18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

[djmeaney]

The quest for an 'affordable' 18' SS continues.

Saw this on CL for 1971 V-hull SS

At $500 is this reasonable - with potential blown engine? Would actually prefer on OB version. What is a typical cost for a used engine - assuming the worst here?

Here's the ad

The boat- Ran great up until today. Boat suddenly spewed oil out while on the water today. May need a new gasket, but could need a whole new engine. I'm not a mechanic and am broke so it's easier for me to just get rid of it. Boat currently has a Mercruiser 2.5L 4cyl engine and cruises at 30-37mph depending on capacity. Can hold up to a 140hp motor. New alternator and starter (within last month). Solid aluminum hull is water tight. and pre-alpha outdrive is in good shape. Comes with all the standard safety equipment i.e. life vests, extinguisher, flares, and anchor. Upholstry needs work. Floors are solid. Has automatic bilge, nav lights, and blower.

The trailer- In great structural shape. A couple of the rollers need to be replaced.
Has brand new tires and bearings (new in June). winch is solid, all lights work.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

Hard to say, Dan. Any pics? Have you seen the boat in person? If you're wanting an 18' SS project with a suspect motor go for it. Bear in mind that you won't get to water test her, so she could be a sieve with a blown motor and outdrive along with soft floors/transom/bad interior - worst case because you can't trust a seller 99% of the time.

No matter, I would offer less than asking price just for GP ($500 isn't a bad price). If only the motor is bad and non-repairable, you can prob find a cheap donor. Then again the motor may only have a simple problem, sometimes you just don't know until it is torn down.

Good luck!

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

GA thanks for response.

I have not seen the boat myself. The seller says the engine did continue to run after the oil started spewing out. I should find out if it was liquid or smoke!

Here are the pics that were in the CL ad. Seller says he will send more later.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

Looks like shes worth a peek.

For all you know, the engine had a crappy cork gasket, or rear main seal let go, and it's now puking oil. Did the owner say where the engine is puking oil? If you look at it, see if the owner will allow you to bring a compression tester with you. If it's still running, chances are you can save the engine as long as it hasn't rotted away with salt water.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

She doesn't look bad in the pics. Good point about still running ^^^. If it's not a leaking gasket or seal, then water might be getting in an displacing the oil making it come out. Could be riser/exhaust manifold. Needs investigation.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

Seller says the spewing oil was in liquid form, and that boat was used in freshwater.

Here are some additional pics...

Dan

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

For 5 bills, I don't really think you could go wrong with this one. Very worst case is parting it out, but that hull looks like it's in really nice shape.

I would be interested to know where the oil leak is coming from. If the block is cracked, you may be getting water in the oil that is forcing it out. See if you can have the seller pull the dipstick to see if the level is high, or the oil looks milky. Even still re-powering this shouldn't be a huge deal. Hopefully the deck, stringers, and transom are as pretty as the outside. Ask the owner if he keeps it under cover, or better yet in a garage.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

500 is a fair price. You can probably pick up a used motor for a couple hundred if worse comes to worse. It could be something as simple as a gasket like the others have said.

 

[dozerII]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

That there is a real nice boat, I have one the same. If he didn't run it without oil and ruin it it may be an easy fix. I have seen the o-ring blow out of the oil filter causing an oil leak, and that is only a $5.00 fix plus oil.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

I got it. Decided to go ahead and take the plunge for $500. I'll probably be picking it up tomorrow night.

Did take a look at it last night.

The good: the hull is in good shape, transom is sound, trailer is really solid, all the lights work, and gauges look good and are all functional

The bad: the motor has milky oil in the oil pan and on the rocker arms, and a wee bit of a soft spot on the floor near the captains's seat..

The ugly: the interior is pretty much original and faded.

The seller gave me a little more info on the engine issue. Last weekend he was cruising at WOT when something sounded different. He took off the dog house cover and found oil on spewing on the manifold in front of the carburetor. He slowed to idle and ran the engine several more minutes to get back to the dock (says engine ran fine at idle). So I'll start investigating near the manifold and see what I can find. Figure first thing is to get milky oil out to prevent further damage. I have posted on the Mercruiser board to see what they think.

Is it possible to work on the manifold/risers of 2.5L inboard on 18' SS without pulling the entire engine?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[barato2]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

hey Dan--

just saw this thread...welcome to the monkey house. keep us posted on what you learn on motor.

 

[HarryO60]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

You did good...The trailer is worth 500 bucks....that 4cyl merc is an easy rebuild and common as dirt... Good luck with it and welcome to the armada.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

Yes you can get to the risers/mani with the motor in place. Plus that motor is a dime a dozen in glass donors everywhere. You done good at that price....

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

I'm proud to member of the Armada! The Starmada has been a great help and inspiration over the past year as I evaluated different boats. So far, I'm pleased with the decision.

Can't wait to dive in and get some milky oil on my hands

Dan

 

[Gibbles]

Re: 18' SS with blown inboard motor for $500 (a deal or not)?

Nice looking boat, and these tin boats are fun projects.

I hope you keep posting your progress on the boat