New guy new to me boat

[K Rock]

Picking up my 2000 Challenger 2000 tonorrow, had to get the trailer last week and fix it so I could get the boat off the lift. She hasn't ran in a year and a half, an attempt was made a year ago when a new batter and some cables were replaced. The starter spun but didn't engage the flywheel. After doing some research I feel it's the stuck bendex issue.

If anyone has any general maintenance suggestions besides new gas, repair the starter and see what happens I would appreciate it greatly.

It definitely needs a cleaning, new upholstery and some love. The last year it's been in the sun without a cover [emoji17]. Here's some pics of it as it sits, I'll get better ones tomorrow and as I clean it up!

 

[Dr Honda]

Congrats.

I know she looks rough... but restoring a boat is a good time. I've done a few... and a few PWC.

Anyway... I would do a full service on the pump, just so you know where you stand. Then... since the bendex is stuck... I would pull out the sparkplugs, and spray a heavy shot of fogging oil into each hole... and spray it into the intake. Then roll the engine over by hand. (just to get some oil inside)

I would also drain the fuel, and put in fresh.

 

[K Rock]

Thanks, I don't think it looks too bad, already have a good friend lined up to wash and wax the hull once I strip the seats and clean the heavy grime off.

I don't think the hours are high, it was hardly used by either of the 2 previous owners, but no gauge so I couldn't tell.

I was planning to check the plugs, repair the starter and maybe definitely suck out old gas. Any notable differences on pump gas, 87, 89, 93? I'll look over the hoses in the engine bay as well as check the bilge pump. Really hoping it's minor mechanical work and I can focus on apperances.

 

[Dr Honda]

The Merc engines run just fine on 87. If you have alcohol in your fuel... then go up to 89. (and use stabilizer to keep it from separating) Going any higher is just wasting $$$.

 

[K Rock]

Towing her out of the canals to the ramp.

 

[K Rock]

 

[K Rock]

Heading home!!

 

[SeptemberC]

It's exciting to start a project!

 

[K Rock]

Got the bilge pretty clean today while I wait for the low speed cable and fuel pump to arrive.

 

[Dr Honda]

yep... looks good.

 

[Bkopsick]

Wow.. looks great! What did you end up using?

 

[K Rock]

Superclean concentrate to soak then a low pressure nozzle on my pressure washer. It didn't get the mold though just all the dirt and some grime, so I sprayed clorox "cleaner with bleach" (green spray bottle) where there was remaining crud and mold. It cleaned it up pretty much by itself, but I hosed it off after to was away any remaining funk.

 

[K Rock]

I did my best to keep from getting the engine wet, I'm planning to wipe it down with T-9 and a bunch of rags. Heard good stuff about it.

 

[henryb]

Excellent job, I'm inspired to get my engine bay cleaned up as well... Thx

 

[xlonewolf1967]

I just bought the same boat and the interior is faded but not all torn up. ebay sells a complete interior front to back covers for $600.00 with a 10 day lead time. just get a good stapler and some stainless staples and have a go at it. I'm going to be doing mine shortly. I used purple power and a pressure washer on my engine bay and its squeaky clean now.

 

[henryb]

Well I finally got around to it last weekend! Here is a couple before and after pics of my engine bay.

Before:

After:

 

[johnmacman24]

Hey Rock, what engine do you have?

Tnx
John

 

[K Rock]

240hp mercury.

 

[Seadoosam]

Nice cleaning job! When you finish the seats put a cover over it.

 

[philipmurphey]

Keep us posted on your progress. I have the same boat but a 2001 with the same 240efi. I live in Cape Coral and hope to see you out on the water.