Transom assemblies and engine room makeover

goalie59

Remove or replace the pan. I would have loved to been able to do that to my 5e 

Dream_Inn

Definitely replace couplers.  You have a heavy boat like mine.  It's better to just replace items in that area.

Liberty44140

LaRea said:

Not sure what I'd do differently from the annual, but you have a point.

Remove and clean flame arrestor and clean out carb? Depending on where your Genny is, that side can be not so fun to get to.....

LaRea

You guys are awesome.  I can already see that this project will keep me constructively occupied all the way through the Season That Shall Not Be Named.  

I'm going to buy two engine stands.  Suggestions?  I saw some 1-ton stands for under $150, and I'm assuming any adjustable stand will fit.  

LaRea

Here's the list so far.

Drives:
Replace transom assemblies
Replace trim hoses

Engines:
Replace couplers
Replace exhaust elbows, couplers, flappers
Replace starters
Replace water hoses
Replace engine mounts
Touch up engine paint
Check compression

Engine room:
Install better lights
Paint floor/walls
Replace insulation on hatch and bulkhead
Install wire trays
Replace bilge pump
Trace and label battery cables

Generator:
Replace rusted bolts on sound shield
Inspect pan

Handymans342

@LaRea is there an original transponder under the engine that went to the dash??? An old unit? 

davidbrooks

One piece of advice that I learned the hard way is to make sure that when you paint you give yourself more than enough time for it to fully harden or you will find it on the bottom of your mechanics shoes and all over your deck.

Aqua_Aura

I don't see bellows and all associated parts listed. Was that already done recently? If you have it off definitely check the gimbal, u joint and bellows 

LaRea

The transom assembly includes bellows, new rams, shift cable and all the other little bits and pieces. 

Handy - the depth sounder is forward of the engine, and very easy to reach any time.  I'll probably hold off on upgrading it to a fishfinder.  

Handymans342

LaRea said:

The transom assembly includes bellows, new rams, shift cable and all the other little bits and pieces. 

Handy - the depth sounder is forward of the engine, and very easy to reach any time.  I'll probably hold off on upgrading it to a fishfinder.  

On my 342 it was almost impossible to get to

oscar1

I have to do my port engine transom which is being leaking for some time. I am planing  to do it when i remove the radar arch so i can use a forklift to lift the engine out the bay compartment this off season. 

LaRea

I can't get a camera down there, but I'm sure mine look like that if not worse.  

LaRea

Today I built a set of temporary stairs for the estimated 2000 times I'll climb onto the boat over the next 4-5 months.  I have traumatic past experience with fall injuries, so I didn't mind spending a couple hours building stairs (mostly with materials leftover from other projects).  

aero3113

Nice @LaRea !

Aqua_Aura

Good call on the stairs. That many times up and down a ladder your gonna trip at some point. Even just using a ladder occasionally you mess up at some point. 

That rise doesn't look to code in the photo and also you need a railing for that height 😆

YYZRC

Aqua_Aura said:

That rise doesn't look to code in the photo and also you need a railing for that height 😆

You beat me to it! 6 7/8”!

Aqua_Aura

These stairs are fine obviously. Just joking around.

I have built a hand full of stairs and railing and I have gotten better at it but my first experiences were for customers when I owned a steel fab shop and I absolutely hated it. Lots of small code to follow for every little aspect of stairs and especially railing. 

YYZRC

@LaRea you should consider having the hull painted. I will never have another non-white hullside boat that isn’t painted. Looks great all year, no effort!

LaRea

Haha you guys crack me up ... I probably will add a hand rail.  The 11" rise won't win me any prizes at the county code office, but it's the same as the swim ladder and just maybe a little bit safer.  

I also built a couple outdrive dollies like what @aero3113 and others have built.  My mechanic is going to pull the engines, and then I get to start the renovation work.

With 820 hours on the engines, I guess I'll do a compression check to see if the top end needs attention.  

LaRea

YYZRC said:

@LaRea you should consider having the hull painted. I will never have another non-white hullside boat that isn’t painted. Looks great all year, no effort!

Thought about it many times.  I usually get the hull compounded and waxed mid-season ... didn't this year, and it really shows.  

PickleRick

Is there a compiled list if part numbers for the common service items on the forum?  Im also doing bellows and gimball bearing.  I think @Alswagg liked one of the Sierra bellows over that of oem mercruiser.

I plan on tackling all this after Christmas and would love to have part numbers lined up somewhere.

reneechris14

Just the start of many ups and doens if know what I mean. Today I'm making a prop puller to start my pulling of motors. The stairs is a great idea.

LaRea

PickleRick said:

Is there a compiled list if part numbers for the common service items on the forum?  Im also doing bellows and gimball bearing.  I think @Alswagg liked one of the Sierra bellows over that of oem mercruiser.

I plan on tackling all this after Christmas and would love to have part numbers lined up somewhere.

@PickleRick I've never seen one.  So many models and variations ...

Liberty44140

Very nice on the stairs, I’m sure someone in the yard will be happy to have em when your done or a nice to have for you for years to come. 

PickleRick

LaRea said:

PickleRick said:

Is there a compiled list if part numbers for the common service items on the forum?  Im also doing bellows and gimball bearing.  I think @Alswagg liked one of the Sierra bellows over that of oem mercruiser.

I plan on tackling all this after Christmas and would love to have part numbers lined up somewhere.

@PickleRick I've never seen one.  So many models and variations ...

Isn't the sealed updated thicker sealed gimball bearing used on 98 and up models?  The bellows should also be same on be b1/2/3s id think. That covers most of us with merc stern legs.  

LaRea

I think the yard will get a good deal on a flight of stairs, two outdrive trolleys and two engine stands.  

LaRea

@shawnmjr - You mean on the leftover deck boards that have already been gathering moss and slime for two years in my back yard?  Yes, smart idea.  

mattie

I’d probably install new blowers & ductwork as well when everything is out......maybe you mentioned that already.

Handymans342

I think he needs to fix it then sell it and get his dream trawler so it’s paid off by retirement 🤓

LaRea

I did blower hoses this year and fans two years ago.  Handy I'd be allowed to buy a trawler only if it looks like a Rinker and cruses at 30 knots.