Newby with a project!

[Kevin250]

Very excited about this project. It's an 87 Sundancer 250, with a recently rebuilt Alpha 1 outdrive, powered by a mercruiser 5.7. Has an Owens tandem axle trailer, and, it was dirt cheap due to its condition.. This boat needs a ton of work. Wipers, water pump, and macerator system are D.O.A.. Don't know if its fuses or what, but, I'll figure it out.
First sea trial it ran great....then it dumped all the oil into the bilge, and seized up the motor, due to a loose oil line. So, currently pulling and completely rebuilding the motor. Luckily I have built a few engines in my time, and with YouTube help, have got a handle on this.
Any advice or input, or questions moving forward are appreciated. I have a boating background of over 20 years, but, this is my first Mercruiser/Alpha 1 combination.

 

[techmitch]

Welcome aboard CSR.

 

[bobeast]

Welcome aboard. First thing I'd do is a ping test on the stringers and bulkheads. If you have wood-rot, you'll need to start looking for a recycler in your area.

 

[Kevin250]

Welcome aboard. First thing I'd do is a ping test on the stringers and bulkheads. If you have wood-rot, you'll need to start looking for a recycler in your area.

Unfamiliar with a ping test. But, I did check the stringers, transom, and bulkheads prior to purchase. All seemed very solid. Once the motor is out the plan is to completely clean and degrease the bilge. Then repair any areas, and new fiberglass if needed. Had a few boats in the past that needed this.
Thanks

 

[bobeast]

Ping test is simply tapping on the stringer with a hammer. Dull-thunk = not good. Metallic "ping" or sharp return = AOK. Of course there are high tech moisture meters, but nothing beats tools on hand.

 

[Kevin250]

Ping test is simply tapping on the stringer with a hammer. Dull-thunk = not good. Metallic "ping" or sharp return = AOK. Of course there are high tech moisture meters, but nothing beats tools on hand.

I'll check that when the motor is pulled. Thank you

 

[BarryCF]

Good luck with it. I like the 80's model Sea Rays. Classic lines, I don't like the new boats as much.

 

[El Capitan]

I too love the classic Sea Rays. Owned a 1970 till 2 years ago, regret selling it. This spring I picked up a 1981 SRV195 with a 350MC/MR1 for almost nothing. Its heavier than my brothers brand new 23ft Sea Hunt.

 

[BarryCF]

"...and with YouTube help, have got a handle on this."

As I'm sure you probably know, the engine internals are basically the same as any heavy duty application in trucks/cars. Make sure you have the correct manuals for this motor with the specs for clearances, etc. Some of those might vary a bit from their street counterparts due to the normal running temperature of boat engines being lower. I cannot find my book since moving...