Boat question

[Boedy]

Have a question for all you master boater types. As Springer season is fast approaching and I am boat poor I have begun to look at the old boat my uncle has stored in the shop out here at my place and wonder if it would be worth the time to fix up. Its nothing fancy but still looks to be in good shape all thing considered. It’s a Tri bottom boat with an inboard motor a 265 I think he said and I’m not sure of the length. He told me that the motor mounts broke and that’s why it has been sitting dry since 95. My question is what would it take to fix the motor mounts on a fiberglass boat and service the engine? He said it was running when he put it up but it’s been sitting for along time now so I am sure it would need some work. I will try and post a picture but there is a lot of stuff I have to move before that is possible. I don’t have the money for a new boat but if I can get this thing running for a reasonable price it may be worth it to join you hogliners on the Willamette for some Springer action.

Thanks for the help

[Scott B]

I would make sure and pull the plugs and shoot the inside of the cylinders with some motor oil before you turn it over. If it has been setting that long no being run you make have a nice rust ring around the cylinder walls. If you can you may want to take the head/s off and take a gander inside to see if you have any issues inside. Change the oil in the tank. You may but I am not sure might be able to replace the motor mount without having to pull the whole motor out of the boat. Good luck in the spring, hope it works out for you.

[Sturgeon Tom]

I've started old engines like this before. Take the spark plugs out, squirt Winns Friction Proofing in the cylinders let it set 24hrs then the spin the engine. Anything in the engine will come out the hole, and it will free the engine up. Spin till nothing more comes out.
Change the oil and the gas--get new gas. Do not just use an additive.
Change the points, condenser, dis-cap, plug wires and plugs and start. You may have to prime the carb or even have to rebild it as the accelerator pump and gaskets may have dried out.

[1pump]

The "265" you mentioned sounds like the Merc version of a 350 Chevy. If that's the case, you're lucky, because they're a dime a dozen (parts are cheap) and easy to work on.
The mounts shouldn't be a big deal dollar-wise. Just some heavy labor. I'd be more concerned about why they broke. Make sure it's just the mounts and not the stringers. It seems a little weird that a boat would sit for 8 years just because of busted mounts. Like Badnews & Tom said, you're gonna have to do a lot of nickle & dime stuff to get it ready.

[Phil Layer]

Boedy,

I see you're from my neck of the woods. Let me recommend a mechanic who is especially good on situations like you are describing.

Jim Jenkins at 503-769-0565 is an honest and affordable boat mechanic who, at minimum, will tell you if you are doing the right thing.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the water!

[Boedy]

Thanks for the help everyone

[Green Machine]

I'd be more help if you were a Beaver instead of that other Oregon school. When I bought the Green Machine, it had been sitting in heated storage for a couple of years. I did what the other guys have suggested, but one more is to change the fuel-water separater. I went to change it and the bottom had almost rusted through!! :depressed: Definately stuff you don't want in your carbs or kicker motor. Not to give a duck to much credit, but I think you may be on the right track. If you can get it going for not too much out of pocket, makes everyone happier. Plus you can say, "With the money I saved on this boat, now I can get a drifter AND a sled." :grin: Good Luck

Green Machine