Pontoon sitting for over 10 years

[arkyfan8588]

Hi all!!!
I am new to the boating life, I've been on boats but have never owned one. I don't own one, my wife's family own a pontoon. Her father, who passed away about 15 years ago, bought the boat and they own the slip at Norfork lake in Arkansas as well as the title. I'm not trying to take ownership, just trying to help them get it up and running again. The problem is it's been sitting for about 10 years, in the water. They've tried over the past few years to get it running to no avail. I have a battery and some knowledge about engines, mainly cars. I know they are different but function somewhat similarly. My first steps are going to be draining the gas tank and getting new fuel to put in. My main concern is rust in the cylinder walls. Is that something to be concerned about since it's been in the water all this time? I figured the new battery will allow me to turn it over but I don't want to cause any unnecessary damage. What are my options for cleaning this up and helping them get it running? I would love any feedback or advice on what steps to take to get this running so we can start making some memories as a family, thanks!

 

[HotTommy]

As for the engine - your best bet is to take pictures and record model number information. Post here a few more times so you will be allowed to post those pictures. Then search the Forums index here for the forum that specializes in the engine model you have (e.g., Mercury or Yamaha). Post your engine questions there. .... As for the boat, check the deck for soft spots and post your boat questions here. Good luck.

 

[arkyfan8588]

As for the engine - your best bet is to take pictures and record model number information. Post here a few more times so you will be allowed to post those pictures. Then search the Forums index here for the forum that specializes in the engine model you have (e.g., Mercury or Yamaha). Post your engine questions there. .... As for the boat, check the deck for soft spots and post your boat questions here. Good luck.

Awesome, the deck feels solid, the seats are in great condition, and the turf on the decking also looks to be in great condition just needs a good cleaning. Any suggestions on what to use to get normal dirt and grime off of the seats and the decking? I figured a pressure washer would do the trick, thanks again for the advice! We will be there this weekend, so I'll get some pictures of the outboard and find the correct spot to post them.

 

[HotTommy]

I'd be cautious with a pressure washer around the uphostery. It may be fragile after all this time. I'd start with a soft brush and mild detergent. There are likely to be stains from mildew or sun damage. You can do more damage than good if you get too aggressive on these. I'd start by being good with seats that are clean enough to not stain towels when you sit on them. Then, after many of the other issues are addressed, you can spend more time on fabric stains. .... One system that is part boat and part engine is the fuel system. I'd safely drain the tank to start, check it for residue that might obstruct flow in the future, and replace all the fuel line items between the tank and the engine. It would also be a good idea to visually check all the wiring from the battery to the engine to the console and behind the gauges. Time and critters can cause problems.

 

[arkyfan8588]

I'd be cautious with a pressure washer around the uphostery. It may be fragile after all this time. I'd start with a soft brush and mild detergent. There are likely to be stains from mildew or sun damage. You can do more damage than good if you get too aggressive on these. I'd start by being good with seats that are clean enough to not stain towels when you sit on them. Then, after many of the other issues are addressed, you can spend more time on fabric stains. .... One system that is part boat and part engine is the fuel system. I'd safely drain the tank to start, check it for residue that might obstruct flow in the future, and replace all the fuel line items between the tank and the engine. It would also be a good idea to visually check all the wiring from the battery to the engine to the console and behind the gauges. Time and critters can cause problems

Ok, I can definitely start with that first, it all looks to be in great condition considering the elements it's been exposed to for so long. Should I be worried about anything that's been under the water? Overall it looks like a very sound vessel, I will get a really good look at everything this weekend and will try to add some more photos before we go crazy trying to get this thing seaworthy. I don't know a whole lot about boats so this is all a learning experience.

 

[HotTommy]

Should I be worried about anything that's been under the water?

What kind of water has it been in? Lake, river, bay, etc.?

 

[arkyfan8588]

What kind of water has it been in? Lake, river, bay, etc.?

It's been sitting in a fresh water lake. Lake Norfork in Arkansas. It's been docked for I think they said at least 5 years.

 

[HotTommy]

It's been sitting in a fresh water lake. Lake Norfork in Arkansas. It's been docked for I think they said at least 5 years.

There is likely some buildup on the logs that will increase weight slightly and increase drag. But I wouldn't be concerned about that until I know the engine is functional. Personally, I wouldn't spend much time or money on the boat until I knew the condition of the engine. As it appears all this is new to you, you may need a professional engine tech to do that. As outboard mechanics are in high demand during the summer, it may be weeks or months before you can have that done.

 

[Krazeehorse]

You might pull plugs and shoot wd in there in case the rings are stuck. Let it sit a day or two. I would probably try turning it over without the plugs in it. Not sure if you put it in gear you could turn the prop by hand before you hit it with the starter.

 

[arkyfan8588]

Ok, well I'm not sure I'll be able to do too much this weekend, but I'll take my tools to see if I can at least get it to crank. I won't let it fire but I will see if it's an anchor at this point. Am I being crazy about rust build up on the cylinder walls? I've heard a couple people tell me to be sure about that before anything. Seems like that would need to be fixed before allowing the piston to move over it. Again, I'm completely new to this. I would love to have a mechanic come look at it but it's kind of remote and I'm not sure of a way to get it to someone.

