New, yet old boat...

[bigred]

Need some advice if anyone can help...

Just received a boat as an engagement gift. Its a 1973 "Swiftcraft" 15 foot fibreglass (not sure of model...detail still to come) powered by a 1978 Evinrude 85hp 2stroke motor.

I am still waiting on some details. The in-laws are digging up all the old manuals and purchase/service history, which they have dilligently stored away.

Now apart from the tinnie that I had as a kid, this is my first attempt at the joys of boat ownership, and I need some advice from some experienced boaties...

Now the boat has not been used in approximately ten years. Has been stored out of the elements, but has not been properly maintained in this time. Apart from turning the engine over every six months and giving it a good spray with WD40 to keep things nice and moist.

Now, before this boat went into dry dock, the motor had only done thirty hours work, so it is pretty much brand new. Which is pretty gosh darn good IMO, as it really is in good condition.

The boat, and all fittings, I will be restoring over the next twelve months or so...replacing gauges, that are looking well past their prime, new seats, some stainless fittings and mechanical steering cabels, switchgear, lights, safety gear and extras. Should be an enjoyable hobby!

A few key points for boat: Was used as a ski boat, this model apparently has a special hull design, low wash.....The transom was "built up" custom to increase the motor rating of the vessell. This was done by swiftcraft at the time. Had a 45HP prior. Has spent a lot of time on Port Phillip bay, both as a ski & fishing boat..apparently handles very well. Goes like stink and is quite stable.

The boat is only going to be used for light duty fishing in Port Phillip and Westernport bays, here in Melbourne, so it suits nicely. Not too big, not too small...just right for me and the boys!

My main concern is the motor....

For something that has been so idle for so long, what would you recommend needs to be done to get the thing well and truly seaworthy again. Now I know sweet FA about outboards, but I do know automotive engines, but I have this sneaking suspicion that the two have almost absolutely nothing in common!

What would you recommend, or what would you consider to be immediate repairs or servicing?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated...

Firstly,
Find a reputable mobile outboard mechanic - this saves you having to trailer the thnig around the place - very painful if you don't know what condition the trailer is in after all these years..

If you want to play with it yourself, which personally I don't recommend due to your own realisation that your experience with outboards=0
Get the mechainc around and watch him work. It's simple stuff, but your better off letting them at it for the first time.

A good mechainc should have it going for about $300-$600; dependent also on parts availabiilty, for an old motor.

or, if you must have a go yourself, try these basics first

Look at the carby's - they'll definitely need servicing
I'd remove the spark-plugs and have a look at them, and replace them as well; it's cheap insurance after all
Once you have the plugs out, spray some wd40/inox into the cylinders to lubricate them prior to any cranking of the engine during starting attempts.
Next, check the water pump/impeller, I'd hazard a guess that this too will require replacement
Change the gearbox oil.
Re-grease steering components
Check bushes, etc on the prop, plus steering components

Replace the battery(s), and I'd recommend installing twin batteries anyway, with an isolator switch

replace the primer bulb, fuel line, fuel filters and inspect the fuel tank for "gunge" build-up.

lubricate the throttle and choke cables.

All in all, by the time you do all of the above, potential stuff something up, and then add up your frustration due to unfamiliarity, IMHO - it's a much better option to go with the spanner-man

I've got a 21' glass boat I've bought and done up, when in doubt, I got the pro's in.

Hope this helps,

Cheers
Dave

[bigred]

Done a little work on it since...

THe motor started immediately... Runs fine with the muffs on...

No dramas...Got it warmed up and it stopped smoking... Trundled along nicely.

It's actually in pretty good condition. My brother is a mechanic..Specialises in Carburettor work, so I got him to clean them up...Made it run much better. No misfire, pinging, shaking, or frightening noises....In surprisingly good condition.

There is some surface rust on the motor...Mainly around bolts on the transom mounting. The hydro tim/tilt set up is OK... All this rust is superficial, and minor detailing wll follow. Gear case was full of oil still...Still (incredibly) "new looking" and smelling...Since has been changed regardless...

Now that is all that I am prepared to look at myself. Doing nasty things like pulling the leg off etc....I will hand over to the spannerman. My brother wants to do it, but when I first took the cover off, he looked at it and raised his eyebrows, so its going to a specialist instead of letting him tinker...

Very happy with this lot...Even with its age, it is still in great condition.....Will have it "Major Serviced" and have the water pump changed etc etc....

ANy rough ideas on what that sort of thing will cost? Without adding parts? Whats labour? $60 an hour?