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  1. JimS123

    Is Hull fixable

    If the boat were free I would have a local welder put patches over the holes to be sure it didn't leak. Then I would put on a 9.9 and use it as a canal boat for fishing. In other words, I would never try to plane it.
  2. JimS123

    Need seat recommendations

    Never personally had either one. Always bought Wise brand. The highbacks are comfortable. They make every style imaginable.
  3. JimS123

    Lot more new boaters and large wakes?

    The boating boom of the late 1980's made the waterways a bit crowded. