20.5' Corsair Sunbird w/ 5.0 ford motor omc cobra out drive

[Commodore_Cutts]

Hey guys,

I am entertaining the idea of picking this up as a second project boat. The seller states that, "Probably needs a floor kinda soft bought a couple years ago needed motor work got the motor running took it out a couple times ran good then started noticing water in it and starter went out and I just parked it been sitting about 4 years." I'm not sure if Seller meant water in engine or in the hull, which is a make or break. Seller only wants 500 for it but I think I could snag it at 400 - If in good condition, the trailer alone should be worth that, right? Just looking for opinions - I'm going to look at it this weekend.

 

[Woodonglass]

Good running Motor is the Key, IMHO. A full GUT JOB Restoration will more than likely be needed and with Upholstery,Deck, Stringers and Transom You're looking @ around $2,000 in materials costs and 200 man hours of work. If that sounds like what you want for a project...and you like the Styling of the Boat, then go get her and Start a Restoration Thread here on the Forum and you'll have ALL the help you can hope for!!!:rockon:

 

[Commodore_Cutts]

Definitely like the lines - maybe a completely black paint job with red pin striping (way down the road). I agree about the engine, my fear is the transom! Any suggestions as to where I should look for the source of water coming in?

 

[tpenfield]

I would assume a full gut job and a new engine and possibly the outdrive. Not worth it unless you really have a bunch of time and money to burn.

 

[Commodore_Cutts]

If the engine is shot - seller said he put had one head replaced and had the other reworked. Also said it ran like a champ before the water got in the engine compartment - which brings me to another question. In looking for water in the engine - would that be as simple as checking the dipstick or should I drain try and drain a bit of oil into a cup?

 

[Woodonglass]

Water on I/O's could be a bad Bellows!! Pull the dip stick for sure but draining the oil would be optimum.

 

[Commodore_Cutts]

Apologies for the last thread response! I'm not great at multitasking haha Woodonglass - that would make sense, but it also seems like a pretty damning notion for my transom, right?

 

[Scott Danforth]

If the floor is soft, the transom long ago rotted away. Personally, you should get it for near free. Its a rotten boat with an obsolete motor that doesn't run and obsolete drive. Unless you love the boat, and want a restoration project that will run you a minimum of $2k in materials and 200 hours of labor just for the hull, I would walk away

 

[Woodonglass]

For sure you need to do a VERY THOROUGH inspection of everything before investing a dime in a boat of this caliber.