Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

[asmithnew2]

Hello all, in a situation here where I would like some feedback from those that are in the know. Last fall I purchased a 1986 Sunbird 195 open bow as a project. Last time it was registered was 87 and the individual I bought it from said water was found (unknown when) in the oil. I know ZERO history of the boat. It is an OMC 3.0 and quite frankly I am nervous to attempt rehabbing this this due to lack of parts, experienced techs. Floor is spongy in a couple areas so I can see that coming and all that it entails.

I paid only $60 for the boat and trailer which ALMOST makes me want to just fix it; but know it's going to be a problem child down the road. I have a young (2 yr) son and I really do not have the time to get this thing on the water this year. I live in Maine; and with the nice weather we are currently experiencing, put the boat out by the road.

I have always wanted an open bow boat and think it would work good for my family. Sorry to ramble on but here are my questions. 1. should I take the sign off the Sunbird, commence repairs and stop looking for a "new" used boat. 2. If purchasing another boat (turn key; which is what I'm leaning towards), which would you folks lean towards.

Found a 1989 Sea Ray 160 with 3.0 merc bow rider and a 1991 Maxum 18' with a 150hp mariner outboard. Just wanted your thoughts on these two boats.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

If the floor is soft, very likely the transom and stringers are also gone... you would be looking at a ton of work!! I would pull the engine and trailer and put them on CL- scrap the boat. Then use the profit to buy a better boat!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

Hello all, in a situation here where I would like some feedback from those that are in the know. Last fall I purchased a 1986 Sunbird 195 open bow as a project. Last time it was registered was 87 and the individual I bought it from said water was found (unknown when) in the oil. I know ZERO history of the boat. It is an OMC 3.0 and quite frankly I am nervous to attempt rehabbing this this due to lack of parts, experienced techs. Floor is spongy in a couple areas so I can see that coming and all that it entails.

I paid only $60 for the boat and trailer which ALMOST makes me want to just fix it; but know it's going to be a problem child down the road. I have a young (2 yr) son and I really do not have the time to get this thing on the water this year. I live in Maine; and with the nice weather we are currently experiencing, put the boat out by the road.

I have always wanted an open bow boat and think it would work good for my family. Sorry to ramble on but here are my questions. 1. should I take the sign off the Sunbird, commence repairs and stop looking for a "new" used boat. 2. If purchasing another boat (turn key; which is what I'm leaning towards), which would you folks lean towards.

Found a 1989 Sea Ray 160 with 3.0 merc bow rider and a 1991 Maxum 18' with a 150hp mariner outboard. Just wanted your thoughts on these two boats.

Dig a big hole and bury the Sunbird along with the OMC engine, keep the trailer and put a for sale sign on it. Put the money towards another boat.

Buy something in working condition that you can afford . . . bigger is better when you are approaching the 20 foot range. So, I would favor the 18' Maxum versus the 16' Sea Ray. But . . . there are probably a few more boats out there to consider.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

IMHO,
I would get over the $60 price tag, as that's not the final price at all.

You say the deck is soft, so that obviously needs to come out, and chances are your gunna be looking at more then a deck replacement when you dig deeper. Think water logged foam, rotten stringers, maybe even a transom job. Probably a couple grand by the time you are done with the several weeks worth of work. Then the cherry on top is the potentially serious engine troubles that may require finding a new mil all together. Of course consider that the engine is coupled to an obsolete drive system, where parts availability gets fewer and fewer as the days go by.

My take, either sell the boat to someone looking for parts, or if you have the patience, part it out. If the drive is still good, that's a decent chunk of change right there. May be able to make a little cash off the engine parts as well. Trim pieces, and Sunbird specific parts may be useful and valuable to someone looking to restore or tidy up one in better shape. The trailer, if in decent/salvageable condition obviously has some value.

There are so many turn key boats out there with drives/outboards that have parts still available, at the same price or less than what you would need to drop to revive your old bird.

