new from Oregon

[You bought a What?!]

Just bought a '78 Sea Ray 195 898 (305 ci) Mercruiser that didn't run but the hull,teak and brightwork were all in excellent shape. A testimate to Sea Ray that a 30+ year old boat could've held up so well. I found that the previous owner had tried to repair the engine with automotive parts (distributor, fuel pump, oil pressure sender (for idiot lights either on or off) and a few others). The distributor was a cheap HEI that was new but was firing erratically I checked the compresion and it was good so I replaced all those parts with the correct marine parts and she runs smooth as silk. Looking forward to Labor day weekend to take her out with the family.
I have been boating all my life. I have had several boats. I most recently had an 60's era Owens 16' runabout that I restored. I replaced the keel, stringers, deck and just about everything else. She was beautiful. I even had people motor over just to look at her. She served us well for 15 years. Kids are older, needed (wanted) a larger boat. Bought this one expecting to be a big restore but I will use it through September and then will replace the carpet , interior and new paint job. No fiberglass work needed this time so should be an easy winter for me. I'm toying with the idea of building an aluminum outboard pod and putting my two 115 hp Evinrudes on the back so I can remove the engine cover and put a full width bench seat across the stern but I am still undecided. This is my first I/O so I want to get some experience with that before I decide. Anyone here done that?

Thanks for having me aboard.

 

[Ellardfam]

I'm rebuilding a 1986 sea ray Seville cuddy cabin.It's an inside and out project.I'm doing everything but mechanical myself.Maybe we could swap links.It seems a little hard to find original parts.About the motor,I think the people I bought mine from may have done the same thing.I'm going to check it out though.The motor only has 100 hrs on it.It will turn over,but not start.Thanks for the info!

 

[You bought a What?!]

Ellardfam, I would be happy to help you out in anyway I can. to put the record straight, I am a jack of all trades and a master of none! In other words, I am no expert. I have done a lot of restoration work on my own boats and have done more than I care with fiberglass ( I have a chopper gun). I would be happy to share my experience with you if it will help.

 

[Ellardfam]

Thanks Oregon..I'm about to replace the floors now.My biggest thing is finding stuff that I guess they no longer make.Do you know where to get the convertible top?

 

[Kay Lee]

Try http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/. They don't seem to have anything prior to 1993. If you still have the bows just have a local canvas shop make you one.

Larry

 

[You bought a What?!]

Larry is right. Go to your local marine upholsterer and they can fix you up even without the bows. It won't be cheap but I will tell you from experience that this is not a thing to go cheap on. Pay the extra money for the best materials because in the long run you will save money. The guy I deal with handed me a sample of Sharkskin and Sumbrella. He cut halfway through each sample and had me try to rip it. I could rip the Sumbrella fairly easily and the Sharkskin was nearly impossible. I always thought Sumbrella was the best out there. I would ask around to find a reputable guy/gal that has a lot of experience as well. If it is done well and taken care of it can last you for years unless you live someplace like Florida, where the sun can really give these tops a beating. We don't have to worry about that much here in Oregon.

Eric

 

[Nehalennia]

Don't bolt outboards on the back. It sounds like you have a decent condition boat that doing that would ruin it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Eric, welcome to a fun place to hang out, and congrats on finding your new boat.

What part of OR are you from?

SE WA here.

 

[You bought a What?!]

I'm just East of Portland. Just returned from 4 days up on Mt Hood with the new boat. She ran great! Only problem I had was the previous owner removed his fish finder and the holes from the transducer went clear through the transom so I was taking on some water. Don't know how I missed that but it is an easy fix and my bildge is now really clean :grin:. I am going to have to replace the steering with a no feedback system. I am just not used to a boat that turns when you let go of the wheel. Maybe I've been a little spoiled but I really like the no feedback systems.
My wife who is always a skeptic when I bring home an old boat (hence my user name) was impressed with our new-old SeaRay. Too bad Buoy 10 is over for Chinook. (for those of you who don't know, Buoy 10 is a Chinook salmon fishery at the mouth of the Columbia August to early September) Yes it is still open for Coho but it is now archery season for deer and elk and that is my main focus now.

I've spent a lot of time going through the forums here and this seems like a great group of people. Everyone here seems to respect each others opinions whether they agree with them or not. So many forums on the internet are filled with snyde remarks and disagreements that degrade into petty name calling. It is refreshing that it seems to be absent in these forums. There is a lot to be gained here from the experiences of others. Seen a lot of good information. This is a great place for someone not only new to boating but those of us that have been "around the bay" a few times. Thanks to all,

Eric

 

[Gofirstclass]

I'm just East of Portland. Just returned from 4 days up on Mt Hood with the new boat. She ran great!
Eric

Hmmmmm, 4 days up on Mt. Hood with the boat? Did you use it on the glacial runoff streams? Just kidding. That's some pretty country you live in down there.

We just picked our boat up in Portland on 7/29 and cruised it up the Columbia to the Tri Cities. Great Scenery added to a wonderful trip.

Welcome aboard!

 

[You bought a What?!]

We just picked our boat up in Portland on 7/29 and cruised it up the Columbia to the Tri CitiesWhat a fantastic cruise!

That must of been great fun. The diversity of the country you went through is amazing not to mention the the locks at all the dams along the way. I've made that trip lots of times in my 4 wheel land yacht but never by water. We sometimes have people come to our shop from from back East and we usually take them up the Columbia Gorge to sightsee. It never ceases to amaze me how blown away they are by the scenery. You gotta love the Pacific Northwest.

Hmmmmm, 4 days up on Mt. Hood with the boat? Did you use it on the glacial runoff streams?

You're part right. Timothy lake is man made 1300 acre lake at 3200' elevation that is fed by a glacial stream (the Oak Fork of the Clackamas River). Beautiful views of Mt Hood and Douglas fir forest as far as the eye can see. Trout fishing is pretty good too. It doesn't get much better than that.