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    pump blows fuses--where to start?

    My livewell pump is blowing fuses; I crossed over to the bilge pump switch to verify and it's not the switch. 21' CC so the wiring leaves the pump joins with all the other wires and ends up under the dash on a block. No apparent defects but I can't see much; the wires in the bilge are out of any...
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    cleaning spark plugs with vinegar

    I read here that you can clean your plugs with white vinegar so while I have the boat on the trailer I tried it. I only have about 35 hours on the plugs and they looked OK, but the next day I had a big mass of floating gunk on top of the plugs. I guess I never need to buy new ones again!
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    Using the old gas, or diluting?

    In the constant ethanol battle I find conflicting strategies and would love to have the collective wisdom of the members: whether it's more important to keep the tank full or use up the fuel. In addition to keeping the gas treated (startron and ringfree), and changing the seperator at 50...
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    Ringfree going up and options

    Just heard on another forum that our local Yam dealer (who has always been on the top end, price-wise) is now sellnig ring-free at $55/qt, up from last year's $34. There are case prices locally at $35/qt and on line at $39. Then this came up: "Don't want to start a war here but I was told by a...
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    No Title-No problem--not!

    Just came across these great statements in different C'list ads as to titles; thought you all would get a kick. For a "rowboat" (10-12' fiberglass jon from the looks of it): <<<I don't really know a lot about boats, but my roomate screwed me over and left his boat so I'm selling it. $200 OBO...
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    2 stroke lubrication--how?

    I've been running 2 strokes all my 50+ years and this jsut occurred to me: I know the mixed oil and gas lubricates the inside of the cylinders and I suppose the valves. But the pistons rods and crankshaft are all moving on the other side. Is there anything inside the crankcase that lubrucates...
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    who'd overpower a boat?

    This CL ad speaks volumes. There is just so much wrong going on here I wouldn't know where to start: PRETY FAST BOW RIDER $750 If memory serves me,, this is an 83 i belive open bow cierra 18.5 ft boat. I have the title its just not with me as i post this add. It has a Johnson 225HP V6 outbard...
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    Warning: Frozen Bilge water dangers

    If you keep your boat on a trailer/lift in freezing weather, but take it out: watch out for frozen bilge water. First, drain your boat by removing the hull plug. Water freezing in a bilge or inside fittings can crack your through-hulls, sea cocks and pumps, and you won't know until too late...
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    jump starting and charging

    I read an authoritative-sounding article that said not to jump-start outboards, charge boat batteries while hooked up, or use the OB motor to charge dead batteries; all of this would hurt the regulator (Rectifier?). Didn't seem to make sense to me, although his explanations were convincing...
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    Bad Maintenance technique

    A guy told me that when he was used boat shopping, and out on a test cruise, he asked the seller about flushing the motor after use. He said, "I never do that; I like to keep the salt water in there so it won't freeze." My guy said he just remembered he had to be somewhere and went back to...
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    their SHT = my GDOD (jon boat @ night)

    I was out at a bridge tunnel near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay Saturday after sunset (HRBT). Dark overcast moonless night; about 35 degrees; water temps about 50. Saw two guys in a small jon boat with a trolling motor. When I was out by the first island, where it's deep and swift, saw one of...
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    20 amp fuse (start/tilt) wierdness

    continuing saga-1987 Johnson 70. The 20 amp fuse (that short little guy in the rubber holder from the solonoid) keeps popping. The line gets noticably hot. I have found that it pops when I get up to a certain speed (I see it pop by the fuel gauge going off). At first I thought it was popping...
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    PTT tube leaks

    1987 Johnson 70 with power tilt and trim; it has a coiled 1/8th" (est) tube on the bottom to connect the two hydraulic parts. It suddenly developed several pinholes, causing the ATF fluid to leak out and water to replace it--so it seems. I just got this used motor and I can't be sure the tube is...
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    suggestions for a beginner shopping for a boat

    In reaction to the reaction to the 10 Commandments, and from observations of people looking for boats that want conflicting features (including the size/price conflict) here is some advice I gave to a friend, based in part upon my own recent--and successful--shopping for a family boat. I hope...
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    death wish kayaker

    Last night while getting ready to come through the channel under a bridge (6 lanes wide) I noticed a ripple across the other side. Looked closer, and saw it was a dark green open kayak (maybe closer to a canoe or poke boat) being rowed by a guy in a dark coat and hat. The only light-colored...
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    someone signed me up for the no plug @ ramp club!

    I keep a boat on the trailer at times at a private boat club; just brought it back from the shop last week. Sunday I got a call that they saved it from sinking at the pier--I hadn't put it in and (come to find out) neither had my sister, who shares the boat. Apparently someone Friday night...
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    fatal accident--motor wouldn't start

    Not calling anyone stupid when there's a tragedy but this is where we share these stories. This weekend, an 18' boat was hit by a barge and flipped; one of four occupants killed (don't know if drowned but he was recovered right away). Occurred in popular fishing area with heavy shipping...
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    sin and redemption at the ramp

    Today I was pulling up a large (to me) boat that I've only pulled out once or twice--and I was solo and the wind was up and tide flooding. Had the boat tied to the far end of the pier--lots of room--and went to get the car. Came back to find 3 teenage boys just tied up a jet ski in front of mine...
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    loose hull plug

    I have the basic brass screw-in hull plug. I have tried several plugs and they all are now fitting loosely; I can now hand-screw them in all the way where I used to use a wrench to get them tight at the point where just the square end was outside the hole. Other than replacing the whole hole...
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    classic "barn find"

    This is just too pretty not to share. I have no stake in this; just found it when I was poking around CL. But you old boat guys will love this one: http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/1372809228.html 1959 Switzer all original "barn find."
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