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  1. JimS123

    Leaking fuel tank

    Yes, of course, that's OB Motor 101. It's also advisable to let the motor run when it's unplugged to drain "most" of the gas out of the carb. The suggestion was to leave the fuel line plugged into the tank. The unplugged fitting at the motor end has a ball check valve that will stop a leak...
  2. JimS123

    Leaking fuel tank

    Sure, buy the repair kit and do it right. Or,.....in the mean time leave the hose attached to the tank, but not attached to the motor.
  3. JimS123

    Trailer Rollers

    The only keel rollers I will ever use are the poly rollers that are "self centering".
  4. JimS123

    Extending my trailer bumpers

    What do you mean by "trailer bumper"? Are you trying to power load or winch it on? Maybe you need to post a picture of your trailer bunk setup.
  5. JimS123

    Grassl glass

    Another thread from years ago... https://forums.iboats.com/threads/boats-value.22986/
  6. JimS123

    Grassl glass

    Mr. Grassl owned a hole-in-the-wall shop a few blocks east of the Buffalo International airport. He made truck fenders for many years. In the 1960's with the surge to fiberglass boats, and with his expertise making FG parts, he bought 2 boat molds. If my memory serves me correctly, they were...
  7. JimS123

    removing paint from gel coat

    I don't dispute your findings. Certainly, "plastics" are not compatible. Nevertheless, most boating references suggest using acetone to clean gelcoat. Gelcoat is a polyester, which is listed on the Chemical Resistant Chart as compatible with acetone. I have cleaned many a painted name off a...
  8. JimS123

    Lake Ontario

    Lake Ontario is unique in that if you boat from the NY side it is almost always calm because of the prevailing SW winds. HOWEVER, it can be brutal in a north wind. The little tinny in my signature has been out on Ontario many times. It has never been a bother, but then again it was calm to...
  9. JimS123

    removing paint from gel coat

    If acetone doesn't take it off it's not regular paint. Buffing will take gel coat off as well. Be careful. Maybe try soaking for awhile.
  10. JimS123

    towing - engine in neutral?

    If there is no problem with water turning the prop, then wind should be ok as well.
  11. JimS123

    towing - engine in neutral?

    I've been pulling a raised kicker in neutral since 1984. To be exact, there have been 4 motors hanging on one transom or another, both Merc and Rude. Inevitably at no-wake zone the prop spins in the water. At plane, they are out of the water. Back in the day, (when companies actually had...
  12. JimS123

    removing paint from gel coat

    Easy peasy.....acetone on a rag. It will be gone in seconds. Depending on how long it has been on there, and where the PO stored the boat (in the sun, eg.) you may have to polish the spot because it will be much shinier than the surrounding area. Typical problem.....the old girlfriend dumps...
  13. JimS123

    Needing a t top

    When people sell their boat the T-top usually goes with it. I have never heard of anyone selling used parts like that. Custom made is probably the best. But there are companies that sell new ones sized to fit any particular boat.
  14. JimS123

    Convert 14ft aluminum closed bow to open

    THAT's the right answer. Plus, the deck is most assuredly a structural component. If the boat does not meet your requirements trade it for something that does. Butchered boats rarely turn out well.
  15. JimS123

    Lucky Day

    An old "engineer" that I worked under always used the phrase: "If it won't work right, get a bigger hammer". He also was big on adding new machinery on the line. If a post was in the way, he would cut a foot section out of it. measure the hole, and if the roof didn't sag more than 1/4" by the...
  16. JimS123

    Prop, or Engine Issue?

    Back in those days there was no XXX.com. BUT, the motors all came with an owner's manual which detailed everything you needed to know. PLUS, the dealers back them had been in bizness since the late 1940's, and all you had to do was ask.
  17. JimS123

    No lights on the Trailer there is but power at the Wires

    The power at the socket. If it's powered there the bulbs are no good. Also, I assume the trailer coupler was attached to the car's ball when you were testing.
  18. JimS123

    12' Aluminum V-Hull - Issues porpoising and planing

    Certainly, move needed items around, but never add extra weight. I fixed the same problems eons ago with a set of Perko "fixed" but adjustable trim tabs. About 40 bucks as I recall. But they don't make them any more. Last resort is a hydrofoil. Don't buy a whaletail, buy a Doelfin. Best 40...
  19. JimS123

    25 HP 4 stroke vs 40 HP 2 stroke???

    Over the past 6 years I traded in 2 older boats and upgraded to Mercury 4-stroke outboards. Not just the mains, but 2 new kickers as well. Never mind the capital cost penalty, I get it. Fuel economy increase, yeah. At any rate, all I can say is holly mackerel. They say, 4-strokes are dogs...
  20. JimS123

    EX Lube bearings on new to me trailer, how often to physically check bearings?

    I view these as being similar to Bearing Buddies. In the past I used to jack them up, squirt a few squirts, rotate and then it was good for another year. After about 10 years I read about all the horrors, so I pulled everything and repacked. Didn't need a thing. I was mad that I wasted the...
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