Looking into a 1973 Sea ray SRV 20'

[adeibert]

Hey all,

I am new to this forum and to sea rays in general but i have the opportunity to purchase a 20' 1973 sea ray srv from a family friend. The boat was strong in its day and there are pictures of the boat pulling 10 water skiers behind it and the only reason there weren't more was because they ran out of ropes. So I guess I am here for advise. The boat was last registered in 1986 but was very well kept, the gel coat is oxidized as to be expected and the interior needs to be redone but what mechanically should I be looking for on these boats specific? I am very mechanically inclined I work on engines and tractors and all sorts of things so I know my way around but I don't know specifically what to look for on these boats so any advise would be much appreciated. I have done some research and know that there is a concern about certain stern drive units possibly? Any help would be great and thanks in advance I think it would be a great project to bring back an old boat with a little bit of new flare and think this would be a good canvas I just want to make sure I don't get stuck with a pile.

 

[NorCal Boater]

You should let us know what engine and outdrive is on the boat. My biggest concern would be whether there was any rot in the boat. The most likely places would be the transom and the stringers. If the boat was left outside where it was allowed to fill with rain water there is probably some rot somewhere. To what extent is the question. Before purchasing you should find a reputable Certified Marine Surveyor and hire him to "sound" the boat looking for voids and moisture. It may cost you a few hundred bucks but that is info you need before proceeding with anything mechanical.

Do a search on YouTube for "Frisco Boater" to understand what I'm talking about.

Good luck
Shawn

 

[2016FLD]

Welcome to the forum, I recently joined and purchased an older Sea Ray, the folks here are friendly and very knowledgeable. Ditto what Shawn said! I purchased a 1978 boat last year (different brand) and skipped the inspection, later found the floor / stringers to need replacing, it's a big, messy job if you do it yourself and expensive if you hire someone ($3 to $5k); I sold mine, it was a frustrating and expensive lesson for me!! If it's an I/O the engines are easy to work on as they're basically car motors, if an outboard motor I can't say. The part that concerns me most is last being registered in the 80's, which may mean it's barley or hasn't been used since then, if so I would plan on rebuilding or replacing the engine/outdrive. For giggles, you may find this 1972 brochure of Sea Ray boats interesting (couldn't find 73), the one your looking at is likely the one on page 9. -Michael
https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNIP3205.pdf

 

[adeibert]

The boat has a mercruiser 302 and a 888 stern drive. The boat has been kept indoors and covered since it was parked in 86. I will go inspect the boat tomorrow in the morning and see what I can tell of the transom and stringers. I have had boats with these issues before so I feel like I can get a good idea of the condition. Any input on the engine or stern drive?

 

[NorCal Boater]

The boat has a mercruiser 302 and a 888 stern drive. The boat has been kept indoors and covered since it was parked in 86. I will go inspect the boat tomorrow in the morning and see what I can tell of the transom and stringers. I have had boats with these issues before so I feel like I can get a good idea of the condition. Any input on the engine or stern drive?

Awesome news on the indoor storage. I don’t have any experience with that engine/drive package but I know Merc produced quite a few and I’ve never heard anything negative. I believe parts are still available. Ford small blocks are great motors....easy to work on. Good luck.

 

[adeibert]

Went and looked at the boat today and it is in fantastic shape no rot the interior is extremely well preserved just dirty so I think I am going to get it.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Pictures please....

 

[Ike]

The engine is basically a Ford V-8 marinized for use in a boat. Here's a link to the manual for the engine. https://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/mercruiser1.html#/0 Turn the engine by hand to see if it is frozen up. If it turns, good. From then on it's just the usual bringing an engine out of retirement. Since it's been sitting so long you will have to replace hoses, ignition wires, plugs, thermostat, etc and may have to do a rebuild of the carb.

Also since it's been sitting a long time the gaskets and diaphragms on the sterndrive will need to be replace, as well as the impeller. Drain and replace the oil in the drive.
And you will need to go through the electrical system and check for corrosion and frayed or decaying wiring. Wiring doesn't care if its sitting or being used. It still gets old and has to be replaced.

Good luck. It's a huge bonus that it's been stored inside.

 

[adeibert]

Started cleaning up the old girl today and going through the mechanicals, motor was free and easy had no spark and the starter solenoid wasn’t working properly, ended up being both the solenoid and the coil so I replaced them both and put in new plugs in and had spark, tried to crank the motor and get fuel up to the bowl but no such luck so will be rebuilding the carb and putting a new fuel pump on. The trim dosent work which is concerning to me so I need to start diagnosing that just trying to find where to start here are some pics, meant to take more just got busy working

 

[Ned]

I have to 1973 srv . A 220 and a 24 ft canvas. Its the one in my pic. My boat sat in storage 30 years. Here's what I had to do.
At the front of the gas tank remove the gas guage access cover. Get a hand pump from Walmart and suck out the old gas.
Then remove the hose from the tank to engine and back flush to the fuel pick up. Put your tongue down on the trailer to get gas to flow to the front and suck out the trash.
Walmart sells mercruiser fuel filters. Looks like an oil filter. Replace it.
On the carb inlet theres a filter screen. Clean it.
Ck all your bolts for tightening. All my intake manifold bolts were loose and it was stalling.
My alternator was no good. Dont buy one for a 73 bronco at auto zone. You have to have a marine rated. My mercruiser dealer got me one for 150.00
Replace the plug wires. My bost has the thunderbolt ignition. It was ok.
Ck your thermostat. Be careful removing the housing. Mine broke but I had a spare. You probably wont find one.
My exhaust manifolds and risers were ok .but sand and silt can clog passages. Take a water hose and blow out all you hoses .make sure water in spitting out the back.
Change the impeller
My best has a 17 pitch prop. It was a ski boat. A 21 pitch will lower your rpm and give you a little more speed. Mine will do about 30 mph.
I could go on. These things are easy to work on. Let us know your progress.