I have been lurking here for a while trying to gain a little knowledge before jumping in head first. A little background...I grew up with a Glastron ski boat in the family and spent most weekends on the lake. It had an outboard Yamaha and I don't really have any experience with the I/O's. My father-in-law is wanting to basically give us his old boat that he purchased new in 1986. He kept it covered until he gave the boat to his daughter (my wife's step-sister) and her husband a year or so ago. They left it out, didn't use it and he took it back. He has replaced the interior (at least from the floor up...not sure about the stringers); however, he has never done anything with the stern drive. The boat is a '86 Sunbird with the 3.0 OMC/Cobra combination. I know most people will probably state to run the other direction, but I don't have a endless budget and will have to spend some change to grade the yard, fill with rock and cover for somewhere to store the boat. If I bought new, I wouldn't have the funds to construct the storage space. He stated he has never had any problems what so ever and has kept up with the engine maintenance. I am worried about the condition of the stern drive and rotten stringers and/or transom. I will picking the boat up tonight to bring home, look over and take out with the family next week if I think it will float and run. I would greatly appreciate any advice of what to inspect and/or lookout for. I would just like to say thanks for such a wonderful site with loads of information.
