New to me 296

[Paul275]

I believe I got lucky and found this beautiful 2013 296, with twin Merc 377s, Axius joystick, club interior and teak package. 330 hours on the engines. She needs a good bit of work and I have a healthy list from the surveyor, but it's all easy stuff, hull and mechanicals are really solid. This boat feels really special and is finished nicely. Getting this boat up to top condition will keep me busy over the winter and will have me on the water in the spring.

First, congratulations on the new to you boat. Love that seating configuration. I know you've have yours awhile but I wanted to share that ---We are about to close on a 2009 296. (With joystick!) So we share your taste in boats.
Not trying to override your post here with what we're doing...just sharing the passion. You have some work on your hands it sounds like and I look forward to the updates! Really like your Garmin install / update.

AL7 I hope you close! Send pics as soon as you can.

We really love this boat, it is so comfortable to spend the day on, and in smooth water, super thrilling to run. Really fast and turns a lot of heads.
We do our best to keep after it, and I make a decent list of winter projects every year. Looking forward to hearing more about your 296.

[Paul275]

My recently procured 302 had the fresh water pump that would not shut off. Checked system for leaks, found none. Figured the pressure switch failed on the pump. Swapped out the pump for a very reasonable one from Amazon, and all works perfectly now. Here’s the pump:

SEAFLO 42-Series Water Pressure Diaphragm Pump w/Variable Flow For Reduced Cycling - 12V, 3.0GPM, 55PSI https://a.co/d/17ZUU58

Good luck on your subsequent projects!

.

Replaced the pump with a OEM pump found on Amazon. So happy the problem is solved. Thanks again for the tip.

[Paul275]

So figured I would give an update as the second season is ending quickly.
As stated in an earlier thread, did the risers, manifolds, gimbal bearings and bellows over the winter. Had a corroded thermostats replaced.
This year, no outdrive fluid loss, and no oil used at all. We reupholstered the rear cushions with OEM Cobalt vinyl. Still less than a kid in college.

Issues: One temp sensor which was replaced with the thermostats went bad. Replaced it and issue resolved.
Port engine has a strange starter issue which we will resolve over the winter. Makes a strange, intermittent noise on start up
Nothing else...runs great otherwise.

Winter Projects:
Still have not replaced the stereo, not a priority, just a matter of getting to it.
Motor box actuator is noisy, replacement ordered. This is a fast project, so maybe before the season ends.
Clean that bilge!
Would love to correct some of the prior owner's scratches on the fiberglass, but it still looks good enough.

[Krob1114]

So figured I would give an update as the second season is ending quickly.
As stated in an earlier thread, did the risers, manifolds, gimbal bearings and bellows over the winter. Had a corroded thermostats replaced.
This year, no outdrive fluid loss, and no oil used at all. We reupholstered the rear cushions with OEM Cobalt vinyl. Still less than a kid in college.

Issues: One temp sensor which was replaced with the thermostats went bad. Replaced it and issue resolved.
Port engine has a strange starter issue which we will resolve over the winter. Makes a strange, intermittent noise on start up
Nothing else...runs great otherwise.

Winter Projects:
Still have not replaced the stereo, not a priority, just a matter of getting to it.
Motor box actuator is noisy, replacement ordered. This is a fast project, so maybe before the season ends.
Clean that bilge!
Would love to correct some of the prior owner's scratches on the fiberglass, but it still looks good enough.

I'm looking at 5 seasons worth of scratches that need to be corrected. Let me know how it works out. Good job so far.

[Paul275]

I'm looking at 5 seasons worth of scratches that need to be corrected. Let me know how it works out. Good job so far.

Thanks! Take pics of the scratches and how can repair them.