1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 (100HP OB)

[bballstar1297]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 with the original 100 HP Mercury outboard on it. I found it for $ 750 and currently I really am interested in it. However, I am not sure if it is worth that much... Its going to need a new floor, most likely new stringers, and hopefully not a transom replacement. I am not sure if the engine runs, but if it doesn't run, I'm hoping its just a carb problem and not anything really complicated. I came to iboats to see what the experts think and I would love to hear all opinions. Thanks :happy:

btw I'm 15 and I'm learning, but I know a lot more about this kinda stuff than most 15 year olds!

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: 1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 (100HP OB)

I will say it takes about 1500$ in materials to restore it to good shape. If you have the tools already. That is to just rebuild, not counting all the trimmings like interior work or nice decking, etc. If the motor Does run, the motor is worth that price. I still say the price is a little much considering the massive amount of work required foe a full on restore.

Having said that, for 750 plus the 2000 or so to restore if the motor is in good shape the boat will be like new, and you will be PROUD of it! Looking very forward to backing my boat off my trailer for the first time after my restore is done.

If the stringers and deck are gone, I bet the transom will be too.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: 1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 (100HP OB)

Hi bballstar1297,

Welcome to the Iboats dry dock

Just a quick heads up...If the engine isn't running...that's huge money...NEVER assume anything when it comes to marine engines, I mean NEVER! it could be just a carb problem, or it could be a blown engine, or any number of things in between...if it turns over and it has spark, and its getting fuel, and you have fairly even compression all the way in all the cylinders, it should run...that doesn't mean it will run trouble-free, especially in the water...Does it shift OK, what color is the drive gear oil...???

An old boat like this is extremely likely to need everything you mentioned, deck, stringers AND the Transom replaced...

If, and only if the engine and trailer are in really good shape, you are most likely looking at spending anywhere between 1000-4000 dollars to completely restore this boat...the reason the number is so variable depends on many factors, like where you are located and the cost of the materials plus shipping charges...and any changes or upgrades you decide to do to it along the way...

Don't forget to take into account the stuff like upholstery, gel coat repair/refinish or repaint...electronics, wiring, batteries, etc., etc...

I commend you for wanting to take on a project like this and hope that you can, but you asked for opinions, and I just want you to realize that this is not going to be easy, fast or cheap...

Be advised that there is no such thing as a FREE or cheap boat...this is considered a luxury hobby, and luxuries are expensive...any boat more than a few (2-10) years old, that has not been meticulously cared for and stored out of the elements, when not in use, or is made entirely of composite materials, is likely to have many of the same issues...engine problems, rot, etc...

If you decide to tackle this huge project, the guys here will gladly climb aboard and share their wealth of knowledge and insights to help you make this a successful endeavor...

Best of luck and have fun!
GT1M

 

[bballstar1297]

Re: 1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 (100HP OB)

Hey guys, thanks for the quick response.
I haven't actually checked out the boat yet, but when I do, I'll check if it turns over, if it has spark, if its getting fuel, and if it has pretty even compression all the way in all the cylinders. But I'm staying optimistic!:joyous:

 

[bballstar1297]

Re: 1988 Sea Ray Seville 160 (100HP OB)

Ok, so I recently found out more about the boat! The engine thankfully does run well... so that shouldn't be a problem. However, I still don't know about the transom or stringers (already know floor needs replacement). I also know that its been sitting for a while, and the seller is the second owner. Another slight issue is that it is located about 2 hours and 30 minutes away... :faint2: But still hoping for the best!:joyous: