Hole in the Water Club

bkdude said:
I'd like to petition to join the club :smt001

Here's my list so far.
boat $1,500,
New Engine Block - Cost:$300. (delivery and machineing)
New Starter: $150.00
Labor - Cost: $1500

Still to purchase:
Marine Battery, (starter)
Marine Battery (x2?) ship power
Boat Cover,
Anchor
Anchor Rhode,
Windlas,
Radio (to shore)
Radio (for tunes)
Speakers
Interior Lighting
Sea Ray Logo X2 (for side of boat)
Hull Paint
Wax?
Buffer Tool
Depth Finder?

Cleaning Supplies
Bug Bomb (nice nest of wasps have found their way on board)
upolstry materials
Foam
Sewing Machine
Upolstry Sewing for dummies book :wow:
Lumber for:
Transom Door
Door to "down Below"
Bow Pulpit
Seats behind Captains Chair

Honda EU2000i Generator ~$800 - $1000

I'll visit this thread frequently to update my list. Feel free to make recomedations on what else you recommend I do/get
Click to expand...

So it's been almost 2 months since I bought the boat. It's been a month to the day of this post, I thought I would update you all on the latests happenings.

lets see. in working with the engine, it was taken to the machine shop. Discovered that there were cracks. 1 was in a non-pressure area and could be welded, the other was in a cylinder but could be sleved but that cost an extra 350.00. plus 2 weeks for it to get done. while waiting for that the mechanic discovered that the starter was completly rusted and had to be replaced. that was an extra 54.00 (could have been 3 times more but I found a great website www.dbelectrical.com that had a aftermarket one that worked out great! phew.

so we get the engine back. he takes a week to get the engine all put back together. and put in the boat. thinking things are close to being done, gives me a call stating the circuit breaker is shot and he needs it there by friday (it's late wednesday) and I'm not paying overnight shipping on a part that costs 58 bucks. fortunately I found a website with a company based in cleveland that has the part and standard ground shipping to michigan is 1 day so he had it by friday. on Friday when I'm ready to pick it up, he calls me and says that the engine is turning over but the carborator isn't working right so he took another couple of days and another missed opportunity to pick up the boat. gotta wait yet another week.

I decided to ask prod him more about the trailer that he said would only requrire a replacement latch. well we discovered that the coupler on the trailer was rated for 3500lb. the boat alone weighs 4600. We discovered that the actuator for the brakes was shot (shouldn't have been surprised) and there was absolutely NO electrical! so after 274.00 to etrailer.com I got a new coupler with a built in actuator for 174.00. a new brake light kit, extra wire and a small brake line cable. Parts ordered and on their way to my house. The plan at this point is to bring all the parts up to the boat the next weekend (this weekend), Put the boat in the water for a sea trial and do all the trailer stuff while the boat is in the water. So on Wednesday, I get a text from him saying, the carborator is in. I'm thinking this is great! were close to being done. Later that afternoon, I get another text stating "No Oil Pressure, Troubleshooting" you all know what that means... Thats right. He never checked the oil pump before he put it in the oil pan on the bottom of the engine. I call him up that night and he tells me that he has to order one and it has to be there by Friday (again on Wednesday night) so again, I get on the internet and do some searching. only to discover that the pump can be purchased at the local autozone about 4 miles from where he's working on the boat for a whopping 22 dollars! Phew crisis averted but he had to completely pull the engine back out of the boat and replace the pump. Were still on track for a weekend pickup right? I mean what else could possibly go wrong. I call him up Friday afternoon, he says listen to this... and I hear a rumbling. The engine is running and it's go great pressure! WOOHOO I'm getting my boat tomorrow!!! I said "so whats left to do" he says, I'll call you tonight and let you know.

