Hey everyone - gonna try to keep this short (didn't happen) as to not waste anyone's time.
Looking at a 1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 268 for what I feel is an unbeatable price (seriously) and I'm looking for a new project. It definitely needs some work. Trying to gauge what I would be in store for getting her safe and reliable. This would be my first boat but not my SO, she's Skipper. I have fair mechanical skills; worked on engines, motors, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. I have access to tools, space, and help as well. My primary objective is to get the boat water worthy and then begin more secondary restoration efforts on my own time. If it doesn't work out, I didn't waste a lot of money and I probably learn some things along the way.
Here's what seller says:
Boat would be used on a small river primarily, nothing rigorous.
I really appreciate your time and thanks in advance. Pics below (waiting on more, going to see in person later in week).
Looking at a 1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 268 for what I feel is an unbeatable price (seriously) and I'm looking for a new project. It definitely needs some work. Trying to gauge what I would be in store for getting her safe and reliable. This would be my first boat but not my SO, she's Skipper. I have fair mechanical skills; worked on engines, motors, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. I have access to tools, space, and help as well. My primary objective is to get the boat water worthy and then begin more secondary restoration efforts on my own time. If it doesn't work out, I didn't waste a lot of money and I probably learn some things along the way.
Here's what seller says:
- Boat in storage for 8+ years, he's owned for 1.5 years
- All bellows in lower unit should be replaced
- Me: three bellows on this boat, correct? I believe I'm up to this task while the boat is on blocks
- Me: three bellows on this boat, correct? I believe I'm up to this task while the boat is on blocks
- Fishing tower mount at 1 location is broken fiberglass
- Me: could remove and deal with later, patch. some sort of brace could also work temporarily?
- Me: could remove and deal with later, patch. some sort of brace could also work temporarily?
- Rub rail on starboard side, some damage
- Me: waiting to investigate more
- Me: waiting to investigate more
- Electrolysis has eaten some of the skeg and outer lower unit but "in his opinion", it is cosmetic at this point and can be stopped by installing new zinc plating
- Me: replace skeg, clean lower unit and see where I'm at from there? tips for removing corrosion? it looks pretty bad from the one photo.
- Me: replace skeg, clean lower unit and see where I'm at from there? tips for removing corrosion? it looks pretty bad from the one photo.
- Water pump impeller needs replacing
- Me: impeller is DIY job, believe I am up to the task
- pictures show interior is a bit dingy. I plan to check for moisture/mold/leaks. I think the windows on these older Sea Ray's are prone to leaking but I think I can DIY repair/mitigate
- 454 looks like it might be leaking oil from somewhere. Primarily, I notice grime under the engine on the port side. If I view the boat in person, will investigate further.
Boat would be used on a small river primarily, nothing rigorous.
I really appreciate your time and thanks in advance. Pics below (waiting on more, going to see in person later in week).