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  1. JimS123

    Earrow Outboards.-

    I'm an Engineer and I managed (owned) a company that builds factories from parts sourced worldwide. (Caveat I retired 4 years ago) I have worked with companies that sourced parts from Chinese companies that built to US and Japanese standards. That was one of the reasons I retired - because...
  2. JimS123

    Trailer Build

    When a company builds trailers, they have some kind of Structural Engineer do the design and set the specs. When the rest of us buy old crap and modify it we are merely hoping for the best. I'm an Engineer by profession, so I speak with at least a little bit of experience. No matter how well...
  3. JimS123

    Junk Starcraft arrow

    If it was your Grandpa's boat and your Mom can show you a picture of you sitting at the helm steering with Grandpa, the boat is priceless and no amount of money to restore it will be wasted. If that's not the case, its not cost effective. Old boats are a labor of love, not something to go...
  4. JimS123

    Drain Plug Rot

    You have a 30 year old boat that is beyond its normal usable practical lifespan. It may require a total rebuild of the innards. What you have identified is a probable rotten transom. If that is the case, the deck and stringers are all probably compromised as well. You need to start...
  5. JimS123

    In search for a 17 ft deck boat

    Nice boat and you should be proud of your dealership. Give them more business in the future. Since you had a non-standard mod done on the trailer, they should have moved the axle as well. So, be sure you have enough tongue weight before you try her on the interstate.
  6. JimS123

    Name that boat trailer part

    They really aren't water tight. They will eventually let some water inside the frame, and then not let it out. Cover the wires with shrinkwrap sealer and leave the holes open. You'll be glad you did.
  7. JimS123

    Fixing holes in aluminum boat transom

    Put one on both sides, and put a bolt thru it. When it falls off (and it will) you will get your feet wet.
  8. JimS123

    1988 Mastercraft prostar $7,800

    SeaRays are nice. In fact, I own one. But one that's 35 years old and already needed to have the engine replaced?? Somebody did somting wong. It ran good last time it was in the water. Just won't idle and needs a carb cleaning and it'll be fine. (That;s like telling the girl "Don't worry...
  9. JimS123

    Updating the motor on an old boat

    After 56 or so years of taking care of outboard motors, I'm amazed on how little time and effort is required for the new 4-strokes. Sounds like you need to let Dad have his engine and YOU do the maintenance. If you and him get together and it turns out to be only 1 time on the water, it will...
  10. JimS123

    Need help choosing

    27 year old boats are beyond their practical life span. Condition is the most important factor. Both are overpriced, but that's what life seems to be these days. Without looking up that old Johnny, I don't know if its a 2 or 4 stroke. If its a 4, parts availability might be a problem.
  11. JimS123

    Cockpit cover

    No parts left for a 14 year old boat. Only a custom canvas shop can make what you need. If you think dealers are steelers, wait till the canvas shop quotes you a price.
  12. JimS123

    Boat corner cap protectors

    I have a Sea Nymph as well, and the corner protectors are cast aluminum, not plastic. Regardless, I can't imagine why anyone would take them off. My only suggestion is to buy some starboard and fabricate them yourself. They are not going to be available and a machine shop would undoubtedly...
  13. JimS123

    out drive gear lube

    I talk to to boaters all the time. Many do their own "service". I can't tell you how many times people tell me that they don't know enough to lube u-joints or replace water pump impellers. And bellows! - what is that? My comment was not intended to downplay requirements, but merely to point...
  14. JimS123

    out drive gear lube

    Get a seal leak and fill the lower unit with water. Then, coincidentally, have a bubble in the line so you "think" the outdrive is OK. So who do you know that cleans the tank every few years.....LOL. Pop the top screw out once a month and see what happens. Then you'll be sure and not be...
  15. JimS123

    out drive gear lube

    Suck out the oil from the tank located on the engine. Fill up the lower unit until it comes out the top hole. Replace the plug and keep pumping. When the air is evacuated the oil will start to fill the reservoir tank. Continue to fill to the proper level. You probably have air in the system...
  16. JimS123

    Boat cover needed

    Canvas for a 17 year old boat is not available. Go to a custom canvas shop and have them duplicate what you have. You in Buffalo? Foxy's tops is a good choice. Or, take it to any marine dealer and have their vendor do the work.
  17. JimS123

    Buying a boat that’s sat for 5 years

    Looks like its going to be a done deal. We all wish you the best of luck. Please come back in a year with an update on how much additional money you had to spend to get her reliable.
  18. JimS123

    Buying a boat that’s sat for 5 years

    Your own words disqualified this wreck. After seeing the transom cracks that should further discourage you. Book values for this boat in GOOD condition are between 6400-7400. So right off the bat the PO is off the chart in his expectations.
  19. JimS123

    In search for a 17 ft deck boat

    The boat in the picture is a 1984 19' Stingray. It lived in that garage its whole life and still looked like new after 35 years. The excellent service life of that boat is why I always speak well of Stingrays. Our new SeaRay is considerably higher and wider, although the overall length of the...
  20. JimS123

    Buying a boat that’s sat for 5 years

    The boat is worth -$6,000. In other words, if you got it for free it would cost you 6 grand to make it safely seaworthy. The guy let it rot and now has visions of grandeur that its worth money.
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