Need some assistance.

[ndpuddlejumper]

Hello everyone,

I am picking up a 1980 SRV 197 on Friday. It is a bit of a fixer upper which I think will be fun. It is a nice looking boat and I am excited. A previous owner at some point took the bow rail off. So I am looking for one. My question to you knowledgeable folks is....which models and years are interchangeable to help in my effort of finding a suitable replacement?
I am going to rebuild the engine straight away as it has been sitting for a few years. The padding will need to be changed out and a bimini top as well . So if you have advice on those items as well, that would certainly be appreciated.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Can't help you on the model years but I will tell you this.... As I am in the middle of a 3 year (and still counting) project that I expected to take 6 months; Whatever money you think you will spend triple it and whatever time you think it will take, double it, at least.

The old 197 is a good boat IF it doesn't have the old OMC outdrive. If the outdrive is white with a black boot around it, run away as fast as you can. This was a very poor drive and parts are practically non-existent.

Good luck