Buy or Run? A 2010 R25 In Rough Shape

[matt_m]

Over the years I was able to source all of the parts I needed from sources other than mercruiser. Nowadays with the internet and a part number taken off of the part itself you can find virtually everything. All of the fuel system parts and electronic sensors are made by Bosch.

Similarly years ago the combustion fan on my Wallas stove went out. It's driven by a tiny little motor which had a part number on it. The Wallas rep in Seattle wanted $60 plus shipping. With the part number I found it on Amazon for $1.35. Only trick was that they wouldn't sell less than ten of them. So it cost me $13.50 and I ended up with a lifetime supply of fan motors.

Did you ever find an economical way to get diagnostic and trouble codes off the VesselView or whatever the brain box is called? I’ve seen some adapters (including a wireless one from Mercury) that seems to be something that might work but they’re still a couple hundred bucks used. Expensive punt.

The electronic ECU is the only thing that gives me any worry at all. The local mercury dealer claims they can hook up to the engine and that they’ve done it in the past but I trust em about as far as I can throw em.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Did you ever find an economical way to get diagnostic and trouble codes off the VesselView or whatever the brain box is called? I’ve seen some adapters (including a wireless one from Mercury) that seems to be something that might work but they’re still a couple hundred bucks used. Expensive punt.

The electronic ECU is the only thing that gives me any worry at all. The local mercury dealer claims they can hook up to the engine and that they’ve done it in the past but I trust em about as far as I can throw em.

No, thankfully I never needed anything beyond the error codes that show up on the panel. For all the complaining heard about those engines mine ran well for the most part for almost 3000 hrs. Over the years had a couple of sensor failures, a couple of oil leaks, and a crack in the exhaust mixing can/elbow.

 

[Mdimant]

I bought it. The engine appears to be mechanically sound. Had a good old diesel mechanic go through it (as I live in NJ) and my agent (best friend) doing the business on my behalf out in Washington is not a diesel mechanic. All good other than the obvious neglect. I will install a new timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump impeller and filters plus polish the fuel. There was not water or fuel in the filthy engine oil. It started slow, indicative of a fuel issue, (and weak starting battery) but once running she ran fine. They did not go to WOT due to the missing trim tab and rough weather, but they did make 3600 rpm without incident. There is a lot of maintenance work to do on the engine, but being a "boat guy" and retired, time I have (until I don't).
As to the smell and filth- your description was kind. Dirtiest used boat I ever bought. I'd say a solid full week of work to get just the interior clean. After two full days I have gone from the entryway to the aft end of the galley sink (including that awful head) with a thorough deep cleaning, including removal of the the compartment doors etc. to wash and rinse them. Today is the sink, fridge (particularly nasty) and helm area...if I get that far. Then across the bridge and down the other side. Finally, all of the soft goods and walls, ceiling etc with steam and upholstery cleaner. The best description for this boats interior is gross! But at less than $.50 to the dollar (basic used-market selling price) and the cost of my time and labor I think she can be "saved" and provide a good clean reliable boat for some inland waterway explorations later this summer. I am glad you passed on it but could not agree more with your observations. It is at least a month of hard work to bring her back.
The hull might come back. Not sure? My local fiberglass / paint experts stopped by to see her (both loved the boat) and think she has a chance but with the caution she is red and red is always a pain in the ass color when it comes to longevity. So I'm thinking of Seattle Gray paint somewhere down the road when I tire of- or no longer can do the work a red hull requires.
Time is money and if you have to pay others this one would be a particularly large hole in the water to fill. This is the stuff I do, so in the end it keeps me out of the bars and busy (not to mention poor!). Judging from your note, I think you made the right decision, she is a pretty big rehab project. I'll post pics down the road for the Tugnuts forum to see how she shapes up.

 

[Idylwild]

A little update on the 2008 Ranger 25 "Classic" at the heart of this thread.
So at long last I took the time for a quick overnight up to the Tappan Zee Bridge area (Tarrytown, Nyack, NY). Snotty 15+ NW wind over water crossing Raritan Bay to the upper NY harbor and the Hudson. For those who have never run the upper harbor, a snotty ride across an open bay is nothing compared to the stretch of river from around the Statue of Liberty and mid-town. Wind and current be damned, the ferries, tugs, giant freighters and tankers and tour boats make it exciting (to put it mildly) and extremely lumpy. But I have to say the R25 took it all in stride. Bouncy and rolling for sure but not to the point of getting launched out of your seat or impossible to stand (with a solid handhold). I have been on and own other boats you could not same the same about. Tough place for short narrow (trailerable) boats, but it is a magnificent passage (especially if it is your first time) and always worth the hour or two of insanity. Did I mention scenic?
After that fun things tended to get pretty normal and we had a nice trip up to the Tappan Sea. The winds were significantly reduced by the Palisades towering over the west bank of the river and finally wore themselves out by late afternoon.
Dock and a nice dinner ashore with a leisurely breakfast and departure time (waiting for the river to turn south) we left in flat, still conditions. By the time time we got to the slight bend in the river lining up to mid-span of the GWB the SW wind picked up... back into wind opposite water flow. At the GWB the boat is making 9+ over the ground (at a usual 6.5kt rpm) we are in short, steep 3ft. seas, totally breaking and blowing over the bow. (Good news was with the soaking the windows stayed clear of hazing by dried salt). By the Statue it is now approaching 4' seas. The flags are pinned straight out, and it is the usual busy "Frogger" like trip down the upper harbor towards the VZ Narrows bridge with copius traffic crossing the harbor. Finally, in the lee of Staten Island the seas subsided, there is no more cross traffic and it is long past time for lunch.
Expecting a bouncy trip through the Narrows and back across Raritan Bay we go under the bridge and come around the bend to flat, calm conditions. Go figure? 3 miles back we were being bounced around like a ping pong ball and now it is smooth sailing for the final leg home. You gotta love Mother Nature.
So- I'm impressed by how the little boat handled the spirited parts of the trip, and how nicely it handled myself and guest for accommodations and comfort. With her 120v electric heater / thermostat we kept her comfortable overnight in in the 41ºf temps. She stayed dry throughout the soakings, rode surprisingly well for such a smallish boat in some pretty rough conditions. We never were scared by sea state or particularly uncomfortable.
I have her listed on FB Marketplace (look for it in New Jersey)- but at this rate I might have to keep her! She's really proving herself worthy.