replace or reboot everything?

[tsailml]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the power boating world and recently brought a sea ray 250 sundancer 1998 model from a family friend who has been overseas in the last 4 years. The boat has been moored at Seaforth in the beautiful middle harbour of Sydney, Australia, but it was obvious in a poor state with bannicles, torn bimini and an engine that doesn't work, there is even an inch of water in the cabin when I eventually got the key posted to me. I know this was not the best decision of my life and yes, it does not add to the stress of having 2 young babies that keep me up all night, but I wanted a boat that didn't cost the earth that my wife will feel safe taking the children on board for a nice weekend on the water.
I've since had it antifawled, gel coat cleaned and someone will look at repairing or replacing the bimini when he's back from new year's holiday, even looking at a swiming plat form to make it the nice boat that we will keep forever.
Anyway, to cut my heartache and potential financial haemorrhage of money into this boat, the mechanic said the bilge pump failed a while ago so the engine, started motor and stern drive and many new terms to me like elbow, leg, manifold etc etc will need to be looked or replaced when he has more time in a couple of weeks. He could not give me an estimate until he takes the engine apart. My family friend told me it has only done about 200 hours since he brought it new.
So, here is my question to the experienced boat owner in terms of cost if I should let the mechanic clean up and replace the parts required or shell I go for the mercruiser engine exchange programme where they replace everything including stern driver, elbow, leg etc for about $25,000? Your advice is much appreciated.
Steven from Down Under

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well, you obviously have a lot of decisions ahead of you. Just a little bit to get you started, I'd would EMPHATICALLY say no to the $25K (you're talking US$, right?). Heck, you can buy a whole 'nother boat for that, in good condition, with a working engine!

Just for some comparison: 'Round here, you can get a re-man long block V8 for about $2K with warranty.

Here's something else... Check this out: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/product/Mercruiser-SR383-Engine-Bobtail-SR383BOBTAIL,66327.aspx

Obviously shipping is going to be more $$ to get it to Australia, but I think you get the idea.

 

[billnpat]

only 200 hrs????? with all that work??? :smt009

 

[BonBini]

First of all: the stern drive or leg, there designed to be in water so its most likely alright. Change the oil, check the magnet, if it looks good run it.

As far as the engine goes: just because the starter was submerged doesn’t mean the whole engine is junk. Starters can get wet and still be fine.

Is this engine locked up? ...Ron

 

[mwph]

I'll echo the above posts and add.........Slow down. You'll need a lot more questions answered by the mechanic......OR A DIFFERENT ONE, before you throw in the towell & buy a new "........ everything".

 

[tsailml]

AUS25K is equivalent to US$20k, but in Asutralia the supply of sea ray is limited therefore a similar model whould cost about AUS$45k.
I remember the mechanic telling me that the starter motor does not work, maybe the engine was locked up as well, sorry there was alot of technical terms and it sounded like a whole lot of things needed replacing. He did mention something like a long block V8 which I think cost about AUS6-7k, but he couldn't tell me until he gets into the motor to have a proper look which may require lots of labour hours.
I hear people telling me stern drives and legs needing replacing every few years and I assumed it would be the case in this boat that has been moored unattended for 3 years. I saw the leg/propeller was full of barnicles like the bottom of the boat, so I followed the antifawl advice not to treat it as it likely will need replacing.
Other things like stern drive, elbow, manifolds were all new terms to me that I'm trying to understand quickly.
I appreciate the comments and some reassurance like the motor may be ok if it's the starter motor that is the problem.
At the end of the day if the motor is ok, I assume I need to change the leg(which includes the propeller?), the stern drive, maybe other things like the alternator, injector, fuel pump/regulator? or even a long block for the engine?
Well, thanks for the advice so far. I wasn't expecting anyone to reply when I posted this at the start of the day. It makes me feel reassured that there are so many of you out there and I feel like extending a welcome to you all if you should visit the beautiful sydney harbour. I have contacted a mobile marine mechanic for a second opinion as one of you suggested. Steven

 

[Lazy Daze]

I certainly wouldn't recommend that anyone should replace an outdrive (leg) simply because of age. Scrape the barnacles off and see what 'ya got. Even if the metal has been worn away enough to compromise the carrier bearing, you can just replace just the lower part, or "foot" (below the cavitation plate... "fin"). By the way, this area that I'm referring to is the place just forward of the prop - almost like where the prop slides into.

I provided the pricing info for you just to show the disparity in pricing. But I absolutely agree that you need to have things thoroughly checked before proceeding.

Good luck!

 

[tdappleman]

Sounds like you need a different mechanic or at least go visit the boat with him. The starter may be bad - water intrusion could have rusted up the motor and also messed up the solenoid. I'd recommend taking the spark plugs out and turning the engine over by hand. If it turns over freely then you may have a fighting chance of saving that engine. At the very least you are looking at basic tuneup and maintenance items: new plugs, wires, fresh oil and filter, fresh gas. If you have a carb then it will need to be cleaned out and if you have a fuel/water separator then it will need to be replaced as well. For the drive - I'd change the fluid and replace the water pump impeller (assuming you have an Alpha). Good luck - project boats can be fun just don't jump into major items without getting another opinion.

 

[tsailml]

thx tdappleman for the advice on a few things to try with the marine mechanic ( i didn't even know what a solenoid is and that you can turn the engine over by hand) that is great! also the advice on the cleaning the foot is worthwhile rather just simply replacing it which is worth a few thousand dollars. i appreciate any of your advice to date.