302 I/O winterized for 6 years

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Here recently I as offered a chance to buy an offshore fishing boat with a ford 302 stern drive that hasn't been started for a long period of time and has been winterized for 6 years without being de-winterized. The boat was being offered to me for 800 and was 24 or 25 feet long with a trailer. I ended up passing on the boat but was curious if I made the wise choice or should I have just went ahead and got it as a project or parted it out? Are there any dangers or major issues to a motor in this condition. Also, the boat was last registered in NC and owners had no title which is required here in Texas.

Chris

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 I/O winterized for 6 years

No title? I guess you made the right decision. The rest of the circumstances are moot and I do not think that 'parting out' a 24 foot boat is worth the effort, even if the motor and O/D were serviceable.

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: 302 I/O winterized for 6 years

How much work would it be on the drive and engine to get it running? Is leaving it winterized that long really bad for them? Title isn't really a big deal, I have friends that could register in their state and do not require a title then "sell" to me with a BOS and with that I could get a title pretty easily. I'm just wondering how much effort and $$$$ would have gone into the engine and drive. I used to be an ASE cert automotive tech and from what I have seen on my I/O (mercruiser) on my Sea Ray it seems to just be a bored/stroked 2.4 or 2.0 that came in the cavalier from similar year but I have to admit I don't know much about the stern drives, I am learning but its a process.

Chris

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: 302 I/O winterized for 6 years

If it was properly winterized the internals of the engine might be OK. The real problem is every piece of rubber on the boat is suspect. Can't address the title issue but I'll bet it would be frustrating.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 I/O winterized for 6 years

6 years on a properly winterized engine should not be a problem. What I question, besides no title, is an old, obsolete outdrive that has been driving a large boat, that has spent its life in saltwater.

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: 302 I/O winterized for 6 years

I had those same concerns as well which is what me pass on it in the end. I also thought I'd end up replacing possibly 90 - 95 % of the fuel system. It just seemed like too much work but the price kinda made it hard to pass up.

Chris