 

[arkyfan8588]

Here's what I'm working with. I've called a few marine shops that will tow and fix the engine. It unfortunately sounds like it's locked up. It ran on less and less power until it stopped. Any advice on getting her cleaned up the proper way would be much appreciated! After looking at it again I feel a little less overwhelmed.

 

[briangcc]

That Force outboard is a 2 stroke...probably 50:1 ratio. Hopefully during your testing you ran premix to try starting it. **Merc stopped making them in 1999-2000.

As for the pontoons themselves, there is an aluminum cleaner out there (Oxalix acid I think??) that is spray on, let sit, rinse off. Given length of time in the water it may take a few applications to get it clean...ish.

Rest of the boat looks like it would clean up relatively easily with some mild soap and water.

 

[roscoe]

The answer to many of your issues starts with a trailer.
Buy, rent, or borrow one for a day and get it out of the water, onto dry land, so you can work on it properly.

The cylinders should be soaked in oil, not wd40.
Then grab the flywheel and turn the engine a few revolutions. Oil it again and let it sit a day or two.

Fuel line should be thrown away.
Don't let that old fuel and disintegrating fuel line get into the engine.
Buy a new fuel line and a small portable fuel tank.
Buy a factory service manual for the motor, from ebay.
Do not run that motor for more than 20 seconds until AFTER you replace the water pump impeller.

You can clean the top side, get at all the wiring, and clean the pontoons once it is on the trailer.

If the motor is shot, start shopping for a replacement.
Merc, Yamaha, Suzuki, whatever you can get serviced in the area.

Trailer first.

 

[Rabbit929]

The pros: bows the time to upgrade to a 4 stroke. If you spend the money (or they) fuel injection is an awesome benefit as well. The cons: $$$$
But all is not lost, a new motor is a wonderful experience. The reliability and confidence in it is worth its weight in gold.
how’s the fuel tank look? If it’s steel, I’d just upgrade that as well to the plastic one.
my 2021 sylvan has a fuel filter/moisture separator installed by the dealer, as they say it reduces a lot of wasteful service calls for silly problems.
new tank, fuel filter/water serpator, motor and lines, battery, and everything else is basically cosmetic. If pressure wash off the carpet with an automotive soap, but just mist the seats and scrub it a bit.
After that check on your nav lights, safety equipment and make sure all of that is up to snuff.

 

[arkyfan8588]

Thanks for all the advice so far!!!

At a stand still for a little while because we live about 4 hours away. We plan to go back a few times this summer with some help to start getting it clean.

I do like the idea of a 4-stroke. They have had two different marinas look at and service that engine before it locked up. I've gotten her family to agree to split the cost of a new engine. After talking to them that seems to be the best option considering the issues they had when it was running.

They have the trailer but it needs the boards replaced, due to rot. That's no issue, as long as I can find the lumber. That's going to be our next step though is getting it out of the water to get it cleaned up! We know it's going to take a lot of work to get it seaworthy but we are getting excited!

 

[Captain Caveman]

If it's a family project it can be a great coming-together activity. Hopefully you get a few different folks to pitch in and take *ownership* of this boat. Best of luck.

 

[DougsMessyGarage]

The current outboard on your boat appears to be a later model Force (late 90s). If you have any specific questions about the Force outboard, the Force forum here on iBoats is very good. There are a couple of experienced Force mechanics that are willing to answer questions. Check the motor clamp bracket for the model number before asking questions so they know you have at least done some homework. The model number not only provides the size, etc, it also will include the model year.

While a functional Force outboard is a good motor, they are kind of orphans (even worse that Johnson/Evinrude) and when you inevitably have problems, they are a pain to figure out. Force had a bad habit of not following the parts manual when they setup an outboard. For instance, my '92 120hp has a '90 trim and tilt system on it. Force outboards were a cheaper line and therefore often used by boat OEMs. OEMs were always looking to cut costs so that is likely why there is such a parts inconsistency for Force outboards.

As others have said, a good four-stroke is a worthwhile upgrade for your boat. Best of luck with your resurrection.

 

[Illinoid]

Welcome to Norfork. Water level is about 20 ft too high but still a great lake. The moss on the pontoons will really slow you down but it can be scrubbed off with a scrubbing pad in the water. I used to do that on my FILs boat. In Illinois the 40 year old boat I had a lime buildup that I had to remove with acid. I have my boat on a lift but I have friends that just clean the hulls once a year in the winter.
By late August the water should go down enough to expose the sand beaches.

 

[legalfee]

As Doug says the Force forum is a great asset: https://forums.iboats.com/forum/force-chrysler-outboards.29/
Jerry really knows his stuff. I have a 95 90hp and it runs great.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Probably made after 95
The Trim@Tilt is under/inside the transom clamps, that shows Mercury parts.
Mercury used their stuff after 94.
Rust cylinders??? If the motor turns over??? Then rust shouldn't be a problem.
Look for posts about waking up a sleeping motor, or one that's been winterized or one that's sat for YEARS??
If it turns over? do a compression test, check for spark?
Those ok?? then try to start using fresh gas.
More than likely the carb needs cleaning.