Introduction with some questions

[kohrah]

Greetings,

Just joined this site. I'm currently not an owner of a sea ray as of yet. I go tomorrow afternoon (monday) to look at a 1975 Sea Ray 240. Has the ford 351 windsor engine, outdrive is unknown at the present time until I get eyes on it.

Onto my questions.

What is the weight of the boat for towing purposes? currently have a 2006 chevy trail blazer LT EXT v8 with 6800lb towing capacity.

Are parts for that engine hard to find or should I re-power it with a newer engine?

Is there anything I should look for on that age boat that is noted for going bad/rotting? I know to check transom and for soft spots in the flooring

Thank you for your time and patience with me

 

[jason78]

Welcome.

Is this a 240 Sundancer or Weekender?

Either way, the listed dry weight for the 1976 models of both is about 4500lbs. There is no information for 1975 models available from them online so I can't be certain but it stands to reason it would be close. Once you add a trailer and gear you will be close if not over your rated capacity. Not sure I would want to tow it with anything less than a (1500) Half Ton Truck or Tahoe but that is just me.

I would check for rot in all locations.

 

[kohrah]

Ok thanks I figured it'd be pushing the limits, since there wont be much in the way of gear pulling it home from PO so im guessing with trailer.

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[JerryS]

With a 351, it may have an OMC outdrive. If it does, big problem trying to get parts for the outdrive.

 

[kohrah]

Ok went and got eyes on the '75 sea ray for 800$. Surprising hull appears in good condition no cracks in the gelcoat.

Outdrive is a merc cruiser alpha one which was restored just before dry docking. Hasn't been registered since '95. Owner stated engine needed overhaul in ad get there and its a blown head gasket.

Interior is shot. Total lose but can use it for templates, flooring feels solid. (Im 6'4 215lbs and was jumping up and down and floor wasn't moving) there was only one spot by the step down to cabin that even felt a little give.

Engine is ripped apart and PO had dumped oil down the cylinders and your about to turn it over by hand by moving fly wheel. Engine has 275 original hours. PO bought it and cruised erie canal only.

Wiring is an unknown at this point PO stated squirrels had gotten in which is what trashed the interior.

Transom didn't move a bit which surprised me with the engine issue.

Trailer has been jacked up so tires haven't been on ground and surge brakes still work. Bearings will need some grease before I try and move it.

Boat comes with new gaskets for the engine and factory service manual along with titles for boat and trailer.

My outlook on it is if the boat is a lose parting it out will recoup a good bit of the cost.

I plan on doing as much of the restore as I can including interior work. Figure at 800 its a decent price for a first major restore. If I screw it up im not out that much and can part it out to recoup part of my financial loss. Atleast ill have the learned knowledge for future projects.

Note PO is being kind enough to hold the boat until end of oct. For me since I wasn't expecting this.

 

[kohrah]

Ok guys

Part of me feels like a little kid at christmas getting that new toy. The other part of me feels like the parent pf said kid reading toy box with description "some assembly required"

The engine I know I can do not a problem. Heck the boat comes with service manual so that's just a matter of reading, re-reading while looking at parts and than doing.

What has me feeling like the parent is the interior. When I say total loss I mean TOTAL loss. Not a single seat can be saved, missing the head, fridge in unknown condition, the faux fur in cabin is missing hair where squirrels nested. And I could go on but I think ya get my point.

I realize this will be a steep learning curve and im willing to attempt to tackle it. Am I off my lid in trying to do this? I realize it will take me better part of 2 years to complete (dang northern winters) but honestly for a first major overhaul is that an unreasonable amount of time, either too little or too much?

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[Pyrojodge]

Hey man good for you. projects are always good... pics would be great if your able and be sure to check this site. It is full of great information...

Jason

 

[kohrah]

Ill admit I forgot to take pics at previous owners place once I get it home ill post plenty of pics for sure... see if I can find the ones he posted in ad

 

[Pyrojodge]

Awsome congrats... be sure to keep lots of pics comming of your progress and csr will be here to help where we can...

Jason