18’ BayHawk modified tunnel with jack plate and a 115 Evinrude. It’s a carpeted boat not fiberglass deck. For sure it has soft spots on the deck.

Divorce, poor, no truck, etc made it sit in my dad’s pasture for about 10yrs. But I finally feel like I’m back on my feet. It ran great before life punched me in the face.

Is there any possibility that I can fix it for less than getting a new used boat in the same range? I feel like I could do most of the work except overhauling the engine, that would have to be a mechanic.

I think my 1st step is ripping up the deck and seeing what I’m working with underneath, but if it’s a 99% chance I’m just wasting time it’s pointless.

Personally, I would make sure the engine & components worked before investing in a possible bad hull boat. JMO.

Pretty easy to check the transom with the motor tilted up watch the transom for flex as you put weight on the end of the lower unit. If it is solid there is a good chance you only need to do the sub-floor....are you sure the motor needs rebuilt? I would check compression first and if ok rebuild carbs and flush the gas tank and replace the fuel lines and try to start it on a hose.

Depends on how attached you are to the boat. I’ve had the same one for 31 years and replaced the engine last year along with electronics and trolling motor. I do a lot of work myself because I enjoy it. Not the engine, but I also replaced the bilge and livewell pumps, fabricated and installed a new instrument panel, replaced all the switches just this month, and am always tinkering with it. I love my baby and even though it sat for 4-5 years outside not moving and weathering, I was able to bring back her gel coat shine by wet sanding and compounding and now she looks almost as good as she did in 1989 when I first got her wet. Your call, but if you find your zen moments by working on mechanical things, maybe this will be your jam.

What makes you think the engine needs an overhaul? That's far different than getting one running again. BTW, there are highly recommended procedures for starting up an engine that has been sitting a long time. You can actually cause damage TRYING to start it if you don't do it right. Such things as take plugs out, lube cylinders and turn over with plugs out, etc. I'm sure it would be wise to replace the fuel system before trying to have that engine ingest any fuel through old lines, etc. The list goes on....

I agree with above. If you can do the work yourself, you will find it fun and more than worth the effort. First things first, follow what Flippin-Out says above. Take your time with the motor before you try to start it. I will build on what he said. After you get everything cleaned up and all of the dirt dobber nests out, pull the plugs. Squirt lubricant into each cylinder and let it sit for a few days. Then do it again. When you do this, have the motor tilted up as high as you can get it. Then turn it over by hand or with a wrench until everything is moving freely. Then check for spark and run a cold compression test on each cylinder. If all is good there, and it very likely will be, then begin work on the fuel system. Replace all hoses, bulbs, etc. Carb motor or fuel injected? Clean, clean, clean. While in there, I like to spray a little lubricant into the intake side of the motor as well. After that and if all looks good, change impeller and LU fluid. Then try to start.

If motor runs, and I bet it will, then you can tackle the boat itself.

I'm happy to help you along the way. Just let me know.
Ron

Welcome to the Forum.

Maybe rebuilt is the wrong word. I assumed any outboard sitting so long would need all the engine seals replaced.

Thank you. I appreciate everyone who is responding to the thread. It's a little intimidating saying you don't know how to go about doing something and everyone seems genuinely helpful.

Don't be intimidated. I, for one, am honored to help. I fixed one diesel tractor and one gas tractor today for free. Why? Because it is fun to me and I like helping folks.

On you outboard, one step at a time. Follow instructions above and resist the temptation to try to start it on day 1. Youtube will also be your friend!