Advise

[flyersnfluke]

Know someone trying to unload a late 80’s aquasport 250, Chevy stern drive, boats been sitting on a trailer for a few years, how reliable were those small block engines? Not terribly handy with engines. I also worry about dry rot on the boot and other areas, and bearings on trailer. Cheers!

[Fortunate Son]

Anything that old is going to need a bunch of work, unless it's already been done. If it's been sitting, then it sounds like a project. Also beware of rotten wood wherever there are screws penetrating the fiberglass.

[Duffman]

Walk away.

Even if your not handy with engines that’s probably the least of your problems.

Like FS said, it’s gonna need wood work (stringers, transom etc).

If your into a project and willing to put the work in AND learn as ya go along have it.....but be warned (from my own experience) it ain’t easy!!

[Walleyed]

Don't walk away....run.

I have a '85 Bayliner Trophy that was my dad's that I keep afloat. As a farmboy, I'm very mechanically inclined, never met a engine I couldn't keep running, but it's a lot of work. Over the years, I've rebuilt the transom and the stringers, there's always engine maintenance on a 35 year old engine.

One of the lessons I've learned is I'll never own an inboard (or sterndrive) gasoline powered boat again. Either diesel or outboard.

They only thing that has kept this boat away from a fire is the fact I'm able to do all the work myself. If I had to pay someone, I'd never be able to justify the cost.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Some good advise above...

Old boats are like spoiled pretty girls. They’re money pits unless you are handy and even then, you might be throwing good money after bad since you’d never get back any of the money or sweat you put into them :D

Having said that, Aquasports in general were built pretty well so if you decide you’d like to restore an old boat, they’d be a good choice...Many guys down in Florida rebuild and use old Aquasports as their guide service boats since the hulls are legendary and not only good in the flats but also do well in the ocean. These are although are center console and outboard boats.

The Chevy small black engines are great and easy to get parts for if something cuts loose. Your main issues is likely to be the stern drive...They all suck but unlike the others, you can still get parts for the older Mecruiser drives.

Good luck with your decision.... You’ve been warned and if you decide to move ahead make sure the stringers and the deck are sound before you do anything else.

[flyersnfluke]

Thank you All!!!!