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.

I sense sarcasm. The only problem was a cracked block if I didn't
mention that.

$50 for a used block, $30 to have it magna-fluxed to make sure it was
good.

$55 for new heavy duty Federal Mogul main bearings.

$97 for marine grade head gaskets, fuel pump gasket, and exhaust
gaskets. (Fuel pump operates off the engine, not an electric one like
some people are used to)

The pistons, rods, lifters, heads, springs, cam, crank, and timing
chain were all still good and could be used. So it was a cheap
rebuilt. If it was a car engine I'd replace the timing chain, but
considering the hours on the motor that chain was equal to a heavily
driven 1 year old car it wasn't needed.

The left over went toward where regular gaskets would work and some
RTV sealant for the manifold.

Oh plus tax, so really I think it was just under $250.

Nope, actually I'm wrong, I forgot about the new spark plugs, oil,
filter, and stern drive lube. I don't know if you count "that" stuff
for a rebuild. If so $300.

Before I torn the block down I was figuring at least $500-600.

Here's a few pictures of the tear down and block.

http://www.velocity-technologies.com...k_teardown.jpg
http://www.velocity-technologies.com...lock_crack.jpg
http://www.velocity-technologies.com...5_on_crate.jpg

It cracked on both inside walls as well as the outside of the block.
Oh yeah, being it takes a wizard to rebuild an engine that cheap, add
the $1.88 x 2 for the 2x4's for the stand/crate to transport it.

On Jul 5, 12:44 pm, wrote:
Here's a few pictures of the tear down and block.

http://www.velocity-technologies.com...5_on_crate.jpg

It cracked on both inside walls as well as the outside of the block.
Oh yeah, being it takes a wizard to rebuild an engine that cheap, add
the $1.88 x 2 for the 2x4's for the stand/crate to transport it.

You know, stringer repair is pretty dirty work, but when I did to my
boat I discovered that worrying about it took more energy than
actually doing it I have a 14' tri-hull fishing boat with a 55
outboard and I have less than 20 hours in completely gutting the
floor, and replacing the stringers and flooring. Dirty, but not
impossible

OK, with mostly used parts it's possible.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I sense sarcasm. The only problem was a cracked block if I didn't
mention that.

$50 for a used block, $30 to have it magna-fluxed to make sure it was
good.

$55 for new heavy duty Federal Mogul main bearings.

$97 for marine grade head gaskets, fuel pump gasket, and exhaust
gaskets. (Fuel pump operates off the engine, not an electric one like
some people are used to)

The pistons, rods, lifters, heads, springs, cam, crank, and timing
chain were all still good and could be used. So it was a cheap
rebuilt. If it was a car engine I'd replace the timing chain, but
considering the hours on the motor that chain was equal to a heavily
driven 1 year old car it wasn't needed.

The left over went toward where regular gaskets would work and some
RTV sealant for the manifold.

Oh plus tax, so really I think it was just under $250.

Nope, actually I'm wrong, I forgot about the new spark plugs, oil,
filter, and stern drive lube. I don't know if you count "that" stuff
for a rebuild. If so $300.

Before I torn the block down I was figuring at least $500-600.

Well I found a boat. It's a 1988 Wellcraft Antigua 265.

The boat appraises around $14k and the seller has put $8200 into in
recently, from a fuel flow meter to an air conditioning system. He's
evening including a LCD TV.

The hot water tank doesn't work, an element in the stove is out, the
rub rail needs attention, and a few other minor things. I'm picking
it up for $7500. Well, if all goes well I will be within 2 weeks.
I'm having a marine surveyor take a look at it before I buy just so
I'm not throwing money away.

I can't beat the deal, I looked all over. I found the same boat
stripped down and in less than fair condition for $12,900 elsewhere.

I'm glad to see some DIYers here that realize DIY work is easier than
thought. That's how "we" find the deals.