Resurrecting Pursuit 2860 Denali

[FtsyMarine]

Hi All,

I started a thread over at thehulltruth, but was recommended to join up here by one of their users.

Last summer I picked up a 1997 Pursuit Denali 2860 that had been left out uncovered, and on the hard, for 6+ years in the Northeast. I confirmed that it was winterized after its last season of use and that both motors turned over freely. I was unable to do much work last fall, but have recently began working on the boat again.

I basically started by cutting all the brush away from the boat and trailer, putting air to the tires, and replacing two bad trailer tires. Next I purchased two brand new batteries and trimmed the motor up so I could move the boat closer to water/electrical. I decided to clean the boat first, as it does not sit on my property, and I didn't want it looking like a total wreck being closer to the road.

I'm not a mechanic or professional by any means, and I am basically doing this as a weekend project.

I'll post pictures as I progress (and get enough posts to post pictures). I'm looking for a place to download a pdf of the parts/service manual for these 4.3L v6 262 Magnum EFI Gen+ motors - and a parts/service manual for the Bravo III's!

 

[FtsyMarine]

Last summer I pulled the manifolds & risers off the port motor so I could get access to pull the spark plugs out and spray in some Mystery Oil. The boat had been sitting for over 6 years, so I wanted to make sure the cylinders were lubricated before I tried to turn the motor over. Luckily the boat was fully winterized before being laid up.

I turned the motor over with a wrench to confirm it wasn't frozen, then turned it over (plugs still out) at the key. There is some fuel left in the tanks that I need to dispose of, so I had the valves shut off at the tank.

This spring, I decided to pull the boat out away from the trees and closer to water/electrical access. I started this spring by just cleaning the boat as it is now closer to the road, and I didnt want the property owner upset with a wreck near the front.

I'll soon be pivoting to the engine and drive work/maintenance and will need lots of guidance/advice. I'm not a professional mechanic by any means, so it will be a learning experience.

 

[FtsyMarine]

In addition to all the mechanical work and maintenance, there is some fiberglass work on the forward keel that I will need advice on. Previous owner "beached" the boat regularly, bow-in. It has worn through the bottom paint and gelcoat in about a 6" long by 2" wide area.

 

[FtsyMarine]

Some pictures of the condition of the boat:

 

[FtsyMarine]

More Photos:

 

[FtsyMarine]

Moving the boat and beginning to clean:

 

[FtsyMarine]

Cleaning:

 

[Sea18Horse]

Greetings and welcome!
Pursuit makes a nice boat and that one judging by the pictures is cleaning up very nicely. My gut tells me that you'll have enough invested in that restoration to make a professional survey of at least the hull integrity worth the cost. My understanding is that pursuit in the 90s had solid fiberglass hull bottoms with balsa cored sides. And that they did use wood in the structure back then. Pursuit enthusiasts like to say "yes they did have wood but it's all encapsulated". Well yeah sure but 6+ years outside uncovered is a long time. Good luck with the rehab! Keep the pictures coming! I'll be tagging along!

Cheers.........................Todd

 

[FtsyMarine]

I had lost my login info and was gone for awhile, but I've been continuing to work on the boat in the mean time! Was hoping there was an expert on merc controls here.. Please help if you can.


Starboard side shifter isn't moving the shift cable. Not sure if I screwed something up when I replaced the cables (see spring). Control feels functioning normally when moving forward and back, and throttle cable moves just fine, but the shift cable does nothing. I only noticed this because as I was replacing the Neutral safety switch, and testing the mechanism, I notices it never moved away from engaging the switch. I've looked at a number of parts diagrams online, but don't even see the spring mentioned. Possibly just need to free something up?

I believe the controls are part #88688A23
https://www.*****************/parts/m...y-dual-console (parts diagram)

Thanks in advance.