Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

[amanda55]

We have a 19-20 ft 1990 Sunbird WA w/cuddy cabin. We left it stored under a covered area that belonged to a friend when we moved to a different city over 2 years ago. We went to check on it this weekend and found it had been put out in the open w/o a cover and was covered in termites and ants. Does anyone know how much wood is in this type of boat and where it is located? It's fiberglass outside, but obviously there's wood somewhere. Is there enough wood that if the termites completely consumed it, would there be structural damage? We're trying to decide if it's even worth trying to fix up and use again. Any info. would be GREATLY appreciated!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Welcome to iboats.

Sunbird's were entry level boats and indeed there is wood below the decks and often not sealed properly. The Sunbird's did not have a good reputation for construction practices.

Before you attempt to evaluate if it is worth the repair...... more investigation is required. What power's that boat? Which motor and outdrive? There are times where the powerplant helps with the decision.

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Thanks Bob_VT! We're pulling the boat home this weekend and will begin the evaluation process. Not sure what power the boat is. My husband would know that info. My oldest son is 11 and was so heartbroken when he saw the condition of the boat. He had hoped to get his boating license this fall when he turns 12 and had all kinds of dreams of taking it out to the lake that's close to us, but not sure now if we'll be able to. We can't afford to go buy another boat right now and this one, if the damage is beyond repair, probably will only be good for parking in the dump! I surely hope it's not that bad. I guess the wood could be replaced, but it seems really hard to get to. Anyway, thanks again! Will let you know the status once we get it here!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

No no no no dump !!!!!

One step at a time. Everything is repairable but, depending on what power's the boat really should be the deciding factor.

We have many women involved in restorations here and they seem to enjoy it.... even the kids get involved

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

I contacted a marine repair shop yesterday and the guy said he could look at it and give us a free estimate on fixing it. So, we'll do that. I'm not doing it by myself. It's really my husband's boat, but we are in it as a family. I'm just doing the foot work to finding out how to fix it for him. I may get involved in either recovering the cushions and replacing the carpet in the cuddy cabin myself or seeing about having that done by a professional, depending on how hard it will be. But, definitely "don't dump", right?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Take a deep breath when you hear the estimate.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

What Bob is getting at.....is Sunbirds, in addition to being poorly made boats already very susceptible to rot if not kept covered, were owned by OMC. As such, they were often equipped with OMC sterndrives. OMC went out of business over 10 years ago and parts and service for those drives is dwindling. It may not be worth repairing any rot damage if you also have motor issues.

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Yes, I'm afraid to hear the estimate! We're not sure how long it's been out in the open and how long the termites have been doing damage. Doesn't take long for those little monsters to really mess things up. Bob_VT, the engine is a 4.3 liter Mercruiser i/o. We had no problems with it before when we were using it. It always ran really good.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

the engine is a 4.3 liter Mercruiser i/o.

Ok, now things are starting to look up. That's a great powerplant with plenty of available parts and service.

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Also, my husband said the engine the boat has now wasn't the original. It had been replaced prior to when we bought the boat back in 2004.

 

[Jaysad]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Hang in there! We are into our 5 season
All new wood with filber glass.
New carpet, new upostry, stereo, engine, lower unit, trailer parts and peaces Now working up the up grades to make the engine run better, tring to make it shine a little better.
This form is the best to get all the info. you'll need
The boat has been a great family project!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Now I would say keep the boat. Great motor and outdrive

 

[Jaysad]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Get pics.
You know before and after

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Thanks for all the well wishing!! I feel better now knowing our engine gives us hope!! My husband and oldest son are on their way, as I type, to get the boat! When they get there, the first thing I told them to do was spray it down with bug spray, then they'll take it to a car wash and rinse it off. It's a 2 hour drive, one way. Don't really want to bring a bunch of termites to our house! And yes, this will definitely be a family project! Really kind of looking forward to it. I just hope it won't cost too much to replace the rotten/damaged wood. I'll take pictures of it when they get it here and post to this forum so ya'll can follow our progress, if we take that route! We tried to sell it about 3 years ago before it was damaged, but were unable to. Maybe God has given us something to unite us as a family before the boys hit their teen years !!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

The wood replacement project is definitely way more time than money. Fiberglass supplies are kinda pricey but not horrible.

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Ezmobee, I sure hope you're right! Got the boat home, but too dark to take pics now. Will do and post tomorrow. Still see termites coming out here and there despite good wash down at a car wash and drenching with insecticide. Sure makes me worry! We had termites invade our first house and we know all too well what little monsters they are . I guess seeing them in the boat reminds me of the horror we went through back then and afraid it will be the same thing with the boat. Will have to wait and see!!

 

[Jaysad]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Besure to replace the wood with pressure treated wood, and put water sealer on it everywhere. Look for a fiberglass shop and sometimes they well sell you what you need. Good luck

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Ezmobee, I sure hope you're right! Got the boat home, but too dark to take pics now. Will do and post tomorrow. Still see termites coming out here and there despite good wash down at a car wash and drenching with insecticide. Sure makes me worry! We had termites invade our first house and we know all too well what little monsters they are . I guess seeing them in the boat reminds me of the horror we went through back then and afraid it will be the same thing with the boat. Will have to wait and see!!

Hello Amanda and Family...

I dont mean to come across .. erm.. too forward? too honest? too hate to tell you but the bad news is... ( But I must )...

You have a 20 year old Boat..with Termite infestation..aye..40' + mebbe .. but not a 20/20' ..

You have to accept the fact that you will possibly need to Gut the WHOLE boat of stringers/bulkheads/transom and possibly more..

If the boat was some kind of "keepsake" then .. Yea.. restore if It means that much to you and your family.

If you have the money/time/value to restore then do it ( many things will be Hard learned ).

IMHO.. I would Salvage the motor/drive and donate the hull to someone.

Put your time/energy on your family while you have the chance .. go camping or get an other boat ( you would be suprised at how much boat you can get for 1500-2000 now a days.. ).

Hope I helped more than I hurt ... Im sure others will chime in..but its just IMHO...

YD. .. Best be with you..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

My only issue with the advice given by YD above is that any boat for less than a couple grand has a real good chance of being rotted out also. You may be better off properly repairing your current one. Actually now that I think about it more I think YD may be suggesting you look for a real cherry hull with blown mechanicals to swap yours into. That would be awesome but may be a tough find.

 

[amanda55]

Re: Desperately need info (1990 Sunbird Cuddy WA)

Thanks for the advice! All good food for thought. I think the boat means the most to our son, who had visions of grandeur on the open water, but he's only 11 so he really doesn't understand the expense of restoring it. To him, it's a very precious item, even in its current condition. Still not sure what we'll do. Haven't taken it to get an estimate yet. We'll see!! Pics to come soon!