The Boating Forum - Just got given my in-law's old Sea Ray... a little advice, please?

Here I am on a forum I never expected I would be on, boat owners. My father's day present was my in-law's '87 Sea Ray Sorrento bow rider. (23 footer). It hasn't been run in 10 years.

I checked the trailer's electricals and the bearings before towing the boat to a servicer and I'm waiting to hear back on the 'good news'. The boat cover tore to shreds on the drive down. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Westland Sharkskin Supreme (unfortunately we must store it outside.) fitted to the boat. They make them for the Sorrento. Is this a reasonable plan for outside storage in california coastal areas?

A few of the trailer lights look pretty beat up, even if they're working. But they seem pretty cheap to replace, so I'm not to concerned with them.

My second question is, what should be the 'cut off' for a budget on a boat like this? I don't see many Sorrentos listed on the boat sites. I've found a handful from 5k-10k, which is roughly what NADA says. So if the service place comes back with more than 5k in repairs, is it even worth doing? I'm assuming I'll have to spend another $300-$600 on water lines/ropes for bumpers/etc just to get it rigged out and ready to go.

My wife spend her jr. high and highschool years out on the boat, so she loves the idea of us taking our kids out, too. They're 2 and 4 right now, so I'm not sure how practical it is for them to be on a boat, especially since I have no idea what I'm doing with the dang thing.

We're in San Fran, in the south bay. No indoor storage available, unfortunately. The boat would likely be used in the sacramento delta area, with maybe a little bit of boating on the bay. I can't imagine taking a boat like that out into coastal waters over here.

So... what's a boat like that really 'worth'? Am I asking for trouble with a bowrider and small kids? Am I overlooking anything as a complete noob who has never been in a powerboat in his life?

Stick with it. This boat will lead to better and bigger boats. Life will be grand!

might not be too bad if the motor runs and drive is good. if its been sitting that long replace all the bellows boots, gimbal bearing, water pump and both housings. drive and engine oil. so your looking at maybe $2k which isnt bad for a free boat. the resale market on mid 80's searays here are tuff so i wouldnt dump too much $$ into it. if your ready to put $5k into it try looking for one for sale in that price range before you do a rehab

If you come to the realization that its not about money you will be fine.

make sure the title transfers ,sell it for a dollar.

what did you do to make them so angry?

Just kidding. As poster one said, it will lead to bigger and better....

It should be checked for wood rot in the transom and stringers. The deck may be rotten as well, ( you will notice soft spots in the floor). The gas tank will need to be replaced as they did not make them suitable for todays ethanol fuel. Every seal, gasket, hose and most wires in the entire boat will probably need replaceing.

If they pickled the motor with fogging oil before it was stored and stored it inside it may be in much better shape than that but if it has been left outside for those 10 years then it is probably not worth bringing back to life.

I was curious what the boat looked like and found this ad, and this one was turn key ready for 2k.

So like they said, unless the boat has sentimental value then I would think you could find something running for a lot less.

http://www.boatsforsale-ads.com/ads/1988_19_foot_Sea_Ray_Sorrento_21025.php

I had an 88 Sorrento up until three years ago, put over 1,000 hours on her. I know I put that boat through much more than it was ever designed for. Of course we skied, camped, cruised as the norm, then pushed her off the outer banks fishing up to 30 miles out, ran her over to Bimini. Not until we were out running a major thunder storm one day 15 miles from the inlet and the wife asked if we were going to be ok? I said sure, provided the boat doesn’t breaks up under us because it is a 25+ year boat. At that moment I knew we would be moving up to a full scale salt water boat.

Bottom line, SeaRay build good boat and lots of them, I did replace the transom twice, first guy screwed it up by not sealing the bilge drain hole. The Chevy 350 we had was rock solid, provided you keep up the maintenance.

My 24 foot 88 Sorrento cuddy was barn kept and looked like new, sold her in 2009 for $11K.

