1973 470 Merc question

[B King]

I have a chance to get a 1973 Century with a 470 merc engine. I can get for almost nothing. The hulll and trailer look good. The problem is the boat has sat for about 4 years. Is it worth picking this boat up and restoring the interior. The motor did run I am told? He said the gas lines need to be repaired. Another concern would be the boots and seals.

Should I stay clear of this motor because it will be a money pit after sitting so long?

What should I look for when I go to look at it?

 

[Sandbank]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

Some really good forums on here on boat restorations and traps!! Suggest check them out. The first thing I would do is look under the flooring and at the transom.If any sign of rot, run like hell. Is the motor fresh water or SW cooled. If straight SW then after such a time probably going to need new risers and exh manifolds (not cheap) and the motor may need to be stripped. Boots are pretty cheap but the seals on the outdrive may be an issue. Will also need new impellors. Try and hook it up to water and see if it will start to check not seized.
Personal opinion having been down that path before, keep looking as the purchase price is just the down payment on what you will spend on it...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

Avoid it unless you want to part out the motor.

Based on the year it is NOT a good boat to get involved with. It will suck your wallet dry.

Look up the 470 threads and look up the restoration threads. You will end up investing 4-5K ............. look for something else.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

I have a chance to get a 1973 Century with a 470 merc engine. I can get for almost nothing.

Ayuh,.... Then you'll be payin' Way more than it's worth....

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

Don't do it !!!

 

[fmalott]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

well the boat and the motor are two different issues if the boat is in bad condition don't do it but i think the biggest issue is the condition of the motor don't let those 470 haters lead you the wrong way. there is four issues you have to address the compression especialy the #4 cylinder and bad head gasket, the condition of your cam shaft to see how much of a grove there is from the cam seals, does it still have the old voltage regulator that will cost you $500 to convert to alternator and the exhaust manifold and riser if there blocked very expensive to replace those two parts . like Bond-o said if you have to rebuild the motor it will cost you 2-4 thousand to rebuild and you will be paying more for the rebuild than what the boat is worth i just finished my 1983 470 it cost me 3 thousand to rebuild the reason i rebuilt mine is the boat it self is in excellent condition and the motor was not bad but i rebuilt anyways . if you have the chance to look the motor over the see what the condition is first if there is to many issues with the motor don't buy it or buy it and sell for parts there is always someone looking for parts

 

[a1nowell]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

Were they making 470's in 1973????

 

[Don S]

Re: 1973 470 Merc question

Were they making 470's in 1973????

Nope, they didn't start till 76 and ended in 89.