Intro

[Chaos2-6]

Hello everyone,
I’m new to the group. Picked up a Maxum 2300 SC for free the other day. Guy I got it from said it needed a new floor. I have never owned or worked on a boat. Thought this would be a place to get helpful advice.
Thanks, Chaos

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard!

Before investing in replacing the decking I would first check the condition of the engine and outdrive. Does it run? Boats are typically raw water cooled which means they draw up sea water and circulate it through the engine and exhaust system to cool them then it’s injected into the exhaust stream to be returned to the sea. The water pump impeller and exhaust components fail over time and require replacement so check their condition. Be aware the if the decking is rotted there is a chance the stringer and transom core mat be rotten.

[Chaos2-6]

I have no clue. Engine looks complete. Guy said he hit a sandbar and sucked sand into the coolant. Thats about all i know. It has a 5.7l V8.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Chaos2-6

I have no clue. Engine looks complete. Guy said he hit a sandbar and sucked sand into the coolant. Thats about all i know. It has a 5.7l V8.

In that case impeller is shot. Again work on getting it running before investing in the rot. Are you mechanically inclined?

[shrew]

Originally Posted by Chaos2-6

I have no clue. Engine looks complete. Guy said he hit a sandbar and sucked sand into the coolant. Thats about all i know. It has a 5.7l V8.

Did you see the engine running before taking the boat?

Coolant would indicate a closed cooled boat with a heat exchanger. You'll need to check and flush the heat exchanger as well as replace the impellor.

At some point, check to make sure that the rooted floor isn't ontop of rotted stringers and a rotted transom.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by shrew

Did you see the engine running before taking the boat?

Coolant would indicate a closed cooled boat with a heat exchanger. You'll need to check and flush the heat exchanger as well as replace the impellor.

At some point, check to make sure that the rooted floor isn't ontop of rotted stringers and a rotted transom.

"Coolant would indicate a closed cooled boat with a heat exchanger. You'll need to check and flush the heat exchanger as well as replace the impellor."

Not necessarily, coolant can be any liquid that removes heat including raw water, however it is commonly used to refer to closed cooling. If not closed cooling sand may have found its way into the engine and exhaust cooling passages.