300/440/550 PAINTING- I've searched and I can't find the answe.... Help a new'b please

K

Knotayooper

Location
Clio, MI
SO I'm looking to paint my beat-up 1987 JS550, I've had it three weeks now. There are nicks, dings, and even a few cracks. I'm good with the fiberglass work that it needs, as there is a fiberglass shop in the family, but I'm still looking for some answers:

1.Can I gel-coat over the paint? The whole thing has been painted with hideous graphics. I realize its more work, but should provide a more durable finish.

2. How about the bottom, there is one damaged spot, and they painted parts of the bottom to match the topsides. What is the best solution for the bottom? Paint? Gel-coat?

3. Can I flip the ski over without removing the motor? This seems like a PITA, the engine compartment is in good shape and clean.... Am I over thinking this and should just remove the motor?

Thanks for your answers !!!!
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
b1m3x8 said:
As long as there is no gas in your fuel tank you should be fine flipping it over. The motor does not have to come out.
Click to expand...

If you have borderline motormount integrity turning it over may cause the mounts to give way. If that happenes, you could cause damage to your hull, your feet and toes if you happen to be standing close. Is it really worth it. It takes about 15 minutes to remove a 550 motor.
 
hillbilly550

hillbilly550

Rich L
Location
Lewis Center oHIo
disconnect battery and remove from hull (easier to get to bedplate bolt)
disconnect positive battery cable to starter at electrical box (leave attached at starter)
pull straps, disconnect fill hose, remove fuel line asm from top of tank & remove fuel cell
it should have a small ground wire from the e-box to the engine (intake manifold I think)
remove 2 bolts on top of e-box & disconnect stator harness inside
remove plug wires from plugs
remove fuel supply & return lines from carb
remove throttle cable from carb (just loosen 1 of the 2 nuts to make adjustment easy on reassembly)
remove exhaust hose to water box
remove water outlet (pisser) hoses
remove water inlet hose (to exhaust manifold, disconnect from water line comming out of hull)
remove 4 engine bedplate to motor mount bolts
i think thats everything, i dont remember pulling the exhaust off unless its after market
lift the front of the engine up and then move engine forward about 2 inches to dissconnect the coupler
them it should rotate up and out.

takes about 15 min after you have done it a time or 2

flip, sand, fill, paint.
 
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