Possible barn find

El Capitan

El Capitan

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2014
3,828
Chicago IL./Vero Beach, Fl
Boat Info
1970 SRV 180 w 2.5L Mercruiser.
2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
Engines
120HP Mercruiser
So I’ve come across a late 1970’s vintage twin 165 mercs sitting on a good tandem axle trailer, freshwater only.

It’s the exact model I’m searching and the twin 6-cylinders is a bonus as I’ll be using offshore diving a bit.

Here’s the catch. And there’s always a damn catch. She’s not running. Owner states due to non use batteries died and then winterized collected dust for over a year.

Thoughts on if getting a structural survey is worth it then if no moisture rot proceed to mechanical inspection? I’ll pull plugs and check oil for water and give it a good looking over but I’m no mechanic.

From the cosmetic condition I’d bet the engines are ok for age and use but will require full tuneup, carbs rebuilt, iggy etc.

Thoughts?
 
Check the availability of used or rebuilt replacement motors. If the motors ever need to be replaced and it is hard to find them you may regret getting involved with that particular boat.
 
Seen a 2007 SR 260 on Craig’s list with trailer for $12k looks good in picture.
Chillicothe Ohio . I was looking on the Huntington Wv site though. I know way off your questions.
Boat sounded cheap to me though.
 
RBB said:
Seen a 2007 SR 260 on Craig’s list with trailer for $12k looks good in picture.
Chillicothe Ohio . I was looking on the Huntington Wv site though. I know way off your questions.
Boat sounded cheap to me though.
Click to expand...
Sorry it’s in Charleston Wv
 
My thoughts....

I'm retired now and have a limited supply of cash. But, more than that I have much more cash than I have time.

When I want to go boating, I want to go boating. Just today I was getting the boat ready and I had a concern about the battery. Rather than worry about it I just bought a new one.

If you don't care about being on the hard because the boat don't run, go for it. If going boating is your #1 goal, don't bother with a old junker that may be more of a heartache than a pleasure.
 
In my opinion, everything depends on price. If you are getting it super cheap, is having someone pull the entire drive system and re-powering with new stuff an option? Probably not, but my point is everything is price-sensitive.
You say it is the exact model you want. I believe you are partial to the classics, as I have read your other postings, so it certainly sounds like you want to try and get it.
Is the seller asking top dollar for the vintage or cheap to give you some room for refurbishing?
 
Eh, he’s asking $3k w tandem trailer.

In my mind it would only be worth it if the engines and drives were functional. Meaning adequate compression and no leaks in the drives. All else would be easy ie ignition, carbs, fuel lines, linkage. There are no other creature comforts to repair.
 
For 3k (depending on trailer condition) you can't go wrong IF you can get it running.
A decent tandem trailer is worth a grand.
 
wayne0 said:
For 3k (depending on trailer condition) you can't go wrong IF you can get it running.
A decent tandem trailer is worth a grand.
Click to expand...

Hmmm. Wonder if a mechanic can determine if engines are good without getting them running in a prepurchase inspection.
 
El Capitan said:
Hmmm. Wonder if a mechanic can determine if engines are good without getting them running in a prepurchase inspection.
Click to expand...

You can see what the old oil looks like and make sure there is no water mixed in, make sure they both spin freely by hand, take a look at the old plugs and pull the valve cover to make sure all the valves are inline and there is nothing obvious like a broken spring, but while that may indicate that you stand a chance to get them running, you still won’t know how well they will run.
It’s always a gamble, but you have an added risk in that you may find it nearly impossible to get rebuildable cores if the motors are shot.
The easier and cheaper way to repower may be to go with small block V8’s if the boat can accommodate them.
It’s been decades since those inline 6 motors were last produced and even if you find cores they would probably be in rough shape. They were good little motors in there day, but that was a long time ago.
Those old pre-alpha drives haven’t been produced in decades either. Gen II’s would be the way to go if you needed new drives, but that would require some modifications too.
Honestly, unless you’re looking to restore it as a labor of love for sentimental reasons, you were getting it practically for free, and willing to modify it to accept new power if need be, I think you may be better off passing on it.
 
Shows a lot of discipline and maturity to walk away when the heart is saying “Get it.” Well done, sir.
 
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