'87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

[dajcadams]

I bought an '87 Sea Ray Seville 192BR. I thought the floor "felt" solid. I know a lot about cars, but nothing about boats. The guy was selling it because it wouldn't start. I looked at it, and quickly told him it needed a fuel pump. He said he didn't care, and just wanted it gone. I thought I'd buy it (go in half with my brother-in-law), replace the fuel pump and sell it. I did replace the fuel pump and it ran like a champ. Before we put it for sale, we wanted to make sure it was safe in case the new owner would be taking his kids out in it, etc. It ran awesome! We were excited, but decided to turn around and head back to the dock. As soon as we turned around, we smoked the coupler. Burnt rubber smell all over and had to be towed back. I brought it home and discovered the front engine mount (wood) was rotten and had allowed the motor to sink in the front about 1.5 inches. I knew what I was getting myself into, but it needed to be fixed. My brother-in-law and I decided to go for it. I will be posting pictures and will be seeking advice. So far we have the outdrive off, the motor's pulled, most of the deck's off, and I've discovered where the stringers should've been!

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Here is the peaceful day that ended with us getting towed back!

It was riding so good, and the motor was running great with that new fuel pump.

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Outdrive off. I was happy to see that everything looked very good. Everything had been greased regularly from the looks of it. Gimble bearing felt good, bellows and hoses good.

Motor's out. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that all that wood is solid as a rock. Just wait.... you'll see.

I got the carpet out, and removed the fuel tank. 30 gallon tank, almost half full! You can see the rot at the top of the port stringer there. In the bottom left hand corner of the photo you can see what's left of the front motor mount.... no wonder the coupler smoked!

What a mess. I swear, you could build a boat with just foam! That stuff was so solid, I wish my house foundation was made of it.

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

A shot from the bow facing the transom. Where those stringers are supposed to be, is really only the fiberglass that surrounded them. Inside the gray painted area was the fuel tank.

At the front of the fuel tank area is the ski locker (with the life vest and bumper). Where I cut the deck in the front, the stringers are solid. I hope to tie in there, to avoid moving forward of the cockpit area.

In between the two gray painted areas, is where the front motor mount used to exist. We scooped that wood out with our hands. You can see where we notched the stringers in the rear. We would really, really like to tie in there with our new stringers. I do not want to mess with the transom. I will continue to inspect, however.

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

I am on the right, my brother-in-law is on the left. After trying many tools, the chain-saw was by far the most effective!

This was messy work. I haven't even begun grinding the old fiberglass away yet! I looked at many photos of other boats on this forum, and I always assured myself... mine's not THAT BAD!

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

I'm sure I will have a thousand questions. I was considering poly resin, but I'm not really sure what to buy and where. What kind of fiberglass mesh? Wax in the resin/ no wax? I'm still reading, but there's a lot of information and I tend to get confused. Anything you guys see, that I'm screwing up... please don't hesitate, help a brother out! I've never done anything like this before and could use the help.

 

[lowkee]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Take a look at my restore thread for help in getting started. Depending on what is rotted and how much you plan to put into it (will you be keeping it for a few years or just want it gone?) depends on what you should buy for materials. If you just want it floating and solid until it sells, I would just go with plywood and some poly coating on it. My boat looks very similar to yours and I'd guess yours may be equally as in need of restoration. I'll keep an eye out for any questions you have and will try to answer anything you get stuck on which isn't already covered in my restore thread. For a laugh (or a cry), feel free to check out the 10 steps in the first post.

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Are you kidding me? I've already read your thread like three times! It was your thread that gave me the confidec=nce to do this. The information and pictures of you and your boat has helped me immensely, and that is why I'm doing this thread... maybe someone else will find it helpful. I'm glad you're watching my thread!

 

[jcole59946]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Awesome post and pictures! I have the exact same 1987 Sea Ray Seville 192 Bowrider with the same color interior and same Merc 470 engine. I bought mine a few months ago for $500. It runs great but the floors are soft and need replacing. Not only are my floor soft, but I need a whole new interior. So far my motor mount appears to be ok. Your post is very helpful. Please keep us updated with your progress. I will be doing the same stuff to my boat this winter.


Have a good one, JTC

 

[Shellsman]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

This is soo Cool! I Have a '88 19ft Sunray I/O with deck rot and a transom that will need replaced. The boat is the same as a Searay, in fact I downloaded a Searay Sevelle owners manual, it matches my Sunray exactly. I havent started the project yet. I do appreciate lowkee and dajcadams posts and vids. I hope we can stay in touch and share ideas. I probably can handle the deck and stringer replacement. The transom is what I am afraid of. Im not sure where to start with that. This iboats forum is great. I wouldnt even attempt this without you guys. Youve been a great help already, Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Welcome to iboats Shellsman. You should definitely start a thread on your project with pictures of your progress. You'll get the best help that way and we LOVE pictures

 

[dajcadams]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Hi everyone! Happy Memorial Day. It's been a long time since I checked in, and that's because I haven't touched the boat since last year. We'll be getting back into it in the next couple of weeks here. I will keep the updates coming as I make progress.

 

[Shiner B]

Re: '87 Sea Ray stringer replacement

Hi dajcadams! Just checked out your thread and I got the same issue as you did with the front engine mount rotting out. Mine is hanging about an inch from where it should be. I was actually thinking about taking the boat out on the water this weekend but after reading your thread, I changed my mind quick. I really want to start my restore but wife and new kid come first. Keep up the good work and keep the pics comin.