1990 Sunbird boat

[Orval]

I was just given a boat...1990 Sunbird. The title does not have a model. From pictures I've seen it looks like a Barletta 204 with a 120hp Evinrude outboard. I have not pulled it to the house yet,and I am kind of concerned because this is much different than my other boats....and am not for sure where to start to make sure all is okay when I get it here...Please help

 

[82rude]

Post 4 more times even if its just nonsense then you can post pictures.Hard to even guess what you need etc without more details.You could check compression of motor,lower unit ,transom,floor,etc.

 

[roscoe]

Welcome to iboats.

Start with the basics.
Does it run?
When was the last time it was started?
When was the water pump impeller last changed? --- Replace it !
Do you know how to run it? Start it?
Does it need a battery?
Dispose of all old gas, start with new gas.
Is the trailer roadworthy.
Where will you use it, salt water? freshwater? big water, or small lakes?
What part of the world/country are you located in?

Honestly, there could be 1000 things to check, or 25, we don't know the condition of the boat, or your skill set / experience level.

You will have to provide us with more information.

If the hull, stringers, floor, or transom are compromised, then throw the free boat away or part it out, before you end up spending $4000+ trying to fix it.

 

[Orval]

I have not even tried to start it. I have an Evinrude 70hp tore down and block in machine shop to be bored for my bonniecraft, . I have worked on Mercurys and Johnsons,. The issue that I am having is the boat itself.... This thing is "fancy" compared to my others.
It is definitely a lake boat. ..cuddy cabin...not sure of the actual length..title says "length--- 327"
not even for sure what that means. I paced it off to around 20+ feet

The way it is set up..and with the seat homemade at the back. possibly something cutout to put it in..looks like they have changed some stuff. Not for sure how to find the model to be sure.
Everything seems solid,,transom , floor, but I see water in the floor of the cabin...

I am in mid Indiana. Most likely Lake Freeman and Shaffer. I am 60 miles from them. The trailor is one that I have because all he wanted to keep was the trailor. Trailor plates and boat title say the last time it was registered was in 2011

 

[Orval]

…..I was working in my boat and they literally came to my door and just asked me if I wanted it! I told them that if the paperwork is all fine...sure!!

 

[Orval]

I am trying to get my 4 posts in so that I can figure out how to post a couple pics....surely this would help

 

[Orval]

This thing could possibly take me on Lake Michigan....I want it to be safe

 

[Orval]

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[Orval]

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[Orval]

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[Orval]

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[Orval]

My concern is that I do not know if these boats drain water like the others via the drain plug, or do they have to be pumped out?

 

[Orval]

There is a vent or something by the winch in the picture....what is the stain running down the boat?
I don't know how these boats are set up...obviously.

I have been using this forum to answer many questions over the last year or 2 when working on the engines... so I thought that it would be better to join and ask specific questions...silly as they may seem...thank you btw for the info.

 

[roscoe]

If you want it to be safe, you will need to go through the entire boat, piece by piece.
Start with draining the water, there is a drain.
Inspect- take core samples of transom and stringers, look for moisture and rot.

If all is good, then start on one system at a time, engine, fuel tank, venting, hoses, electrical, steering, cables, all safety equipment, bilge pump, batteries, etc.

Maybe everything checks out, But I'd be surprised if it didn't need a years worth of work, and $5,000 worth of repairs. It definitely looks neglected.

And that 120 hp is going to be marginal for use on a boat rated for 175.

 

[Orval]

Everything feels solid.
As a Contractor, I will use a "moisture meter" to check for moisture behind walls before opening them up just to see.
Will these work on the boat? Or do I need to cut areas open?

 

[sam92teg]

Go look through some boat restoration pages and see some of the work that is involved. I bought a 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic that had a rotten floor but engine ran fine. I was totally green and didn't know anything about boat repair. I researched how to repair the stringers and the deck. All went well on my restoration and just enjoyed Mother's Day with family out on it. They were all amazed at the restoration job I did on her, as was I. I did everything myself with youtube as my teacher. Glassed new stringers, replaced fuel tank hoses and sending unit, glassed in new deck, reupholstered entire interior, new carpet, new dash and gauges, replaced impeller on Alpha one outdrive, blah, blah, blah. The enjoyment of being out on the water and catching your first huge redfish, trout, etc makes it all worth it.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

One is not to look a gift Horse in the mouth. Taking a peek to make sure it has teeth is a smart move though. If I have learned anything about 29 year old glass boats in my lifetime is you are most likely going to need a boat load of cash to get it in a safe running condition. I wouldn't expect that if someone is given a 1990 car of any make they would do the Route 66 drive from Chicago to L.A. and not break down without sinking real money into it.

 

[Orval]

Here is my thoughts about this boat..or any that I am going to use.
Just working on them...knowing where things are at...what condition they are REALLY in...sounds of the motor ...etc...makes me feel secure. Especially with people on board who I would never want to put into a compromising position.

I am old enough to know that even new things break. Working on them myself, spending time with the boat itself, and with my son or grandkids fixing this or that is worth it to me.....the time and the knowing all is well...

Just wish that EVERYTHING on a boat cost a little less! These things cost a small fortune to do anything more than a good washing and wax!

 

[Orval]

heck...as long as this has been sitting out in the elements of Indiana, even the wash and wax will be adding up!

 

[Orval]

I have had 5 boats. On all of them I could see what was where. This boat has things tucked away!
I got the paperwork all squared away today..and being a little anxious...went by the boat and looked around...again.
There is round plastic covers..1 right in front of the motor. Inside that one I saw the (I think) bilge pump.
The other one was on deck...right in front of the back seat in the middle. Inside that one were a few wires hooked to something(?) and what looked like oil sludge. The smell of gas also.
I do not know the model to find the manual...where or what do I do?