I recently bought my first boat (1990 Sea Arrow with a 5.0L OMC Cobra 220hp I/O). Come to find out it needs a lot of work. Most notably, the transom is rotted. I don't feel comfortable replacing the transom myself, and since its going to cost me almost $3000 I thought I would try to replace/fix everything I can on my own. Ive never done any kind of mechanical/electrical work but Im a quick learner and thus far have managed to fix the wiring issues, and replace the bilge pump.
Now I'm on to replacing the bellows. I don't want to dive into it without knowing whether or not I can handle it for one, and that I have all the right tools/parts to do it correctly. (I do have a Seloc guide to my engine so I will be working off that).
Can you guys give me some insight as to what tools are necessary, what things to keep in mind when working with the outdrive, and what to be careful of so I don't damage the boat any more than it is currently?
Basically I'm trying to do everything I can to keep water out of the boat so it is usable this summer, then replace the transom in the offseason when mechanics start giving discounts on their jobs due to lack of work.
Now I'm on to replacing the bellows. I don't want to dive into it without knowing whether or not I can handle it for one, and that I have all the right tools/parts to do it correctly. (I do have a Seloc guide to my engine so I will be working off that).
Can you guys give me some insight as to what tools are necessary, what things to keep in mind when working with the outdrive, and what to be careful of so I don't damage the boat any more than it is currently?
Basically I'm trying to do everything I can to keep water out of the boat so it is usable this summer, then replace the transom in the offseason when mechanics start giving discounts on their jobs due to lack of work.