The boats you have in mind could be winners, but shop wisely. Check for structural problems, and mechanical health/issues before you pull the trigger. While boat restoration and repair can be rewarding, it can be a bummer if you spend most of your summer and disposable income on fixing something up, when that wasn't your intent to do so in the first place.

 

[oops!]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

sunbird......$60
full gut restoration......$2500 DIY
water in the iol ...new motor....$5000
convert to merc (OMC is obsolete) $4000

86 sunbird for sale....new motor, and full re fit....max $ 5000.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

OMC is obsolete, so parts are hard to find. So, YOU don't want to mess with it, but someone else needs your parts.

So here's what you do.... Put it on Craigslist as an OMC parts motor for $87 with free boat!

Offer free delivery, or trailer for sale.

When you collect your $27 profit, Don't buy a 1980's Bayliner with a Force Outboard.


At any rate, don't put any money in to this thing. It is not a boat. It only kinda looks like a boat. But it's not. Really. Let it go........


As for your next boat. You're in Maine. Are you thinking Ocean? Bays? Rivers? Coastal or Inland? How protected are the waters you are planning. My idea of Maine is guys wearing rubber clothes fighting Nor'Easters and such. How about at least a city so we can Google-map it?

RE: I/O vs Outboard. Lots of reasons, but you want an outboard. You have a short boating season. If a nice day appears in Fall, it's easier to just fire up the outboard and go (as opposed to de-winterizing the I/O). Unless you already are an auto mechanic and feel more comfortable with these motors, you want an outboard. If you boat in salt or brackish waters, go with an outboard.

The biggest reason I don't like I/Os. With an I/O, several different problems could lead to gasoline fumes building up down in the bilge. Therefore, you have to run a bilge venting motor non-stop for about 5 minutes before every time you start the motor. Otherwise, you may explode your entire boat, and be a Youtube sensation for a day. Forget the bilge vent blower one time? BOOM!

Other iBoat forum guys think I am a wuss for worrying about this. This is rather skewed. The ones who have blown themselves up have yet to state their opinion.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

As an owner of an '86 Bayliner bowrider with an '86 US Marine 125 Force, and out of respect for the iBoats regulations, I won't comment on your reply.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

$27 profit

so you can buy a case of beer... right?

 

[ricohman]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

I agree with parting it out and using the profits towards another, better boat. The OMC parts may sell for a lot more than you think!

 

[ricohman]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

OMC is obsolete, so parts are hard to find. So, YOU don't want to mess with it, but someone else needs your parts.

So here's what you do.... Put it on Craigslist as an OMC parts motor for $87 with free boat!

Offer free delivery, or trailer for sale.

When you collect your $27 profit, Don't buy a 1980's Bayliner with a Force Outboard.


At any rate, don't put any money in to this thing. It is not a boat. It only kinda looks like a boat. But it's not. Really. Let it go........


As for your next boat. You're in Maine. Are you thinking Ocean? Bays? Rivers? Coastal or Inland? How protected are the waters you are planning. My idea of Maine is guys wearing rubber clothes fighting Nor'Easters and such. How about at least a city so we can Google-map it?

RE: I/O vs Outboard. Lots of reasons, but you want an outboard. You have a short boating season. If a nice day appears in Fall, it's easier to just fire up the outboard and go (as opposed to de-winterizing the I/O). Unless you already are an auto mechanic and feel more comfortable with these motors, you want an outboard. If you boat in salt or brackish waters, go with an outboard.

The biggest reason I don't like I/Os. With an I/O, several different problems could lead to gasoline fumes building up down in the bilge. Therefore, you have to run a bilge venting motor non-stop for about 5 minutes before every time you start the motor. Otherwise, you may explode your entire boat, and be a Youtube sensation for a day. Forget the bilge vent blower one time? BOOM!

Other iBoat forum guys think I am a wuss for worrying about this. This is rather skewed. The ones who have blown themselves up have yet to state their opinion.