Good luck, check the transom and outdrive boots, if good enjoy,

The boat will be suitable for many areas around SB Bay. I recently was with a group of 22 to 25 foot boats which went from Rio Vista to SF and back in 5 days, stopping at different ports/marinas each night. Nothing I saw (and I have boated up there a number of times, in various size boats from 14 to 62 feet) on this trip a Sea Ray 23 bow rider could not have handled. Some times you have to wait for the current to change, as wind against current gives very steep waves. But the Delta will hold hundreds of destinations. The rivers can also be explored. There are also a number of lakes in the foothills and Sierra. Lake Shasta is as full as I have ever seen it this year.

You have already learned one lesson--don't trailer with the cover on! (at least if there is any suspicion about its condition).

If the engine turns over freely, it mostly likely will be OK. I think that there is a bit of exaggeration in the issues, but for starters see what the mechanics say at the place you have taken it to. REZ has the right ideas and items which are minimal replacement. You may have to replace the risers or manifolds if the boat has been run in salt water not flushed well after each use.

Yes, I also think you will have to replace the fuel lines, probably the fuel pump. The fuel tank will have to be cleaned, and old fuel thrown out. The fuel tank should be OK--again if the boat was used mostly in fresh water, the wiring should be OK. Again depending on storage and use, as for cored decks, stringers and transom.

I would jump in and take a Coast Guard or Power Squadron boating course to start with. Also keep the members of this forum posted as to what is found, and listen to their consul.

As for the cover, Sunbrella is worth the cost. It should last 10 to 11 years. Anything less will not last as well. I recently purchased a cover from Angolia Boat Canvas in Indiania by phone. They have a pattern for a 1987 Sea Ray 23 Sorrento--I cannot imagine that there is much difference in the 1988. They call for 30 yards of material (the boat I had used 36 yards and was about $400). The cover I ordered fit perfectly and was very well made. Look them up on the web, double check to be sure that your boat is similar.

I agree, the memories and experiences boating with the kids will be worth every penny you spend. Get the boat checked out, get some training (also buy a copy of Chapman's piloting and Seamanship--does not have to be new--I have a 1966 edition, a 1986 edition and a 2006 edition--all have good information. You can often find a year or two old book cheap. There are also a number of web sites about lakes in Calif. Lots of great places to go, some where you could camp in wilderness with the boat you now own.

This will be fun to watch. Sort of reminds me of the "free" dog I got one time. I could have retired by now if I had invested that money in Apple stock in the early 80's.

Thanks for the recommendations on the books/what to look for/etc.

The service guys haven't called me back yet, but I will update with what they found.

From what I saw/know :
Wood was all weathered, but solid. No soft spots, and no splintering.
No musty smell/moldy smell, and I stuck my head in all the openings.
Boat was run almost entirely in fresh water. (Put in at Brannen's island and headed north or east for those of you who know the area.)
Boat was inside for 7 years, outside for 3. Always covered outside, but obviously cover deteriorated.
Boat was serviced and put in storage. No idea if they fogged or just serviced.
Upholstery has no cuts, or even cracking really, except one seat (rear facing of the passenger side, where there is upholstery tape to repair it.)

Further questions :
If a 19 footer turnkey is roughly 2k, is a 23 footer worth spending 2k on? I really don't know the handling differences on power boats. My boating experience is confined to white water rafting and dinghy sailing on Lake Mendota.

Is spending 800 plus bucks on an 10 year sunbrella cover worth it for an 25 year old boat? Will it make it to 35? I was picking the Westfall Sharkskin supreme because it's supposed to breath and UV protect almost as well, and will last 7ish years and can be had for $530ish dollars. Thataway, thanks for the suggestion on Angolia! They do have the boat pattern. I will be calling them to see what they run as well.

Anybody have an estimate for yearly services? It sounds like for a boat that gets used one or two weekends a month, 2 maintenance services might be enough? One at the beginning of the season, one towards the end. Or am I being wildly optimistic there?

