You bought a What?!
New Member
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.
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.
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