New owner - 93 230 Sundancer

[alexar]

Hello! I am the new owner of this 230 Sundancer, it seems like it has been fairly well maintained and has only had two owners before me. I am looking forward to fixing a few known problems and getting out on the water.

Currently I know:
-swim step wash hose is broken (sprayer handle is gone)
-some of the lights don't work

Otherwise it is in good shape, has been maintained by a professional mechanic and had a new top and some upholstery done in the last few years.

 

[Christo]

I love that model, it’s a nice boat! Looks to be in great shape, congrats Alex!

 

[Nater Potater]

Welcome from Idaho! 'Good lookin' boat! I noticed in your info the outdrive's ID wasn't nailed down. That age is most likely an Alpha 1 Gen 2 (same as my '92). Merc started production of those around '84, and continue to do so. A good outdrive for engines up through 5.7L. Anything bigger gets the Bravo drives.
I'm guessing yours looks like this:

 

[alexar]

Outdrive is a Alpha 1.

Hauled the boat out to install a new transducer and GPS, overall the hull seems like it is in great shape. Small chip and some scratches up front. Is this worth patching, or just covering?

Also need to figure out about checking and possibly changing transmission level. I was climbing around the engine today and couldn't find a dipstick or a way to check it.

 

[Nater Potater]

Outdrive is a Alpha 1.

Make sure to distinguish that it's an Alpha 1 Gen 2. You can tell in your second image by how the rams attach to the upper gear case.

Small chip and some scratches up front. Is this worth patching, or just covering?

Get something in that hole so that there's no more chance of water getting into the glass layers. If possible, get up into the bow to make sure there's no structural damage to the keel up by the front eye. Not likely, but it's nice to confirm.

Also need to figure out about checking and possibly changing transmission level. I was climbing around the engine today and couldn't find a dipstick or a way to check it.

You might have a small reservoir attached to the transom that contains gear oil that can gravity feed to the outdrive, but no guarantee as it was an option. However, you have a vent/level plug up high on the left side of the upper case, plus a dipstick that drops in through the top plate. Use the dip stick for routine checking, and the vent plug when refilling the outdrive. Refer to the manual for proper draining/filling steps.

On a side note, it's a good idea to lower the outdrive anytime you're not actively towing the boat, as the trailer position puts undue stress on the bellows, shortening their lives.

 

[alexar]

Thank you for all the suggestions!