New (to me) Searay SRV 240 - 1976

E

edgnu

New Member
Jul 12, 2011
8
Puget Sound
Boat Info
1976 Searay 240
Engines
351 Windsor / Mercruiser 233
Been boating for years, but since this is my first Searay, some might say i've really only just begun.

The Acquisition Story:

I saw her posted on Craigslist - "1976 Searay, 302 ford, was working when put away, rust on distributor, won't start, double axle easy loader trailer, interior good condition, GPS, marine radios, etc. $1250."

Well, i couldn't get there fast enough. Literally. It was posted at 11 AM and sold by 12. Heartbreak. BUT THEN....the deal fell through!! I rigged up my truck, grabbed some bearing grease, skipped out on my obligations, and prepared myself to tow the 26 foot beauty on an uncertain trailer down I-5 and through Seattle at rush hour. Trailer turned out (thankfully) to be perfect. Near new tires, minimal rust (for a 1976), and 7 ply tires. Also turns out that the she has the Ford 351 / 233 package. And the San Juan cooling system installed. And the interior (other than too much water from being left out) was very good. Stove, fridge, head, all in good shape. Cushions very few rips, teak excellent.

She towed pretty good on my F250 Diesel. I figure 8k with all the water that was sitting in her bilge from being left out in the rain. Poor girl. But 5 hours later, she's sitting in the garage, tucked in out of the weather, and ready for some restoration.

I'll get some pictures up soon. Goal - to have her in the water in 2 weeks (August 1, 2011). Let's see how we do! And i might need some help!! Ok, i'll definately need some help.

So, now, i'm officially collecting words of wisdom. We're starting with the motor.

I'm thinking we need to start with a new carb (it's pretty rusty, pitted, etc), starter, and distributor. I want to make sure the motor is strong before we hot rod her so a stock carb is probably in order. Suggestions? Things to look at?

Thad
 
What id do is check oil levels and fuel, put her on the muffs and fire her up. Sometimes they are just forgotten about then sold. Others like my 200 are ran into the ground and sold. Just because she's got a pitted carb does not mean its a dog. But fire her up and see. Check for rot at others have and will suggest. I just think I would get it safe to run and then run it. Let it tell you what it needs. Looking toward to seeing some pics too.
steve
 
welcome from another new member
I have a 78 SRV240 weekender I got 2 weeks ago
look forward to hearing from you
maybe exchange thoughts on restoration
Jim
 
Hi Jim - thanks for the post and trading restoration ideas sounds great. I was just out taking a few pictures. She's tucked in the garage so tough to get wide angles - but you get the idea. My step father is a stock car racer and even though he's a Chevy guy, assures me we can get the 351 Windsor cranking out some serious HP with some economical modifications. But first we'll just get it running. phone pics 287.jpg
phone pics 280.jpg
 
Thanks for the suggestion Jitts. We did pull the dip stick before purchase and no water, oil pretty good, consistency just fine, etc. She does have 3/4 of gas, so i'm thinking we'll need to drain that. She did sit for a few years (last licensed 2006) so i'm guessing she's been sitting with that gas for a while.
 
Nice...look fwd to seeing more pics
heres mine...far from perfect but she runs out great
 

Attachments

  • 267956_10150229111394807_787779806_7382547_4964860_n.jpg
    267956_10150229111394807_787779806_7382547_4964860_n.jpg
    40.7 KB · Views: 352
  • 264778_10150229111539807_787779806_7382549_5443849_n.jpg
    264778_10150229111539807_787779806_7382549_5443849_n.jpg
    46.8 KB · Views: 337
  • 270119_2012095589730_1463974364_32215802_4351342_n.jpg
    270119_2012095589730_1463974364_32215802_4351342_n.jpg
    12.2 KB · Views: 352
Thanks Mitch - question - what's the minimal "deconstruction" that i should do in order to check the stringers / transom? I'm guessing that i'll end up taking out the carpet, but i want to proceed with caution before just gutting the interior.
 
Ok, motor apart. Took a few hours and getting spark plugs out is a trick with those risers in the way, but it's done. Carberator off. Inside looks good. It looks like the previous owner let her fill up with water (left in rain, drain plug in) and the water did get above the motor. The distributor, points, condenser, carb, coil all rusty and gummed up. Also water in carberator and on top of cylinders. So right now, she's full of diesel fuel. Can't quite turn the crank shaft yet, but will let it sit overnight before pulling again.

