I have a Mercury Mercruiser V8 260 carbureted motor but the serial number is rubbed off. I’m trying to pin down the year of the motor for my own personal knowledge. Is there any way of identifying this in other ways? My best guess is 1986 based on photos that I’ve seen but I don’t want to go...
My boat's console is in rough shape and I was wondering where I might find a replacement to make it look pretty again. I've attached a photo of what I want to replace. The gauges are fine but the dash is bad and the tan piece is bad. It used to have a windshield but I don't care about that to be...
My throttle is tough to switch from neutral. More so when going into reverse but still difficult when going forward as well. I'd like to ease this up a bit as I'm used to my old boat and how loose it felt. Are there a few things that it could be? I'm just trying to get an idea on what it might...
I've got a dirty engine compartment. The bilge area is the main culprit here but I'd like to clean the motor while I'm washing it out. Can I safely power wash the engine and surrounding area? Should I use detergent?
Has anyone owned a Starcraft deckboat? I'm about to make an offer on one. It is a really great layout and has an upgraded rebuilt motor on it. Seems like a fair price at $10,000. I was going to offer $8500 based on a few things that I would need to do to the boat including any surprises from...
Just looking for opinions on these two items. I see a lot of boats for sale that have OMC outdrives and they are in great shape. Would you avoid purchasing one because OMC parts may be hard to find? Am I worried for nothing here?
Also, I found a boat that is in decent shape for it's age and...
I'm used to boating in norther Lake Saint Clair where there are islands to hang out on and some things to discover but now I'm moving downriver and was wondering if I'm allowed to go onto any of the islands that are scattered in the southern end of the river. I read that many of them are...
I am at a marina on Lake St. Clair and was wondering if it is legal to refuel my boat by purchasing a gas can rather than paying for the upcharge at the marina gas station? Does anyone have any experience with this on Lake St. Clair (Michigan side) and what are your recommendations?
I went out to my well yesterday and noticed some gas or oil coloring around my outdrive when I tilted it up. I can't tell where it is coming from. Any first step suggestions in finding the culprit?
1994 Rinker 180 Bowrider I/O
I put in a new bilge pump on my boat. I am concerned that the pump isn't low enough in the boat. I mounted the pump in the same spot that the old pump was which is directly below the motor. The bilge is still full of water after the pump clears the motor area. The...
I currently have a manual bilge pump but I was considering an automatic. How would I wire an automatic.
Also, when does the pump actually turn on? is it only when the water is high enough in the engine compartment?
Merc 3.0 LX 4 cyl
I was out boating yesterday and everything was running great until we stopped at an island for about an hour. The engine wouldn't turn over when we were ready to leave. I have ruled out battery and starter since the engine was turning over and both of those components are new...
I bought a 1994 Rinker a few weeks ago for $3200 knowing that it had certain issues and that I would be spending some cash on it. I took it into a Mercury shop in my city that was recommended to me by a couple boat owners so I felt safe in letting them do the work. I wanted to know if any of you...
