Just picked up an 87 Advance

[Andrew]

Wasn't really looking for a boat, but saw an 87 Advance on Craigslist, and a few weeks later here I am. Boat is not in horrible shape, considering it's been sitting for at least three years - perhaps longer. A previous owner did have a few posts on this board before he sold it 3 or so years ago.  I've read through hundreds of posts, and watched all of the videos, but still have a few questions I could use some help with. Not sure if I should start a new thread for each, but will just consolidate here. thanks so much in advance for any input!

Flotation Foam - deck is sagging, and wet everywhere, so I'm assuming deck is coming up, and foam is coming out. Do I need to replace the foam? Or more broadly, what is the purpose of this foam? I'veseen the Boston Whaler ads where they cut a boat in half, and I guess thanks to all the foam it doesn't sink. Great, but if I ever cut my boat in  half, it's probably because I want it to sink. I don't plan on replacing the foam, but please let me know if I'm missing something, or if there is something specific to these boats which calls for it?

While speaking of sagging floor, the repair piece seen on the videos, what is that made out of? Where can I purchase? Is it hard to match the shape of the hull to get a proper fit?

My motor was pretty much seized up. In theory it ran fine when last used, and only needed a starter. But with spark plugs out could not budge it with breaker bar. Tried all the kerosene + atf in the cylinder type tricks, but after a week, sill no rotation. Pulled the  heads, and it was obvious one cylinder was stuck. Oiled the crap out of that one, and now I can spin the crank. But the wall is in horrible shape, pitted to the point even a 60 over bore may not be enough. Motor is an 87 'pre-vortec' 350 Indmar. Plan to replace with a 90's era vortec motor. This will probably add 40 or so HP. Do you think I'll need a new prop? I already need a new shaft, mine is in terrible shape. Would I have to go bigger on the shaft for this small HP gain? If so, how big of a project is that?

Missing parts - this is probably where I'm going to run into the most confusion. The rudder is out, and besides the port thru the hull, and the rudder itself - I can't find any parts. Any ideas what I will need to purchase to get the rudder back in?

The vents on the bow looks like the major source of water into the boat - everything up front is soaked and damaged. Has anyone found a better way to provide air into the engine that doesn't result in taking on so much  water?

I'm sure more questions coming as I try to get this boat back in the  water, but these are the initial areas of concern. thanks.

[Andrew]

Did some more research - wasn't aware of the CG regs that boats under 20 feet must float.  Previous smallest boat I owned was 23', so guess it never applied to me. Not sure I see the logic - but ok.

[backfoot100]

Welcome.
Sounds like the boat is a basket case but glad you're trying to rescue it. Hope you didn't pay too much for it.

No, you don't have to use foam but I would question how loud it would be after reassembly. That hollow space I would think would be rather noisy when walking around but purely speculation. I replaced the foam when I did my floor.

Just use 1/2" marine ply for the floor. Shaping it to the hull isn't a big deal. I would get some CPES ( clear penetrating epoxy sealer) and brush a few coats on. Makes everything almost composite and you won't have go through this drill again. I wouldn't be surprised if your stringers are soaked and need replacing either. I didn't do mine but Ron certainly has and would be able to provide insight.

A new engine wouldn't require a different prop. If its the factory wheel you can get some pretty nice performance gains by adding an Acme prop so that would definitely be on my "to do" list. Stock shaft is still more than adequate however if replacing I would still go with a dual taper shaft. Much easier to install and change out if ever needed to again.

Vents in the bow aren't your water problem. They're supposed to have flexible tubes like dryer vent hose running into the bilge for air flow and any water intrusion would go to the same place. Yours are probably non existent anymore.
The bow is probably wet because the boat was tilted bow down a bit while sitting.

Give Ron a call at skiboatpartsonline and talk with him. He'll be able to set you straight on all the work you need to do as well as the parts you're looking for.

Keep us updated on your progress.

[Andrew]

I paid a couple hundred for boat and trailer, which I guess is this case may have been too much ! 

But after 20years of mercruiser I/o issues, very excited to be back on a true inboard, it’s been a few years to long. Still have my bow rider, But as my kids get older and like to ski now, thought this would be fun.

The windshield is good, so everything else can be fixed, given enough time and money I suppose?

I drilled some holes in the floor to assess the foam condition. Not sure what to think. But seems like someone has been down this path before. On the port side, coming from aft forward the foam seems to end about middle of the motor, and must be a bulkhead there, because some screws through the floor across the width. The foam that is still there seems to be in good shape. Was planning on ripping up entire floor, but starting to think about starting on the under the dash sag instead.

[backfoot100]

The foam may appear to be fine but I'll bet its soaked. Any water will migrate down to the bottom of the foam which makes the top seem to be OK but the damage is already done. Someone may well have put a bandaid on it before. The right way is to rip it all out and start fresh if you plan to keep the boat for any amount of time.