Thinking About A Boat

[sacmiata]

Been looking for a while and a friend offered me his 93 ski centurian.

Its a 93 with a 302 motor ( in it (yes not a merc-cruiser motor nor stern drive but I think you guys have the closest to the same motors as the ford). Searching this site and google really didnt get me to far on this issue (the rudder that ripped out from the hull that caused it to sink I think I have figured out!).

So the boat is cheap because its been sunk, he pulled it out the water 4 hours later and drained all the water/oil/fuel but didnt pickle the motor or anything.

So now its been a year and I can pick it up next for nothing. I looked at the dipstick and there was alittle rust on it each time i took it in and out. Other then that here are my questions.

1 - is there anything easy to look at without taking stuff off to find out how bad the motor is in shape (Cant turn it over with no oil in it!)

2 - is a automotive ford motor the same such that I can get a mustang motor and toss it in there (transfer the headers, intake, accessories of course).

3 - if its worth the risk any tips for starting it safely. I was going to fill it up with kerosene and drain it a few times as well as dump some tranny fluid down the cylinders and clean it out as best i can. Then just replace with new oil and try to start it up.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

I doubt the motor is good since it wasn't pickled. Wiring could be an issue if there is corrosion. Might need other electronics. Was the interior removed to allow it to dry. After 4 hours in the drink I would assume water got everywhere. The question is, did it come out.

Everything marine is more expensive. Don't know about just pulling a motor out of something else except you CAN't use anything not marine in the way of alternator, starter, etc. Don't want to throw sparks in an enclosed area around gas.

It is likely that you can find a similar vintage boat that has not been sunk for not a lot more than you would be into this one with the parts it would need.

I'm sure someone with more knowledge will drop by shortly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

So the boat is cheap because its been sunk, he pulled it out the water 4 hours later and drained all the water/oil/fuel but didnt pickle the motor or anything.

So now its been a year and I can pick it up next for nothing.

Ayuh,... Sounds like he's askin', Exactly what it's Worth.....

 

[mkast]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

I was going to fill it up with kerosene and drain it a few times as well as dump some tranny fluid down the cylinders and clean it out as best i can.

What exactly is this suppose to do?
You are wasting your time, and money.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

Dont even mess with this pile. It's only appealing to you due to the price. There are plenty of other boats out there that will work for you. Don't buy it just because its there. Keep looking. There are always deals out there if you are willing to wait.

 

[sacmiata]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I have bought a few sunk jet skies and ran fluids through them to bing them back to life and flush the rust out before starting them up but those were all two strokes and are mostly non ferrous. I was hoping fluids would lossen up the crude and I could drain most of it out. But being a cast iron 4 stroke I am very suspect that it will need a rebuild. The only thing that I felt safe about was that the boat does seem to not be waterlogged and the interior is good. Remounting the rudder is doable an the direct drive is worth what he is asking alone but I really don't want a big project so I thing all pass. Their are alot of boats out there right now and I really want a open bow ( something this boat doenst have).

 

[Ancloter]

Re: Thinking About A Boat

I used to get outboards like this in the 80s when I was young and cash-strapped. It works -as you know. I'd go for it. You know there will be that oxidation film on it and the kerosene will take care of that. One test I used to do was after pouring the light 'restoration' lube in it and letting it sit I'd work the fly wheel to unseize it. I'd go so far as to use a metal punch and sledge against the flywheel, moving it back and forth until it freed up.

The biggest issue I encountered was the saltwater - gas 'cement' in the fuel system and around the engine. Cleaning that out took the most time by far.

I'd spray the exposed electronics (stator, starter, connectors, etc.) and give it a try. Sometimes I'd have to disassemble the starter and clean it before it'd spin. All in all it'd take less than 20 hr.s and $100 bucks to recover a motor -if it was recoverable.

Don't worry about the cylinders, even if they're a bit scored from corrosion. Since it's a 4-stroke you can add oil additives to assist compression. The best additive I used was MoS2 (molybdinum disulfide (sp?). Great lubricant in an oil solution. A company in Germany has a product currently.

Good luck.