77 23' Savage

[bdolnik]

Just got her today, straight from Virginia. Transport company unloaded at the marina and she was all mine. Didn't REALLY want a project boat, wanted something I could at least use while I cleaned it up a bit but that's not the case. Mechanic says motor is shot and not worth trying to get running. Oh well, I had budgeted for a new motor but was hoping I could at least run around in it for a little while before hand.

I'm sure I'm going to have a lot of questions along the way, I've read every single post on this site (I'm not kidding), and have learned a lot! However, I ALREADY am in need of help...

Where are the bilge pumps on the inboard Savage? I can't seem to find them anywhere, only the batteries are in the stern. There is a removable deck that runs from the center console to the stern (the majority of the floor), that looks like it covers up the two fuel tanks. I hope they are not under there!

Here are some pics...


Right off the trailer from Virginia, arrived Florida this morning.


Here it is after I removed all the junk including two buckets full of birds nest from the battery compartment in the stern. I also removed all the old cushions and bimini tops (2 of them). I'm planning for a T-Top so don't need the biminis.


The previous owner had already removed the bow pulpit. I have it but think I'm going to leave it off. Hatch needs to be replaced, will need to do that soon to stop the water intrusion into the cabin.

[peterb]

Bryan,

Great to see. Why don't you give us a list of the projects that you will be taking on?

Peter

[bdolnik]

I'd like to do only what is necessary to just be able to use it for awhile and figure out what I like and don't like before making any major changes, so this first list satisfies that goal. Afterwards I'll look at paint, possible console replacement and T-top.

• Replace motor - It's got a PMC (Pleasurcraft) motor in it now which is the original motor I've been told. It has not been run in 5 years, and when it was running last the carb was leaking fuel into the bilge and on the motor. Mechanic pulled the plugs and said they were rusted, so motor probably not worth pulling apart. Looking at this Crusader for about $7000.
• Restore and repair gelcoat on hull. Lot of little dings and things that need repair. May also get quotes on wet sanding it.
• Remove all the old electronics and crappy old speakers, and plug holes somehow.
• Find the bilge pumps!
• Bottom Paint

Let me know what ya'll think, I'm open to everyone's suggestions.

[Islandtrader]

Regarding the motor. There is a possibility of saving some $$ on a new motor. If the extras that hang off the motor are good, then you can buy a long block. Also before buying a motor make sure the transmission is good. Rebuild the tranny before buying a new one (very expensive). If buying a new inboard at least get one that is fresh water cooled. If your old PCM is FWC save the tanks and have them boiled out. New ones are at least $500. Any thing that is good on the motor that you do not use or want put on ebay.

Have fun

[bdolnik]

Found the bilge pump! It was in front of the engine under the console. There is also a hole for a drain plug up there, weird that this is in the middle of the boat. I'm not even sure you can get to the drain plug without tilting the console forward. There is access under the front console seat, but don't think it would be possible to reach.

[doodlebug]

where are you located in Florida,would like to see your boat
looks, like she will be a great fishing machine.We need
a Savage atthe florida gatherings to bridge the gap between
center consoles and cuddies.

[bdolnik]

I'm in Satellite Beach (on the East Coast south of Cocoa Beach). The boat is at a marina in Palm Bay, will be kept in a water slip. Should be about a 20 minute run to Sebastian Inlet from there

Would love to attend the next Florida gathering as long as I can get to it by water, don't have a trailer.

[NoBones]

Hey Bryan,
We have quite a few CSC people in East Central.
Capt. Brad is in Melbourne, Capt Lloyd is in Merritt Isl.
I'm right on the Volusia/Brevard line.
Capt Chuck is in Stuart and 65 Bowrider in N Palm Beach,
plus there are a bunch more. Maybe we should plan a
Brevard are get together.....
Good Luck with the Savage. Ken

[Gary Hill]

BRAYND,
The easy way here is buy the long block and rebuild the carb or buy new. Fresh water cooling is a good way to go, it saves the engine, two years ago I put in a new engine and trans. looking back I would have just had the trans rebuilt, I gave the whole works to a friend of a friend for his SEACRAFT and he has done nothing with it, but it was fresh water cooled and still a 76 unit running good. I was going to pull the motor and update it, when my wife said, "what are you stupid", I made the comment if I had to pull the engine/trans I would put a new engine/trans in. I put a new unit in and I put 3" spacers in to help keep out water ingestion into the engine, I think is the way to go. I went from a 351 233 to a 350, 315 hp good move so far, I have two friends each with 225 four sroke on 23 foot boat's and while running at 3200 rpm I get the gass milage they do.

[bdolnik]

We have quite a few CSC people in East Central...

A whole bunch of us Seacraft owners here in Brevard. Well hopefully I'll get to use mine soon! I can't wait to get it going.