Chemical toilets : Brands to avoid due to terrible, terrible things that occur if you use them.

Water : The boat has a water pump to a tiny sink. Is that thing usable for potable water? My camelback is nasty after a month of bike rides, and I can't imagine a boat-mounted system will be easy to keep sanitary....

Finally, is there an appropriate way to sob when you pull the checkbook out yet again? Is it "Waaahhyaaaarhaaaaryaaaaaar?" I want to get it right.

Thanks again for the input so far. Seems like 5k might be too high of a budget to 'make sense'.

pfithian,
Yes, the harbor master already laughed at me and said "Ahhh, the poison pill gift! Prepare to spend money like it's going out of style!"

Scrub,

What's the overall condition of the boat? (post some pics?) It may not be worth buying the cover you listed, but perhaps a generic "cheapo" for storage. You won't need to keep it covered during tow from storage to the water....

My concern (as others) reading your post is the balance between your wife having grown up with the family boat and having memories vs. costs associated with boating. Some of the "costs" you listed are very minor for boating. If you think you might like boating, you should be more focused on the good times it can provide, versus the costs to get it/keep it running.

Also, if you move ahead, take a boating safety course (with your wife). Learn the rules and be safe!

Just my .02

If you're handy and mechanically inclined you can save a whole lot by doing your own maintenance. Things like changing the engine oil/filter, changing outdrive gear lube and lubricating the linkages. Get some Bearing Buddy's for the trailer and keep 'em full of grease. Points, plugs & condenser are also relatively easy to swap if it's equipped with that ignition. Spend $80 and get the manufacturer's service manual for the engine & drive.

A chemical toilet isn't necessary. A Porta-Potty has a fresh water flush and a holding tank that you can empty into the nearest shore toilet or dump station.

Swung by the shop to snap a few pictures. The engine isn't turning over. They've put penetrating oil in the engine to try and loosen it up to get the rings unstuck. The tech said if they can't get them to un-seize, the engine is scrap.

D'oh!

Any recommendations on I/O replacement motors? Or at that point is it not worth trying to replace it?

Update :
They pulled the starter and tried with a new one and are getting a little bit of turn, but not a full go around. They're pulling the drive now to make sure it's in the engine and not something screwed up in the drive.

give it to goodwill IMO, Take the 20 grand it would take to get that boat sea worthy and put a down payment down on a nice used CC or DC with an Outboard. Hell for 20k you can find some nice early 2000's 20' CC's with an F-150 that will run for another decade for pennies on the Dollar against that Sea Ray in top condition.

Especially if you don't have the time and knowledge to sink your teeth into this project.

I have a 87 i spent around 12 grand bringing it back toife and i know i will never sell it to get my money back but so far al the smiles on my face and familys is well worth more than any cash value plus im ready for bigger and better things i am 29 years old and im ready to move up to a 30 footer next summer 17 23 now 30 its a great teaching expierience when u have an old boat and it has problems good way to learn l

If the engine is scrap, then you may want to rethink the project--on the other hand these are stock blocks and not all that expensive to buy a rebuild. The question now is how much do you want to be in it for a rebuild and it that in your budget.

A 23 foot boat is a huge advantage in those waters over a 19 boat--and will be far more "sea worthy. Don't forget that some of those stretches of river can have good currents with wind against them.

Yes, if it has lasted 25 years, it will last 35 (see some of my comments in the ages of fiberglass boat thread).

Anybody have any experience with these guys? :

http://www.usenginesinc.com/Marine-Engine/Mercruiser-Marine-Engine.html

They seem to have a 'swap' program where you ship them your engine, they ship you a rebuilt one, and credit you for the old one that they will rebuild.

Or would it be better to try and get a local rebuild?

