"Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

[Coolhandnuke]

Well, I did it. I went and got one of the nastiest, dirtiest non-running boats with an unknown history I could find! (For cheap of course). What I ended up with was a 1984 Sea Ray Monaco (207? 210?) with a Merc 260 5.7. Here is where my story begins.. but first a little about me. I'm not new to the water but new to I/O's, growing up we had Boston Whaler's with OB's. I'm far from a master mechanic but I'm a quick study and can figure most things out on my own with the help of the interwebs and service manuals. I've restored a 1979 CJ-7 back to life from a rusty heap so I figured I'd give this a shot and see where I end up. I've read several of the big restore threads here now (Friscoboater, you're an animal) and pretty much have an idea of what its going to take. How long it takes, well only time will tell! Here are some introductory pics:

How bout that interior, eh?

I fell in love with the swim platform.

Sad looking engine cover.

Interesting pattern.

 

[Tthomp3]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

You've got a lot of work ahead of you! I'm sure the hull will clean up nicely, the boat has a pretty good look to it. Start tearing into that thing!

 

[Coolhandnuke]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

Thanks Tthomp3, ask and you shall receive!

So, after getting it home (the trailer pulled like a dream by the way on the 150 mile trip) the first thing I did was grab a 17" breaker bar and tried to turn the engine over. Locked up tight. Yes! I get to tear down my first 350! But I also threw a battery in to determine the status of the electrical. Unbelievably, EVERYTHING worked. The lights, the non-marine grade CD player, the blower, bilge pump and trim. I even gave it a crank anyway to see if the starter clicked and sure enough, it did. I also gave it a bath to remove the thick coating of dirt and grime on the hull, and it cleaned up decently enough. I realized I don't have any after pics after the wash-down, so I'll have to get on that. Time for outdrive removal!

Piece of cake, came right off.

Pretty sure there's not supposed to be water in there??

Ujoints

For some reason I didn't get a shot of the lower unit, but there are no cracks, just some pitting in spots and the prop is mint.

 

[Tthomp3]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

Well that was quick! the water in there looks a little scary but I'm sure it wont be as bad as tearing apart that motor. Looks like you've got your hands full with this one, glad you came to the right place

 

[Coolhandnuke]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

If you hadn't figured it out yet, I'm playing a bit of catch up with my posts. On to the engine.

I removed the exhaust stuff first to facilitate engine removal and to be able to get around the engine more easily.

Noticed this right away..

Shot of the exhaust

 

[Coolhandnuke]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

$55 to a tow-truck driver and less than an hour later, the engine is out!

Now began the tear down. These engines are easy to dismantle.. If you're having reservations, go for it! I labelled everything and put it in it's own ziploc bag.

Yikes! To the scrap heap with this one! Anybody in the market for a "slightly modified" 350 block??

Even with the bad news, we were still all smiles, even my little helper.

Now I will move on to the flooring demo to see what kind of shape that's in, but that won't happen until next week.. I begin a set of nightshifts this weekend and it's supposed to rain until then. If I get a break in the weather I will try and get something done.

 

[Tthomp3]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

On to the fun stuff! the floor! i just finished demoing and prepping my floor. Its a lot of miserable work but in the end its all worth it. It is nasty work but don't give up now, you've got a great start!

 

[Coolhandnuke]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

Based on the number of replies I can see you've all been on pins and needles waiting for an update.. lol Over the last few days I removed the interior and started removing the floor.

When I began taking apart the passenger side console, I realized I hadn't looked in the "glove box". This may be a noob question, but what are these wooden holes supposed to be for?

Strange. Anyhow, deck consisted of what looked like half-inch treated ply with carpet glued to it. I had no idea what would be under it, but honestly I was not that surprised..

Stringers and majority of the floor completely rotten! Not sure when I'll get to dig in to this, but I'm looking forward to it! Can't wait for this boat to have a new solid deck.

 

[Tthomp3]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

Ive been waiting for an update! its about time!! Yeah the floor doesn't surprise me based on the rest of the condition of the boat. Best thing you can do is get all that out of there quick, then you will have a real idea of what your going to have to do. The floor in my boat was 3/4 in ply but yours might be 1/2. I think going back with 3/4 in will make the deck feel more solid but all that figuring comes later. Start taking that stuff out and get down to the hull! Then the fun begins. Many itchy days are ahead of you my friend

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

Looking good, Nice job on the pics - Too bad on the motor though.

LK

 

[terro]

Re: "Second Chance": My 84 Sea Ray Monaco project

So How Is The Resto Going? Id Like To See Updates. I Have The Same Thing Going. Got It Stripped, Now Comes The Fun Of Putting It Back Together. Post Some Pics If U Have Of New. Good luck

 

[SeaRayMrSteveAtlanta]

I would love to here the story and see pictures of your boat restore. I also took it upon myself to restore a sea ray just like this and I am 65 years young. Did plenty of cars this boat is a first. you could really help me with my questions. I fell in love to properly restore this old 1984 sea ray and that is all I know about it. I can see that one time it was once a bueatifulboat and it diserves the love you are giving yours. For now how did your resatoration go?

 

[GA_Boater]

The OP hasn't been in the forum since starting this thread, 7 years ago.

Closed.