I am a sucker

[Sucker]

Hi everyone, hoping you can help me. I just moved to texas from Colorado and wanted to get a boat for my family. We saw an ad on good ol craigslist. I drove 2 hours to sulpher springs Texas to look at the boat. We got there and looked at the boat. We saw some potential, and the engine had no oil and looked brand new. It was a 5.7 mercruiser. We do love projects for some strange reason. We recently restored an 1978 apache hardside camper. Turned out nice. Anyway, it took a little to start the boat being she didn't know anything about it. This was her step dads boat. I talked to him on the phone and we got it started. I talked her down to 3500. Great deal I thought. The next morning I took it to the local boat shop to see how I did. He pulled the dipstick and said the engine was blown. Water in the engine. Well come she doesn' want to answer her phone anymore. Lesson learned. I found a guy to rebuild the engine for me. Were looking around $1000. I know into it deep now. What do you do? I just wanted to see if anyone has or is restoring an older sea ray. The boat has had the cushions already redone. I am talking carpet and floor. Does anyone have any pics? Also anything to watch out for on the engine rebuild? Thanks so much in advance and look forward to posting some pics of our journey. Oh yeah, it is a 24' overnighter with a sink. Has some saltwater crud on it. I really want the outside to look good. Can I sand and repaint. The bottom half of the hullis the only thing that needs work. Salt water.

 

[mrcoolgli]

I assume it's the 1979 overnighter? 1000 dollars to rebuild the engine is not bad if they do a good job. Bottom paint is about 400-700 bucks. I am not sure what the value on this boat is in good condition. I would be careful how much you put into it if your not planning keeping it a long time. Other would know better than I do. Just a reference 4000 dollars buys allot newer boat. If you've got water in your oil, your talking about possible ring damage, crank, sleeves.. I would think in parts and labor it would be much higher than 1000 to rebuild it.

 

[Someday Lady II]

You may have to rebuild the engine but the source of the water may be your manifolds and risers and they may require replacing as well.