new, need some help

I just purchased a used boat from Ebay. I have been dying to get a boat for quite some time now and finally took the dive...

The boat itself is not such high class or amazing looking, but for me its a beauty... Its a 1987 26ft Imperial Sport Cruiser, Dual I/O's. I know this company (imperial) has been OOB for quite some time, but while it was building i have read their hulls were very good quality builds. Also i really like the look and feel of it.

I understand there will definately need to be some work done on the motors, and i am just starting to look for some resources on mechanics in my area. I live in Palm Coast FL and was hoping i may meet some nice people from these forums that can help me in finding some resources.

I am definately not looking to get ripped off (who is?) or pay top dollar for exceptional work.
I am looking for someone who knows their stuff, likes to talk about what their doing and dosnt mind getting their hands dirty. I also would like to really be involved in the entire process, hands on if possible.

The boat I purchased actually came with a spare working engine, so one needs to be removed and replaced, while the other is supposedly in good shape and will need timing done.

hey, hope I will get some responses

Re: new, need some help

No offense, but I hope you know just how big of a hole in the water you may have purchased. Hope you have enough to fill it.

Re: new, need some help

That was actually kind of offensive. I am actually looking for helpful advice on these forums, what you just said does not help me one bit.
I feel good about my purchase and am excited on fixing her up and getting her out.

Re: new, need some help

Not trying to hurt your feelings buddy. Just that a lot of people that know very little about boats buy one like yours, and don't realize that it may take 10k or more to get it to the point of being seaworthy. I wish you the best with it, and hope you had it checked out before you bought it. Your post just made it seem like you are kind of jumping in blind.

Re: new, need some help

k np, appreciate your concern. I've actually been a boat owner for abour 4 years, had one in the past. So i do get the cost involved in owning ANY used boat.

I just dont live where i used to and hopefully can find some reliable people around my new location that can help me out.
I dont really feel comfortable posting how much i got the boat for, but just put it this way, if i were to simply sell the spare engine for half what its worth i would have already made a profit.

But i didnt buy this boat to make money from a good deal. Cosmetically this boat is sound. The boat was in the middle of engine repairs but for very unfortunate reasons it had to be sold. I would like to finish those engine repairs and keep her running well as long as possible.

Re: new, need some help

Sounds like you are really excited! Relax, it Ain't goin' in tomorrow! Nobody here cares what you paid! What you want is somebody to finish what somebody else started? With you kind of helping.? Judging by your location (80 miles north of Daytona) & enthusiasm in the purchase, cheap is best! Maybe hang around some marina's in your area & pick a tech that will do something for you! Otherwise, just post questions to a specific topic!

Re: new, need some help

Well then, i must have beem mistaken when i though this forum was for people who were excited about boats and using them.

So far all i have gotten are cynical and judgemental responses.

I am done with the negativity... good bye and I will try to "make friends" elsewhere.

Re: new, need some help

alys2 said:

Well then, i must have beem mistaken when i though this forum was for people who were excited about boats and using them.

So far all i have gotten are cynical and judgemental responses.

I am done with the negativity... good bye and I will try to "make friends" elsewhere.

Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... I guess....

What We are here is a DIY'ers boatin' forum...
And this is the Mercruiser fix it yerself forum...
You haven't said what these motors are, nor what's wrong with 'em...
Nor what drives We're talkin' about...

If ya wanta Fix it,... tell Us about it, 'n We'll help ya through it...

If yer lookin' for a Mechanic Referral,...
Yer kinda outa Luck, as that's Not what We do here...

Re: new, need some help

Bond-o,

Thank you for your response and now i understand.

I am a huge DIYer, and plan on doing most of the work myself, just for the fun of it. Not to save money.

The boat has twin mercruiser 470, 3.7ltr, 180hp

See your reply to me seemed like it was from a kind person who is not cynical or judgemental. If everyone would have been kind enough to explain in the way you did i would see this forum as a much nicer environment.
I have enough tension at home with the kids climbing all over me all day, at work with the boss never being satisfied and the wife expecting a new coach bag every month

So when i am talking about a hobby I love which takes me away from "real life", i just dont appreciate the negativity being a part of it. I am sure on most popular forums like this one there are always know it alls and loud mouths, which is why i usually keep quiet and dont participate.

so this is me going back to being quiet.

Re: new, need some help

oh, i just noticed you are the mod of these forums.

Maybe if you think its suitable, please delete this thread and i will try to start over another time, when i have more information about all the issues i plan on working out myself with the motors.

Re: new, need some help

alys2 said:

Bond-o,


The boat has twin mercruiser 470, 3.7ltr, 180hp

See your reply to me seemed like it was from a kind person who is not cynical or judgemental.

Click to expand...

I've never seen Bond-o cynical or judgemental. He also loves 470's