1990 Bayliner 2651 resto

[Drivewayboater2]

To begin I’d like to thank everyone on this site. Reading and learning about what NOT to do has helped me greatly. The knowledgeable folks on here is amazing. This post is a bit backwards since I’m trying to recreate the last 5-6 years and sharing my project. Which is still in progress!
I bought my first boat in 1993. A new 16ft Bayliner Classic with a 70hp Force outboard. Still have it today! BUT always wanted a cruiser. Soooo the search was on. It took me a couple years and some convincing the admiral, and I finally found something affordable. This is what I was able to pickup. The previous owner let it go for 2k. I was thinking the trailer alone was worth that much.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

The day I brought it home was a bit scary. Didn’t have far to tow but this was waaaaay different than towing a little bow rider. Nonetheless we made it

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Being new to I/O I figured I would start with the outdrive and start pulling things apart… As parts came off the boat. I assessed each part. Replaced seals, bearing carrier, rebuilt trim cylinders and repainted parts of the outdrive. Unfortunately didn’t take many before pics but have taken the after pics.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

The most useful part of this rebuild.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Next up was the inside of the engine bay. Started at the top of the engine and worked my way down. First was to rebuilt quadrajet carb. It was a mess. But learned a lot from people on the forum.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Worked my way through the intake manifold. It was a mess on the block. Removed Risers and exhaust( cleaned with muratic acid) and painted.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Distributor was rebuilt. New bushings were installed since there was slop on the rod. The fuel pump and power steering were both rebuilt and painted.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

My intention is to replace the long block and transfer all usable parts. The old engine came out pretty easy.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

The next step was to replace the side windows since they were cracked and leaking. Made a stencil and traced the windows before removing the old plexiglas. Stress cracks were addressed when old windows were removed. The top hatch was repaired since that leaked as well. Window was removed and re bedded. The top windows got the same treatment since the previous owner just kept adding more silly cone. All windows were done with 3M double sided tape and Dow 795 caulk. FYI shelf life after opening this stuff isn’t long. Be prepared to use it quickly and have all things that need caulking ready to go.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

All decals and pin striping have been removed. Much wet sanding and compounding will be up next. Did a test spot and I figure it’s gonna take 15 hours to do the whole boat. I like the way it looks without the decals and striping.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Other projects included redoing the exterior seats. Challenging but doable if you take your time. Each piece of vinyl was carefully removed so templates could be made. Here’s the bench seat. Sewing was done on a regular surger and a number 19 needle.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Another project was to redo the aft cabin window( much like the front hatch) and repaint the small access hatch next to that window.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Also redid the gunnel on the starboard side

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Trim pump was gone over and bench tested. A good cleaning and paint on the bracket that holds it down.
Trim tabs also needed tlc. Previous owner had them covered with bottom paint??? Is this a common practice?

 

[Drivewayboater2]

The dashboard needed attention. All gauges where bench tested. Light bulbs replaced. I used headlight lens cleaner to clear up the cloudy lenses. sanded down the outer plastic and gave them 5/6 coates of paint. Light sanding between each coat. All other toggle switches got the same paint As well as the entire dash panel.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

I have now removed the inner transom ring along with the balance of the outdrive. Not sure if the inner ring is good or not( see pic). Some corrosion is noticeable on the bottom. Is this part still serviceable???

 

[paulswagelock]

Terrific work. Enjoying seeing your progress.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Now that the engine, Y pipe and inner transom ring have been removed it gave me full access to the transom. Taking core samples seems that the bottom third is suspect. To be expected on a boat of her age. I anticipated this would be a candidate for replacing. Looking at other transom replacement’s on this forum they show having to replace the entire section of the transom. On this boat it seems like the center transom section is the only 2” thick part of the transom that would need replacing. It’s roughly 3ft wide by 3 ft tall. OR does the entire transom need to be replaced.

 

[Drivewayboater2]

Terrific work. Enjoying seeing your progress.

Thanks paulswagelock! It’s been a work in progress for years. Just never documented on this forum. I finally got the nerve to post.

 

[eggs712]

Now that the engine, Y pipe and inner transom ring have been removed it gave me full access to the transom. Taking core samples seems that the bottom third is suspect. To be expected on a boat of her age. I anticipated this would be a candidate for replacing. Looking at other transom replacement’s on this forum they show having to replace the entire section of the transom. On this boat it seems like the center transom section is the only 2” thick part of the transom that would need replacing. It’s roughly 3ft wide by 3 ft tall. OR does the entire transom need to be replaced.

It's hard to say without pictures. Once you start cutting out the rot, you should be able to see more of what you're really dealing with.