Why Do We Do It?

[WillyBWright]

This thread is probalby in the wrong place, but it parallel's JB's Thanks post in the Johnnyrude section. Time to put the shoe on the other foot. For the sake of equal time for American brands I put it here. (Please feel free to move it if so desired.)<br /><br />This is for those that choose to spend alot of time here for no compensation giving free advice. What's in it for you? (I suppose I should arbitrarily set a number on what one might consider a "regular" ... say at least 100 posts. But don't let that number stop you if you're a new regular.)

 

[JB]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I don't have enough opportunities to satisfy my passion for fixing stuff with hands on.<br /><br />This place gives me several easy to very difficult troubles a day to attack.<br /><br />Very satisfying.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

its a relaxing way to get flamed

 

[prolinews]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I definetly appreciate evryones Imput on this site .I've got alot of time on omc's and little on mercs. owned a few small ones until recently got a v/6(fire damage post) .I love working on these things. when I was younger I took everything to the shop I was scared to death of an outboard engine. Those things were expensive. Got a little bit older the wallet got a little larger could afford to try it myself. It was already broke when I started. Made plenty of mistakes . Got a bunch of manuals ask a ton of questions .Wish I would have found this site a few years ago . thanks for all the help I plan on being a regular got 8 boats at the house only 3 are mine. The rest belong to my beer drinking buddies. I guess that's what happens when you change one impeller for a twelve pack. I'm glad I don't do this for money. It is fun for a hobby but I think I cringe everytime someone pulled a I/O into the shop. changed a shift cable once... yeah the one that runs through the boot... thanks everyone for your info

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I maintain a fairly large internet presence in the Mercury Inline Community, being on John's Old Mercury Board, Scream & Fly, the NNTP inline group, rec.boats etc. I discovered this place by accident and since it has a dedicated Merc board I figured I'd drop in. It turns out this place is a black hole, where more Merc troubles take roost than any other board. <br /><br />What do I get?<br /><br />First of all, I get to save a few that would otherwise fall prey to the dealer cleaver that sees the inlines as X pounds of aluminum. I also get to do pre-emptive strikes regarding detonation and de-carbing.<br /><br />Secondly, I build "Good Will" in the greater Mercury community, and people remember me as a the source of last resort when thier inline has them at wits end and the dealers wanna smelt it down. <br /><br />I'll note that since moving from NH to Lake Hartwell S.C., it's been tougher to participate as much online as I'd like to. I have only a dial-up here and we wont get broadband till sometime this summer (July?). So I have to "cherry pick" the questions a bit because it's so slow of a connect.<br /><br />-W

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Apparently I'm a masochist.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

It's winter and I can stay inside where it is warm--Bob

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Originally posted by INTERNETOUTBOARDS:<br /> Apparently I'm a masochist.

I have to side with this one. <br /><br />Also, Im an information junky, I learn a lot here also. Walleyhed had kept me up on props, and Im hoping that someday TheOilDoc will come up with something I dont allready know.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Originally posted by INTERNETOUTBOARDS:<br /> Apparently I'm a masochist.

Helter Smelter <br /><br />-W

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

When I bought my first ever boat and motor, the people on here helped me dispell some negativities that were present on our local boat forum relating to older Mercs.Such as.. Get rid of of it and buy a new Yammie... Or "You can't work on your own outboard.. they are too complicated"<br />Now that I've learnt just a bit more, I feel that I owe it to the site to offer some help to any newbies who are in the same position.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I'm on here 'cause I get a kick out of the discussions. I can resopond better to early '70s 'rudes but now I have an '03 Merc.<br /><br />I'm satisfied when a piece of advice is posted. The advice actually works and the RESULTS ARE POSTED.<br /><br />People helping People.<br /><br />I tell my staff at work to BE NICE. We are all nice here even though we do get a bit testy about oil...

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

ive only been a tech 15 years.<br />learning new things is my motivation.<br />rec.boats is a cesspit for bored middle aged<br />idiots that dont even own boats imo.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I'm willing to get crucified for stupid or wrong answers so that I can occaisionally ask a question when I get stuck. Who writes these repair manuals anyway?<br />Step 1-First remove engine from vehicle. (If I knew how to do that I wouldn't need no stinkin manual).

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

There is not a better thrill than getting and keeping an outboard running and to it's maximum ability... <br />Even if it's not mine...

 

[rolmops]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I was taught my engine stuff by an old man who has forgotten more about outboards than I will ever learn. This man, a millionaire,believes in old outboards and he believes in keeping poor slobs like me on the water by giving free advice and helping with repairs.<br />What I try to do here, is passing the gift that I was given, on to others.It is my way of honouring my teacher.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Before I die I wanna know EVERYTHING there is to know about boats and motors, and with the likes of IBoats and these TERRIFIC give and take Forums, I'm going to be a VERY old man when I go! Amazing how I go to bed knowing everything (I've been told more than once), then stop here in the morning and have to start all over again. I know I have a problem when I'm out riding around on the scooters, or floating one of the boats, and thinking, "I could be home in the shop "FIXIN" some darn thing.....Robby

 

[gss036]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I have picked up a fair education on maintence and repairs and feel more confident to do most of the simple things myself and pass along a bit of info from time to time. <br />Being retired, I would rather be here than watching a soap when I can't be on the saltwater fishing.<br />I have always believed a bad day of fishing is better than a good day working.

 

[DJ]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Boats are a passion of mine. Actually, anything to do with water activities.<br /><br />I believe knowledge/experience is something to be shared, not hoarded.<br /><br />I too, get a thrill out of seeing an "oldie" in top working and appearance condition.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

I am here to help people out by not doing the stupid things I have done.Many times (being self/book)taught I learned the hard way,and won't forget.I think those lessons are best,because not forgotten.<br /><br />But when I realize the parts department is selling a customer his 3rd Johnson flywheel key,I just have to go out front and explain flywheel nut torque to him.<br /><br />Also the greatest part is that ALL posters give information,and even after all these years ...<br /><br />I am still learning not to do stupid things.<br /><br />DHP

 

[montanaman]

Re: Why Do We Do It?

Most people here have more experience and knowledge than I. I try to help when I can but am sorry to say that isn't much. I have learned alot from all you knowledgable people on this site. I'm not sure why you do it, but I'm glad you do, Thank you!<br />And that goes double for our Service Men and Women. God Bless.