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  1. ratdude747

    Process for changing boat trailers?

    Today I tried dipping my boat in the Ohio river... and I found out the city ramp is in fact very shallow at the bottom. So much so, that without pushing my truck (RWD 1984 F150, open diff) too far (past the concrete 4' from the water's edge) I couldn't get enough buoyancy to leave the bunks...
  2. ratdude747

    Best way to improve a short vintage swim ladder

    On my last outing, we had a bit of a situation where one of our passengers wanted to swim but was unable to get back into the boat due to the woefully short factory swim ladder (1976 Starcraft Montego): I'd like to mitigate this on future outings but would also like to preserve the vintage...
  3. ratdude747

    Are these old D!ck Pope Water Skis any good?

    (Using the word "D!ck" to get around the curse filter... as using the actual brand name results in "****" :rolleyes:) As part of a "free" 1976 Starcraft Montego 16 Tri-Hull Ski Boat I was gifted, I received several ski tow ropes and a couple pairs of skis. The ropes I've gotten settled out- a...
  4. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 69729 Alternator (888, etc.) Rebuild notes and info

    Been rebuilding the alternator out of my 1976 Mercruiser 888 (302) and wanted to note some findings and info that don't seem to be on the forum already. Also, I noticed that another member with the same engine may be having an alternator issue, so I figured I better get the info out there. This...
  5. ratdude747

    Mercruiser MC-1: is this play acceptable?

    While putting my outdrive back together (impeller replacement) I noticed some steering/trim play: It's a 1976 Mercruiser 888 (MC-1). This is a project boat that I haven't had on the water yet, so I can't comment on steering performance (it's a standard cable setup, no power assist or...
  6. ratdude747

    Newbie question: how do boating fees work at IN state parks?

    Idiot newbie question: how do fees work at Indiana state parks? I know about the $25 a year DNR lake permit. But as a first time boater, I'm confused on the other fees. I know there's entry to the park ($7 per vehicle per day, or $50 a year). But I also see annual boat slip fees ($60). Are...
  7. ratdude747

    1976 888 Fuel Questions

    I have a few questions about fuel selection/practice on my 1976 Mercruiser 888 The engine was designed for leaded fuel (per the tags) but also on one of the warning tags (either on the engine or taped the catalog, I can't remember which), they mentioned some exception or procedure for being...
  8. ratdude747

    Correct spark plugs for an 888

    Went to replace spark plugs in my 1976 mercruiser 888... And apparently I ordered the wrong plugs: The plugs I read were right are NGK A6FS. What came out is a much smaller motorcraft ARF52. The previous owner's mechanic (my best friend's dad) is a retired Ford tech... So finding car parts...
  9. ratdude747

    Prop questions on a 16' 1976 StarCraft Montego (Merc 888)

    Reposting something from my ongoing build thread that probably should be a post in this subforum. The boat is a 16' Starcraft Montego with a Mercruiser 888 (302). I've edited the wording a bit for clarity. Supposedly they were hitting 60mph in this thing before it was out of service; it had...
  10. ratdude747

    Best Battery for MerCruiser 888 (1976 Ford 302)

    Question: My 1976 Starcraft Montego (Mercruiser 888, carbed 302) had a group 65 Car Battery in it. I pulled that battery to put in my truck, as it's obviously the wrong battery, like a lot of auto parts on the boat that didn't belong and have since swapped out. I'd like to know what suggestions...
  11. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    New forum member and also a new boater. To put a long story short, back in September my best friend's aunt gifted me a 1976 Starcraft Montego 16 that they were the original owners of. It hadn't run in 10 years and had sat in a garage/barn. Died on the water with ignition issues (suspected...
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