New Owner needs help

M

MarineSeaRay

New Member
Aug 16, 2010
2
Fort Worth Texas
Boat Info
23' 1986 Sear Ray Cuddy Cruiser SRV230
Engines
230 Hp
Afternoon Folks. My Name is Carl, I am a former US Marine and was rasied in the Navy. I just was given my first boat as a birthday present from my father. Its a 1986 Sea Ray Cuddy Crusier 23 feet Model SRV230. It needs to have some work done, like the motor rebuilt or upgraded and the interior. I do not know what companies are worth the effort to deal with nor do I know what I can and cannot do to modify this with newer gear. The hull and interior are strong just out dated. Please email me with any suggestions or direction you might have!
just put in there sea ray help so I know its not spam-
Carl
mackurtz98@yahoo.com
 
If you are handy, mechanically, have time, and the boat has sentimental value, it maybe worth fixing. It is very expense to update an old boat, unless you do most the work youself, and then it is just expensive. If I were you, I would first make a list of the things you want to do, in priority order. Then price out the cost of everything, and add it up... You need to go in with you eyes open. Too often people get started not realizing what it will cost and never complete the project. It may also be smart to have a professional survey done, to see what needs to be replaced and what can be salvaged. Also, there maybe some issues that you can't see that may make the boat not worth bringing back to life. It today's boat market, it is usually less expensive to buy a running boat, than to get a boat running...
 
Wetpaint- thank you for that. rcknecht, I know the motor is still good, the wiring is fine, but my dad thinks the starter is bad. It needs updating just for my pride part, I mean im not sure a lerans still works in the new age of GPS. I can do the sewing for the seats and covers myself. The hull seems in good shape but I am not sure who can look over the boat to give it a thumbs up or not. Everything is complete just aged. I get what you mean about a money pit though, I have a 79 GMC I built from frame up, a little different when you are talking marine proff gear on a boat.

What are some of the better companies to get parts through that are not stupidly high?

Carl
 
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Rather than naming manufacturers because you may find that a part from one may be a better choice than the other due to fit or appearance, I suggest you look toward West Marine, Defender, Overton's, and Boater's World. They are large retailers that sell either on the internet, retail stores, or both. If you plan on trailering the boat, I suggest you subscribe to Trailer Boats magazine as well.

Larry
 
Welcome to the site. Thank you for your serves the freedom you provide. I have an older boat that I love. It would take a lot to get me to get rid of it. I'm going to do the floor in her this winter and it will most likely be a big job but it's my hobby.
 
If you rebuilt the truck, you can do most everything on the boat. It also sounds like you enjoy doing it so I say go for it.

To get a good understanding of all that needs to be done, get a professional "survey" of the boat. Use one that others in your area personally recommend.

BUT...don't think you need to restore the boat to have a good time with it. One of my favorite boats of all time was 19' cuddy that was NOT pretty but it ran sweet as pie. My daughter and I took her fishing all the time and have many fond memories on her. Improved things when I felt like it but otherwise just had fun with it.

Good luck!
 
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