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    (Re)Naming a new to me used boat…

    I’m well aware of the superstition of changing a boat’s name, but I can’t find any signs this boat ever had one. At least that was physically attached to it. What is the common wisdom in these cases? Is it possible it never got one because it’s “just” an 18’ bowrider? I’m not a hugely...
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    Custom dash companies?

    Anyone have one they have worked with that they can recommend? I'm looking for someone that can either read or know the dimensions on my current gauges insert and work with me to create a new hybrid panel I can move my gauges and new chart plotter into. Google shows a few places out there...
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    Lake boat sizes: Is there a trailerable sweet spot?

    I’m curious what size lake boats you old timers like for cruising around and occasional water sports. I’m enjoying this 18’ bowrider with 4.3l sterndrive. However, we get a lot of windy days here and I’m thinking about something longer next time. (edit: I have a 1500 class pickup and don't mind...
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    Anyone running the new 4.5?

    Pretty neat packaging on that one. Especially putting the oil filter up top. Looks to be a lot more maintenance friendly.
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    Need help locating serpentine belt part number

    Hey Guys, The numbers on the existing belt have just about all worn off and I'm not seeing one listed in the merc maintenance book. I've tried looking on a parts fiche and there's several options listed. Just trying to make sure I order the right one. This is a 4.3 TKS with power steering and...
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    Solving inaccurate tachs?

    So my 20 year old boat has Faria gauges that mostly work okay. If I were to get a new rpm gauge and assuming everything is wired up correctly, would that then show a vaguely correct reading? Or would I need to look for more of an enthusiast/racing brand gauge to do that? (I'm aware of the engine...
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    Managed to brick a new Garmin 93SV

    So I picked up one of these from Cabelas last week on sale and bricked it the same day. I used brand new sandisk sd cards and everything was done on a spare battery next to my computer indoors that is on a UPS. 1) Updated Garmin OS - went fine. 2) Downloaded updated lakevu maps using Garmin...
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    Carbed 4.3 timing adjustment sanity check

    Hey Guys, Recently picked up some dieseling, so wanted to make sure the timing was right. Am I missing something on setting the timing on this guy? The factory manual came in and was unclear as to the actual timing marks. I followed the grounding purple wire, checking rpm and had a valid...
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    18' 190hp bowrider nicked prop upgrade

    Hello All, New to me boat with a couple of nicks in the prop so I want to get that swapped out. It's a three blade aluminum 14x23P and I'd like to try out a stainless. I'm on a large and deep freshwater lake with good charts so a bottom strike is remote. 1) Performance issue you are trying to...
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    Chartplotter with gauges and future expansion for a lake boat?

    I’ve got an 18’ bowrider with stern drive on Lake Hartwell. It’s got a basic depthfinder now and I’m looking for more capabilities. Fishing will come later but I am mainly interested in good autorouting and charts. I also want to have the engine meters, fuel flow, etc. to better watch for...
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    03 Bayliner 185 with Merc 4.3, random beeping

    This is weird. All of the gauges work and look normal. But while underway and at random times, there is an occasional short beep from the dash. Sometimes it will repeat or go away as soon as it starts. This is while cruising under 3k rpm and with the trim all the way down to rule out thermal...
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    03 4.3 carb and manifolds

    Hey guys, I've been crawling around on the board here and getting a lot of great info. I've just picked up an 03 Bayliner 185 with the 4.3 and it has about 400 hours on it. I got it from a dealer and it's in outstanding shape. The previous owner(s) clearly took great care of it. I took it out...
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