Need some advice on a 97 245 explorer that sat for 10+ years

[tchipshot]

I'm new to the forum and I look forward to learning as much as I can from everyone here. I thank everyone in advance for your time and advice.

I have a 97 245 explorer that was previously my fathers. The boat sat for 10 years and I am the lucky new owner. My goal is to get this thing back in the water, but I want to make sure I am not getting in over my head. When I took delivery of the boat this past week there was roughly 30-50 gallons of water sitting under the deck (water was about half a foot deep into the cuddy area). I tried to snake the drains thinking they may be clogged. That didn't work. I purchased a pump and was able to remove all of the standing water that was in the boat. There was a soft spot above the fuel tank from a previous fuel tank replacement job done about 15 years ago. The section of floor was removed and repaired. While the floor was up I could see that outside of the tank area being dirty from having water sitting around it, it seemed to be in good shape and was completely dry inside the tank. I hooked up new batteries and was able to get power to most of the switches. The pumps started to hum, but they were not removing any of the standing water (this was done before I pumped it out). I figure most of the electrical wiring and pumps need to be replaced, which I am prepared to do. I also plan on re-powering with a newer Yamaha or Suzuki. Is there anything that I should be looking for or have inspected prior to putting any more money into this boat? The fact that the water did not drain (the main plug was always out) is giving me the most concern. The last thing I want is a boat that holds water and/or leaks. Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks for the help.

[Capt. Bob]

First,
Congrats on the EX.
Second, let's address the water in the hull. If the boat is on a trailer and is sitting level , then water in the forward bilge is nothing unusual. If you tilted the trailer up in front then the hull design is for the water to flow through the center of the hull, into the bilge and out the garboard drain plug.

There are two sections that could be plugged to inspect. One is the drain from the front bilge to the fuel tank coffin. The other is from the rear of the coffin to the bilge. These two pipe connections are best reached with the fuel tank removed.



This is what you are dealing with. While hard to see, look closely at the holes in the area mentioned above.

Again, water pooling in the front bilge is very common with these hulls. When elevated, it passes through the tank coffin down the centerline of the hull (keel). The tank is resting on a "shelf" above the keel thus allowing the water to pass under the tank. This passage is another section that could have a blockage and would then allow water to pool in the tank compartment. Again, access to this is best with the tank removed. Since you stated the tank was immersed in water, it would be in your best interest to pull it out for a complete inspection of the bottom for corrosion. 

Good luck.

[RickK]

  tchipshot.
If you look at the bottom of the hull from the side profile, you will notice that right about where the helm is the keel starts dropping lower for a few feet going forward.  That is where all the water settles inside the hull.  The hatch in the cabin gives you access to the forward bilge pump. It pumps out the starboard side in front of the helm.
Seems I always have water in that forward part of the hull.
You can see the hull drop in this profile of a CCP model

[Capt. Bob]

Here's a little better view of what Rick is saying.



Your hull is the "230" but all Genmar era EX hulls (the 250 Delta C excluded) are the same from the bow to the helm. If you read through the catalogs of that era, you'll find the marketing term "Plumb Hull" that was used to tout the additional head space in the cabin area. I was lucky enough to have both a Hialeah era hull (CCP) and a Genmar era hull (EX/Walkaround) in my yard for a length of time and the drop in front of the EX was noticeable to the eye. Again as Rick stated, water accumulation in the front was a given and as such a front bilge pump was included in all EXs except the 215 of this era.

[tchipshot]

Thank you all for the quick replies. This has been a huge help.

[don29163]

I have a 92 250 explorer that sat for 10+ years, it also had water in the cabin. I re sealed the windows and hatch, it still got wet when it rained. on the port side of the bow there is a small black cover. I figured it was the drain for the anchor rope storage box. I blew compressed air into it and water poured out for close to 30 minutes...a lot of water...no way the rope box could hold all that. Anyway, now my cabin stays dry.

I replaced the rub rail and and re sealed and tightened ever screw under it, if 1 was stripped I plugged the stripped hole and drilled a new one close to it. most of them were loose.

[Capt. Bob]

Very interesting Don. You must have a Delta Conic hull model. Any pics of the "black cover"?

Thanks.

[don29163]

I never have figured out how to post pics here

[RickK]

If you want to post a pic when you talk about your boat, which you should, follow the instructions here http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=12725.0  - don't attach them - you are limited by file size. Uploading them into your personal gallery is better for viewing.
Spend a few minutes to absorb the instructions. It's really easy. Remember if using a phone to take pics, to hold the phone horizontal with the lens to the left.