As an auto mechanic I am drawn to motors like the 4.3 merc. But having been around i/o's for a long time, I have never see one explode.

 

[asmithnew2]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

First, thank you all for your responses. Only helps confirm my move to list the "boat" for sale and putting it out beside the road.
1973chieftan- just what I was thinking; except I don't want to deal with pulling the motor.
Rogers- agreed-bird is currently for sale with trailer
oops- agreed & not going to happen
jdlough- thinking 99% lake use, well protected. Maybe an occasional ocean jaunt. Agreed that although my knowledge is limited; an outboard is the way to go.
ricohman &others- great idea to part it; but I don't want to frig with it or have a boat graveyard on my lawn.

Don't remember who asked it, but I am just outside of Ellsworth, ME for those who wanted to look at what I have for boating access. There are some very nice ponds nearby with some pretty good fishing. I think a state record trout was pulled from one 20 mins away that I believe was somewhere in the 60lb mark. Was a number of years ago, and don't quote me on the exact numbers.

Turn-key is definitely the avenue I'm looking to take. Wish I new how to post the two boats I listed on here, but if you looked in Maine craigslist and searched them, the Maxum is in a town called Mexico, and the Sea Ray is in a town called Durham. Both ads have photos of the boats. The Sea Ray gentleman, said he re-inforced an area of the floor when he bought the boat 5 years ago which scares me a little. Plus he's a little high on the price. Haven't spoke with the Maxum owner. Sorry for the quick exit on the original post, wife was pushing me out the door to go grocery shopping

Thanks again guys. Value all the information that's provided on this site. Don't think it matters what level experience you are, there's always something to be learned on this site. Best wishes and happy boating. Will keep you posted on how things progress up here.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

The Sea Ray gentleman, said he re-inforced an area of the floor when he bought the boat 5 years ago which scares me a little.

Don't walk but RUN away from this one!!!! The guy may have stiffened up the deck for now, but he also sealed in the rot, which is just going to lead to more rot.

Also, don't let peoples hangups about I/O's influence your decision. I have been boating on Sebago Lake for 29 years, and have as of yet to see some one blow up their boat because they have an I/O (my self included). Volvo Penta and Mercruiser haven't been in business for 50+ years because they build time bombs.
The people with exploding boats are the people who omit marine spec engine electrical components for auto parts, and ignore fuel leaks.

I usually winterize our I/O boat in Maine in October. Theoretically your boating season can be from May till October, or perhaps early November if you really watch the weather.

 

[asmithnew2]

Re: Yet another post asking for your guys opinions

Hello all...back with an update. Well, I purchased a replacement boat for the Sunbird. Just yesterday I picked up a 1994 Glastron SSV 175 SE with a merc 3.0 that needs a starter. Snow load up here three years ago broke the glass in the windshield and warped the frame slightly, so I'm hoping that lexan can be put in its place. The boat needs a serious cleaning as it has been unused, but I purchased the boat from a retired gentleman who was the ORIGINAL owner. Always had it seviced, and due to moving, and other things in life, the boat he estimated only had 100 - 150 hours on it. I will post pictures when I get an opportunity to and atleast have it pressure washed. There is a video on youtube if you type in the boat model and year, white hull w/ blue spear, that is the IDENTICAL boat except that mine has the merc instead of the volvo/penta.

The Sunbird is gone, well its still in my yard, but its been "traded." I swapped the boat with my mechanic for $600 worth of labor that I intend on having him fabricate (as they do bodywork too) the windshield area as needed, and go through the motor and outdrive. So I'm very pleased. Now if I can get this boat up and going for the $ allowance then I'll be sitting pretty good.

Just wanted to thank you all for your posts above; and as stated I will post pics and let you know the status. Coming back into seasonable temps here in maine so I don't expect to have it "ready" for at least another 2-3 weeks. Anyway, thanks again and best wishes.