Rebuild of a 1973 19' Seaswirl

[usda]

New to power boats, even old ones...picked up a 1973 Seaswirl 19' with an OMC 'iron duke' 120hp. It has been setting 10 years...and finally snow caved in the shed it was in breaking the windshield.

It started with gas added to the carb, but would not continue running. I tore down the carb and rebuilt it...new fuel filters, water/fuel seperator. New fuel line I bought at an auto motive store...but I am told only marine parts should be used or the Coast Guard will do a number. The boat was running fine when first set in the shed for the ten years. A number of electric wires don't seem to work...and that precludes further starting it up for now. The steering cable needs replacement (have one) and the engine has 232 hours logged on.

It looks great inside...some rot in the plywood of the seats, the hull looks great. I was/am planning to take it over to a boat mechanic with a good rep...he said he didn't want me to do anything technical...other than change oil, filter and plugs. I have no reason to suspect the stern drive of problems at this point...but have delayed changing lube until said visit to the mechanic.

Since I don't know what the coast guard is talking about...in not using automotive parts...I am stymied about what to do next. I thought I might save money by having a guy good with the electrical go through that...then I would know what is working and what is not.

232 hours...is that total hours on the motor...? The boat was 'one owner' he was just too old to fix her up and take her out again. I am getting there myself. He obviously had taken care of the boat to the best of his ability...and in fact has stored a 2nd engine from another 17foot Seaswirl...I don't think I will be needing it.

Is the visit to the mech...gonna be expensive (why do I ask?)...how can I cut cost without cutting my own throat?

 

[usda]

Re: Rebuild of a 1973 19' Seaswirl

Got in the windshields today...one plastic...as the frame just too difficult to straighten out all the way...looks good though. 2/3 replacement only cost $180. Not like new...but will keep the frost down.

Reading some of the reports on newer plastic boats...that if things on deck or elsewhere don't work out, one is hesitant to cut into them...due to loss of value. Maybe why so many newer boats end up on the market...looks good, but on the water, it doesn't work out that well.

Working on an older boat doesn't have that problem, so you can junk what is funky or in the way...open the deck and look at the stingers etc...and the value will not drop any more. Like really rearrange the furniture for fishing or whatever one has in mind. Anyway that is my excuse for being...just hoping my joints keep limber enough to keep crawling in and out.

 

[usda]

Re: Rebuild of a 1973 19' Seaswirl

Went to see the repair man I took the boat too...good news and bad news. The Iron Duke 4 cyl 120 hp purrs like a kitten...the stern drive functions as it ought to. Still need to take it out and put it under a load in a lake to see how she shakes out. Maybe I need to rephrase that...'to see how she holds up under a full load.'

The bad news is the cost on repairs needing to be done...the entire steering cable needs to be replaced and the cost is close to $500 bucks...some parts are no longer made and difficult to find. The fuel pump needs to be marine and the carb (the one I rebuilt) has problems and needs to be rebuilt again.

The Humminbird Wide Portrate Fishfinder works on simulator...sonar to 600 feet...that saves at least $300 I should think. Small stuff remains...which is good because my savings is low.

All in all I am going to end up putting into the boat...what approximately it is worth...between $2500 and 3000....according to the mechanic. But at least I will know what I have.

 

[usda]

Re: Rebuild of a 1973 19' Seaswirl

All work done except for beautification stuff and GPS, radio ect that I'll get later...BTW can an auto GPS run on a boat? Are they cheaper?

Being boat young and stupid...I lucked out...the motor needed nothing more than a rebuild of my self rebuilt carberator...(I asked the grizzled old boatman, if he would hire me to rebuild his carbs...he almost fell out the boat laughing...I guess that was a 'no.') the stern drive lubes changed...and it hums like a new motor and the drive does it's thing. The new steering system seems great. I bought 19 feet of Coast guard approved fuel line and self installed...we will take it to the lake for the first time this week.

The new steering outfit, corbarator install, oil change in the stern...labor alone was $420...and all toll was (with fuel line) $1100. Seems like a bit for no more than he did...but I am glad I went that way...at least I have the peace of mind...that all is working well...and a few things to do, by way of advice, to keep it running well. Around $2100 in her so far ( with registration boat and trailer appx $200)...if she continues to hold up...that is not much for a rather large fishing/pleasure boat.

If I can get my camra up and going...and will report my first excursion...I'll have my two grown son's along in case I faint from the amazement.

 

[usda]

Re: Rebuild of a 1973 19' Seaswirl

Took her out twice...pasted the first test...she floated.

Took her to Gold Beach...salmon beginning to come in the Rogue River spottily.

We felt like the Beverly Hillbilly's minus the oil wells...among all the sleek $30,000 buck boats cruising for fish. But she did her thing, just as well, as far as I could tell as the new expensive one's.

No catchie fish...and had a couple of problems...the engine is sensitive to choking and flooding...any suggestions?

And I notice my upper stern drive section's oil is a beige color...does that mean water is getting into the oil...and what does that fore tell?

And I need to really watch the tides...as running aground....did it with the kicker...is a distinct possibility. :redface: