ok Im really a newbie advise please

[a1machinista1]

Ok long story gonna make it short, A friend gave me a 1991 bayliner capri 17 ft, it has the force outdrive and not sure what engine yet? heres the story, he bought it new in 91, and in 96 he left the hull plug in and the top was left off for 2 months. (death in his family) boat filled up with 11 inches of water, boat had 100 hours on it at that time. when he got back into the swing of things, ( 2 months with no top and plug in hull) he pulled the engine and had it tore down and gone through. ie cleaned, some new machine work, just as a check up/ precaution. anyway took all engine parts and has stored them in doors (climate controlled) along with cnc on all critical surfaces, so hes says the engine is in great shape, thats not the issue.. the issue is what should i look for in the L drive (since he did not tear it down) it is still in the boat, he had the interior cleaned and has had it in storage ever since, ( NOT one ounce of mold i could find after 12 yrs) and also what else might need attention that was under the foot of water for 2 months.. before you answer let me tell you this. I APPRECIATE AND WILL BE GRATEFULL for any and all help i may get here, I consider myself very capable and this boat will be done and enjoyed by my family next year, So If you have any thoughts of telling me to forget it or that it isnt worth it, PLEASE DONT! Can't is not in my vocabulary. Even if I end up re wiring the whole boat, and rebuilding the L drive myself, I see it as worth it SO in advance thank you!!!! also good source for parts??? Im sure im going to need more than a few electrical items..

 

[reelfishin]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

My biggest concern would be wet foam beneath the deck, then of course any resulting wood rot. Bayliner boats aren't known for longevity when it comes to wood. I'd consider weighing the boat to see how close it is to it's original weight. If it's way over, then you most likely have wet foam and a big project on your hands.
The motor and drive shouldn't be too big a deal. It sounds like the motor was taken care of, and the drive shouldn't have been damaged by the water.
There will be some seals and other rubber items that need attention but mostly just due to age more than anything else.
The wiring is most likely fine, just check and clean all the connections.

 

[5150abf]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

Pull the plug and raise the front of the boat as high as you can, the water should stop running out pretty quickly.

If it continues to come out for days the foam is water logged, which means pulling the deck to get it out.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

there is a fairly simple way to do core plugs of the foam. using a 2 inch hole saw, drill a couple of test hole in the deck. save the plug. now notch the end (teeth)of a piece of 3/4 pvc pipe, twist it down into the foam. push the core out of the pvc, and you will immediately if you have or have had saturated foam.

as far as the force drive, i suggest the I/O or Force forum to present that question.

 

[a1machinista1]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

I imagine all the foam would be dry now since the boat has been covered and dry for years!! How about the availability of parts?? who??? or what company??? I will tear down the L drive and ATLEAST replace all the seals and atleast I can take a look at the bearings and such. Anyway thanks for the input guys and gals if any.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

your engine and outdrive question should be asked in the I/O forum. foam can stay wet a long time.

 

[Bondo]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

So If you have any thoughts of telling me to forget it or that it isnt worth it, PLEASE DONT! Can't is not in my vocabulary.
How about the availability of parts?? who??? or what company??? I will tear down the L drive and ATLEAST replace all the seals and atleast I can take a look at the bearings and such.

Ayuh,....

This is where you learn to use a New Word,.....

Parts for the infamous "L" drives, Can't be bought,.... Nowhere, from Nobody....

 

[roadrunnr]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

If you look long enough, you can find the occasional "L"-drive lower unit on ebay, their pricey though. Some of the drive parts maybe difficult to impossible to get. The engine is simply a Force outboard power head, probably a 90 horse on a 17 footer. Good luck and have fun with your new-to-you Boat!

 

[oops!]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

i dont want to sound negitave......but you really need to do a core sample like td suggested......

the foam if wet, will never dry out.....if you do some how manage to get dryed.....the second moisture hits it it will absorbe the water like a thursty sponge !

 

[haskindm]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

You have been given some good advice. I know it is not what you wanted to hear, but that does not change the fact that it is good advice. If this boat is in as good shape as you THINK it is, it may be a worthwhile project. It the stringers or transom or both are rotten or the foam is saturated with water, this boat is probably not worthy of the time and effort that you will spend on it. The drive system was marginal when it was new. It is now 18 years old and parts availability is non existent. The boat itself has little resale value. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Make sure the boat is worth fixing. Don't let this become an anchor around your neck. There are thousands of good "project boats" out there. Don't commit yourself to this one until you know it is worth doing. You say "can't" is not in your vocabulary and I respect that. Just remember that after you finish this project, it will still be an older Bayliner with a "L" drive. A cleaned up Older Bayliner with a rotten transom, rotten stringers, and saturated foam is a recipe for disaster. An older Bayliner with good foam, stringers, and transom, can be allot of fun. Make sure which you have, and don't even begin to think about this as an "investment".

 

[a1machinista1]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

Ok so I talked to steve today and he said NO that he never drilled to check, SO I asked for the advise so, tomorrow I will pull the boat into the garage and drill for oil!! so Im thinking 1/2" hole saw. Where might be the best and how many?? Where are the stringers? What am I looking for? or NOT looking for. Im thinking glue a 1/2" plug back in the stringer and I have matting and resin for the fiberglass hole. How deep do I need to core the foam?? And thanks so far for the great advise, as long as I allow myself to listen. I hope you (if you can) stick around with the suggestions till I can find what Im looking at. I consider myself a capable machinist and a fair mechanic, but a boat man I am not....

 

[NoKlu]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

The best thing to do would be a search on core samples in the boat restoration forum. It is explained many times. Read everything you can as it will be quite an education and there's lots of cool pics. Check the foam,stringers and the transom of your boat. If you have any question while you are doing the work the best thing to do is to take pics and post them with your question. Read the completed projects forum as well and you'll get some insight into what's all involved with redoing these boats. Lots of great people with all kinds of expertise here to help you make the right choices so you end up with a safe and reliable boat. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[a1machinista1]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

Oh and In no way is this an investment. The boat was givin to me, so in the end if I get a season or two out of it, I could break even Oh and heres a pic

 

[NoKlu]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

Bout time we got a look. I think those are the best lookin boats on the water bar non.

 

[oops!]

Re: ok Im really a newbie advise please

ok bud..... im gonna ask this one to be moved to the restoration forum....then we can get this in the right direction.....however the guys that have answered are all correct....


ok 1/2 inch hole saw......nope.....cut a 3 inch hole in the deck.....on the outer side of the ski locker........if you stick your head inside your ski locker....you will see a wall towards the side of the boat......find out where the wall is and measure 3 inches past the wall....then cut the 3 inch hole....just thru the deck only.....stop when you are thru....onnly 1/2 to 3/4 inch..........keep the cut out....

then use td's suggestion about all the pvc pipe with teeth cut into it.....
shove the pvc while twisting it all tthe way to the bottom and pull out the pipe.......on the inside is the "core sample".

ANY moisture is too much........wet is immeadately appearant.

then take several samples if you find no water......(you have to be sure)....take a sample at the lowest part.....thats where the water will be.

if all is well.....search core sample for the tramsom and stringers.....its a different process.

if you need...pm me again and supply me with the link....that way i wont miss ya....

cheers
oops