Gonna Need Some Help

[Better the Second Time]

Hello all, newbie here. I recently inheritted a 1977 Wellcraft Suncuiser 255. It was winterized about 20yrs ago and hasnt been used since. I live on the mass ct border and am looking for any and all help I can get. I need to know who to contact and where to go to get parts and info on my new pride and joy.

thank you in advance,
Clint

when I first got it it looked like this.....




and after 10hrs of scrubbing....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Welcome to iboats......

Well....... 20 years allot could happen

All the rubber on the motor (whatever it is) are probably dry rotted

Probably tear down and rebuild the motor if needed..

The deck of the boat needs close inspection.......

Looks good.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Thank you.

I plan on pulling the motor in the spring and going through it. I am a little nervous about the out drive because I have never worked on one before. the engine doesnt really present a problem, run of the mill v8 so cant wait to dive in to that. Deck is solid, and interior is almost perfect just needs to be cleaned a little better. I do need to re-wire it and welcome the challenge. any pointers on what I should look for when looking for problems?

Again thanks for the welcome and the help.

 

[Philster]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

How/where was it stored during those 20 years? Cover, garage... North, South, etc...

20 years of humidity alone would be a concern. So, it just means you have to poke around as much as you can.

Engine rebuild? Meh -- why? Well, if you know motors, then go through the procedures for starting old engines and take it from there.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

stored in mass all it's life. It was covered for all but the last year and a half. it was kept at a propper angle to allow draining. I have it covered now or I would put up some more pics. Trying to gather up as much info as I can so when I start restoring I know what I am in for.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

stored in mass all it's life. It was covered for all but the last year and a half. it was kept at a propper angle to allow draining. I have it covered now or I would put up some more pics. Trying to gather up as much info as I can so when I start restoring I know what I am in for.

Ayuh,.... Tellin' Us what motor, 'n what drive is a start.....

Also tellin' Us what needs fixin' will help too...

At this point, We know yer lookin' for parts, 'n people, but No ideas on What, nor Why....

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Sorry about that. The book it came with says it has a mercruiser 260r and an alpha one out drive. I would like to know what to look for in the areas of checking for rot and. What I should look for first. Engine mechanicals I am not so worried about, its more of the outdrive, pumps, andhow to check for rot throught the fiberglass without causing too much damage.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Also looking for where to get info and parts for this boat. I contacted wellcraft a few months back and haven't heard from them since.

 

[sasto]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

If she were mine?

I would do all the maintenance on the mechanics. Change fluids and filters. Drain the fuel tank. Make sure electrical connections and the important gauges and systems needed for a sea trial are in good working order. Almost of all that stuff can be bought right here.

Take her out for a sea trial and determine what is important to you at that time. Some of that stuff may not in need of repair at this time. I really doubt she will fall apart.

I've seen many people work and work on their boat and give up after putting a small fortune in her. Not so much here on iboats.....these guys are fanatics.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Probably will not if they are sure the... boat.... is discontinued. Any parts they make are also discontinued. So they do not usually waste their time.
Uou are mostly on your own. Most everything except the hull, is replaceable from ...I Boats. Use the top line of this page to see what you need.

DO NOT put ANY fuel into the gass tank tanks !
You WILL STIRR UP STUFF........Can you possibly remove the tank ?? If yes. Make sure it is empty FIRST. Then take it to a Radiator repair shop. They can clean the dried crud out. Metal or fibreglass tank. Hope it is not a built in.
Replace the fuellines if rubber or rusty steel tubing inside. BE SURE TO install a water seperator & a fuel filter when you redo the fuel lines.
After that is done you will NOT BE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO NEVER START AGAIN.

I HATE OLD FUEL systems.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

I would start with fuel system, I use a remote fuel tank and rebuild carb. change oil spray fogging oil into each spark plug hole and then try to crank her over. I have had old engines stored which did not need to be rebuilt. You may have to only replace exhaust boots and bellows. My 78 bayliner was stored for 10 years before I bought it. It still has the origional hoses today. You should also replace impeller and belts proior to starting. good luck.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Thanks for the help guys, all the rubber involving the engine is still actually plyable which I am very surprised about. I will do my best to get the fuel system out of it over the winter dont know how succesful I will be as I dont really want to work out in the cold. Anyone know where I should go to get prices on a camper top for it? or should I just go to my local upholstry shop?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Thanks for the help guys, all the rubber involving the engine is still actually plyable which I am very surprised about. I will do my best to get the fuel system out of it over the winter dont know how succesful I will be as I dont really want to work out in the cold. Anyone know where I should go to get prices on a camper top for it? or should I just go to my local upholstry shop?

Local shop is your best bet. Shop around, prices and quality vary widely. This is the best time of year to have canvas made, price wise.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

there not pretty, but here are some pics of the inside, deck , and rear. My wifes uncle wanted to make a fishing boat out of it so he cut out the back seat to make more room and never finished it. i found a little rot right before you go into the cabin on the starboard side and a crack appeared in the head after we moved the boat about 20 miles to get her home. got me a little nervous. starting the reno and hope to make progress over the summer. will keep you posted, and if you live around the webster ma area and feel like dropping by let me know.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

here is a start...you need to replace those blower hoses... lol

 

[Davem3]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

i live in worcester, and fish in webster lake ( i am NEVER saying the full dang name, NEVER!!!!!). anywho, feel free to hit me up

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Unless updated, that should be a pre-alpha out drive. I had an 81 255 Suncruiser for a bit. I only bought her for the engines but the engine mounts and transom were rotted. Hopefully your boat is good to go.

They are roomy for a 25'er and make a great day boat.

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

it's got a mercruiser 260 with an alpha one. motor has less than 200 hrs on it. should be a nice lake/ocean boat to get started with.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

Sounds like a newer power plant! Very nice!

 

[Better the Second Time]

Re: Gonna Need Some Help

her uncle bought it in 85 from the original owner and when he bought it they put the motor/outdrive in.