Adventures of a free boat. Part 1 Will it run?

[@my83roadster4me]

That boat is identical to the Four Winns I had. I thought I was going to have to give mine away but I did finally manage to get a grand out of it. It's a money pit. Mine started out the same way as yours. Bellows bimbal bearings and a few other things. Mine didn't have the heat exchanger like yours does so that's a plus for you. I made a lot of very good memories in the short time I got to use mine in 10 years of ownership. There's nothing else like liv$ng on a boat. Good times for sure.

[@RuggedWrench]

We are having a blast with this boat. I know it’s not worth much, but it sure is fun 😃

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

I really enjoy your videos, so although I’m not really into boats as I know next to nothing about them, I am now starting at your first video.

[@ifndontcare69]

wiggle the out drive back and fourth to see if the transom flexes. look for soft spots on the deck and rotten stringers.

[@RuggedWrench]

👍 we did that. It all seems solid. In the rest of the adventures we had it to the bay for a week. Had a blast.

[@jackmehoff2961]

I`ve had a boat of some kind all my life. I`m looking forward to this series. I subscribed .

[@RuggedWrench]

Boats are a blast 👍 the boat is doing amazing.

[@ablejohnson]

There's nothing more expensive than a free boat

[@RuggedWrench]

I always thought the same thing. But this one is a different story. We had it to the bay for a week and it ran perfect. 🤷‍♂️

[@samuelbermudez2971]

Not always true at all.

[@EchoRhythmMusic]

This statement sounds cute but not true lol

[@joeyclawson7041]

Can’t wait to see this thing get the new life it deserves! Watercraft cleans up way better than old cars!

[@RuggedWrench]

I agree 👍 we had it the bay for a week and it it was amazing. Now for some work on the vinyl.

[@lindadexter3111]

Great potential, glad the moter is in very good shape!

[@RuggedWrench]

👍

[@marcseclecticstuff9497]

Pretty sure there's a replacement bellows sitting where the fridge was at. It appears to be the larger one for the drive shaft, hopefully the exhaust bellows is sitting inside of it.

[@RuggedWrench]

Yes that was the drive shaft bellows, good eye.👍 I ended up getting a whole new kit with the shift cable.

[@marcseclecticstuff9497]

@@RuggedWrench It was far easier for me to spot than for you to install them... they can be a royal PITA to get on. They make a special pair of pliers that grips the ribs of the bellows internally making them a fair bit easier to get installed. FWIW, you can save a bit of money by using 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive rather than the pricey Mercruiser Bellows Adhesive.

[@EchoRhythmMusic]

I just bought a 86 Searay Sundancer (great condition, just needed a starter…which the guy gave me lol) for $500. I bought the trailer it came with for another $500 and two marine batteries for $100. $1100 total!

[@RuggedWrench]

That’s great 👍 you are going to have a lot of fun with that boat

[@1armedguy4]

No doubt the impeller needs replacing ! Cheers

[@RuggedWrench]

Yes 👍 I replaced that before we took it to the bay. It runs great 👍

[@alwaystinkering7710]

LOL dude, I knew you were from SE PA in the first 5 seconds when I hear you say "boat". You say exactly like my dad from Oxford and I. I'd put money on Chester Co. How close am I? This will be a cool project, I'll follow! I love watching people bring neglected machines back to life.

[@RuggedWrench]

😂 very close, we are in Berks County.

[@aubreychadwickwhite8230]

YAH RAW, GOOD DEAL FREE BOAT😊😊😊😊

[@RuggedWrench]

Yes sir 👍

[@AlwxEdwards]

I paid $120 for wifi magnet trailer lights and mine fell off too!!!!! What a rip off!

[@RuggedWrench]

Not cool 😳

[@wattsridge2087]

nothing like a boat project, is a lot of fun for sure, … the find and adventure priceless!!

[@RuggedWrench]

We just returned from vacation using the boat for the week. It was great 👍 all the rest of the videos are on my channel. Great memories

[@DEESyt]

what an amazing find

[@RuggedWrench]

Yes it was, I’m uploading an update to the channel now👍

[@Makemysammich23]

Bring On Another Thousand =BOAT

[@RuggedWrench]

😂 true, but this boat has been amazing 🤷‍♂️

[@richardhaubrick4558]

Wear a mask inside till you get that mold, taken care of

[@RuggedWrench]

👍 it cleaned up well

[@lindadexter3111]

On the positive side, I am the first for a thumbs up, and did not see any chemtrails in the sky.

[@lindadexter3111]

Big boat with a great moter!

[@RuggedWrench]

😂

[@rainergimenez4022]

You're taking a big risk cranking a gas boat engine across the solenoid with open gas fumes filling the bilge. Not even the blower running. I saw someone personally blow themselves clean out of a boat doing this trying to get one of the pistons to top dead center. We had to take him to the hospital with 3rd degree burns. It was really bad. If you're a newbie find someone that knows a lot about boats that can help you.

[@RuggedWrench]

Thank you for the advice 👍

[@dextersxxxxlab]

next time make sure you are not over the uncovered carburator. when it would backfire it can shoot a flame out right in your face.

[@RuggedWrench]

😂 yep that’s true. Several years ago I lost my eyebrows because of that. I guess I don’t learn the hard way 🤷‍♂️