I think the carpet is a throw away. Any suggestions for a nice clean interior once the carpet is out? We were thinking the two part garage epoxy might be a nice surface. Light weight, durable, etc. Any thoughts? I've seen people use spray in bed liner, but i think it's too heavy.
 
We were able to get the starter out. Had to remove the risers. And all the bolts were rusted in place. 7 hours. Had to cut most of them. Also had to remove the motor mounts and pry up the engine to get the required clearance. Oh, and that bolt on the bottom of the Starter for the Ford 351 is, well, tough to reach. We used a 3 foot extension and came at it from the front of the motor. The starter was completely full of water and so the first order of business is a rebuilt one from NAPA. But good news - able to turn the flywheel so the diesel soak has done its job.

Let's see if we can get it running today.
 
Looks like we'll need it! The starter is going to have to be rebuilt. Or a new one. Any suggestions? We got it turning after a diesel soak, but it was completely full of water and it's very hard to get on and off so i'd hate to put it back and have it fry.
 
I just picked up the same boat!
The seller said it was a 1975 Sea Ray SRV 240 Cuddy Cabin, but I can't find any reference to a 1975 model. I think it is a 1976.
The windshield angles toward the sea. I haven't found any reference to a similar boat. IMG_20190803_151130.jpg
Here's a Pic.

edgnu said:
Been boating for years, but since this is my first Searay, some might say i've really only just begun.

The Acquisition Story:

I saw her posted on Craigslist - "1976 Searay, 302 ford, was working when put away, rust on distributor, won't start, double axle easy loader trailer, interior good condition, GPS, marine radios, etc. $1250."

Well, i couldn't get there fast enough. Literally. It was posted at 11 AM and sold by 12. Heartbreak. BUT THEN....the deal fell through!! I rigged up my truck, grabbed some bearing grease, skipped out on my obligations, and prepared myself to tow the 26 foot beauty on an uncertain trailer down I-5 and through Seattle at rush hour. Trailer turned out (thankfully) to be perfect. Near new tires, minimal rust (for a 1976), and 7 ply tires. Also turns out that the she has the Ford 351 / 233 package. And the San Juan cooling system installed. And the interior (other than too much water from being left out) was very good. Stove, fridge, head, all in good shape. Cushions very few rips, teak excellent.

She towed pretty good on my F250 Diesel. I figure 8k with all the water that was sitting in her bilge from being left out in the rain. Poor girl. But 5 hours later, she's sitting in the garage, tucked in out of the weather, and ready for some restoration.

I'll get some pictures up soon. Goal - to have her in the water in 2 weeks (August 1, 2011). Let's see how we do! And i might need some help!! Ok, i'll definately need some help.

So, now, i'm officially collecting words of wisdom. We're starting with the motor.

I'm thinking we need to start with a new carb (it's pretty rusty, pitted, etc), starter, and distributor. I want to make sure the motor is strong before we hot rod her so a stock carb is probably in order. Suggestions? Things to look at?

Thad
Click to expand...
 
edgnu said:
We were able to get the starter out. Had to remove the risers. And all the bolts were rusted in place. 7 hours. Had to cut most of them. Also had to remove the motor mounts and pry up the engine to get the required clearance. Oh, and that bolt on the bottom of the Starter for the Ford 351 is, well, tough to reach. We used a 3 foot extension and came at it from the front of the motor. The starter was completely full of water and so the first order of business is a rebuilt one from NAPA. But good news - able to turn the flywheel so the diesel soak has done its job.

Let's see if we can get it running today.
Click to expand...
Remember, when looking for parts like starters and alternators you need to use parts designated MARINE. These items are ignition protected and sealed. You do not want to use an automotive part....as tempting as it is.

Shawn
 
Chuck Vohs said:
I just picked up the same boat!
The seller said it was a 1975 Sea Ray SRV 240 Cuddy Cabin, but I can't find any reference to a 1975 model. I think it is a 1976.
The windshield angles toward the sea. I haven't found any reference to a similar boat. View attachment 73533
Here's a Pic.
Click to expand...


Whoa! Damn good looking old girl. Great first post and welcome aboard.
 
Love the color of both of your boats. Good luck with the restore.
 
Nice boat I have a 74 220 been restoring she great on lake Powell in in Arizona love the old girls
 
IMG_20190817_184557.jpg
Is there any chance you have any manuals? I need to rewire mine and it looks like a rats nest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,118
Messages
1,426,525
Members
61,035
Latest member
Lukerney
Back
Top