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    EZ Loader surge brake coupler bolts loose

    I have a new EZ Loader dual axle trailer with a surge brake coupler. this type of coupler sits nearly on top of the tounge and is fastened by two bolts on the front and one 4 3/4 bolt on the rear. The bolts have worked loose twice now and I would like to replace the front two bolts with one 4...
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    Launching and loading by yourself?

    I may have to go out by myself if I want to get some fishing in this weekend. I have never launched or loaded a 22.5 ft boat by myself before and I am well aware of how busy a launch can be. I was kind of planning on being there early and leaving early. Besides not being able to start the boat...
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    Humminbird 597 ci HD DI readings at speed

    I've got my new 597 ci HD DI unit mounted and I've used it twice. I am still breaking in a new engine so I don't go much faster than 30mph or so. At all speeds it reads depth fine but at any speed above 15-20mpg the traditional sonar view fills with "noise". The DI view is more stable and I've...
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    Replacing power trim lines inside boat

    My new boat has a cracked crimped line from the power trim pump to the leg and it emptied all the power trim fluid into the bilge. I realize this is a warranty issue but I would like to remove it and have a new end swaged on at the local ag dealer (I live in the middle of nowhere). I only have 8...
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    This new Starcraft Islander is bringing me down on its first splash...pics

    I love boating. And I bought a new boat to enjoy my time on the water but I am starting to think buying a new boat wasn't the best decision. I have fixed: - glued loose grip tape on both gunwales - glued loose deck material - glued hole in deck - glued loose cuddy trim - recrimped new fasteners...
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    This weather is depressing...

    The spring was cold and windy. And there was frost, rain, wind into the end of May. All of June it has been very windy and raining. I can't remember any days that it hasn't been raining or very windy. I ride/race bikes so I am very in touch with the wind and weather. And its the weekend again...
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    Really dumb questions about "extra" bits on my boat

    What is this hose for? Its a long tube attached to the bottom of my 4.3 i/o. Is it an oil hose? I thought the oil came out the dipstick tube? And while I'm at it... What is this thing? My Islander has a 45 gallon livewell. Is it somehow related to that? And what about the brass threaded plug...
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    Lubricating 4.3 Alpha one Gen II engine coupler

    I don't know why I'm focused on this. Maybe because the operating manual states 50 hours or 2 months? I plan on trolling with my new boat and until I get a kicker it will be running slow after the break in. Is this something that can wait until our 3 month season is over? I have read that I have...
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    Running new 4.3 for the first time and Mercruiser full synthetic 20w-40

    I am going to run my new Starcraft Islander this week and it has the 4.3 i/o. I was planning on running it on the muffs for a few minutes before dragging it to the lake. The manual states to change the oil after 20hrs. And it suggests Mercruiser full synthetic 20w 40. Two questions. Will running...
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    Fuse panel on new Starcraft Islander?

    I am installing a Humminbird 597ci HD DI and I would prefer to run power from the fuse panel, if there is one. I took off an access panel to the console but I don't see a panel inside. The dash switches all seem to have breakers but I know there must be a master switch or panel somewhere. Any ideas?
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    Removing prop to run on muffs?

    I want to run the 4.3 merc on my boat before heading to the water for the 1st splash so I bought a set of muffs. The instructions state to remove the prop. Is this just the standard wording so the manufacturer isn't liable when someone chops of their hands doing something stupid? Or do I have to...
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    Avoiding boat rot?

    Since I want to keep my new boat for a long time I would like to avoid rotten wood. I have a new Starcraft Islander 221 i/o. Its a aluminum hull with a wood deck and dash. I realize keeping it dry and out of the weather is important so I bought a new Aqua Shield (Carver) cover here in iboats...
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    New Aqua Shield (Carver) cover is anything but waterproof. Tarp over cover?

    Had our first good rain last night and today so I though I would take a look inside my new cover. Water dripping from every seam. Water dripping all over the seats and instruments. Water everywhere. This is a new Carver Aqua Shield that I bought here on iboats. It is supposed to have excellent...
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    Finding the correct transducer location..and my fishfinder install

    This is probably the most important part of installing a fishfinder so any advice appreciated. I have a Starcraft Islander 221 and a Humminbird 597ci HD DI. Here is the transom. I've read the manual and it suggests the right side. And that's a good thing as there are fittings on the left side...
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    Proper sealant for transom hole (transducer)?

    I am going to be drilling a hole in my transom and the top of my dash this weekend and I want to have the correct sealant before I start. I have a tube of 4200. And I've heard the 5200 is very difficult to remove. How about the 4000? This would be above the water line and for the screw holes on...
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    My new boat nightmare.....Resolved!

    After unwrapping my brand new Starcraft Islander 221 I noticed a few "issues" with the paint, and a few gouged rivets. As a former bodyman I can see the starboard side near the transom has been repaired. Overspray, lots of dust and sanding marks. Embarrasing. So I contact a local (2 hrs away)...
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    After 8 months I finally meet my new boat!

    I bought a new Starcraft Islander 221 last September and drove cross country to pick the boat up. Unfortunately it was cold and snowing when I brought her home in October so I put the boat right into storage. And its finally nice enough today that I brought her home, again. There really was a...
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    Lowrance HDS-5 Gen2 or Humminbird 587ci HD DI?

    I am going to buy one of these in short order. Besides the better resolution, what else does the Humminbird do better? The HDS-5 seems newer and faster and shoots way deep. But I don't fish in a thousand feet of water. The Lowrance is $20 more and both take the same Navionics chip for Canada. I...
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    I am an anchor and line noob....

    After using all the junk rope that came with my old boat I would like to do it right with the new Starcraft Islander 221 that I will be bringing home as soon as the snow stops. Anyway, I have bought a 28 lb navy style anchor and 100ft of 3/8 nylon braided anchor line with a galvanized loop. The...
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    Raider trucks cap problem

    To make a long story short I bought a brand new Raider Nomad II topper for my new F350 last July. I parked this truck for the winter. About a month ago I noticed the trim at the bottom of the rear window is cracked. I notice small cracks originating from the bolt hole, so I thought I could...
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