used the boat 2 years ago and it ran fine. He said it needs some electrical work [probably within my scope].<br /><br />The boat has been stored outside and uncovered. It has sustained a substantial amount of water and sun damage. The deck feels soggy, the seats all crack when you sit or stand on them. All of the upholstery needs to be replaced.<br /><br />The boat has an inboard engine that has been pretty much protected by the engine cover. The hull is fiberglass, so I am hoping that the water and sun exposure are not an issue [except for the fading].<br /><br />Before I get into any of the interior problems, I want to check the engine. I'd also like to check the lower unit.<br /><br />My questions are:<br />1] I couldn't get the engine cover off before I stored it. I only found one latch - on top, but freeing that latch still wouldn't allow me into the compartment. Anyone know what I might be missing? As I indicated, it is an inboard engine. The boat's markings are a crest with the words 25th anniversary - is there any way to determine from this information what the engine is?<br />2] Before I do anything, is there a procedure I should follow before cranking the engine?<br />3] Can an inboard engine be run for one or two minutes without water, like a car engine can?<br />4] Where can I find a manual on this boat? My searches for Thundercraft only bring up other boats for sale.<br />5] The interior is going to cost a mint to replace/repair. Any suggestions? I can get back to back seats for <$200 each, and I'll need two. There are also two seats in the back, on either side of the engine cover that are essentially a back to back seat, cut in half. But, how do I handle re-framing and re-upholstering the engine cover and the cushions and the seats in the bow of the boat?<br /><br />This is going to be a lot of work. If the previous owner was on the up and up, I figure I can go up to $2000 in repairs before I start regretting my decision.<br /><br />Thanks for your input. Thank you to iboats - for the service [I had a purchase problem last year] and the resources.<br /><br />p.s. - no expert, that's for sure. The dg-newboater name was established 3 years [3 boats] ago [darn, boating is addicting).
<br />Once it's open, Then you can ID the motor/drive...<br /><br />2) There are Many opinions on this 1..<br />If it were Me, I'd check the fluids, pull the coil wire,+ Crank it,while spraying Atleast a 1/2 can of WD-40 or something down the carb.,+ check for Oil Pressure.......<br />Then hook up the coil wire, Recheck the fluids, attach a supply of Fresh Gas, check for fuel flow,+ See If She'll Light........<br /><br />3) Sure, But, You'll Smoke the Impeller........<br />BTW, 1 minute is a Long Time, 2 is an Eternity....<br /><br />4) You're Not going to find a manual for the Boat....<br />You Need a manual for the Engine,+ Drive.... but, You need to Identify them 1st......<br /><br />5) You'll need to get Creative here.... Calling a few local Upholstry Shops in your area will give you an Idea......(I see All of your budget getting lost here)<br />Or, Learn how to do it Yourself.........<br /><br />Once you have the boat opened up. an Icepick will be able to tell you How Much fiberglass,+ wood work you'll be doing..........<br /><br />Skip on over to the Project Boats forum.... Several of the Guys have photos,+ ideas there....