1988 16' Sea Ray Seville

[l_striker]

Hi All - I just purchased a 1988 16' Sea Ray Seville with a 100HP Merc outboard. Everything is in great shape except for the back support/cushions on the bow. The wood has literally fallen to pieces but the vinyl is in great shape.

My questions are: should I use 5/8" marine plywood to replace it or is it too thick? Remember, I have to bend it to make it fit and don't want to put too much stress on the fiberglass. I don't want it to be flimsy either. Also, where can I get new foam?

A few more questions:
How much were these boats new? I see several out there for sale for between $4,000 - $8,000. Is that about average?

Can anyone recommend a good rubbing compound or wax to bring back the shine?

 

[wish2fish]

welcome, where are the pictures?

I would guess close to 10k with trailer when new.

check out the buff magic thread. Yours would be a great candidate for testing the product out.

 

[l_striker]

I hope this works! Here are pic's of the exterior and I hope to get some of the interior soon. I'll check out the buff magic thread. I heard that 3M and Megiures (sp?) make a good wax. I did buy some wet sand paper to remove the heavy oxidation and it seems to be working well. I just don't want to remove too much of the gel coat.

 

[wish2fish]

I posted some videos in the Buff Magic thread. Shurhold (manufacturer) recommends buff magic and then their pro polish. the pro polish looks easier than waxing.

I thought there was another person with a 1988 160 who signed up recently.

I had an 1989 160 I/O. this is what it looked like 4 years ago when I sold it.

 

[l_striker]

Wow, the boat looks brand new! I'll definitely give it a try. Any thoughts on the bow cushions? If I can't fix 'em then would a place like West Marine have them?

 

[wish2fish]

west marine won't have the cushions. you will have to have them made locally.

 

[Jakester]

I thought there was another person with a 1988 160 who signed up recently.

That was probably me you're thinking of... I bought a Seville 160 BR/100HP OB more or less identical to this one just a couple of months ago...

Mine is green. It's is a little faded/oxidized as well, and I'd definitely be interested in what you used to clean yours up and how it turns out...make sure you post a thread!


Thanks!
Jake

 

[shredstick]

I used a product called nu wax (not sure of the spelling) walmart sells it. very easy to apply and brought out a lot of the color that was badly faded. I also have this 88 16ft o/b its a great little boat... enjoy!

 

[OldSkool]

I hope this works! Here are pic's of the exterior and I hope to get some of the interior soon. I'll check out the buff magic thread. I heard that 3M and Megiures (sp?) make a good wax. I did buy some wet sand paper to remove the heavy oxidation and it seems to be working well. I just don't want to remove too much of the gel coat.

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Great project boat. It looks like your window is sagging on your starboard side. Is the floor soft under the dash/support? If so you may be in for a lesson on floor replacement.

 

[AZSeville]

This stuff works great. Along with the Vitreo you won't be disappointed.

http://www.fountainofyouthrestore.com/vibracut.html

 

[l_striker]

I had her out this weekend for the first time and hit 42 MPH in a tidal river! The acceleration did seem a bit sluggish but I really don't have anything to compare it to. I know wind, current, trim, etc play a big role in acceleration but can anyone tell me (ballpark) how long it should to get up to top speed? Also, any thoughts on the fuel additive "Seafoam"?

 

[Jakester]

I had her out this weekend for the first time and hit 42 MPH in a tidal river! The acceleration did seem a bit sluggish but I really don't have anything to compare it to. I know wind, current, trim, etc play a big role in acceleration but can anyone tell me (ballpark) how long it should to get up to top speed? Also, any thoughts on the fuel additive "Seafoam"?

Mine is the same way... seems plenty fast, but it could use a better holeshot and it would be nice if it would plane out more quickly.

The problem with mine is likely propellor pitch. The prop chart on Sea Ray's website calls for a 13.25x17 prop with a WOT RPM of 5600, but the pitch on mine is two degrees higher at 13.25x19 (stainless steel prop). The previous owner put it on there.

My boat tops out at 46 MPH (indicated) with one person in it, but doesn't even get close to 5600 RPM and takes its sweet time getting up to that speed. I'll likely replace with an 18 pitch SS prop eventually to get a little more holeshot back. I'm sure the boat would fairly leap out of the water with a 17 pitch prop, but I doubt it would get up into the 40s with one.

As for the Seafoam, some folks swear by it for cleaning out a fuel system. I have used it a couple of times with mixed results. I will say it works well for freeing up stuck injectors in engines that have sat too long without fuel stabilizer, but that doesn't really apply to old outboard boat motors with carburetors. In my seasonal engines, I generally pour in a little Chevron Techron fuel additive in the fall along with some fuel stabilizer (and then run them one last time) to prevent varnish build-up and gumming. That has worked great for me so far.


YMPHMV,
Jake Harsha

 

[jonezin]

Here is my 1988 Sea Ray Seville OB 18FT
I think I'm going to do a complete renno on it this winter.
The floor has soft spots everywhere and under the captins seat is worst of them all. she has a 135 V6 and she plans out out in about 10 to 20 seconds. WOT is in the late 40's. does anyone know if i have to pull the motor to get the cap off? going to replace the floor and a new gas tank.