1967 Srv170

[troutlaker]

I brought her home this weekend after winning the EBay bid and I am not disappointed. The boat is all original and I purchased her from the 2nd owner who only had her for a couple of years. The boat was stored inside all of her life apparently only taken out a few times a year on a western NY lake. She started right up and appears to be fine mechanically. The gelcoat is faded and chalky, but is original. I will work like hell to bring it back rather than paint it. I like the idea of it being original. Any suggestions on products to use would be appreciated. The interior is original and in great shape with the exception of a couple of tears in the top of the seats. The top of the engine cover was replaced with a piece of plywood, I don't know if it was originally teak, but that is what I think it might have been and I will find a piece of teak to replace the plywood. If anyone can steer me to a Mercruiser manual for the 120HP 4 cyl. motor or at least let me know the manual #, that would be helpful.

 

[theinterceptor]

I brought her home this weekend after winning the EBay bid and I am not disappointed. The boat is all original and I purchased her from the 2nd owner who only had her for a couple of years. The boat was stored inside all of her life apparently only taken out a few times a year on a western NY lake. She started right up and appears to be fine mechanically. The gelcoat is faded and chalky, but is original. I will work like hell to bring it back rather than paint it. I like the idea of it being original. Any suggestions on products to use would be appreciated. The interior is original and in great shape with the exception of a couple of tears in the top of the seats. The top of the engine cover was replaced with a piece of plywood, I don't know if it was originally teak, but that is what I think it might have been and I will find a piece of teak to replace the plywood. If anyone can steer me to a Mercruiser manual for the 120HP 4 cyl. motor or at least let me know the manual #, that would be helpful.

Hello:

Glad to hear you're happy with the boat. Did you get the link I left on your last post about the 1967 Sea Ray brochure and the Sea Ray vintage boat contest? The picture of your boat in that brochure appears to show a teak wood covering on the engine cover.

I would find a good upholsterer who can redo the seats to match the originals.

I would NOT paint the boat...keep it gel. I was able to match the blue gelcoat for my Pachanga when I re-sprayed the transom. It looks great and matches. At some point I will probably re-spray the deck as well.

Before you try to re-spray or paint the whole boat see what can be done with the original surface. I see that your boat has some wear spots down to the fiberglass mat that will need some more gel. Begin by trying to blend these in with gel before you start the buffing process. You might want to see if you can get someone to do these spots for you. Spraying gel requires a special gun and of course, a compressor.

RUBBING OUT THE OLD FADED GEL:

Begin with a small area first to see what course of action you will need to take for the rest of the boat. Obviously, the deck will need the most work. First try to machine buff with 3M Super Duty Marine Compound and a 3M wool pad. You may have to go to sandpaper if the compound doesn't work. Try #800 grit or even #600 grit then work up to #1200 grit and then the compound. After the compound follow up with 3M Finesse It on a foam pad and then...that's right... 3M... use their Ultra Performance marine paste wax. This whole process is a LOT of work and the 3M products aren't cheap... but they really give the best results in my opinion.

You will need Merc manuals #1 and #2 which cover the engine as well as the sterndrive. They are old but some NOS ones can still be found. Check on Ebay.

I might mention these old Sea Rays are built like tanks, ie, many, many layers of glass.

Jack

 

[1969 SRV 170]

Odd.....my boat is the same color and yours is in much better shape than mine. She looks great....happy boating