81 20' walkaround... project "bring back to life"

[81walkaround]

so, yesterday, i finally was able to go get the boat i bought a few weeks ago.  a few friends and i got another boat and went to the house she was docked at to tow her back to the marina.  i was taking my time building up the trailer another buddy of mine donated to my cause.  i never would have thought a "free" trailer would have ended up costing me over $600..    :twisted:

she's been docked behind the house she was at for about 2 years.  her last owner had a heart attack and died and the lady he was renting the dock space from was very old and sick and she died recently as well.  her son put the boat up on craigslist when he started sorting through her estate.

here's a few pics... the bottom was pretty fouled up and they had left the engine in the trim down position.. this motor's lower unit was toast.














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[81walkaround]

i spent the whole day today defouling the hull with an 11HP pressure washer.  got about 95% of all the junk on the hull off after a few hours.

i also swapped out the trashed 185 Evinrude with a 200 Johnson i picked up on craigslist for $800

[RickK]

Looks like the Explorer model - didn't know they made a 20ft model though. Can you put a tape measure on it to see the actual length?
That old motor sure did look trashed - a classic "why you shouldn't leave you engine trimmed down when storing at a dock" picture.
Any pics of the inside?

[Capt. Bob]

Good luck with your project.
Just curious. It looks like a South Fla. neighborhood in the pics. Where are you located?

[81walkaround]

i'm in fort lauderdale...

i'll take some 'official' measurements tomorrow and also snap a few pics of the interior.

do i have to use hydraulic steering or can i get by with mechanical?

hydraulic steering is extremely expensive.

[RickK]

i'm in fort lauderdale...

i'll take some 'official' measurements tomorrow and also snap a few pics of the interior.

do i have to use hydraulic steering or can i get by with mechanical?

hydraulic steering is extremely expensive.

Search around and find a used hydraulic system - you'll be glad you did.

[Capt. Bob]

i'm in fort lauderdale...

i'll take some 'official' measurements tomorrow and also snap a few pics of the interior.

do i have to use hydraulic steering or can i get by with mechanical?

hydraulic steering is extremely expensive.

I would have guessed Pembroke Pines/Lakes.

I have hydraulic on my CCP and it's been going strong since I installed it in 1996. It's light years ahead of cable and don't let anyone tell you different.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[love2fish]

Is that the original location of the axles on that trailer, seems a bit too fat towards the front/middle of the trailer. Just wondering. Best of luck and enjoy the new boat!