Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

[GalaxyIFE]

Afternoon All,

I have a '91 Sea Ray 170 Bowrider. I have had the boat for about 4 years and after a poor job of winterizing, I know have a cracked block and both exhaust manifolds are shot. I paid 3,500 for the boat then spent another 1,500 on interior and floor replacement. I now am in the market for a long block and a pair of manifolds. I don't really have the time/space/tools to do the work myself, so I figure I am looking at about 3000-3500 bucks to get it up and running again. The boat is in pretty good physical shape, but now with this, I am thinking of cutting my losses...then again, I am not looking forward to the cost of replacing it, either...so...what is the option people here would go with...fix the engine or just dump it. And also, I know that I take a HUGE hit on selling it with a bad engine, so what price would be realistic for selling it?

Thanks for the input!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

And also, I know that I take a HUGE hit on selling it with a bad engine, so what price would be realistic for selling it?

Ayuh,... Unfortunately,...
A boat without a motor is Worthless....
A Liability, not an asset...

 

[Prophammer]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

I feel your pain.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

First question- are you sure the block is shot? Maybe it's just a freeze plug or two.
Second question- do you want to continue with boating?
If so, the logical solution would be to repair/replace what is wrong with the mechanicals because you've already invested so much in the interior. Selling a broken boat to buy another doesn't make any sense unless you got very deep pockets.
Unfortunately, Bond-o is right- as she sits your boat isn't worth much, if anything.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

I'm in a similar quandary with our SeaRay. With a cracked block and a good hull, drive, and interior, I could maybe get $2K for her. Would $5K worth of motor give us a $7-8K boat? Looking at the web, I think it could easily to close enough.

Dealers, while they could have tried to up sell me, have told me that our boat couldn't be replaced at that price and they would make money off it even with the cost of a repower. I have family in the business so don't hijack the OP's thread with the last statement. The point was...that's the math side that I'm looking at.

The other side is more emotional. The SeaRay was our first boat and I consider it the "wife's boat", since her corporate income pretty much bought it. She's comfortable driving, docking, and trailering either boat, but the lil' Ray is her baby. So, it's not all math.

I hope I didn't instigate a hijack, but those are the things I'm looking at in a similar situation to the OP.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Give these guys a call for a engine. http://www.rapidomarine.com/default.aspx?p=/engines/default.aspx
I bought 2 350's from them .

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

I dont think you hijacked anything Ninja. I think you illustrated quite well exactly what the OP should be looking at. Some see it purely as a financial decision...whether they can actually afford to continue with boating at all or are forced to just give up...or if they have the funds to do so, to junk it and move on. Some will see this as only partially financial, and more emotional. What does this particular boat mean to me and my family? That is why you see so many resto threads on here. You think many of these boats that have complete stringer, deck, transom replacements are going to be worth what they have in them? Prolly not. To them it may have been emotional attachment. That goes for anything we own. SO.....the OP actually will have to answer this one on his own. He has to ask himself..."Is it worth it TO ME to fix this tub"...knowing full well ahead of time that the BEST he could ever hope for would be to break even in a sale if he does fix it. If he decides to sell it, he could use that $3500 plus the $1500(ish) he could get for his boat, and buy a new (to him) boat...potentially with its own set of issues to fix. IMHO...I would repower...UNLESS...I were already looking to upgrade in year or size. IF I WERE looking to upgrade anyway, this would be a good excuse...I would sell it for first reasonable offer, and move on. my $.02

 

[GalaxyIFE]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Thanks for all the replies. After some lengthy discussion with the wife, we have decided to go ahead and replace the engine. The order was put in for a long block from Rapido, so hopefully, I will have it to my guy next Friday. I dislike spending the money, but I think it will be worth it. And...for whatever it's worth, I also have an airplane and that is SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive hobby!!! Of course, that's for another forum!

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Thanks for all the replies. After some lengthy discussion with the wife, we have decided to go ahead and replace the engine. The order was put in for a long block from Rapido, so hopefully, I will have it to my guy next Friday. I dislike spending the money, but I think it will be worth it. And...for whatever it's worth, I also have an airplane and that is SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive hobby!!! Of course, that's for another forum!

GOOD FOR YOU bro! Glad to hear that you wont be just junking it! Next step....post up some pics, and give a detailed report on your repower. Before and after pics are always nice too. Good luck!

 

[GalaxyIFE]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Well, all is well with the boat. It's 96 degrees here in San Antonio and tomorrow will probably be close to that. Anyway, the repower is complete, boat cleaning is in progress and tomorrow is SPLASH DAY!!!! The Rapid O engine took a little longer to get to me than I expected, but I now have a rebuilt engine, new exhaust manifolds, new risers, new belts, plugs, wires, coil, alternator and a properly serviced outdrive. Total out the door....$3140. I was very impressed with the Rapid O engine...looked brand new and my mechanic (who was guarded about it since he never heard of them was thoroughly impressed) It amazed me how fast they R2'd the engine. I dropped it off at the shop on Wednesday night and it was ready this afternoon...less than 48 hours!!! I don't have too many pics of the old engine, and wish I had some of the cracks...they were bad. Plugs were blown, one visible small crack on the outside of the block and a nice 8-10" crack hiding under the intake manifold. Oh yeah...and a cracked head. This has been an expensive lesson, but all in all, I am very happy with my decision. I will be happier tomorrow while cruising the lake!!!

If anyone needs a good marine mechanic in the San Antonio area, drop me a PM.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Rapid O engine...looked brand new and my mechanic (who was guarded about it since he never heard of them was thoroughly impressed)

Thats good news to hear.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Thats good news to hear.

Yeah, another "referral fee" for SF!

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: Engine Shot...Replace or Sell? '91 Sea Ray 170

Mabey I missed it but what was the motor you replaced? just curious...