1987 Sea Ray Fix or Part Out

J

JAC RMNF

Member
Apr 12, 2020
44
Boat Info
87 Sea Ray 300 Weekender
88 Sea Ray 300 Weekender
55 Lone Star Cabin Cruiser
Engines
350 Mercruisers
Ive had an 1987 Sea Ray 300 Weekender for a few years and have played around with it. Got it for nearly free because it had / has issues. The stringers are rotten,. Very rotten, and has had freeze damage before I acquired it. Engines are rusted out but have actually ran pretty well for me with babying untill last week. Starboard engine finally gave up the ghost. Don't know if block finally gave way or possibly just a head gasket. Given the condition of the stringers I was thinking about just parting the boat out. Any market for the parts off this boat. Other than the transmissions which are B/W Velvet drives 1.51:1?
 
Would you replace it another boat like it?

is the rest of the boat in good shape? Decks, gunnels, gel coat, vinyl, any other features like a/c, head system, water heater, etc...

If you replaced the stringers, would you do it yourself or hire professional? Cost would greatly vary.

Can you replace/repair the engine yourself or hire professional?

I guess there are a lot of questions you really should consider. Since you got the boat for nothing, you have very little in it now.
 
I'll be doing all work myself. Other than the stringers the boat is decent. Needs vinyl and a few touch ups but Hull is great. Will be tearing the engine down this week to see what the issues are with it but can get a reman for under $2000. Just was wondering if I should sell the parts and just buy one that doesn't require as much work.
 
I know the fiberglass on these hulls are very thick so the question I have is how long will one hold together with no stringers. I'm honestly surprised that the engines haven'ts broken loose and pushed through the bulkhead. Also. The boat has zero vibration but im assuming you have to have something solid for the vibration to travell through
 
Part it out. People are always looking for interior parts, steering, seats, etc. The cost to fix will be way more than it will ever be worth.
 
It really all depends on you. How attached are you to this boat? If not so much, part it out. If it's a keepsake that you can't do without, fix it. In the second case, money is not the point. In the first case money is the only point.
 
To me it comes down to your personality. If you enjoy a challenge and a good project, go for it. Know that if the stringers are that bad, it's very unlikely the rot stops there. To fix the boat properly it will be a huge amount of work, but can be completed relatively cheaply if you do it yourself.

If you just want a boat so you can have some fun on the water, find something else in reasonable condition.

If you decide to part it out, make sure you factor in any cost to dispose of what's left of the hull. You might be farther ahead to advertise the entire boat as-is for free as a project and let someone else have the headache.
 
There is a guy on Facebook parting an 88 300WE. Parts are in demand so you could make out OK parting it out if you decide not to fix it.
 
IMO, if you have the time and ability, go for it. New boats aren't cheap and the majority of used all come with their own surprises. Labour out of the equation, you have a solid shell to work with. Build it up from there the way you want it.
 
Well I have access to large amounts of a polymer epoxy. Technically not Marine grade but dries solid and adheres well to almost everything. So I've slowly been digging out for and pouring epoxy. Figured if it works great , if not just a little wasted time and effort. Engines have been tore apart with the only issue being wore out intakes and rusted exhaust. Fuel tanks, transmissions, generator, are solid. Removed the cabin door and am in the process of re sealing it then will turn my attention to the soft spots in Floors. Figured i can always part it out later and just run it now as long as I can. Fearing reworking the head. Has a macerator pump out but is the self contained system with the head over the tank,. I'm 6'3 and my feet dangle while in position so my wife won't stand a chance. Will need a larger holding tank anyway since boat will reside in the river.
 
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