Post By: peddin Posted: 7/29/2010 9:04:59 PM Points: 57
So my roommate and I went fishing today at Quincy and ended up catching 15 persch, 3 bass, and 2 trout, so not a bad day. We take off because we couldn't take the heat anymore. While at home unloading my little jon boat, out of the blue a neighbor whom I've never met before comes up to us and asks if we want a boat, and I said how much do you want for it and he said nothing just come take a look at it. So we went over and looked and its a Sun ray 18 ft with a trailer not to bad for free. he said the only thing it needs is a starter, the gas tank put in and some cosmetic work but other than that it runs.
Reply by: Bassackwards Posted: 7/30/2010 8:27:30 AM Points: 1516
You're a lucky guy. Just remember one thing there's no such thing as a free boat, puppy or lunch. You'll be out there shoveling his snow, mowing his lawn, feeding his dogs when they are away. I hope I'm just joking. Get out there and enjoy that boat.
One more thing, If the boat truly needs a starter don't buy one at pep boys. Buy one at a mercruiser dealer. It'll cost more but it's made for marine application, or try to get it rebuilt, make sure you tell them Marine Application.
Reply by: Bassackwards Posted: 7/30/2010 8:29:01 AM Points: 1516
One more thing. Check out the motor make sure the freeze plugs are not out, and run it on a hose watching the oil level, if it goes up and turns milky shut it down and find another block because that one is cracked.
Reply by: peddin Posted: 7/31/2010 10:56:05 AM Points: 57
I guess in Colorado you don't need a title just a bill of sale to get it registered in my name. Come to find out its a 1986 sun ray bowrider the engine is very clean and unfortunately I am clueless to big boats like this. I know a couple of smart people and asked if the can help me get it running or at least take a look at it to see if its worth putting some money into and they flake out on me. So I guess this is a plea for help. I know a couple of you guys have boats and would appreciate all the help you can give me. Also this would without a doubt give you a spot on the boat to.
No title needed for the boat, but you are going to need a title for the trailer. Nice looking boat though, hopefully you can get her up and running. Good luck
No its not stolen, it was sitting in his driveway for the past 3 years and he lives right behind me. The only problem I have is that I don't know anything about boats, so I would like to meet someone who's knowledgeable to help me out.
So I figure I'm gonna keep updating this thread to let you all know what I'm doing to the boat. So far it ran but the starter is shot and needs a new armature which is gonna cost 95 to have it rebuilt. The upholstery is shot and needs new wood and foam but that will come later when I find that the motor and Hull are water worthy, and the trailer frame has a nice crack in the middle which is probably gonna get a patch job till I can find another trailer. Please keeps your comments coming. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments and help thus far, you guys ROCK!!
Reply by: Two Ponies Posted: 8/2/2010 4:04:24 PM Points: 1151
peddin,
I'll be out of town for the next couple of weeks but when I return I would be glad to stop by and look it over for you with some advise. . . It appears to me you have a great deal there and with some investment you may have a very nice boat.
Two Ponies
P.S. If you decide to wash it take some pictures of any oil leaks on the engine and lower unit. Better yet, don't wash it until I look at it.
Ok that sounds good to me. I was also wondering how to change the oil in it, I found the drain plug but there's no way to fit a pan down there to collect the oil.
You use a oil suction Devise to suck the oil out.. Take BIteme up on the offer for the welding and Two Ponies Dont pass that up he has been around ships and boats all his life and not many would know more about it then him. But get the starter rebuilt so that someone can go through it for you..Change all the fluids before trying to start it.
Reply by: jigger Posted: 8/5/2010 11:07:50 AM Points: 232
Hey peddin I own a boat and auto upholstery shop so if you decide that the thing runs good enough and you want to keep it call 303 783-9624 Blazing Auto Trim JASON I give deals to all FX guys we will get her looking pretty again
So I installed the starter today and bought a new marine battery, it cranked but no start, even added starter fluid into the carb and still no go. I did notice that when I was tryin to start the engine I noticed that the negative side of the battery cable was smoking, then i shut it off, looked at the cable and it had melted into the battery a little bit. So my guess is that there is a wire that is not hooked up properly or maybe I wired the starter up wrong.
So I guess my luck isn't that great after all. I got this great boat and I just found out that my landlord is being forclosed on so we have to move in a hurry so i have to sell the boat to help with finances to move. Here is the link to the post on Craigs list if anyone is interested.
Don't give up yet. Ask help from fellow members. Someone has the knowledge to help you out. Calling 9-11 someone help out? Did you hook the battery up red to + black to -
Reply by: BITE ME Posted: 8/12/2010 7:28:58 AM Points: 2923
Sorry to here that you need to sell her but if you still need welding done I can do it. cross roads Arapaho & liver pool 1/2 mile se of grand view high school. post your e-mail and I can contact you if you need it done
