oldscoolSR
New Member
- Jan 13, 2024
- 8
- Boat Info
- 1983 Sea Ray V260 Express Cruiser
- Engines
- 5.7 OMC stern drive
Hello All ,
New to the forum and fairly new to powerboating . I have inherited my uncle's treasured Sea Ray (' 83 Express Cruiser 26 ft ) and although it has been very well maintained and can still raise eyebrows , my first season with it was a learning curve to say the least. I put it back on the Great Lakes after 25 years being on an inland lake so , back on big water.
I'm still going to consider the first season a success because despite everything I did not end up needing any rescues . Although it was very well maintained as mentioned I still went through it and discovered plenty of accidents waiting to happen. I was well into the season before I felt comfortable enough to order a full survey on it which it easily passed and then got myself a well and launched .
So , because it is my nature to think everything through like an astronaut , I am turning to other more experienced members to ask ; what areas should get some focus / arouse caution given that the boat is as old as it is and approaching estimated 1300 hours. I should mention : 5.7L OMC with Prestolite points distributor , Q jet carb (I rebuilt) and as far as I can tell the drive ( 982743 J serial# ) is original, S.S prop. The engine stringers were professionally replaced with aluminum plate setup. The engine is strong although I did not lean on it much as yet . Just cruising at this point .
I wish it came with more maintenance records other than those for seasonal upkeep so I'm flying kind of blind . Any advice on upgrades , bad experiences , things to be on the lookout for , I'm all ears and would be appreciated.
New to the forum and fairly new to powerboating . I have inherited my uncle's treasured Sea Ray (' 83 Express Cruiser 26 ft ) and although it has been very well maintained and can still raise eyebrows , my first season with it was a learning curve to say the least. I put it back on the Great Lakes after 25 years being on an inland lake so , back on big water.
I'm still going to consider the first season a success because despite everything I did not end up needing any rescues . Although it was very well maintained as mentioned I still went through it and discovered plenty of accidents waiting to happen. I was well into the season before I felt comfortable enough to order a full survey on it which it easily passed and then got myself a well and launched .
So , because it is my nature to think everything through like an astronaut , I am turning to other more experienced members to ask ; what areas should get some focus / arouse caution given that the boat is as old as it is and approaching estimated 1300 hours. I should mention : 5.7L OMC with Prestolite points distributor , Q jet carb (I rebuilt) and as far as I can tell the drive ( 982743 J serial# ) is original, S.S prop. The engine stringers were professionally replaced with aluminum plate setup. The engine is strong although I did not lean on it much as yet . Just cruising at this point .
I wish it came with more maintenance records other than those for seasonal upkeep so I'm flying kind of blind . Any advice on upgrades , bad experiences , things to be on the lookout for , I'm all ears and would be appreciated.