I check my messages at 8:30 that night (after not hearing from him) and I get a text stating. "Shift cable is bad. I got a new one on order and the special tool, sorry no boat this weekend" AAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!! (not the comical pirate arrg but the one of screaming disgust). so another 65.00 for the cable and 70.00 for the labor. By this point the brake stuff has arrived at my house so I decide to take a trip up to the boat to put the lights and the coupler on and attempt to do the brake lines myself to save the labor. I ended up doing the coupler and lights but the brake lines, I decided to work with the mechanic on becuase he knew right what to do and I don't want to screw something so critical up.

so that's where were at. The mechaninc says that there shouldn't be anything else but I'm still a little leery about it so tentatively I'll be picking up the boat this coming weekend. We'll get the brakes bleed and make sure they are working, I'm going to go up on Saturday, Camp overnight and have my brother come up with his truck to bring it home on Sunday. <Fingers Crossed>

So Total cost of repairs and labor is up over 2.4k now :smt089 and only 4 possible weekends left for me to play on the water this year :smt089:smt089
 
BKDUDE,
I can kind of empathize with you. June 15th bought '89 230 cc from Coulee Dam, 400 miles away, for $8500.00. Had new $2900.00 top made that leaks and is coming apart already. Had leg repaired and new shift cable installed for $700.00 and it still doesn't shift. Had engine serviced and tuned for $550.00 and it still doesn't run over 2500 rpm. Had windshield re sealed for $100.00 and it still leaks. Still need compass, $170.00, Sounder, $145.00, vhf radio, $99.00, gps, $450.00, some fiberglass and gelcoat work done, $1200.00 and a tank of fuel, $400.00. Ya can see why it's called the "hole in the water" club. Needless to say we're giving up on cruising this year and starting to plan NEXT year. Wouldn't have it any other way though. You just can't beat the old boats. And once you've replaced EVERYTHING, you get to start all over again just so you don't have to relinquish membership in the hitw club. Good luck. Maybe the snow won't fly in your area until December and you can still get a few weekends out. We used to overnight in our 23 Seville express cruiser even in the winter. They are extremely comfortable boats and the cabins are cozy for two. Good luck.
 
Chris Nowell said:
BKDUDE,
I can kind of empathize with you. June 15th bought '89 230 cc from Coulee Dam, 400 miles away, for $8500.00. Had new $2900.00 top made that leaks and is coming apart already. Had leg repaired and new shift cable installed for $700.00 and it still doesn't shift. Had engine serviced and tuned for $550.00 and it still doesn't run over 2500 rpm. Had windshield re sealed for $100.00 and it still leaks. Still need compass, $170.00, Sounder, $145.00, vhf radio, $99.00, gps, $450.00, some fiberglass and gelcoat work done, $1200.00 and a tank of fuel, $400.00. Ya can see why it's called the "hole in the water" club. Needless to say we're giving up on cruising this year and starting to plan NEXT year. Wouldn't have it any other way though. You just can't beat the old boats. And once you've replaced EVERYTHING, you get to start all over again just so you don't have to relinquish membership in the hitw club. Good luck. Maybe the snow won't fly in your area until December and you can still get a few weekends out. We used to overnight in our 23 Seville express cruiser even in the winter. They are extremely comfortable boats and the cabins are cozy for two. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. it's a reminder that although it's bad, it could be definitely worse. These old boats are definately like Forest Gumps box of chocolate. "You never know what you are going to get" Sometimes you may be lucky and only have to shell out a few thousand to make it sea-worty and other times, the expenses outweigh the reward. All we can do is do our best to avoid the obvious issues (squishy transoms) and hope that the little unseen issues don't become to expensive. In the end though, I think it is definately worth it.

I see other people posting in the forums about much much newer boats having issues. I really does make me wonder if the quality of the materials and craftsmanship has declined over the years. Personally I think it has. I see people posting all the time things like "This was one of the last years where they may good solid hulls" I think there's nothing like a good sturdy boat that was built to last 30+ years Sure they don't have the sleek lines and cool curves that the new models do but I don't think the extra tens of thousands of dollars is worth it. especially when you have to pay so much more just to keep it in the water!

I hope things start going your way on your '89. Keep me posted!
 
bkdude said:
Thanks for this. it's a reminder that although it's bad, it could be definitely worse. These old boats are definately like Forest Gumps box of chocolate. "You never know what you are going to get" Sometimes you may be lucky and only have to shell out a few thousand to make it sea-worty and other times, the expenses outweigh the reward. All we can do is do our best to avoid the obvious issues (squishy transoms) and hope that the little unseen issues don't become to expensive. In the end though, I think it is definately worth it.

