1996 Pursuit 3000 Offshore Major project

[RobertV]

Hello all,

Looking at a 96 with Volvos that sunk up to the fuse panel at her slip in salt water. Marina said they raised her and pickled her right away. Motors are seized which make me question the timing of pickeling. I would plan to remove them for a complete tear down and rebuild as needed. Helm stayed dry, but the fuse panel will need to be replaced and who knows what other electric gremlins will be lurking.

My moisture meter shows very dense readings around the engine room vents on both sides. Is this normal for these hulls or is this the water intrusion that I've been reading about?

Need some input from forum members as she is priced at ~$12k.
Some times I think I'm nuts for even considering such a project, but it is one way for me to get into a diesel powered twin for little money. I realize the rebuilds will cost a bit, but I'll be doing the work myself just not sure of the cost of all the required parts yet.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[MarkT]

Hello Robert. I have heard many stories about moisture around the vents caused by poor sealing and would say that is the case for your boat unless the vents were under also. That being said, I worked for a US Gov. agency and dealt with more than a few sunken boats in my years. In all instances, a complete re-wiring was in order. The wires built up so much corrosion and resistance over time that it was a huge headache. As far as the engines being "pickled", what does that mean. The only way to safe them is to immediately change oils/fluids pull the injectors and rotate the engines blowing out the cylinders. Then get them running right away. It helps if the starter works or you may need a rebuilt starter to get it going. Even if it does start if the starters were under they need to be replaced. If that was not done you could be looking at big bucks for engine rebuilds, even doing the work yourself it will not be cheap. You can count on crankshaft seals leaking down the road.
Besides the engines, how is the teak flooring and the other soft goods? Did the refridge get submerged in the galley? battery charger and all the other systems and the electrical components? And why did she go down in the first place?
Anyway, it is a big job and it takes lots of time, skill, and money. Not saying you can't do it, just consider what you are getting into and how long it will take. Whatever cost estimate you come up with I suggest you add at least another 1/4 of that to it. Good luck and keep us posted.

[RobertV]

Mark,
Thank you for the reply. I've found out some more info. I understood that the marina where the boat sank at the slip due to a failed thru hull pulled the injectors and filled the cylinders with diesel fuel, but not sure if they rotated them after that. The boat is now at a marina/salvage yard that intended to fix it for personal use. They replaced both starter motors, but we not able to turn over the motors with them. They then tried to manually turn the motors with pry bars on the fly wheel teeth..no luck. The teak flooring is in nice shape, but all of the cabin electronics got wet. The cushions are shot too. I don't believe that it was wet for long, but the damage was done. Sounds like large $ to get her up to snuff.
As much as I want to get this boat I feel that there are just too many issues that will surface down the line in addition to the costs and countless hours.

[MarkT]

I think you would be wise to walk away unless you are prepared to do a complete re-wire for starters. Sounds like the engines are good for anchors now. Don't jump, one will come along.

[RobertV]

I think you would be wise to walk away unless you are prepared to do a complete re-wire for starters. Sounds like the engines are good for anchors now. Don't jump, one will come along.

Yes. Walking away is the sane thing to do. Thanks for all the input AND talking me off the ledge!