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  1. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Garage kept trailer boats are the ones that usually have good wood. Sitting outdoors in a driveway is no different than being tied to a dock. The key is keeping the bilge dry 100% of the time.
  2. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    We may be overly cautious here, but its because we see way too many guys buy a boat and then find out that the wood repairs cost more than the boat cost. If you're going to spend the big bucks, hire a marine surveyor to do a professional job, no matter what it takes to find one. Its better to...
  3. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Yesterday while drifting out in the river with the family a boat very similar to that came by. Verry close. With a 3 foot wake. It was manned by a number of 20 somethings. When I commented about the wake and that he was only 25 feet away, he just did not understand what I was talking about...
  4. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Its a pretty boat. Looks like a perfect fit for a Millennial looking for dates, or an old Boomer looking for a younger date. Just kidding. OTOH, its crazy overpriced. It's a 30 year old boat, so it will undoubtedly need some fixing, maybe even be a money pit. The low engine hours indicates...
  5. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    Yesireebob. No coincidence at all. All the boats I see being towed are 4-strokes, never a 2-stroke. But having said that, the guy with the 60 EFI must simply have a lemon. Way too many issues on the same motor. But since its still under warranty maybe the lemon law would give him a new...
  6. JimS123

    Ideas for balancing 12' Fiberglass Boat

    That's the ONLY correct answer. You can move weight around, but you never want to ADD weight, especially on a boat that's already too heavy.
  7. JimS123

    Can't get boat even on bunked trailer.

    This is all being over-thunk. A 2-speed winch hardly reduces the cranking energy, but it DOES make the job last longer. The OEM winch is not an issue. It's not rocket science. But it IS an issue with 75% of trailer boaters because the dealers don't know how to teach you, they don't watch...
  8. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    If we are talking about "little" motors, then just maybe there is a difference between them and the bigger ones. I only have four 4-strokes and they range between 4 and 2 years old. The 60 and 150 run so awesomely quiet with no vibration that at speed all you can hear is water rushing. They...
  9. JimS123

    Fuel hose lifespan?

    I also have 35 year old OEM Evinrude fuel lines that still look like new. The only line I ever had go bad were after market products.
  10. JimS123

    Outboard Lock Recommendations?

    Surely your motor is bolted on. McGuard makes theft-proof bolts that will deter a thief. However......if the thief really wants it he (she) will use a sawzall and cut the transom. Then you not only lost the motor, but the boat is ruined as well. Forgetaboutit. Buy good insurance and park...
  11. JimS123

    Trailer tires dryrotting again

    Trailer tires are a nightmare and have been for quite a few years now. But your story beats all of the horrors I have ever heard or personally experienced. If I were you I'd look carefully at you storage or maintenance procedures. Especially tire pressure.
  12. JimS123

    Boat and trailer Registration NY

    "Some" boats are titled. If so, you need the old title and a bill of sale and you are good to go. Otherwise, if you have a "transferable" registration and a bill of sale its OK. You will pay for the new registration and also a sales tax if it was from a private seller. Same for the trailer...
  13. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    I've been a boater for 67 years and have owned my own boat for 53 years. I collect and restore outboards and have 69 in my boathouse as we speak. Six boats complete the collection, although one is a dinghy so maybe that doesn't count. I won't argue about cost of purchase, but then again the...
  14. JimS123

    Mercury 20hp only getting 21mph normal?

    A Doelfin hydrofoil will certainly help you plane easier and the investment will certainly pay off. Buttt, it won't cure your loss of HP nor get you running faster. The caveat is that for a foil to work properly the motor height must be adjusted to optimize your footprint in the water. Add...
  15. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    A 29 year old motor that hasn't been run in eons, vs an oldie JohnnyRude that runs good. Personally, I want to spend my free time boating, not trying to resurrect something laying in someone's garage that has unknown parts to replace. But that's just me. I'm sure the japan motor is...
  16. JimS123

    1984 Starcraft CSS160

    There are wires coming from the engine. Follow them - they lead to the battery. Maybe it has no battery because someone took it out. In that case there may be an empty black battery box, or a red and black wire is hanging somewhere.
  17. JimS123

    Wheel bearings full of water

    I am also a believer. Back when I didn't know any better I also left my hubs untouched for 10 years. When I finally opened them up and found no water intrusion and perfectly shiny bearings, I was mad that I wasted the time to repack. OTOH, I don't think the relief valve hole works. Any time...
  18. JimS123

    AM/FM Radio Issue.

    If its fixed, OK. If not, what is your #1 priority? If you have an issue and both don't work at the same time, turn one of them off.
  19. JimS123

    Just Another Day on the Water

    "Owned my own boat for 53 years". Not THE boat, but A boat. The boat in question is on her 3rd season. Bought brand spanking new. The battery was installed by the dealer, and never removed yet because of an on-board charger that keeps her cozy all Winter. My bad for not checking the...
  20. JimS123

    Just Another Day on the Water

    This is my embarrassing story. I’m posting here just in case it helps someone else. I’ve been a boater for 67 years, and have owned my own boat for 53 years. I consider myself to be proactive and thus always prepare ahead. In my youth I did a stupid trick and lost power once. But the boat had...
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