Need boat genius
 

I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.

There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
the captins chair.

It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
ranging from $8k to 19k.

The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
this is it.

I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
it for free with the help of the marina.

Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
boat like this is a piece of gold to me.

Need boat genius
 

Like this?
http://www.marinesource.com/buyersli...ingNmb=5480020
JR

wrote:

I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.

There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
the captins chair.

It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
ranging from $8k to 19k.

The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
this is it.

I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
it for free with the help of the marina.

Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
boat like this is a piece of gold to me.



--
--------------------------------------------------------------
Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth

Need boat genius
 

Yes - That's one of the 2 or 3 I found. I'm trying to get the full
specs on it. What was included, what was optional, etc.

I'm not sure why they went to a twin engine for 1 year and then went
right back to a single. I'm wondering if they had issues, or if it
was just a limited edition model. Maybe it wasn't the target
demographic.

I know they've since switch to specializing in just fishing boats. I
noticed the hull is a little different from a lot of the more well
known cruises, maybe it's not as efficient?

Anything anybody can tell me about this make and specifically this
model would be appreciated.

It looks like this one, but from what I can put together is more like
the one JR had listed.
http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine...eatured=inline

Here are the details that closely match what I've seen at the marina.
This is the same boat JR posted.
http://www.marinesource.com/boat_sal...s_5480020.html

Need boat genius
 

wrote in message
oups.com...

Yes - That's one of the 2 or 3 I found. I'm trying to get the full
specs on it. What was included, what was optional, etc.

I'm not sure why they went to a twin engine for 1 year and then went
right back to a single. I'm wondering if they had issues, or if it
was just a limited edition model. Maybe it wasn't the target
demographic.

I know they've since switch to specializing in just fishing boats. I
noticed the hull is a little different from a lot of the more well
known cruises, maybe it's not as efficient?

Anything anybody can tell me about this make and specifically this
model would be appreciated.



The original Century boat company is long out of business. Yamaha bought
the rights to the name only and the "new" Centurys are not in any way
connected to the original. They are a new design, used primarily as a
platform for Yamaha engine sales.

I had a 1982 or '84 (can't remember) Century 7000 Express that is similar
to the one you are looking at. It was single engined, underpowered and
heavy but overall a decent boat considering it's age. Check for wood rot in
the stringers, especially some of the places that are hard to get to. Mine
had a significant amount that had to be repaired.

Even with the single 350 engine access to the engine and components required
the flexible body of an Olympic gymnast. I can't even imagine trying to
work on twins.

Eisboch

Need boat genius
 

It's very likely that it has a significant amount of wood rot in places that
will be a whole lot of work to repair. Unless there is something really
redeming about it you probably can find one used in decent condition for
less than you will invest in fixing an abandoned boat. Unless you consider
your labor as valueless and have a good source of cheap supplies.

wrote in message
ups.com...
I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.

There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
the captins chair.

It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
ranging from $8k to 19k.

The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
this is it.

I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
it for free with the help of the marina.

Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
boat like this is a piece of gold to me.

Need boat genius
 

On Jul 2, 7:10?pm, wrote:
I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.

There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
the captins chair.

It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
ranging from $8k to 19k.

The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
this is it.

I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
it for free with the help of the marina.

Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
boat like this is a piece of gold to me.

From a ten-year-old edition of The Powerboat Guide:

"One of the oldest names in the American boat building industry, the
first Century fishing boat made its debut back in 1933 when the
fledgling company introduced an all-mahogany skiff with two bench
seats and an outboard bracket. In the early years, howver, Century was
designing boat for racing, so fihsing boats took a back seat. It
wasn't until 1953, with the introduction of the Viking, that the
company began building boats dedicated to fishing and pleasure
cruising. By the mid-1980's, Century had concentrated on the family
cruiser market, offering a series of models up to 30 feet in length.
In 1987, the company was purchased by Glasstream, adn by the early
1990's the company fleet had expanded to include a 36-foot express
cruiser. the boating recession of the early 1990's took a toll on
Century, however, and by 1994 the company was struggling. New owners
took over, new managament was brought in; and an all-new line of
fishing boagts was intorduced in 1994. Now owned by Yamaha, Century is
once again back on its feet with a growing series of well-built
fishing boat, cruisers, and runabouts."


Be forewarned, the marina may very well have been offering this old
wreck free of charge to anybody who will take it, and the experienced
pros have obviously been passing it up.

For the many thousands of dollars you may ultimately spend to
straighten out this derelict you might be able to buy a boat ready to
go.
Then you can spend your next three summers actually enjoying a boat,
rather than slaving away at what could easily prove to be a hopeless
task. :-)

Need boat genius
 

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.

Need boat genius
 

Yea, but have you cut rotten, encapsulated wood out of an old fiberglass
boat with a hand held power grinder? Cause that is some seriously nasty
work.

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.

Need boat genius
 

Haven't cut into stringers or a transom but I have worked with
fiberglass. One of the ads I posted looking for a project boat
requested no hull damage. The only way I would tackle that is if the
boat was worth a lot more than most of the abandoned boats I've seen.

That would be some tough work for sure. Using a grinder on anything
takes a long time. I was reading about using a special chisel that
would cut through it really easy. That would be the way to go. But
yeah, I'm trying to stick to any kind of repair but that.

Need boat genius
 

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.