Bought my first boat to tinker on. Looking for advice

[TripleJGraffis]

Would something like this work? I don't know if different 85hp motors weigh differently. I am seeing in another thread here that 85hp force motors which is suspected that I currently have, weigh around 255lbs. This is 2lbs heavier....However, is it at all possible that this motor wouldn't fit? I would hate to get something that doesn't fit or is too heavy for the transom to support....even if I have to replace it.

 

[racerone]

Be careful if you buy a motor from a picture online.

 

[kcassells]

Be careful if you buy a motor from a picture online.

Racer is right. Most I've seen online are no warranties and no returns. Stay local.

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Racer is right. Most I've seen online are no warranties and no returns. Stay local.

Ok. I saw that the website was yamahamotorsonline.com
So I assumed that this was Yamaha directly selling their motors....Is that not correct?

 

[alldodge]

Never "assume" anything
Also if you go from one brand to another you also might need to change controls, cables and fuel lines

 

[kcassells]

Pop...boat rot?

 

[racerone]

First boat , yes.-----Make sure you have a boat in seaworthy condition.----Then and only then worry about a motor.-----Your motor may be easy to inspect / refurbish / rebuild and good used motors are easy to find.

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Never "assume" anything
Also if you go from one brand to another you also might need to change controls, cables and fuel lines

Ah, that makes sense.....But I might have to end up doing that since Force engines no longer are in production. Or is there a way around that?

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Pop...boat rot?

I am not sure what you are referring to

 

[TripleJGraffis]

First boat , yes.-----Make sure you have a boat in seaworthy condition.----Then and only then worry about a motor.-----Your motor may be easy to inspect / refurbish / rebuild and good used motors are easy to find.

I read on here in another thread I believe) that it is important to have a motor first. I do agree with your statement. By that, you mean make sure she's structurally sound and functioning?? Can't fully do that without a motor I would think.

 

[racerone]

Really ?----You need to think carefully before you squander some beer tokens.

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Really ?----You need to think carefully before you squander some beer tokens.

I am sorry, I am not sure what you are referring to

 

[stresspoint]

my advice !. get the boat sorted first , meanwhile study up on motors and availability of parts for different motors.
no rush to get the boat running till the hull is where you want it.

you may even have an option to strengthen the hull to suit a bigger motor.

that said and an option for you ,with some strengthening i stuck a 250 hp Yamaha 4 stroke on a 15 foot hull that was intended for max 60 hp , thing was a monster to drive but scary fun ??? , when i sold it i put a 2.0 135 Mercury on it as the 250 was just a tad too much to sell it with .

 

[redneck joe]

I am sorry, I am not sure what you are referring to

It is a reference to money that would be better spent on beer.


forget about motors until boat is ready and as i said before you will be most likely replacing transom and my analogy to car motors is valid. Quit worrying about it especially a measly two lb difference.

 

[KJM]

Yeah, forget about motors for now and concentrate on the boat. That will likely keep you busy for a long time. You can always find a "good deal" on a motor later.

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Appreciate it everyone! I have the day off... think I'm gonna get out there and get some pics started

 

[TripleJGraffis]

Alright folks.... here they are.... my first pics. I KNOW SHE'S PRETTY BEAT UP. She's a very dirty girl. She seen better years...... but hopefully she can still see better ones to come...... but at least I've got a starting point please be gentle lol

 

[todhunter]

All the glass is there - that's a plus. Other than the bottom cushions, the upholstery looks OK - you could probably clean and manage for a little while, and just recover the bottom cushions or just throw towels over it at first....but that's a discussion for WAAAAAY down the road. The ski locker lid is likely teak - despite looking like fire kindling, a pass through a planer (or sanding, if you don't have one) and some oil will bring it back to life.

Time to start documenting (pics, sketches, and notes) and disassembling. First thing I'd do is get the motor off and all the upholstery pieces out. Remove any other loose parts of the boat (like the ski locker lid) and clean out all dirt, leaves, plants, living inhabitants, etc.

 

[racerone]

No need to worry about a motor for a while.-----But it all depends on how you use a boat.----Going out on a pond or say out in big rough water all makes a difference.-----Going out by yourself or taking 3 / 4 small kids with you.-----Remember that the kids can not look after themselves in dire circumstances.-----Warm water or freezing cold water.-----You need to get the floor out of this boat to inspect stringers and transom.

 

[stresspoint]

should scrub up ok , iv seen a lot worse out on the water being used.

my maxum was in a pretty bad state when i got it almost as bad as yours as it was outside for many years because the motor was dead, now its our pride in joy , with a fresh HP 4.3 mercruiser , its the perfect family boat as its clean and tidy but not pristine .used but not abused.

enjoy the project , take your time and it will all come together.