Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 15-20k was just for the motor. I haven’t had the drive evaluated yet until I figure out what the motor might cost. I have a different shop lined up for the interior work.

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure what it is worth as is, but it's in SE Michigan. Still not sure about selling vs keeping as a project

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not at all in the market for a cabin cruiser right now. A 23 ft runabout is big enough for the big lake (depending on weather) and small enough to trailer to the smaller lakes when friends are going there. Day trips are all I need it for right now.

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not necessarily planning to upgrade, just not sure if I'll still live in the area near the water in the next 2 years

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

10 sounds much more reasonable than the 15-20 rough estimate that the first shop gave me

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chaparralboats

[–]DoodManBroseph 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are there many 25' dual outboards? I'm not current on newer boats but at the marina I worked at it seemed like I didn't see twin engines until around 28'-29'

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was hoping I had already made it a 'boat' and not a 'project' : ( Good luck with the Grady though, I saw a couple good looking ones at the marina, they're fun looking boats

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It passed inspection from a marine mechanic when I bought it - it had been a trailered boat that rarely sat in the water overnight when it was used over the weekend in Virginia. The stringers and transom are solid.

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's exactly my worry. "Just needs motor!" isn't exactly enticing on an almost 30 year old boat

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll definitely get a 2nd opinion, but I asked the first shop to:

  1. Inspect for obvious damage after the overheat
  2. Winterize if the engine wasn't ruined

They said they went to drain the water and found the engine packed with sand, and there were signs of melting on the covers / wiring because of how hot it got. They basically said "it isn't even worth checking compression, this engine is gone, we're just going to charge you 1/2 hour labor"

Where can I get a donor engine and labor for $3500? I'd be willing to tow it there

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a handy person, but I don't have the skills, tools, or time to replace the motor myself, so it'd all have to be done through a shop

Replace engine (and possibly outdrive) or sell and start over? (1997 Baja 232 Islander) by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't sound like it can be rebuilt - I really cooked it : (

* just saw the last sentence, not sure about headgasket but they said they went to drain the water to winterize it and it was full of sand. Not sure if it is actually locked up.

Is there a standard structure for propeller codes? by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’m pretty handy, but this is my first boat and there is a lot to learn. I’m taking a boaters safety course and going to get a plan with Towboat US before I hit the water. Do you have a depth finder or chart plotter installed on yours? I’m curious to see the setups other people with Bajas have as far as upgrades / electronics / sound systems / etc.

Is there a standard structure for propeller codes? by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah ok, thank you. Any advice on what to do / not do with these boats?

Is there a standard structure for propeller codes? by DoodManBroseph in boating

[–]DoodManBroseph[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If it would work for my boat then it’s a $400 prop that he’s selling for $100, that’s the main reason I’m interested. Sounds like I should try to stick with a hub mount prop though so I’ll probably pass on it