Hey everyone! I just bought an '81 Champion 16' Python Deluxe with a '93 Mariner on the back. It has been sitting in a backyard for probably 3-5 years, and I am wondering if you guys could tell me what all should be done b4 I even think of taking it to the lake. Obviously, I don't have a ton of money, or I would not have had to buy a 30 year old boat, but I've heard nothing but good things about the Champion boats, so I guess I have to start somewhere.
You can save you some hassle by getting the motor looked at, lower unit checked to include new fluid and new water pump.
Check the transom to see if there are cracks or and give when you push/pull/wiggle the motor. Check out all the fuses and wires for the lights, horn, tilt/trim, bilge pump, live wells and so on. It's better to find out what doesn't work in the yard than while on the water.
Good Luck enjoy the new 2U boat!
Fogy
Thx Ron! Everything under the top cap looks like it just rolled out of the factory. Carpet needs to be replaced, and sunfade has gotten to the cap, but the shell looks amazing for its age. I will definitely replace all fluids, water pump, and impeller, as well as the plugs. I think it is going to need rewiring, but it looks pretty straightforward as there aren't any bells and whistles that the new rides have. Will post pix once I figure out how...
Cool looking forward to some photos when you get time.
The best way to put them here is to load the photos on photo bucket or some other photo hosting site, right click the properties of the photo once it's on the other site, copy the url address and past that here, high-light the text you just pasted and then click this icon (https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/Themes/core/images/bbc/img.gif) and hit post.
Any boat is better than no boat. I fished out of a 79 deep bottom with stick steering for a long time but atleast I was fishing. Hope all works out and enjoy it.