Thundercraft
06-11-2007, 07:11 PM
1984 Thundercraft Citation
17.5' Open-bow Runbout
4-Cyl. Mercruiser 140
Mercruiser 1 sterndrive (not Mach 1)
This boat has done a lot of sitting on a trailer (less than 200 hours on the engine), and I am trying to get it into shape for much use. While inspecting the engine compartment, I noticed a crack about 1 to 1.5 inches long beginning directly underneath the right side of the front motor mount. Also, the right side of the motor mount was sunk into the floor about 1/4 inch. The bolt going through the motor mount into the floor was up off the mount about the same (1/4 inch). Aware of the likely result, I tried to tighten the bolt. As expected, I could hear the stringer below crunch as the wood crumbled. I had the boat out on two occasions for engine tuning and adjustments. On the second outing, I was unable to avoid some pounding waves. The crack has now lengthened to about 5 or 6 inches. So here are my questions:
-Can I replace just this section of floor and the rotten stringer(s), or will I have to replace the entire floor?
-Will the engine need to come out to do this, and if so, how do I readjust the engine to the proper height/angle?
-I have strong mechanical aptitude, but no experience with glass or epoxy. Is this a job a beginner/novice can do?
Will post pictures soon.
17.5' Open-bow Runbout
4-Cyl. Mercruiser 140
Mercruiser 1 sterndrive (not Mach 1)
This boat has done a lot of sitting on a trailer (less than 200 hours on the engine), and I am trying to get it into shape for much use. While inspecting the engine compartment, I noticed a crack about 1 to 1.5 inches long beginning directly underneath the right side of the front motor mount. Also, the right side of the motor mount was sunk into the floor about 1/4 inch. The bolt going through the motor mount into the floor was up off the mount about the same (1/4 inch). Aware of the likely result, I tried to tighten the bolt. As expected, I could hear the stringer below crunch as the wood crumbled. I had the boat out on two occasions for engine tuning and adjustments. On the second outing, I was unable to avoid some pounding waves. The crack has now lengthened to about 5 or 6 inches. So here are my questions:
-Can I replace just this section of floor and the rotten stringer(s), or will I have to replace the entire floor?
-Will the engine need to come out to do this, and if so, how do I readjust the engine to the proper height/angle?
-I have strong mechanical aptitude, but no experience with glass or epoxy. Is this a job a beginner/novice can do?
Will post pictures soon.