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  1. JimS123

    Options for towing boat w a non tilt/trim small outboard (25 hp)?

    The worst idea. The tilt pin will make the engine wiggle, and eventually the up and down bouncing will damage the transom, no matter how smooth the roads are. Ask me how I know....
  2. JimS123

    Universal cover over factory cover

    The thing that ruins covers is the UV. So, a second cover is an awesome solution. The thing that ruins boats is a cover that seals in the moisture and causes mold and eventually rot. A quality boat cover lets the boat "breathe". Just be sure that the second cover will do the same.
  3. JimS123

    Is an aluminum steel prop better than stainless?

    As an inexperienced youngin I used to hit things too. Ruined a few aluminum (not aluminum steel) props beyond repair. Then, I learned how to not hit things any more. A friend showed me the performance with his Stainless Steel prop, so I bought one too. Better speed, better fuel economy and...
  4. JimS123

    Boat Check list

    We are a boating family. That's our thing. After trial's and tribulations when we moved the last time we decided to build rather than try to renovate as before. We built a garage with an attached house. I can back my rig in and close the garage door with the car still attached. No need to...
  5. JimS123

    Boat Check list

    One house I had was drywalled, so I cut out a small piece so the O/D would slide in between 2 studs. As long as the boat was very slightly angled the door would close because the door handle would not hit the tongue. The garage door opening was also 4" wider than the boat. That's where I...
  6. JimS123

    Looking to add a drain plug to a jon boat

    A "Garboard" is the first bottom plank on a wooden boat. They call the bronze drains "Garboard Plugs" because that's where they used to put them. I have installed drain plugs on 2 boats in the past, because neither came with one. IMHO, they work much better on the bottom. A garboard plug is...
  7. JimS123

    Boat Check list

    Trimmed up and it sticks out further. Trimmed down is the only way mine will fit in the garage. We inspect periodically anyway, regardless of how its trimmed. O/Ds should ONLY be trimmed up on the highway, or at anchor on the sandbar. That's a best practice kinda thing. In case you missed...
  8. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    Boats and bathtubs are opposites. Although both live in water one is built to keep the water in and the other built to keep the water out. No reason for a boat to rot. Not rocket science. Wherever it is stored, its not that difficult to keep the bilge dry and keep it covered with a...
  9. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    It wasn't "extra special", it was what was required. The problem is that not enough people understand that and that's why there are so many rotten used boats for sale.
  10. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    Or maybe you were smart enough to dry the boat out before you covered it. Freezing temperatures exacerbate the deterioration of wet transoms and stringers.
  11. JimS123

    Looking for trailer setup source

    53 years ago when I built my first boat I bought a trailer "kit" from Holsclaw. It had very detailed instruction manual on how to set up the trailer. The book got lost in one of my moves. I was also guided by a book I borrowed called "The Trailer Boater's Guidebook". The lessons learned...
  12. JimS123

    Spotlight

    Parts for a 25 year old boat probably went out of production many years ago. The first choice would be to view all the pictures of used parts on E-bay. Just be prepared to find parts that are corroded or pitted. When I needed to replace the running lights on my woodie I was lucky enough to...
  13. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    Actually, the older glass boats were much worse. The guts were made of wood and many of the decks were not well sealed to prevent water intrusion. Rot was common. Everything is a trade-off. The minor wood in Aluminum boats is easily replaced. You sacrifice ride quality.
  14. JimS123

    Why's the boat leaking?

    Don't replace them yet. Find the leak first. Bellows keep the lake water out of the boat. If they are leaking they will leak whether the engine is running or not. They usually leak worse if the drive unit is up. If you put the boat in the water and its not leaking until you start the...
  15. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    The 15 year service life is merely an opinion, not documented fact. It's all about care. I've seen 6 year old boats that were pure junk. My last garage kept boat was 35 years old when I sold it and it was good as new. Nine people together on the same boat, with all the crap they bring, will...
  16. JimS123

    Why's the boat leaking?

    First, crawl under the boat and verify there are no cracks. Then, remove the doghouse, rear seats, etc - anything that will reduce visibility. Raise the bow of the boat on the trailer and drain all of the water. Then get down on your hands and knees with sponges, rags and a bucket and remove...
  17. JimS123

    Trailer Tires

    Personally, I think this sidewall story, ST tires, can't use car tires, yada yada is simply the tire manufacturer's BS to sell more tires. The last TeeNee trailer I bought (a tandem, btw) came from the factory with bias ply CAR tires. What could TeeNee have been thinking? I ran those tires...
  18. JimS123

    Water Leaking from transom.

    There is no such thing as "too high". It is supposed to go to the top of the travel. If it makes it leak it wasn't installed properly. I do a lot of my own maintenance, but I won't touch bellows myself, deferring to what I consider and expert mechanic. Even dealers don't get it right some times.
  19. JimS123

    Please help identifying 12 foot aluminum star craft :)

    Nice boat and nice family. Boats are like cars. You need paperwork, titles, yada yada. The really cheap boats that come without them are cheap for a reason. Have the previous owner give you the paperwork. If he can't, you should get the boat for free. The HIN should be on the upper...
  20. JimS123

    Water Leaking from transom.

    If you raise the outdrive too high and it leaks, it sounds like the bellows. Did you use adhesive when you installed the new ones?
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