I see other people posting in the forums about much much newer boats having issues. I really does make me wonder if the quality of the materials and craftsmanship has declined over the years. Personally I think it has. I see people posting all the time things like "This was one of the last years where they may good solid hulls" I think there's nothing like a good sturdy boat that was built to last 30+ years Sure they don't have the sleek lines and cool curves that the new models do but I don't think the extra tens of thousands of dollars is worth it. especially when you have to pay so much more just to keep it in the water!

I hope things start going your way on your '89. Keep me posted!
Click to expand...

Thanx. We know three people who have bought brand new boats in the last two years, 2 Sea Rays and a Four Winns, and they all have had major issues. Gelcoat flaking off, stereos that don't work, engine sensors that can't seem to be diagnosed, upholstery coming apart, oil leaks, etc etc. Once we've got these old girls running properly and dependably all there is left to do is maintenance, maintenance and maintenance. Keep all the fluids clean, engine tuned, and keep everything as dry as possible. I draw the line at replacing rotten transoms and stringers. Just gettin' too old to be doing all that.

Have noticed that labor and parts in your area are considerably less expensive than up here in Canada. Hang in there.
 
Well my turn and burn trip to the thumb of Michigan to pick up the Black Beauty is on tonite
Gonna be a long drive :wow:
 
moparlvr4406 said:
Well my turn and burn trip to the thumb of Michigan to pick up the Black Beauty is on tonite
Gonna be a long drive :wow:
Click to expand...

yikes !!! That's an 'eck of a long way. Have a safe journey. Hope the trailer holds up, that'd be your weakest link.
 
KC_Sundancer said:
Woooohoooo!!!!!!!! :smt038

Where's the pictures? :grin:
Click to expand...
thread will be starting soon
uploading to PB as I type
this one isn't going to be as long winded as the 600 resto because
1 it's not that bad
2 it's all there
3 I think the gel will buff out from what I'm seeing

the only bad thing is a monkeyed up floor the the PO decided would be a good repair
anyone know anything that disolves Liquid Nails :huh:
 
I hate to say it but ,A GRINDER!!! funny while you were here my mom was in laffeyette for the night on her way home from here.she is doing much better after last weeks heart attack.And they got home around 5pm safe and sound.
 
1956olds said:
I hate to say it but ,A GRINDER!!! funny while you were here my mom was in laffeyette for the night on her way home from here.she is doing much better after last weeks heart attack.And they got home around 5pm safe and sound.
Click to expand...
gotta get the plywood off first
and glad your mom is doing well :thumbsup:
 
1956olds said:
I hate to say it but ,A GRINDER!!! funny while you were here my mom was in laffeyette for the night on her way home from here.she is doing much better after last weeks heart attack.And they got home around 5pm safe and sound.
Click to expand...

Glad your mom is ok Glen.

Hey, did you see Tom Lebrun passed away? He owned that big Bayliner "Tapped Out" docked across the marina from you. I've known him for years....bummer.
 
I thought that name sounded familiar,too bad, the boat is in excellent condition and i have only seen it go out twice this year,guess i know why now.If i was in the market for a 34 that would be worth looking at he kept it well maintained and it is the up scale bayliner layout and hull.I have been looking at a few 370 expresses though.
 
1956olds said:
I thought that name sounded familiar,too bad, the boat is in excellent condition and i have only seen it go out twice this year,guess i know why now.If i was in the market for a 34 that would be worth looking at he kept it well maintained and it is the up scale bayliner layout and hull.I have been looking at a few 370 expresses though.
Click to expand...
Channel Surfer is the boat name
owners name is Steve
it was in the New Buffalo area for sale
Kinda pricey but the boat was immaculately kept and maintained
He even had snap in carpet runners for the interior for the off season in and out while it was in heated storage :lol:
I found a tiny chip on the bottom edge of the swim platform and I thought he was going to have a stroke knowing there was an imperfection
 
I am proud to say that I have joined the HOLE IN THE WATER club!! woooo hooo!! my searay fits right in as she is motor less at this time... I WILL get her alive again, and hopefully in better looking shape as when she first rolled off the line... I am dreaming of the day I get to take my kids and wife out for a cruise on the bay somewhere... LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!
 
Welcome ,bring your checkbook,atm card and any cash,change or tradeable items with you.Mopar ,i was looking in baycity mi and eastlake ohio.
 
what is a 91 350ec?I was looking at a 93 and 95 370ec.
 
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