Official 1980's Weekender/Sundancer 300 thread

[Sundancer]

Merry Christmas to the whole 300 Weekend/Sundancer group! I've learned a lot about future repairs, helped maybe with a few and have even talked to one of you in person (Chris/Scorpio) while out on the lake debugging a stinking leak that hit as we were leaving the dock on the first day of a 14 day vacation! Turned out to be a freeze plug somewhere between the transom and rear of the motor. I knew it wasn't bad, but I could NOT find the dang thing! Fortunately, it was a cheap repair! I just wanted to say Thanks for all the pictures, suggestions, upgrades and knowledge that you guys represent! I always hope I never need it, but boy it's here if you do!

I'm anxious to get 2020 behind me and will be on vacation for a bit and figured I'd just wish you all a GREAT 2021 before I leave! I hope the boats all run well for all of us next year and that we get time to enjoy these old beauties! I still prefer this design over a lot of the newer, swoopier versions. They are a little lighter and seem to perform better than many of the newer boats! They are worthy of the maintenance required to keep them floating!

Take care and we'll talk next year!!

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!

Jim

 

[SCORPIO]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours Jim! It was my pleasure to help you trouble shoot that leak.

 

[Nater Potater]

...and have even talked to one of you in person (Chris/Scorpio) while out on the lake debugging a stinking leak that hit as we were leaving the dock...

After crawling around my twin 5.7's while winterizing, I think one of these would be in order: Endoscope If nothing else, be sure to read the answers to some goofball asking if one of these could save them a trip to the doctors.
And, Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[SCORPIO]

Harbor Freight sells a decent one. I keep it on the boat.

 

[Iprof]

I got a 15' endoscope off of Amazon that plugs into my cell phone it works can take pictures or videos. Not very much money either. Worked great feeding it down the center drain of the hull.

Have a very Merry Christmas and may Santa be good to everyone.

 

[Sundancer]

I got a cheap one on Wish to connect to my phone that goes with me now. I've used it many times now!

 

[ThrowingWakes]

Anyone know where to find a replacement hatch arm for the smaller hatches (about 9x9 or 10x10"). I think it is a Taylor Made 236055.

 

[dwna1a]

TaylorMade has them online

 

[ThrowingWakes]

TaylorMade has them online

I guess it’s the ultra 3 arm? I’m having a heck of a time reconciling the part pictures with my hatch because everything looks like the big double arm hatches.

 

[dwna1a]

I guess it’s the ultra 3 arm? I’m having a heck of a time reconciling the part pictures with my hatch because everything looks like the big double arm hatches.

just give them a call, they are easy to work with and can point you to the part you need

 

[dwna1a]

One of our Classic members re bedded their windshield. I can’t find the post. Has anyone else tried this yet? Can I just remove the screws one at a time, inject sealant, and place the screw back in?

 

[Sundancer]

End of last season I noticed an oil drip(with a little water?) in my starboard drive. I'm PRETTY sure I put the oil seal on the right (or left?) side of the drive in when I put the drive halves back together. But, the other leaker could be the seal at the bottom of the water pump. I've never even paid attention to the seal under the water pump. I'm guessing that's not a tough one, but I can't picture what it takes to get to it? Anybody done that one before? Is there any other place oil or water might leak in or out?

 

[SCORPIO]

What about the seals in the upper where the lower unit drive shaft fits into the upper? I've had them come out when pulling the halves apart. I dont know if they keep oil in or water out or both. Also, how are the sealing rings on the drain and fill plugs?

Also, dont forget the seal on the shift shaft.

 

[Sundancer]

What about the seals in the upper where the lower unit drive shaft fits into the upper? I've had them come out when pulling the halves apart. I dont know if they keep oil in or water out or both. Also, how are the sealing rings on the drain and fill plugs?

Also, dont forget the seal on the shift shaft.

I know which ones you are talking about and yes, I've mangled the top one more than once putting the lower into the upper. I usually put a new gasket on the drain plug at the bottom and top every year, although I will admit to "misplacing" them and having to reuse an old one. I usually have a spare or two hanging around. I'll check all of those and didn't really think about the shift shaft? I've got too many projects this year and may have to drop the drives off and have them done. Can't believe I'm saying that! GASP!!!

 

[dwna1a]

Folks I need some help. If you can get to your boat or have a photo that shows what this plaque say can you send me a photo, please?

 

[QualifiedSkipper]

Hi all, my first post on here, fairly new owner of a 1989 300 WE. two questions hoping to get some info. please refer to my pics as i have detailed them.

1. I have a partially broken hatch handle as you can see in the picture below. I have seen taylormade products on amazon and their website, it seems that the handle they sell does not come with the middle piece where the end of the hatch arm rivets to. My hatch nameplate/id sticker is worn out, can someone please advise on the part number of either the handle or hatch itself.

2. I have read through this thread along with others to pin point the common issue on these boats. rain water leaking in cabin area. rub rails were my prime suspect however after reading many posts from experts, the water cannot travel upwards due to the "shoe lid box arrangement" that leaves only the insert screws if i am not mistaken

I have taped the top section of the rub rail insert and screws to pinpoint, still leaking! the wood backing inside is wet! looking at the pics, any ideas? PO re bedded the rub rails a year before selling (screws also caulked), however there is no caulking on the top or bottom of the ss insert, I can tell water running in behind due to black streaks on the hull.

thank you in advance

mh

 

[dwna1a]

Yes, our older 80’s have a few issues. The TaylorMade parts can be found at TaylorMade.com The leak issue, first and foremost, rebed everything! Start with the hand rail supports. It’s a two person job, do only one support at a time. Rebed the hand holds that run from the windshield to the forward hatch. Those are difficult, at least for me. Rub rails next, one section at a time remove the rail. Behind the rail you will find screws or rivets. You will see howSeaRay fitted the hull to the deck. I used a dental pick to clean the area out. Re bed the area once it’s clean. Then one screw at a time re bed the screws. It is a PITA but well worth the time.

I think Scorpio did his and I followed his procedure, good luck. And welcome to the classics

 

[QualifiedSkipper]

Thanks for the response. By hand rail supports are you referring to stanchion bolts/ bow rails? Or the two centre grab rails that run down the middle? Id have to strip my headliner to re bed that and after having a close look, everything looks dry on top ( really dont want to tear down headliner if i dont have to) - definitely will start with rub rails and stanchions.

I figured out how to access all the nuts from inside except the first support back aft on the port side - its close to AC - shore power plug.

 

[dwna1a]

I used a round section of metal stock. Then a new razor to cut a small slit in the headliner.

That first set of nuts is a royal pain. You just have to measure how far back they may be.

Also check the window flocking on the side sliding windows. Again that comes from TaylorMade.

 

[SCORPIO]

Anybody know what brand seacock this is?