Recent content by Rookster

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    Carpet Replacement

    Happy Spring Everyone! Wondering if anyone has advice on recarpeting an 18 foot bow rider - the boat originally had wooden floor with carpet over top. I’ll be reusing the wooden floor as it’s in good shape, but needs new carpet. Here’re a few questions on the best way to prep the floor before...
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    cracked or not

    I have a similar symptom now, and when I read this it terrified me - the thought of a cracked and toasted engine block. I've since been advised that the "creamy caramel" color may just be oil leaking from oil pan/gasket or dipstick area, rather than a blown engine. This is because in my case...
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    Oil Leak?

    Hi all - hoping for some insight here on a possible oil leak...but I'm hoping its not. I found creamy caramel color water in the bilge of my 3.0L Mercruiser I/O. So far, the information I've found on it, indicates that I have a serious problem with my engine block...such as a crack, allowing...
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    Merc/Alpha 3.0L Power Issues - Hesitation, Stalling, Shut-off & More...

    Hi All, would love to know your thoughts on this post. So I'm a newbie and have had my "new to me" boat in the water now for almost a month. Have had power issues since day one, but wasn't sure if it was me or boat. It's the boat. Here's the list of intermittent power-related issues...
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    How do I chose right prop?

    Hey Guys, I have a 2,200lb 18ft Bowrider, which has a 3 blade 19pitch prop driven by a Merc 3.0L I/O. It's my only prop and I'm we're supposed to have spares. So, I'd like to upgrade and keep current one as the spare. I'm told that aluminum is too soft, but stainless steel is so strong...
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    Chris Craft Bowrider or Crownline Bowrider - the choice is unclear...HELP!

    Hi Everyone, I was advised by forum members to go look at more used boats as part of my first-time-boater/buyer shopping experience, and now I?m here to report back! I?d love to hear from everyone. Below are my two options, both in similar cosmetic condition, seating configuration...
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    Understanding Outboard vs. Inboard Engines

    This topic has been discussed multiple times before, but couldn't find any current or specific enough - so here goes...how do they compare in the following categories: ASSUMPTION! Comparisons are of boats in near-equal size, weight, usage, age, type; e.g., 1998-2002 18ft bowrider under...
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    Visual Inspection of Outdrive, and - other advice for a 1st timer...

    I'm set to finalize the deal on a 2000 Crownline 180 BR 3.0L. After being advised by iBoat members and moderators that a dozen boats are not enough to look at before settling, I'm going to have a look at a couple more this weekend to see what else I can learn, even though no real interest in...
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    Screen Name Pics & Emoticons

    Hi All - being new to the forum, I'm wondering how to go about adding a picture in the little "ID" box next to my screen name...likely the instructions are right under my nose somewhere, but not that I've seen. Also some have Emoticons or Giffs - is there a library on the site to select from or...
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    When did Four Winns go with Wood Free Construction?

    Doing some brand research on construction methods as part of my used-boat shopping and wondering if anyone knows when Four Winns converted entirely to wood-free boats. In particular, does anyone have or know of the Horizon 170 or 180 bowriders, 1999 and beyond, still having any wood in the...
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    Heating the cabin of a Bowrider

    Just picked up my first ever boat (used) and wondering and enjoying this online community. Got an 18foot bowrider with convertible top. I live in Ontario and hope to be boating from mid-May to mid-October. Any ideas on how I might go about heating the boat's cabin, just enough to take the...
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    Merc. I/O Improvements & older 4.3L vs. newer 3.0L

    Boating newb here and enjoying the forum! Looking at buying a new-to-me used boat...very first and trying to decide between older 4.3 vs. less old 3.0. So here's a bit about the boat size and what I'll use it for: Will be 18ft and no more than 2200lbs. Bowrider, not looking to go screaming...
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    Editing Posts & Including Links

    I'm a newbie to iBoats. I've noticed two things: 1) only seem to be able to edit your own posts right after posting them - when you go back later after they've been read, they can't be edited...also, don't think we're allowed to post quotes from other "none-iBoats" forums, but posting links in...
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    What size anchor do I need?

    Hi All, First-timer here to the world of boating and to online forums! I just bought an 18ft 2,200lb Bowrider, and wondering what size and type of anchor is best. Also, how do I secure it to the boat (just tie it to the stainless steel hooks on the bow?)...since boat doesn't come with...
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    Tube Sizes

    Hey Folks - newbie here to boating and this awesome forum. Any thoughts on what size tune (number of people it holds) is best for towing by an 18ft, 2,200lb, Bowrider powered by a 135hp Merc. I/O 3.0L? Considering this one - thoughts...
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