21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

[fouroaks347]

Hey Everyone.

I decided to join the forum here since I was searching for some information, and I figured why not just ask everyone!

I have been passed down a 21' sting ray boat. It's a open bow. I think it is a 1989-1990. I'm really unsure of the model of it, since the coast guard tag inside the boat is damaged.

I've been looking at this boat since a child, it was our family boat, and we maybe put 25 hours on it. It has sat since it was last registered in 1992.

The boat was winterized, before it sat dormant. It was covered for the last years except for the past two years, it's I guess become a lost cause for them. So they have passed it on to me.

The boat is in overall decent shape, I was looking at the engine and it's not all rusted, it still looks in very good shape and the hull is in nice shape... it's only got 25 hours it should be right?

My question is... where do I start. The seats are toast, and all the vinyl is toast. I'm very handy and I know about engines somewhat. I'm thinking of dropping this one off at the pros though.

If I was to drag the boat down to a marine machanic... what services should I be looking to have done? I mean I could start doing them myself, as well.

I peaked in a few of the spark plug holes and the engine did not look corroded inside. It should have been fogged if it was winterized... I believe.

It has a mercruiser V6 in it, it's an I/O and I believe it's an alpha one? outdrive.

I'm not sure what should be done seal wise, and outdrive.

I'm sure I would have to change oil in engine, oil filter, drain any fuel, replace any cracking hoses (none seemed to be bad, only oil filter rusted), maybe some spark plugs. It is cooled by taking in water (i'm not a huge boat person... so pardon the lack of correct terms!)

I have seats for it, and I've already gotten around to re making all the side panels for the interor. I just have to purchase vinyl and upholster them. I want to make sure the engine and stuff is good before I waste the time/money.

Also should there be anything else I am checking for? The floor seems to be in alright shape, Its not overly bouncy or anything, what kind of wood framing should be in there? anyway to check this stuff out?

Also, I believe the engine is EFI, if that makes any difference. I think it is a 4.3 it could be a 5.0 I'm not 100% sure on this though.
Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Wow, not sure where to start here, a any boat that hasn't been run in 20+ years is bound to be in dire straits. You said it's been outside for all this time and the deck was "bouncey". I'm guessing at best you'll need to check the deck and stringers very well. I'm not a mechanic but I can only imagine the shape of the engine.

I'd start a thread in the engine forum on advice on firing it up again.

Good luck and we're here to help where we can.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Start with the engine. If it is good you can start with the other stuff. If it is not... take it to the junk yard. If the deck is "bouncy", you have other problems underneath that will need to be addressed. Take a look at my thread with the Sea Ray. I am at $2,000 in parts alone for the deck repairs so far.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Frisco is spot on Motor is #1 It is a Good Power Plant BUT ONLY if it is a runner. IF you have to put 2K into it to get it to run and then another 2-3k to get the boat back in shap I think you could spend your 5K on a better boat that would not require your Blood Sweat and Tears. There IS a Lot of work in bringing these Old Girls back to life. Just ask Frisco.^^^^^

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Frisco is spot on Motor is #1 It is a Good Power Plant BUT ONLY if it is a runner. IF you have to put 2K into it to get it to run and then another 2-3k to get the boat back in shap I think you could spend your 5K on a better boat that would not require your Blood Sweat and Tears. There IS a Lot of work in bringing these Old Girls back to life. Just ask Frisco.^^^^^

Yep!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Yep, start a new thread in the I/O forum and see if you can get that motor running. Only then should you consider tackling the hull issues.

Any one else think it's probably not EFI if it's an '89/'90?

 

[fouroaks347]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Thanks guys, I'll post in that forum. I have to double check the engine specs. I haven't looked under that engine cover in a while. I kind of having the feeling that if I change the oil, and get some new fuel in her, shes going to start right up. I've seen car engines that don't look this new. Its strange. maybe I should include pictures in a post. I have no interest in buying a boat, I just figure since I'm mechanically inclinded, I would get involved with this project if it's worth the time. I figure, 2k or so in parts or less.. if it runs. Great, if it's a lost cause, ill scrap the engine and trailer for the dump fees

I think the floor is not bouncy bouncy, it's odd. I don't know how to describe it. What happens if the stringers (im not sure what these are ina boat) are rotted?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: 21' I/O Stingray.... sat since 1992... 4.3 V6 Merc.

Thanks guys, I'll post in that forum. I have to double check the engine specs. I haven't looked under that engine cover in a while. I kind of having the feeling that if I change the oil, and get some new fuel in her, shes going to start right up. I've seen car engines that don't look this new. Its strange. maybe I should include pictures in a post. I have no interest in buying a boat, I just figure since I'm mechanically inclinded, I would get involved with this project if it's worth the time. I figure, 2k or so in parts or less.. if it runs. Great, if it's a lost cause, ill scrap the engine and trailer for the dump fees

I think the floor is not bouncy bouncy, it's odd. I don't know how to describe it. What happens if the stringers (im not sure what these are ina boat) are rotted?

Stringer are the main support of the structure of the boat. Your deck (floor) shouldn't be bouncy at all, if it is its signs of more trouble and being outside as you said I'm sure it's rotten. That repair is a major undertaking but it's doable, I've done plenty of them as have many others on here, so you're not alone there, plenty of help available. As I said in my first post, post the engine in the I/O forum and see what the pro's think and we'll go from there. And you're right on the specs, they are going to want all the details you can give them.

Good Luck.