Your Inlaws clearly never approved of you.;)

Jzima, clearly they don't! And they just had the second happiest day of a boater's life, right? When they sell the boat? I'll be sad if my two happiest days (getting and selling) come without actually getting in the water. :p

The boat will be suitable for many areas around SB Bay. I recently was with a group of 22 to 25 foot boats which went from Rio Vista to SF and back in 5 days, stopping at different ports/marinas each night. Nothing I saw (and I have boated up there a number of times, in various size boats from 14 to 62 feet) on this trip a Sea Ray 23 bow rider could not have handled. Some times you have to wait for the current to change, as wind against current gives very steep waves. But the Delta will hold hundreds of destinations. The rivers can also be explored. There are also a number of lakes in the foothills and Sierra. Lake Shasta is as full as I have ever seen it this year.


I agree...it'll be fine on the delta, watch out for spring time winds on the bay and you're golden. Plus down in the South Bay you have Anderson and Calero reservoirs a little closer than the delta for a day trip.

I'd take the advice you're getting with a grain of salt....our norcal boat market isn't quite as robust as it is in other parts of the country; the dump it and buy another route may not be the best move. If the hull is still in decent condition it may be worth spending a little to get it running and operating safely. Just don't go overboard making it pretty.

What shop do you have it at? I've used Lelands Marine and Mr Le's in Santa Clara. Honest shops with a solid reputation.

It's at Belmont Boats. It has the advantage of being very close to home, the marina, my work, and it had good reviews online (not that those really mean all that much) and talking to the guys on the phone and in person, they seem like pretty no-b.s. types.

Here's a view of the hull. Not great resolution since it's my camera phone.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51656924@N00/7416810684/

It's at Belmont Boats. It has the advantage of being very close to home, the marina, my work, and it had good reviews online (not that those really mean all that much) and talking to the guys on the phone and in person, they seem like pretty no-b.s. types.

Here's a view of the hull. Not great resolution since it's my camera phone.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51656924@N00/7416810684/

Damn...that's a lot better looking than I thought a boat would look that has set for ten years!!

i replaced my mercruiser with a vortec5.7 powerpack, it was $3500 and just swapped out a few parts and it was ready togo. i did it myself so i saved a ton of labor$.
a new outdrive is about $2k if u need it.

The boat has sentimental value to your wife so spending what it takes
to make it seaworthy won't be an issue! :thumbsup:
Take a safe boating course, take it slow and get to know the boat!
Have fun and good luck!
Yeah it could lead to bigger boats! ;cool;

Looks much nicer than I expected as well. I restored the boat I grew up on.

Drivery area :
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/601177_10150971216454411_409514638_n.jpg

Getting wet area :
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/481268_10150971216794411_1365959714_n.jpg

So the service center just called saying it didn't look good. They've pulled the out drive off and hooked a new starter in and can't get it to turn over. They're leaving penetrating oil in over the weekend to try and get it to turn over on Monday.

Looking on the web, I'm seeing replacement engines running 10k+. I'm not sure how expensive a rebuild on the existing 25 yo engine will be, but it won't be cheap, I'm sure. But is it worth rebuilding an older engine that has sat for 10 years?

If I'm looking to replace it, should I stick with Mercury or are there better or cheaper options? And should I replace the gas tank as a precautionary measure given how much ethanol is in gas these days?

Yes...replace the gas tank..r at the least have it "scrubbed"

And look up the local Jasper engine rebuilding franchise near you.

Here is an ad off google...http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jasperengines.com%2Fmarine-products.php&ei=cNfkT4KVK4uo8ATU8_DqCQ&usg=AFQjCNHIHm639pBYROj-7EOGaKuK6dJbEQ&sig2=xW4hOdz_RCRNCNgdCSK6PQ

And then see what your local shop will quote you to install it.

The boat looks great...and looks like it is worth putting some money into.

Years ago we used to pull the spark plugs and fill the cylinders with auto transmission fluid and let it soak. Very often it would free the rings and let it spin. It made a mess when it came shooting out of the plug holes, but it worked. I know, it's not the real fix, but it might get it running well enough to use for a while. Why spend the cash up front if you don't have to.
Mike