is it worth trying

[taratallkid]

new to boating.
I have the opportunity to get a 1977 Glastron SSV-176 which has been in a heated garage since at least 1990, probably all it's days that it wasn't on the water. We washed it when we brought it home and all the upholstery looks new. The boat itself seems to be in good repair. We I've had it to a marine shop and they said the engine was shot - something about pistons. I'm told a new motor will run about $10-12,000 and I've seen newer similar boats for sale for that kind of money.

I am not at all mechanically inclined and so I am afraid to take this on as a project.
Off the bat I have to learn how to get the fuel out of the tank. It smells like varnish.

If this boat was properly cared for, what can I expect would be wrong with it after sitting for all these years? and not counting the motor, how much can I expect to spend getting it ready to float again?

 

[76SeaRay]

Can you post some pictures (you might have to post a couple of times before you can upload pics) and what engine and drive is in the boat now? Check for rot in the transom and floor even though it was supposed to be housed all that time.

 

[Scott Danforth]

new to boating.
I have the opportunity to get a 1977

I am not at all mechanically inclined

If you do not have a garage full of tools and 10-15k to fix the boat, buy a boat no more than 7-10 years old

 

[taratallkid]

Can you post some pictures (you might have to post a couple of times before you can upload pics) and what engine and drive is in the boat now? Check for rot in the transom and floor even though it was supposed to be housed all that time.

i added pics to my original. the dirty in the garage pics.

 

[taratallkid]

clean boat pics. my apologies for the people.

 

[GSPLures]

Start by checking for any soft spots on the deck. If any spot is soft chances are stringers and transom are shot. Even if there is not doesn't mean that they are good.

If you can access the stringers (underdeck storage) drill a core sample. Use 1/4 bit dont go all the way through and inspect the shavings. Dry and looks like wood fill the hole with 5200. Wet and dark or if it looks like mulch you have a bigger project. Do the same with the transom along the bottom and inside if you have access (dont drill through the outside).

Also look for any signs of a soft transom (cracks in the gel coat, soft spots, anything that looks abnormal.

For the motor if you can find a used one or a rotted donor boat with a good motor you will spend a lot less money than a shop replacing. You can rent a hoist or buy a cheap harbor freight one for less than 300. Then you can replace the motor yourself and cut the shop cost out completely.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the boat is powered by an old Tower of Power

I personally would take it on as a project. however that is me.

you can find good running TOP's in the $1500-$2500 range. they do take a mechanical aptitude to keep running it also doesnt take much neglect to loose pistons number 3, 5, and 6. #3 from an overheat and #5 and 6 from running lean due to improper fuel service.

you can get the TOP redone with a remanufactured power head. that would be about $1500

you may be able to find a good running 135 V6 from the 90's for about $2k

most importantly, the boat is 45 years old. so there will be lots of things that need to be repaired on it or replaced.

Boats are designed to last about 15 years and be replaced.

I am willing to bet there may be some rot in the transom and stringers. that would need to be investigated. if the hull needs to be restored. that is $3500-$4500 in materials and incidentals if you do the work yourself

the vinyl looks original. so expect that to need replacing shortly after you start to use it as all the oils in the vinyl are gone and it will be brittle. going rate for a boat this size is about $2500 if you take it some where to get re-upholstered

not sure what kind of deal you are looking at where you can bring home a boat and not buy it yet. however if you have not bought the boat yet.

you at least need to read these threads in their entirety

1995 Sea Ray 220 Signature Deck and Stringer Restoration

************************************************************ This is a condensed version of my original thread to provide instructional help to would be builders. If you would like to read the complete thread (and keep up with new additions to the boat) please click the link below to the...

forums.iboats.com

For New Members Needing help buying a boat. A Buyer's Checklist.

All of the Iboaters know that we frequently have new members checking in and asking about wether or not to purchase this that or the other boat. After speaking to a Mod (Thanks BobVT) I have decided to use a previous post to create a check list of things to check when purchasing a new boat...

forums.iboats.com

Awakening a sleeping outboard; by BoatBuoy

I see a lot of posts from folks who have a motor that has been in storage, belonged to their dad or granddad, or for another reason. I recently went through most of these steps myself in preparing a motor which hadnt been used for 15 years. Following is an attempt to provide a concise list of...

forums.iboats.com

the fuel system on the boat will need to be cleaned from sitting

the wiring will need to be gone thru

the trailer bearings will need to be serviced

 

[SavinRaven]

You can buy a decent used motor for under 5k and just clean the fuel system. Check the transom and floor for soft spots first though before you get into it that can add another 4k if you cant do it. If you can about 1k in materials.