1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

[rucaradio]

Hello again iBoaters...

It's been almost a month since I've been online discussing my project, and I'm happy to report it's moving along nicely. I'm making it my mission to get everything ready to float by July 4th.

I bought the boat last August (you can search some of my previous posts and see initial pics). No big surprise, she had a soft floor and as I dug into her I found more and more wrong.

Although I'm pretty mechanical I have NO experience with fiberglass, but thanks to these forums and you people who have came, saw, and conquered your own projects I'm pretty confident that I can do this.

I'm working on the transom right now. I built a homemade gantry out of 2x4's and a 2x6 and I yanked the motor last week. I removed all the wiring and pulled the cowl today.

It's a "stepped" transom, the center area is much thicker than either sides.

I've attached pics. Any comments or suggestions? They'd be much appreciated!

Thanks,
-D

I pulled half the rubrail off so I could get to the transom better without removing the cap.

Rubrail removed. Notice the hull/cap joint.

Drive hole. Notice the delamination.

21 years of yuck.. See the brown stuff staining below the drainplug?

Notice the "stepped" transom.

Here's a better view.

 

[rucaradio]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

Got most of the old transom out today... God what a mess! I'm fixing it at the right time - no stress cracks on the outer layer of gelcote yet, but the wood inside the transom was pulp:

I've got to say I was pretty intimidated by such a process as changing the transom, but now that I've dug into it I'm really not too scared!

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

Looking good keep on going and remember YOU have a lot of knowledgable people right here on Iboats.

 

[Free Spirit]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

Me & my Husband just bought the same boat as yours and it needs a lot of work too. We are wondering what kind of transmission is on your boat? And will any other motor fit that transmission? Our engine is a AQ131D Volvo Penta 4cyl. Are there also any rebuild tips you can share?
Thanks,
Free Spirit

 

[Free Spirit]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

I am having problems. I can not figure out how to start a new thread. Could someone help me please.
Thanks

 

[rucaradio]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

I've got the AQ-131D with the 275 outdrive. I've pretty much gone thru everything mechanical you can imagine. What are you needing to know? You can PM me if you'd like.

 

[Free Spirit]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

what is the average ballpark price to get another AQ131d engine ? Can another engine more modern go in its place,without remodifing everything?

 

[WorldOfJohnboy]

Re: 1989 Raven 195cc Restore - UPDATES

Nice... I just bought a blue 195cc a few weeks ago. The floor is great, seats have some minor cracking but are good otherwise, and the hull is in great shape.

The only problem I have is that the original cover is shot. Looking at yours, it looks like it's a custom? Do you have any resources that I can buy an original, or at least the same pattern?

Mine has a Mercruiser 4 cyl. 3.0L alpha one motor and outdrive. Just after I took it out on its maiden voyage (for my wife and I, anyway), something happened and the upper outdrive gears are totally shredded. Luckily I found a '87 Alpha One and in the process of putting it in my boat. Just got the Mercruiser stern drive repair manual, all the grease/lube and gaskets, so I am ready to go!