97 (early) Sundancer 290DA 454ci L29 Bravo 3

HawkX66 · Aug 3, 2020

When I restored my 69 Camaro SS396, I did a build thread start to... well, you're never really finished are you? I'm going to document some of the things I do on my new to me boat.
I picked it up a few weeks ago needing an intake manifold. The owner as well as the boatyard owner said it came in running with a leaky intake. The owner had just had enough. He spent several thousand dollars last year and called it quits. The boat yard did all the work, so I'm sure it added up. It has a new water heater, new complete Mercruiser exhaust manifolds and risers and is in overall great condition. There's a lot of little things it needs, but nothing I mind doing. It's set up for a generator, but the PO removed it after it needed work for a third time apparently. I got it cheap, so I don't think I can go wrong...

So far I've bought/replaced:

1. Venture Trailer Tri-axle with all the bells and whistles. Has a Sherpa Grunter electric winch and I added a tonge adapter for my anti-sway Fastway load leveler. I already upgraded to LED tail lights...
2. Raymarine Element 9HV Chartplotter/Fish finder w/ Navionics+
3. Intake (new rebuilt carb was included)
4. Circulating pump
5. Upgraded lighting to LEDs.
6. All new Autometer gauges. GPS speedometer etc. Gauges worked, but I wanted some updates.
7. New steering wheel.
8. New trim and Windlass switches.

9. ICOM M330G VHF

That's it for now. Here's a few pics:

Getaway · Aug 3, 2020

Ours is a 1998 with the same motor setup. Went through your pains last year and this past winter. Got all systems running beautifully now and we enjoy every weekend on it boating and fishing. These boats are fantastic cruisers. Enjoy!

PS, thanks for the Sherpa Grunter winch comment. My PowerWinch aint cutting the mustard.

HawkX66 · Aug 3, 2020

Glad to hear it. Looking forward to getting out on the water this year still.
The Sherpa needs an additional dedicated cable from the battery. It's a pretty serious winch.

Getaway · Aug 3, 2020

HawkX66 said:
Glad to hear it. Looking forward to getting out on the water this year still.
The Sherpa needs an additional dedicated cable from the battery. It's a pretty serious winch.

For sure! I just checked out their videos. Very serious winch!

HawkX66 · Aug 7, 2020

I just added a "Pole Tongue Adapter" to my trailer. This is so I'd be able to use my Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch. Unfortunately it required me moving things around to get the proper mount location.

HawkX66 · Aug 7, 2020

And the winch is installed. This thing is no joke... I don't have to wonder if it'll pull my 290 up a steep ramp at least. Sherpa Grunter. I got it with the trailer I bought a couple weeks ago.
I have a Fulton XLT electric jack coming this week. I plan on connecting both the winch and the jack to the same Anderson connector which will plug into a dedicated Anderson power jack on my truck.

HawkX66 · Aug 7, 2020

And my new ICOM M330G VHF radio is in. If my water pump would show up I'd actually be able to get out on the water...
Installed my new steering wheel too.

Dave - M · Aug 7, 2020

That is a damn fine looking boat. Nothing beats a solid white boat, with dark bottom paint, and a white cockpit.

HawkX66 · Aug 7, 2020

Thank you.

HawkX66 · Aug 10, 2020

After running my new transponder cable from the stern to the dash, I noticed how ugly my compass was. As I was looking for a new one I thought about it and figured I couldn't make it any worse... I just completed a little clean and repair on it and after that, I'm pretty happy with the results. Saving $150 on a new compass didn't hurt...

HawkX66 · Aug 16, 2020

I was able to finish a few more things. Getting closer to launch. New intake is installed. I had to clean up the front of the motor. Leaking sea water had made it a crusty mess. New trim pump, impeller kit and o-rings are on the way. I've been completing some PM while I'm waiting on parts.
I also replaced the module bracket on the distributor and repainted it. I replaced the trim hoses also.

Robert A · Aug 16, 2020

HawkX66 said:
After running my new transponder cable from the stern to the dash, I noticed how ugly my compass was. As I was looking for a new one I thought about it and figured I couldn't make it any worse... I just completed a little clean and repair on it and after that, I'm pretty happy with the results. Saving $150 on a new compass didn't hurt...

View attachment 90006 View attachment 90007 View attachment 90008 View attachment 90009 View attachment 90010
View attachment 90044

So, what did you use to restore your compass? Looks like a good job for a rainy day.

HawkX66 · Aug 16, 2020

Robert A said:
So, what did you use to restore your compass? Looks like a good job for a rainy day.

After a little reading, I found out all it is is mineral spirits. I lubed my o-rings and reused them so I might have to redo it at some point. So far so good though. The hardest part was refilling it. I used a dental syringe, but I think there's a better tool. You need to let air escape while it's filling.
As far as cleaning the dome etc, soap and water.

HawkX66 · Aug 16, 2020

A quick mock up today today I'm waiting for parts. I need a pic of the top of a complete engine if someone has it. I wasn't the one who disassembled this, so it's a little tricky figuring out the factory spots for everything. My guess is that I don't have the water pump in the right spot.

HawkX66 · Aug 20, 2020

After the set back of finding out I have to put a new transom assembly in, and I have to pull the motor to do it, I started the disassembly.
I also swapped over my new stainless steel bracket to my new trim pump. I figured I might as well install a new one with the new trim cylinders that are coming on the transom assembly.

HawkX66 · Sep 1, 2020

Gantry built and removal continues...

HawkX66 · Sep 19, 2020

Weather has finally cooperated so I could pull my engine and transom assembly. Thankfully there are no surprises. The hull is in perfect shape. It was probably protected by all the oil and grease that had leaked over the years. I'm pretty sure the motor has been replaced. There are numbers printed where the Mercruiser tag should be.
One thing that I'm wondering about is the transom seal. Mine wasn't leaking and only used the seal that comes on it. No liquid sealant. I've seen plenty of people use sealants, but why? No trust in the Mercruiser seal?

Here's a few pics:

View attachment 92459

scoflaw · Sep 19, 2020

Scary

HawkX66 · Sep 19, 2020

scoflaw said:
Scary

Anything in particular? Lol Actually, I'm pretty psyched at how everything came apart and the condition everything is in. Except the outer transom assembly... The inner was near perfect. The y pipe is real nice too.
This after the first cleaning. I'll pull the motor apart tomorrow probably.

scoflaw · Sep 19, 2020

Just kidding, was talking about the filth in the 3rd pic

97 (early) Sundancer 290DA 454ci L29 Bravo 3

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