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  1. JimS123

    Maintenance costs?

    Winterizing the new 4-stroke outboards is nothing more than changing oils. Open a plug, let it drain, and then pour new stuff in the port on top. Gear oil is done in reverse. I just completed the work on my 2 newest boats. Four Merc outboards. Two bigguns and 2 kickers. I did both in my...
  2. JimS123

    Plastic Tanks are All Junk

    Download the gas tank supplier's catalog and simply buy repair fittings. You need the elbow and gasket. I just did that very thing with my Tempo tank.
  3. JimS123

    Locking outboard while boat is on the trailer

    The clamp handles should have a hole in the end. Tighten them so that the 2 handles point toward each other and then put an ordinary HD armored padlock thru the 2 holes. It won't stop a dedicated thief, but it'll make one less dedicated to simply pass it up.
  4. JimS123

    Store under tarp ?

    Tarps and shrink wrap are the causes of rotten boats. Use a canvas cover, or have one custom made.
  5. JimS123

    Gelcoat/Paint comes off to the touch

    A few years ago I sold my 1984 boat. We owned it for 35 years. I waxed it every Fall, and usually once in between. It had NEVER been buffed since it didn't need it. When i sold it the hull looked like brand new.
  6. JimS123

    Need suggestions for rear guides on a trailer...

    Funny thing. My son had that same boat and it lunched and retrieved like a dream. Of course, his Dad had 45 years experience and taught him well. 99% chance you have the trailer too deep. Drive it on and you won't have a problem.
  7. JimS123

    Gelcoat/Paint comes off to the touch

    Wooden boats require annual maintenance (painting). Unfortunately, some people think fiberglass boats need no maintenance. In fact, they may be low maintenance, but annual waxing goes without saying.
  8. JimS123

    Bad Gas tank design

    Doesn't sound too "luxury" to me. All the pontoon boats that I have seen have a plugged drain hole aft. The plug can be removed to drain any water that came in from damage to the tube. I don't know about having a bad gas tank design, but to me that surely is a bad toon design. If your tank...
  9. JimS123

    Bad Gas tank design

    I don't understand. Maybe you need to send pictures.
  10. JimS123

    Bad Gas tank design

    I don't understand your comments. "Third too"??? "Sit in water"??? Does the boat leak? Drain out the water. Use the bilge pump. Is this a pontoon with the tank on the transom? It has to have a vent. Fix the vent. Go to another dealer. You are getting bad advice.
  11. JimS123

    Bad Gas tank design

    Is it a red plastic "portable' tank? Does it have the EPA compliant assembly in the fuel line? The EPA valve is to ensure that if the tank pressurizes, no fuel will go into the engine and spill out. Any tank must have a vent or the engine won't pull the fuel. If my EPA tanks have the vent...
  12. JimS123

    Viibration

    If its a single cylinder engine, you have to expect some vibration. Tie down all the loose stuff. It shouldn't be loose anyway. If its a 2 cyl motor, check to see that all plugs are firing.
  13. JimS123

    Newbie alert. Tilt/trim question Help!

    It was an OMC add-on kit.
  14. JimS123

    Newbie alert. Tilt/trim question Help!

    My 70 HP 1976 Johnson was a bear to pull up. After a year or so, I added an aftermarket power trim unit. Since then EVERY outboard I ever bought came from the factory with power trim. If my 70 was a bear, I can only imagine how tough it would be to try to tilt an 85. I don't think you have a...
  15. JimS123

    " Prosessing " a donor boat. Best way?

    Part out what you want. Then put it on the front lawn with a sign "FREE". I am amazed how many boats like that I have seen and they are gone in a day or 2. PS - just don't give away any paperwork - you don't want a paper trail.
  16. JimS123

    Winterizing

    Oh, I got confused. This is the outboard forum. In that case, see post #3.
  17. JimS123

    Winterizing

    Is this an outboard?
  18. JimS123

    What happen when

    Call the AL motor vehicle office. They know the answer.
  19. JimS123

    Help Identifying a Dinghy

    It looks like it had a NY registration with part of it removed. It's definitely a NY registration sticker.
  20. JimS123

    How much outboard motors have improved.

    Yes, how much they have improved! I have a place I go fishing and the route is always the same. Part ways no wake zone and part ways open river. Over the last 40 years, here's a rough comparison: 2 Strokes: 1952 Big Twin 25 HP - 7 gallons 1974 'Rude 18 HP - 6 gallons 1970 9.5 Rude - 5...
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