Need boat genius

Yes - That's one of the 2 or 3 I found. I'm trying to get the full
specs on it. What was included, what was optional, etc.

I'm not sure why they went to a twin engine for 1 year and then went
right back to a single. I'm wondering if they had issues, or if it
was just a limited edition model. Maybe it wasn't the target
demographic.

I know they've since switch to specializing in just fishing boats. I
noticed the hull is a little different from a lot of the more well
known cruises, maybe it's not as efficient?

Anything anybody can tell me about this make and specifically this
model would be appreciated.

It looks like this one, but from what I can put together is more like
the one JR had listed.
http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/adv-search.cgi?id=235...-ad&fea

Here are the details that closely match what I've seen at the marina.
This is the same boat JR posted.
http://www.marinesource.com/boat_sales/century_meridian_275_details_5480020.html
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

<sehiser.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183434620.118441.224160@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> Yes - That's one of the 2 or 3 I found. I'm trying to get the full
> specs on it. What was included, what was optional, etc.
>
> I'm not sure why they went to a twin engine for 1 year and then went
> right back to a single. I'm wondering if they had issues, or if it
> was just a limited edition model. Maybe it wasn't the target
> demographic.
>
> I know they've since switch to specializing in just fishing boats. I
> noticed the hull is a little different from a lot of the more well
> known cruises, maybe it's not as efficient?
>
> Anything anybody can tell me about this make and specifically this
> model would be appreciated.
>


The original Century boat company is long out of business. Yamaha bought
the rights to the name only and the "new" Centurys are not in any way
connected to the original. They are a new design, used primarily as a
platform for Yamaha engine sales.

I had a 1982 or '84 (can't remember) Century 7000 Express that is similar
to the one you are looking at. It was single engined, underpowered and
heavy but overall a decent boat considering it's age. Check for wood rot in
the stringers, especially some of the places that are hard to get to. Mine
had a significant amount that had to be repaired.

Even with the single 350 engine access to the engine and components required
the flexible body of an Olympic gymnast. I can't even imagine trying to
work on twins.

Eisboch
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

On Jul 2, 7:10?pm, sehi....RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
> I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
> it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.
>
> There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
> to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
> is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
> the captins chair.
>
> It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
> cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
> trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
> ranging from $8k to 19k.
>
> The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
> 1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
> model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
> this is it.
>
> I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
> paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
> it for free with the help of the marina.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
> reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
> boat like this is a piece of gold to me.

>From a ten-year-old edition of The Powerboat Guide:

"One of the oldest names in the American boat building industry, the
first Century fishing boat made its debut back in 1933 when the
fledgling company introduced an all-mahogany skiff with two bench
seats and an outboard bracket. In the early years, howver, Century was
designing boat for racing, so fihsing boats took a back seat. It
wasn't until 1953, with the introduction of the Viking, that the
company began building boats dedicated to fishing and pleasure
cruising. By the mid-1980's, Century had concentrated on the family
cruiser market, offering a series of models up to 30 feet in length.
In 1987, the company was purchased by Glasstream, adn by the early
1990's the company fleet had expanded to include a 36-foot express
cruiser. the boating recession of the early 1990's took a toll on
Century, however, and by 1994 the company was struggling. New owners
took over, new managament was brought in; and an all-new line of
fishing boagts was intorduced in 1994. Now owned by Yamaha, Century is
once again back on its feet with a growing series of well-built
fishing boat, cruisers, and runabouts."


Be forewarned, the marina may very well have been offering this old
wreck free of charge to anybody who will take it, and the experienced
pros have obviously been passing it up.

For the many thousands of dollars you may ultimately spend to
straighten out this derelict you might be able to buy a boat ready to
go.
Then you can spend your next three summers actually enjoying a boat,
rather than slaving away at what could easily prove to be a hopeless
task.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

It's very likely that it has a significant amount of wood rot in places that
will be a whole lot of work to repair. Unless there is something really
redeming about it you probably can find one used in decent condition for
less than you will invest in fixing an abandoned boat. Unless you consider
your labor as valueless and have a good source of cheap supplies.

