[PCap]

Hell everyone,

My name is Paul I just picked up a 302 with a 40 hour 8.1 merc HO with bravo III
I'm in NJ boat is red 1998 I have some work to do I'm sure like all of you.
I have to say I love the layout of the boat and is the main reason I bought it plus the new power.

Well i have to meet the marine electrician to clean up a few issues this morning but had the boat out a few times and it still turn heads and gets thumbs ups. Ill try and post pics and do before and afters.


I'm sure I will have questions and would like to meet up in any of you are local.
So glad I found this site



Wish me luck!!

[mikeyt]

Welcome aboard Paul. So you bought that boat? We've been discussing it here in our "Boats for Sale" forum. It does look like you have got a 'bit' of work to do. I'm sure she will look very nice when you're done. Keep us updated on your progress?

[Dredd]

Congrats on the boat. Looking forward to pics as you clean her up.

[PCap]

Yes I do LOL!!!
I love the 302 layout its perfect for me. I wanted a baja/ fountain type but also a people friendly day boat the combo gives me both. its my first real boat. The fact that it has a repower with a 496 HO Merc and I did a trade for her made the condition palateable. Had her out a few times and she runs strong and turns heads.

She out now getting bellows and shift cable replaced and manifolds and risers done and a new starter and bildge pump while there in there in case !

Hatch and rear seat vinyl need replacment and the fact that the previous owner put some type of aftermarket clear finish hurts the cosmetics but went for motor work first to keep motor solid. I need a way to get the remaining aftermarket finish off going to wet sand again myslef to see if that helps and try acetone then wax to get it to shine better.

Ill try to keep the forum posted if you guys are interested. Doing some electronics updating today

Was on this site till almost 3 am last night getting ideas thank you all very much for posting it really helps!!

[mikeyt]

Please keep us informed on how the restoration is going!

[PCap]

Ok done for the day. The temps reached over 97 car said 104!!! i installed new vhf radio and antenna removed some vinyl graphics old boat name and the gold swoosh and although i had to use a lot of elbow grease acetone is working to take off 90 percent of the aftermarket gloss finish which was looking like bad oxidation. Found out that the retractable anchor light still works and bulb is good a little dated looking but cool I think. When I do the second stereo in console ill see if retractable antenna works.

Does any one know if the keyless ignition was standard there is one on this boat have know idea if it can be made to work the way it's mounted inside it seems factory.


Also I can see the trim system is going to need a new control. Some of you may take issue With removing the graphics but the gel coat finish needs work. The checker board graphics are on there tight but should come off still on.

the emblem and logo seem workable and in decent shape. Engine work starts Monday
. wiring needs to be cleaned up but started to do that while working on VHF. Oh forgot Installing new horn half complete need to enlarge hole little more but too hot.

Does anyone have or know where I can get a replacement panel for the rotary switches for anchor light and dimmer that's mounted next to ignition under steering g column or if someone can send me a picture so I can fabricate one. I'd appreciate that. Hope someone else finds this interesting besides me if not im sorry i need to keep up the enthusiasm a lot of work and want to document it .

[mikeyt]

Hi Paul

Yes, the keyless ignition was standard on the Z302 and we have a manual for it in the Original Manuals & Supplements section. There are a few members here, including our admin, that has the keyless unit so hopefully they'll chime in with any help.

A replacement power rear nav lite is still available but you'll be hard-pressed to find a replacement power antenna.

Here's a short blurb on how to troubleshoot your trim motor.

That rotary switch/dimmer has been a sore spot for a lot of our members. Here's a short thread with a link discussing that problem.

Graphics/decals & shields are available here thru one of our members if you are looking to replace any of them. One of our members (Oregondunes) has a '99 Z302 w/out the graphics. You might want to look at his pics in the Gallery.

Be sure to take some before & after pics!

[PCap]

Latest update al was fine untill a few day ago I started to smell fuel mosty in the mid cabin the marian told me I have a ad tank UGH this will put the boat in the not worth fixing catagory if its the tank. They say its 8000 to do and illstill need the manifolds and outdrve work has any one every removed the tank Was or hear of other problems such as the vent leakeing

[DCB_MINDED]

Not sure what all is involved in the 302 to pull the tank, but 8 grand seems VERY steep. Should be an aluminum tank, and if it is, any metal shop should be able to repair it (after all the fuel is out of course) I hope you get her up and running, these 302's are getting harder and harder to find!

[mikeyt]

We've had a couple of members with larger boats ( a 280 and a 240) do the fuel tank removal. You can read up about what they went thru here and here.