opinions - 1988 4.3 Mercruiser Alpha I

[cousinabe]

I am trying to help my girlfriends father sell his boat. He has fallen ill and we need to get rid of it.

The boat, a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20' Cuddy cabin was winterized and stored in 11/2007 and has not been run since. It was used in fresh water and always trailered with no bottom paint.
I have not had the chance to get it running as it is 300 miles away from me. I'm an outboard guy and and well verse in Yamaha's.

We have it listed for $3800 and have gotten some calls, but trying to sell a boat with an engine that hasn't been started for a while is a risk for buyers... which I totally understand.

I have had some thoughts on donating it, but really don't understand how that works and the benefits in dollars.
Also, being mechanically inclined and a good tinkerer/troubleshooter, I am thinking aboout taking a drive out there and charging the batteries and turning it over just to see what I'm dealing with.
I have read many posts about freeze plugs and cracked blocks, but really have no idea of the condition of the engine as of yet.

My questions are:
1) should I donate it?
2) should I drive out there and try to get it running, not knowing what the outcome will be. I have a FT job locally and time is money to me. What steps would you perform to get it out of storage?
3) call a local marine shop and see if they can get it started. how much would that be $$?

Any opinions are welcomed. Thanks.

 

[danond]

Re: opinions - 1988 4.3 Mercruiser Alpha I

If you're short on cash, having a marina do it will be a quick way to rid yourself of your $$.

Having the engine running and the boat shifting is the difference between selling a hull with parts and a moving boat. I'd suggest getting it running, or at least making sure it turns over.

Aside from needing a water supply (I'm assuming it's a stern drive, not an inboard), the rest of getting it running is the same as it is with a car engine.

Are you familiar with un-mothballing a car engine? If not, there'll be plenty of people who can chime in and help out.

 

[cousinabe]

Re: opinions - 1988 4.3 Mercruiser Alpha I

Thanks for your reply Dan.

Yes, it's a sterndrive. I guess I will need to make it a priority to get out there and get it running/shifting. no one wants to buy a 1988 hull and parts!

I saw Don S posts on winterize and summerize and will go through the steps.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430

BTW, you have a great web site and did some nice work on your Starcraft.