Rookie questions

[gzittel]

Recently I purchased a 17ft bow rider (Mark Twain) Want to restore.
Boat and engine and trailer are in good condition. Needs some TLC. Cleaning etc.
I need to replace cables throttle and steering. Is this a job for a shop or should I attempt it. I am new to boating this is my first . I've been told Mark Twains were good boats. Are parts for older boats difficult to obtain?? Welcome any advise. Thanks for your time

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Rookie

Re: Rookie

Welcome to iboats.
Let me get this up to the Boat topics and question forum.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Rookie questions

I have a 16' Mark Twain. Not a bad boat. Get somebody that knows what they're doing to look at it closely before you put much money or time into it. Make sure transom, floors, stringers, etc are not waterlogged and rotted! These boats have been around for a while.

Steering and throttle cables are pretty easy. You don't need a shop, but you will want a manual (depends on your engine/drive combo).

Parts for the hull itself (windshields, plastic panels, etc) are impossible to obtain except maybe off Ebay. Engine and outdrive parts availability will depend on which engine and outdrive you have. Mercury stuff is real common, some of the OMC parts can be more difficult to find.

 

[oops!]

Re: Rookie questions

hi.....welcome to i boats......this is boat university.

you can do anything you want to a boat.....

the cables can be tricky......i would not attempt it with out a genuine shop manual......(not a seloc or other generic manual)

if i remember correctly....the cost is approx $250 to have the cables professionally done......

so the desicision is money vs putzin time.......after parts price....i think machanic time is 1.5 hrs for that replacement....@ $75 hr labor (approx)

so all you are really attempting to save is $125 mechanic time....(and the two weeks appointment booking time at this time of season)

if you get the shift cables wrong....it will be never ending frustration as the interloc switich will be mis aligned and the motor will stall going into gear.

if you choose to do it your self......there are many pros here that can walk you thru it........do EXACTALLY what they tell you.

cheers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: Rookie questions

heh heh heh 45 we're typin at the same time


gzittel.......45 is one of our gurus here

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rookie questions

before i say cable replacement is easy, i want to know what power you have on it.