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    Vortec & non-vortec question

    Hey Guys- What's the difference between a vortec and non-vortec GM 4.3L motor? I have a '92 4.3L with an Alpha 1 drive and a 2bbl carb. I'm planning on changing out the intake manifold & putting on a 4bbl on it. How much work & expense is it to put a vortec head on it? Thanks.
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    Yosemite

    So we're going to Yosemite this June and would like to hear from people that have been there. I have two boys 8 & 9 years old and we like to fish, hike, bike, and just enjoy the outdoors. So...what're things we need to do and things that we can skip? Thanks everyone.
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    Fish finder advice

    Hey Guys- I'm ready to get a fish finder/GPS combo pretty soon and would like some advice on what to get. I plan on doing about 75% lake and 25% ocean fishing in California. I don't plan on going deeper than a few hundred feet or too far from the coast. I'd like something in color that's...
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    2 bbl vs 4 bbl carb

    Hey Guys- I have a 1992 4.3L with an Alpha 1 drive. It has a 2 bbl carb now and I'm going to replace the intake manifold and put in a 4 bbl. How much do you think I'll notice a difference on hole shot, top end, and fuel consumption? In case it matters, I run a 4-blade 19p aluminum...
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    What's a good fishfinder/GPS combo?

    Hey Guys- I'm going to get a new fishfinder/GPS combo and want to get a good one. I have about $600ish to spend on it and I plan on doing about 75% lake and 25% ocean fishing in Southern California. I'm going out for fun and to take my boys with me, so something fairly easy to use...
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    Building a pntoon

    Hey Guys- I'm thinking about building a pontoon boat but need to know if it'll be practical. I have a 20' runabout now, but have always liked pontoons more. I'd like to be able to pull a skier or two, fish, maybe camp on it, and hit a top end of around 50ish. I'd only put it on lakes and...
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    Visiting Channel Islands off California Coast

    Has anyone been camping or hiking to any of the Channel Islands? I'm planning on making a trip to Catalina and I'd like to visit the islands off Santa Barbara. Other than Catalina, are there places to moor a runabout for a day or two? How did you like/dislike where the island you went to...
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    Figuring fuel consumption

    Hi Guys- I plan on taking my 20' runabout with a 4.3L 2bbl Alpha 1 out to an island near me. The boat is about 2,800 lbs. and I'd have only me in it with maybe 200 lbs of stuff. It's about 26 miles and the water is fairly mellow in the morning & I'd be making the trip with a group. My...
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    Difference between outboard & I/O prop?

    Hey Guys- My neighbor just gave me a Quicksilver Trophy 22p 4-blade SS prop that he took off his BlackMax 150 outboard. It's in perfect condition without even a scratch and it was free. I have a 2bl 4.3L Alpha 1 Gen II with a chewed up 3-blade 21p aluminum. I get about 4200-4300...
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    Prop question

    I've had some advice on what prop to get for my 4.3L Alpha 1 Generation II drive. I had a 21p 3-blade and was only able to get about 4200 rpm, whereas I should be getting around 4400-4800. I just saw an ad on CL for a 5-blade 20p SS that came off an Alpha 1 Gen. II. Do you think it's too much...
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    Trim & tilt problem

    Hey guys- What would make the tilt work and trim not work & the other way around?
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    Broken Skeg - Alpha 1

    I have an Alpha drive & the skeg is broken. There's probably 25% of it left and is has a crack in what is left. How can they be repaired or replaced? Am I looking at a big, expensive repair or will I luck out with an easy fix? I bought a plastic skeg that comes with a big tube of glue, but...
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    Anyone Southern California want/need a fishing buddy?

    I don't have many friends that are into fishing so I don't have many people to go with. It's not quite the same when I take my boys out...they fish and I get to bait, untangle, get lunch, ... which is great to spend time with my kids; but dad likes to fish too. I'd like to go freshwater and...
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    Towing with my van

    Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes. I have a Chrysler Town & Country van with a 3.3L engine. According to the specs it has a towing capacity of 3,700. This surprises me as the van doesn't seem to be a power wagon. My boat and trailer is right about 3,400 pounds. If I...
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    Are OMC & Mercruiser props interchangable?

    I have a 1992 4.3L with an Alpha 1 Generation II drive. I found a guy on Craigslist that has a prop, but it's off an OMC. Will it fit a Merc? Thanks.
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    Upholstery patch

    My boat's upholstery is in pretty good condition, but it has a few small holes in high-wear areas. They are small and haven't spread & the rest of the upholstery is still soft and strong. What can I use to patch the holes? I'm think of something like the patches you had on your jeans as a...
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    Painting the outdrive

    I am going to patch a few holes on my outdrive and need to paint it. I imagine I need to sand any rough areas to make everything fairly smooth. What primer and black paint should I use? I'm sure Merc. has some $20 a quart paint, but is there something I can get at Home Depot or a boat store...
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    Name that prop

    I have a 4.3L with an Alpha 1 Gen II drive. After some talk on another post I'm going to change my prop to help out with hole shot. I don't know what size I have now and am open to suggestions of what I should take a look at. I've been told that a 4-blade would be a good move from my 3 blade...
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    Used a hydrofoil today - taking it off tomorrow

    I've been looking for a way to get a little more umpgh when I get on the throttle. I'm going to change props and even thought about a new carb. So I put a hydrofoil on to help the boat plain and get up to speed faster. Well, it sure changed the way the boat handled in a way I don't like; the...
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    Upgrade 2b carb to 4b on 4.3L for hole shot power

    I have a 1992 4.3L with an Alpha 1 drive. It has a 2b carb on it now and it takes a little time to plane. I'm not a small guy and plan on skiing, so the boat is going to have to work to get me up. Will I notice much power difference if I change carbs? Any other ideas to help with getting out...
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