Need help on where to start...

[rbynh]

I have just taken ownership of my first Boat. It is an abandoned 1980ish…? 18ft SunRunner. The boat has been setting uncovered for most of 6 years. She needs a lot work, which I am more then willing to do. I have fair amount of experience working on American cars and truck engines. This boat has a small block marine Chevy OMC powering it.... However I am unable to tell just what the size it is... 283,302,305,307 or 350 all look quite the same. How can I tell which it is? There is a decal showing a 180 on the both value covers... could this be Horsepower? How will know if I will need a new or rebuilt out drive/lower unit? The out drive it has a large crack on the upper aft end where the last owner had one of those Whale fins attached. How much can I expect to put out for a rebuilt out drive if I need to replace it? I plan to replace the whole interior, Seat, carpet, and vinyl any info on the SunRunner boats would be supportive.

 

[fone_man]

Re: Need help on where to start...

Yes all chevy small block do look similar... I have checked my sources & haven't come up with a "180"... have found 175 or 190 or 185... so keep looking... you say mid 80's huh... most mfg used 5.7/350 or 5.0/305... difference in HP ratings was carb 2 bbl vs 4 bbl such as 5.0/305 2bbl rated @ 200 but rated @ 228 with 4bbl... so it is there somewhere... usally there is a tag/sticker that ID's everything on valve cover...<br /><br />Good luck!!!

 

[rbynh]

Re: Need help on where to start...

Super.... yes it does have a 2bbl carb...so most likly 305.. The hour gage on the dash show 550 for hours is that a lot of hours for a boat this old?

 

[Walter]

Re: Need help on where to start...

Boy are YOU in for a ride...<br /><br />I outta know...I am in the process of refurbishing my 1980 18' Beachcraft...it's been 3 years in the process and I've still got a ways to go.<br /><br />I've been afraid to tally up my receipts...but had I not done a lot of the work myself...or been able to barter, trade, swindle, or threaten with bodily harm a couple marine tech buddies into helping me...I'd be into it far more than it would ever be worth. I bought the boat new and although I took excellent care of her...she simply was NOT a quality boat to begin with. Lot's of pretty metal flake and lines similar to a Sea Ray...but still a low-end quality boat. Your SunRunner is definitely a step above a Beachcraft...but you're still looking at most the same repairs I've made. I'll share more info if you'd like...most of the guys in here have heard this story before. It will be a very nice package when I'm done...but I'm beginning to wonder when that might ever be!<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Walt