where to start?

[pyro3256]

just got a new boat project. its a invader bow rider ski boat. dont know much about the boat. was pulled out of a field. people bought a house and it was in the back 40. they are not boat people was junk to them. so i was ask to haul it off. i saw potential in it so here i am. btw so far all in seams to need is a new interior. and motor work. but where to start. i opened the engine cover to find a head removed( but there) and all the spark plugs were out. have not tryed to spin the motor or turn by hand. but where to start. i assume that the former owners had a motor problem took the boat to a marina and didn't like the estimated cost of repair. parked it out in the back forty and for got about it. ok heres what i do know. the boat was last tagged in 8/02 and it has a johnson 150 v6 model 150tl79c serial j516680
ok you all tell me what you know. please

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: where to start?

this is where to start. http://www.outboardbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=models.main&year=1979&ID=57237

turn it over before spending any money, with the head off for 6 years, may be siezed.

 

[pyro3256]

Re: where to start?

ok so i am not a mechanic as far as o/b are concerned. but i have found with more inspection that the reason the head was off was to comfirm that a piston is seized in the block and the block cracked at that cylinder. well i think its cracked. your not suposed to be able to see the piston from the side right? i'm figure i'm gona need a new power head or block atleast. i have found lots of listings for various parts online. for different years but what years interchange parts. i have a 79. the next thing is what can be saved and what can't. i dont think i could swing a rebuild but. i can turn a wrench so if i had a complete short block i think i could may be bolt it all up. with help from a manual. or should i just give up now? i really like the boat even though it needs a full restoration. the price was sure right. will try to post pics of motor damage tomorrow.

 

[5150abf]

Re: where to start?

With that sitting in a Field for a couple years I would survey the entire boat, the motor is only one part of it.
I would be very surprised if the hull isn't in pretty bad shape, it has been a critter condo for quite awhile so you no doubt have a lot of chewed wiring at the least, no sense spending all that time and money on a rebuild if you jerk the transom out the the first time you hit the throttle or the hull ca lapses the first time you hit a wave cause the stringers are gone.
I don't mean to dog your new boat, just be sure of what you are getting into before you start spending money.
Furniture is the 2nd most expensive thing on a boat next to the motor so price that to, and maybe hook up a battery and see what , if anything works.
I'm just saying, price the entire project before you start anything.
If the hull is solid you have a real find there.

 

[pyro3256]

Re: where to start?

5150abf yes that is sound advise. this is not my first resto i will be starting a new thread on this one soon. if you or any one would like to see i just finished a bass boat resto that can be viewed here http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=273703
i will be doing the same to this ski boat except paint. the gelcoat on this boat is great is cleaned up nice and sined up with just a little buffing. the floor and stringers and transom will all be replaced. i am aware of cost and work involved. it is good peace of mind knowing every thing is new, and in most cases can be rebuilt better than original. not bragging about my skills just saying i know whats coming. i figure boat was free and i sink about 5-8 grand in it and have a new boat just the way i want. yes i could buy used in that price range but no gareentee on how nice it is and the life expectancy of boat. i do the resto and i know what kind of boat i have and know with proper care i can hand it down to my son later.

 

[pyro3256]

Re: where to start?

ok here is the motor first just some genral pics. last one shows the damage which is on lowest left cyclinder when looking at back of motor facing bow of boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: where to start?

definate power head, that looks like it is toast. been hot more than once.

 

[JB]

Re: where to start?

Looks like you gave the previous owners room to park an old pickup.

 

[pyro3256]

Re: where to start?

ok so its toast. now what is the cheapest route to save it? a whole short block or just the block and pistons and use old crank. i assume the carbs and ignition and starter, ect will all swap over to new block. what years interchange with mine if i find a used one? is this as complex a rebuild as a car? i have never messed with o/b motors always got luky or took to shop. but money is tight now so. i can/have rebuild auto motors. just wondering how different they are and what is the best shop manual for my motor? im sure i will need specific torque specs and such. exploded views and schematics will also me nice. bty i'm not cheap! just poor! so if it needs a part to be right i'll get it. not trying to cut corners. just save a little with free labor.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: where to start?

Just a thought..........Part the motor out and use the money towards a running motor.

By the time you get through rebuilding that motor you will have some $$$ in it. I would salvage what good parts you can get off of it and sell them on Ebay or advertise in a local swapper or at worst bring it to a scrap yard.

 

[pyro3256]

Re: where to start?

is fixing this really going to be that bad? i dont imagine i could get a used motor for cheaper that the repairs. or can i ? seams like the power head and or new block is a small part compared to the whole package including power trim lower unit and such. or am i wrong?

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: where to start?

Yes it can be expensive, check this link out and the vendor may require a core.

http://www.boatmotors.com/motorpart...nufacturer=5&hp=150&submit=Search&disp2=&cyl=

 

[gjm]

Re: where to start?

I have found it cheaper to buy a boat and motor together ,than just buying a motor outright.