<sehiser DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183428648.585538.184220@n2g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> I've been searching for info on a Century Meridian 275. I believe
> it's a 1987 model year. It's a twin engine mercruiser setup.
>
> There is one sitting at my marina and it's been abandoned long enough
> to have two small trees grow through the swim platform! The interior
> is completely destroyed to the point there is also a tree growing from
> the captins chair.
>
> It looks horrible to the untrained eye. But I can get this boat
> cleaned up in a couple of weeks and totally reconditioned. So I'm
> trying to find out more about it. I've seen a couple for sale online
> ranging from $8k to 19k.
>
> The only thing I have to go on is the style is the same as the 1985 to
> 1987 models, except it's twin engine. I've found 1 1987 twin engine
> model online and comparing visually to what's at the marina I believe
> this is it.
>
> I'm sure the storage fees are adding up and the owner probably isn't
> paying since it's in the abandoned lot, so I have a feeling I can get
> it for free with the help of the marina.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. I've rebuilt motors to re-
> reupholstered boats, toss in fiberglass repair and fabrication and a
> boat like this is a piece of gold to me.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

Thanks for the info guys.

It turned out the boat is being destroyed for some reason.

I do have a good source for top notch parts at wholesale prices from
boat building materials to engines. For instance, I have a 20'
runabout and rebuilt the 305 volvo-penta over last weekend. It needed
a new block due to mine being cracked. I got out rebuilding the
engine for under $250. Had I not done it myself I was quoted $2500.

I also redid the camper top using sunbrella material and redid the
mooring cover using top dog material. The camper was reinforced at
all seams with acrylic 2 inch wide webbing, I used solid steel snap
buttons, and 30 gauge clear vinyl for the windows. The mooring cover
also used the same webbing and buttons. My total cost in parts was
$225, less than a semi-custom fit mooring cover would cost, instead I
have perfect custom fit replacements. I was quoted $1600 for the
camper top and $500 for the mooring cover using medium grade
materials. I showed the canvas shop my end result and they asked me
where I bought my supplies and said I had a better deal on prices and
quantity than they did, they also wanted to use the same webbing I
had.

I have all the right tools for the jobs as well. It took me 2
evenings to make the camper top and 1 morning to make the mooring
cover. Top notch job really, I was impressed with myself. I never
thought I'd be proud to say I used a sewing machine, but I saved a lot
of money.

Rebuilding the engine took less than a day. I got the engine out in
under and hour, spent an hour de-greasing it and labeling the parts.
Picked up a new cylinder block from a local engine shop for $50, the
gaskets, and new bearings. Had the engine back together with enough
time left to enjoy a couple margarita's.

So, this is why I'm looking for a project boat. I love building and
working on things, I think that's half the fun. Not to mention I can
take something worth next to nothing and the biggest expense is my
time.

I'm a DIYfer. I just saved over $4,000 for roughly 23 hours of work.
Probably more since I used high quality materials.

The last time I rebuilt an engine I was 19, that was 10 years ago.
I've been working my tail off in a high demand career for the last 7
years and it's time to enjoy "hobbies" like this. I know most people
would just rather go out and buy a working boat, etc., but I like
doing this and since I like it I can come out ahead. The only bills I
have are my mortgage, insurance, and a couple utilities. Not to
mention I bought this house 16 months ago and I'll have it paid off in
6 more years. I don't believe in having debt, so I rarely take advice
when it comes to spending money.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

Haven't cut into stringers or a transom but I have worked with
fiberglass. One of the ads I posted looking for a project boat
requested no hull damage. The only way I would tackle that is if the
boat was worth a lot more than most of the abandoned boats I've seen.

That would be some tough work for sure. Using a grinder on anything
takes a long time. I was reading about using a special chisel that
would cut through it really easy. That would be the way to go. But
yeah, I'm trying to stick to any kind of repair but that.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

Yea, but have you cut rotten, encapsulated wood out of an old fiberglass
boat with a hand held power grinder? Cause that is some seriously nasty
work.

