you rebuilt an engine for $250... you got to be a wizard!


wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks for the info guys.

It turned out the boat is being destroyed for some reason.

I do have a good source for top notch parts at wholesale prices from
boat building materials to engines. For instance, I have a 20'
runabout and rebuilt the 305 volvo-penta over last weekend. It needed
a new block due to mine being cracked. I got out rebuilding the
engine for under $250. Had I not done it myself I was quoted $2500.

I also redid the camper top using sunbrella material and redid the
mooring cover using top dog material. The camper was reinforced at
all seams with acrylic 2 inch wide webbing, I used solid steel snap
buttons, and 30 gauge clear vinyl for the windows. The mooring cover
also used the same webbing and buttons. My total cost in parts was
$225, less than a semi-custom fit mooring cover would cost, instead I
have perfect custom fit replacements. I was quoted $1600 for the
camper top and $500 for the mooring cover using medium grade
materials. I showed the canvas shop my end result and they asked me
where I bought my supplies and said I had a better deal on prices and
quantity than they did, they also wanted to use the same webbing I
had.

I have all the right tools for the jobs as well. It took me 2
evenings to make the camper top and 1 morning to make the mooring
cover. Top notch job really, I was impressed with myself. I never
thought I'd be proud to say I used a sewing machine, but I saved a lot
of money.

Rebuilding the engine took less than a day. I got the engine out in
under and hour, spent an hour de-greasing it and labeling the parts.
Picked up a new cylinder block from a local engine shop for $50, the
gaskets, and new bearings. Had the engine back together with enough
time left to enjoy a couple margarita's.

So, this is why I'm looking for a project boat. I love building and
working on things, I think that's half the fun. Not to mention I can
take something worth next to nothing and the biggest expense is my
time.

I'm a DIYfer. I just saved over $4,000 for roughly 23 hours of work.
Probably more since I used high quality materials.

The last time I rebuilt an engine I was 19, that was 10 years ago.
I've been working my tail off in a high demand career for the last 7
years and it's time to enjoy "hobbies" like this. I know most people
would just rather go out and buy a working boat, etc., but I like
doing this and since I like it I can come out ahead. The only bills I
have are my mortgage, insurance, and a couple utilities. Not to
mention I bought this house 16 months ago and I'll have it paid off in
6 more years. I don't believe in having debt, so I rarely take advice
when it comes to spending money.