Where should I start

[vfisher76]

Was given a 1976 VIP ski boat with a Mercruiser stern drive
looks like a 888 which is the old Ford 302 engine I believe. Boat has been sitting in a barn for 22 years and needless to say it is a complete overhaul project. Got a lot of clean up to do but as it relates to lower unit, gimbal, and engine ....where do you start with the disassembly and rebuild. I was thinking lower unit first, then gimbal assembly, and then engine. I am thinking a 2-3 year project to do all engine, wiring, and interior work.

 

[stang32]

the 1st question is why would you want to go through all that work for a 42 year old boat? the money spent on the parts and time will far outweigh the value( if there was one) what does the upholstery look like? that will cost a few grand, the outdrive work will be pricey if you need parts they may be hard to locate as for the engine, yeah, 302's are a dime a dozen.
just something to contemplate

 

[RicardoMarine]

..................

Was given a 1976 VIP ski boat with a Mercruiser stern drive
looks like a 888 which is the old Ford 302 engine I believe. Boat has been sitting in a barn for 22 years and needless to say it is a complete overhaul project. Got a lot of clean up to do but as it relates to lower unit, gimbal, and engine ....where do you start with the disassembly and rebuild. I was thinking lower unit first, then gimbal assembly, and then engine. I am thinking a 2-3 year project to do all engine, wiring, and interior work.

I would first start with looking at the transom core and stringer cores.
If these are bad, you are in for quite a bit of work..... much more work than what you will be doing on engine/stern drive components!

I agree with Stang....... unless for some reason you absolutely love this boat, or unless it has some real sentimental value to you, or unless you are wanting a long involved project, it will end up costing you more money and time than what the rewards will be!