<sehiser.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183493365.695239.280800@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Thanks for the info guys.
>
> It turned out the boat is being destroyed for some reason.
>
> I do have a good source for top notch parts at wholesale prices from
> boat building materials to engines. For instance, I have a 20'
> runabout and rebuilt the 305 volvo-penta over last weekend. It needed
> a new block due to mine being cracked. I got out rebuilding the
> engine for under $250. Had I not done it myself I was quoted $2500.
>
> I also redid the camper top using sunbrella material and redid the
> mooring cover using top dog material. The camper was reinforced at
> all seams with acrylic 2 inch wide webbing, I used solid steel snap
> buttons, and 30 gauge clear vinyl for the windows. The mooring cover
> also used the same webbing and buttons. My total cost in parts was
> $225, less than a semi-custom fit mooring cover would cost, instead I
> have perfect custom fit replacements. I was quoted $1600 for the
> camper top and $500 for the mooring cover using medium grade
> materials. I showed the canvas shop my end result and they asked me
> where I bought my supplies and said I had a better deal on prices and
> quantity than they did, they also wanted to use the same webbing I
> had.
>
> I have all the right tools for the jobs as well. It took me 2
> evenings to make the camper top and 1 morning to make the mooring
> cover. Top notch job really, I was impressed with myself. I never
> thought I'd be proud to say I used a sewing machine, but I saved a lot
> of money.
>
> Rebuilding the engine took less than a day. I got the engine out in
> under and hour, spent an hour de-greasing it and labeling the parts.
> Picked up a new cylinder block from a local engine shop for $50, the
> gaskets, and new bearings. Had the engine back together with enough
> time left to enjoy a couple margarita's.
>
> So, this is why I'm looking for a project boat. I love building and
> working on things, I think that's half the fun. Not to mention I can
> take something worth next to nothing and the biggest expense is my
> time.
>
> I'm a DIYfer. I just saved over $4,000 for roughly 23 hours of work.
> Probably more since I used high quality materials.
>
> The last time I rebuilt an engine I was 19, that was 10 years ago.
> I've been working my tail off in a high demand career for the last 7
> years and it's time to enjoy "hobbies" like this. I know most people
> would just rather go out and buy a working boat, etc., but I like
> doing this and since I like it I can come out ahead. The only bills I
> have are my mortgage, insurance, and a couple utilities. Not to
> mention I bought this house 16 months ago and I'll have it paid off in
> 6 more years. I don't believe in having debt, so I rarely take advice
> when it comes to spending money.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

you rebuilt an engine for $250... you got to be a wizard!


<sehiser.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183493365.695239.280800@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Thanks for the info guys.
>
> It turned out the boat is being destroyed for some reason.
>
> I do have a good source for top notch parts at wholesale prices from
> boat building materials to engines. For instance, I have a 20'
> runabout and rebuilt the 305 volvo-penta over last weekend. It needed
> a new block due to mine being cracked. I got out rebuilding the
> engine for under $250. Had I not done it myself I was quoted $2500.
>
> I also redid the camper top using sunbrella material and redid the
> mooring cover using top dog material. The camper was reinforced at
> all seams with acrylic 2 inch wide webbing, I used solid steel snap
> buttons, and 30 gauge clear vinyl for the windows. The mooring cover
> also used the same webbing and buttons. My total cost in parts was
> $225, less than a semi-custom fit mooring cover would cost, instead I
> have perfect custom fit replacements. I was quoted $1600 for the
> camper top and $500 for the mooring cover using medium grade
> materials. I showed the canvas shop my end result and they asked me
> where I bought my supplies and said I had a better deal on prices and
> quantity than they did, they also wanted to use the same webbing I
> had.
>
> I have all the right tools for the jobs as well. It took me 2
> evenings to make the camper top and 1 morning to make the mooring
> cover. Top notch job really, I was impressed with myself. I never
> thought I'd be proud to say I used a sewing machine, but I saved a lot
> of money.
>
> Rebuilding the engine took less than a day. I got the engine out in
> under and hour, spent an hour de-greasing it and labeling the parts.
> Picked up a new cylinder block from a local engine shop for $50, the
> gaskets, and new bearings. Had the engine back together with enough
> time left to enjoy a couple margarita's.
>
> So, this is why I'm looking for a project boat. I love building and
> working on things, I think that's half the fun. Not to mention I can
> take something worth next to nothing and the biggest expense is my
> time.
>
> I'm a DIYfer. I just saved over $4,000 for roughly 23 hours of work.
> Probably more since I used high quality materials.
>
> The last time I rebuilt an engine I was 19, that was 10 years ago.
> I've been working my tail off in a high demand career for the last 7
> years and it's time to enjoy "hobbies" like this. I know most people
> would just rather go out and buy a working boat, etc., but I like
> doing this and since I like it I can come out ahead. The only bills I
> have are my mortgage, insurance, and a couple utilities. Not to
> mention I bought this house 16 months ago and I'll have it paid off in
> 6 more years. I don't believe in having debt, so I rarely take advice
> when it comes to spending money.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

I sense sarcasm. The only problem was a cracked block if I didn't
mention that.

