I've owned this boat since about 2005. If I recall correctly, I'm the 2nd owner and I totally rebuilt the power head, myself, back in 2006 or 07 after a stuck ring.
The last few years have gotten in the way, the boat has been showing it's age and just didn't have time to get her out. Back during covid times I ordered new seat skins from Ranger, but never got them put on because I wanted to do the carpet as well and if doing all of that the top cap is really chalky and I'm pretty certain it's under the clear as the lines have worn down some.
Well, yesterday the skins and all the seats went to an upholstery guy to get installed and have the wood backing on a few of the seats rebuilt with new marine ply. I've talked to another guy that work on the old 2-strokes and does some gel-coat work, so the plan is to get her stripped the rest of the way down of hardware and carpet, haul her there to at least go through the engine and get her running again. Once again, she's sat for 2-3 years without starting, but all the gas is drained from tanks and last time fired was on seafoam mixture, so I figure she'll still fire up. My guess is water pump should be replaced, the VRO fuel/oil pump either rebuilt or replaced and then whatever else might be an issue. I've done all that before as I said I totally rebuilt the P.H. myself, but I'm tired of her sitting. While there I thought I'd see what his thoughts were on the top cap. Also, double check the transom. I've tried wet sanding and polishing and it lasted 6 months to a year at best. I also tried some acrylic enamel spray and after a few years it hasn't flaked off, just small test area.
I have some questions....
While I can afford to pay to have some of this done, I also have the knowledge and ability to do some myself to save a few $$$. I'm debating if I just attempt to fire her up prior to taking her anywhere to get a baseline? The VRO pump was replaced when I did the P.H. nearly 20yrs ago. Worked fine when she was put away. They aren't cheap...should I just throw a new one at it? Are they rebuildable? I still have the original sitting in a tub of parts somewhere. I HATE mixing oil.
I have done a few water pumps as well, but for some reason I always seem to fight putting that lower unit back on and getting the shift linkages meshed up perfectly. Yes, I pay attention to the rod length.
What else on the motor should I pay attention to? He won't rebuild if need be, but he works on the carbs and such. I had a Lower End gasket replaced a few years back and at one time the carbs all dialed in by another boat shop. Other than sitting about 3 years, I don't anticipate any major issues. I also have the decarb instructions as I have done that fairly regularly.
For the carpet....do I go 16 oz or 20 oz and shave it for the lids? What's the best glue? It'll go over fiberglass....contact adhesive?
Then for the main concerns....there is a for certain soft spot on the front deck under where the factory foot controller was screwed down. My fix for that will be a recessed tray. I've been trying to determine any other soft spots and there might be another small one on the deck. I am a bit shocked by the amount of wood as I am certain years ago Ranger told me only the bench seat back, fishing seats and center seat had wood along with the transom. I'm obviously finding out the front deck and maybe even the hatches are wood covered. I watched a video and it appeared the shop was using 2x lumber coated in resin. If 3/4" or less thick I'll get marine ply. Any insight here?
Then lastly the top deck. Talking with the guy on the gel coat, he quoted about $1500 to polish it. Probably $4000 to spray with clear and upwards of $7-10k to regel the top deck. Is that on par with industry? She has scratches, some dock rash and areas in the corners that have worn down to glass (these are maybe 1" square spots from cover wear). She's a nearly 40yr old boat, I get that. I don't need to get too carried away here, but I want her looking good. Not going for showroom finish though. As I said, I've tried the spray can and had decent luck. I will clean her up once I get the hardware off and see how that held. Another thing I saw, can't find the video, was using SuperClear Epoxy resin and wiping it on. It's UV resist and supposedly self leveling and works great. It's $64 for the 2 part mix (looks to be gallon). The guy in the video had done on several metal flake bass boats with excellent results, he wasn't selling product. I'd still have the non-sharp somewhat faded lines, but I have always gotten compliments when she's on the water and wet. If he sprays the top with clear Gel, he's offering no guarantee!
I'll also replace gauges, dash panels, troller, etc...
So any feedback from those that are in same boat, pun is what it is, or been there and done that? I'll get some pics posted!
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1990 374V Ranger Still kickin' bass after all these years