New here

[American190]

Hello all, new here!

I have recently purchased this 19' 1986 bow rider. I am hoping to have her ready in time for spring!

[290Coastal]

Welcome to the board, Nice boat. I remember looking at one a few years ago after my Sunbird 170. which motor is in it?

[seabob4]

Is that a gray Volvo outdrive I see there?

[American190]

it's a Mercruiser Alpha one with a 470/170 4 cyl. It does need some work, Once I finally get the trailer tags sorted I plan on taking it to a marina.

[American190]

It actually won't shift into forward without pulling a string on the outdrive the previous owner attached. I assume it needs a new lower shift cable. Also there is some water leaking out of the area around the water pump, I hope it just needs a new gasket.

I have "winterized" the boat per the previous owners only suggestion, of draining the water/antifreeze mix out and replacing with straight anti-freeze. I also put some sta-bil in the fuel tank.

I am totally new to this type of boat, I have only had little jon boats in the past and "winterizing" was taking the outboard off and putting it in the garage.


Any idea on what kind of repair bill I might expect?

[290Coastal]

I would love to help but I have outboards. I am sure someone will come along and have an idea.

Good luck with her and let us know the outcome if you get it fixed first. It will always help another captain having a similar issue.

thank you

[American190]

Well as of this weekend she is at the marina, hopefully the trailer will pass inspection! Hope to have an estimate on the rest in a few days.

[andysdeuce]

Good looking boat. We are new here also. We got the link from THT and decided to join the forum.
I have a 26 ft. Nova II on the Ohio River. It has twin 350 Chevies and Volvo I/o's.
About your shifting problem, have you tried adjusting the shift cable??
I had to replace both my shift cables this past summer because they will stretch with time. Wasn't real expensive but we had to play with the adjustment to get them right.
Good luck with your repairs. You might want to get a repair manual for your engine and outdrive. You could then do your own repairs and maybe save a few bucks...just a thought.

[American190]

I may try to do my own repairs moving forward from here, but this time I think there was just too much to do and I don't have time for it. It has been at the Marina almost 2 weeks now. The trailer needed more work than the boat! Apparently the bellows rusted out and water got in and rusted the shift cable, so all that is being replaced. I am hoping I will get her back this weekend. I need to make a few new cushions and I plan on installing a VHF marine radio. After that just a matter of waiting for it to get a little warmer outside.