$50 for a used block, $30 to have it magna-fluxed to make sure it was
good.

$55 for new heavy duty Federal Mogul main bearings.

$97 for marine grade head gaskets, fuel pump gasket, and exhaust
gaskets. (Fuel pump operates off the engine, not an electric one like
some people are used to)

The pistons, rods, lifters, heads, springs, cam, crank, and timing
chain were all still good and could be used. So it was a cheap
rebuilt. If it was a car engine I'd replace the timing chain, but
considering the hours on the motor that chain was equal to a heavily
driven 1 year old car it wasn't needed.

The left over went toward where regular gaskets would work and some
RTV sealant for the manifold.

Oh plus tax, so really I think it was just under $250.

Nope, actually I'm wrong, I forgot about the new spark plugs, oil,
filter, and stern drive lube. I don't know if you count "that" stuff
for a rebuild. If so $300.

Before I torn the block down I was figuring at least $500-600.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

Here's a few pictures of the tear down and block.

http://www.velocity-technologies.com/boat/long_block_teardown.jpg
http://www.velocity-technologies.com/boat/block_crack.jpg
http://www.velocity-technologies.com/boat/305_on_crate.jpg

It cracked on both inside walls as well as the outside of the block.
Oh yeah, being it takes a wizard to rebuild an engine that cheap, add
the $1.88 x 2 for the 2x4's for the stand/crate to transport it.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

On Jul 5, 12:44 pm, sehi....DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
> Here's a few pictures of the tear down and block.
>
> http://www.velocity-technologies.com/boat/long_block_teardown.jpghttp:...ww.velo
>
> It cracked on both inside walls as well as the outside of the block.
> Oh yeah, being it takes a wizard to rebuild an engine that cheap, add
> the $1.88 x 2 for the 2x4's for the stand/crate to transport it.

You know, stringer repair is pretty dirty work, but when I did to my
boat I discovered that worrying about it took more energy than
actually doing it I have a 14' tri-hull fishing boat with a 55
outboard and I have less than 20 hours in completely gutting the
floor, and replacing the stringers and flooring. Dirty, but not
impossible
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

Well I found a boat. It's a 1988 Wellcraft Antigua 265.

The boat appraises around $14k and the seller has put $8200 into in
recently, from a fuel flow meter to an air conditioning system. He's
evening including a LCD TV.

The hot water tank doesn't work, an element in the stove is out, the
rub rail needs attention, and a few other minor things. I'm picking
it up for $7500. Well, if all goes well I will be within 2 weeks.
I'm having a marine surveyor take a look at it before I buy just so
I'm not throwing money away.

I can't beat the deal, I looked all over. I found the same boat
stripped down and in less than fair condition for $12,900 elsewhere.

I'm glad to see some DIYers here that realize DIY work is easier than
thought. That's how "we" find the deals.
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius 

OK, with mostly used parts it's possible.

<sehiser.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183652742.947633.313210@q69g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>I sense sarcasm. The only problem was a cracked block if I didn't
> mention that.
>
> $50 for a used block, $30 to have it magna-fluxed to make sure it was
> good.
>
> $55 for new heavy duty Federal Mogul main bearings.
>
> $97 for marine grade head gaskets, fuel pump gasket, and exhaust
> gaskets. (Fuel pump operates off the engine, not an electric one like
> some people are used to)
>
> The pistons, rods, lifters, heads, springs, cam, crank, and timing
> chain were all still good and could be used. So it was a cheap
> rebuilt. If it was a car engine I'd replace the timing chain, but
> considering the hours on the motor that chain was equal to a heavily
> driven 1 year old car it wasn't needed.
>
> The left over went toward where regular gaskets would work and some
> RTV sealant for the manifold.
>
> Oh plus tax, so really I think it was just under $250.
>
> Nope, actually I'm wrong, I forgot about the new spark plugs, oil,
> filter, and stern drive lube. I don't know if you count "that" stuff
> for a rebuild. If so $300.
>
> Before I torn the block down I was figuring at least $500-600.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Need boat genius