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    Battery, is one ok?

    Mercguy, have you ever tried to start a 115HP Merc Il6 with the pathetic rope they give you? I had no chance 30 years ago, when I was strong. Maybe your newer 115 is easier, as it is likely an IL4. Hopefully the IOP doesn't have a V6.....
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    Fibreglass boat floor replacement - do I need to use fiberglass?

    Gee, pour the foam before you install the decking. Use a long knife to cut the foam flush to the top of the stringers. Why bother with strategically placed holes that you have to plug? Then, lay some strips of polyester resin saturated cloth on top of the stringers and screw the new decking...
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    New to me '96 Evinrude 200, keep the VRO?

    The 4 wire VRO Pump (Actually OMS pump P/N 5007420) is the latest and greatest, and is worth keeping activated, IMO. However, I am not sure if your motor has it, but it is likely. Take a look at the front of the engine, with the air box off. The black pump in the center of the motor is the OMS...
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    Leaving I/O in water all year round?

    I had an I/O in salt water for 9 months a year, for a decade. Normal saltwater preventative maintenance was all that was needed, plus repair of the items that broke or wore out. Fresh water will be a breeze compared to the salty stuff. In freshwater, manifolds will last the life of the...
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    Battery, is one ok?

    Find a convenient place to mount a battery switch with positions off, 1, 2 and both. Set the switch to both and motor to your anchorage. This charges both batteries. Now set the switch to 1 and party as much as you want. if the motor won't start, set the switch to 2, start her up and set to...
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    Hydrofoil or Trim Tabs??

    How does it work with a lower pitch prop? If you get non-adjustable tabs or a hydrofoil, the nose will always be down. Not good on bass-type boats. You want to lift the bow for high speed.
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    1976 mercury 115 won't start

    Those ignition systems only have power to the coil, when the trigger fires. You probably cannot see it on a regular voltmeter. A Pico scope should see it. The CDIElectronics has a test for the switchbox, coil and wiring. If it passes that test, the trigger is likely bad. What shape is the...
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    Can 1150 merc 16' pull me up

    Yes, but 50:1 really makes that motor run real well. How many Merc owners lift the cold start lever to start and after it is warm, push it down and put it into gear quickly, to keep it from stalling. A good 50::1 mix cuts that down.
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    Can 1150 merc 16' pull me up

    Those motors were great for their time. Light, compact and powerful. They had some vulnerabilities. The cooling system (no thermostat), was designed to just stay ahead of the heat buildup. If the impeller was worn, or the motor was overloaded, it could overheat causing considerable damage...
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    Can 1150 merc 16' pull me up

    Whereas I agree that an older motor can still run well. That IL6 model hasn't been manufactured in over 30 years. To keep them running, you need to do your own work on them, of bring a mechanic out of retirement.
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    Can 1150 merc 16' pull me up

    17 or 19 inch pitch is what you will want, provided you are under 300#. An 1150 is a pretty old motor, last made in 1987. Is it in good shape? If so, it is a good ski motor as it has lots of mid range power.
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    1960 Johnson 75 ho

    That is probably OK. They were not high compression engines, just bulletproof. Are all the cylinders about equal?
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    Another VRO Question

    Did you check the main strainer under the airbox. If it leaks air into the gasoline line, too much oil will be injected. The main strainer has an oring and rubber seal.
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    4 beeps on 135 optimax

    You can look up the 4 beeps online, and see what it is. Water in the fuel is a possibility, as those motors have a water detector in the fuel filter. It sounds like you need an owners manual at a minimum. A service manual is probably a good idea, as repair is a lot different than a carb motor.
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    I/Os in salt water...

    I had an Mercruiser I/O in salt water for 15 years. I have had OBs in salt water for 20 years, so I have some experience. Cast Iron I/O engine blocks hold up very well to saltwater, but the stamped steel parts do not. So rust forms on pulleys, ring gear covers etc. It is best to hose the...
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    Bass boat paint peeling

    Is that about a 16 footer? If so, a solid color marine urethane could be rolled and tipped, and look pretty good for about $80 for the paint. The sandpaper, putty and elbow grease are additional. Brightside marine polyurethane paint doesn't even need a primer over fiberglass.
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    Rope Steering install

    Both of those adaptors are outrageously expensive, IMO. They cost more than an entire entry level R&P system, which is all you need. The adaptor is not that hard to engineer or make. Try strapping a piece of galvanized threaded pipe, with the correct ID for the steering rod, to your motor...
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    Rope Steering install

    That cable and pulley system is likely available somewhere, but I am not sure where. A rack and pinon steering system is probably cheaper to buy than all the hardware you will need for cable and pully, and a lot easier to install. Why not go with that? You will need an adaptor for that motor...
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    Bass boat paint peeling

    A lot of bassboats with metalflake finishes are just paint over solid color gelcoat. The brown/tan stuff that peeks through is primer. It will be difficult to salvage the finish of the gelcoat after sanding or stripping with chemicals. You will probably need to paint the entire hull to make it...
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    Bayliner or Starcraft? V-6 or V-8? Is 20' Too Large To Launch In Fresh Water River (Willamette)

    A 20 footer is fine with a V6. You should see 40MPH or close to that with that motor. I do not know the river, but expect a 20 footer would be just fine on most rivers.
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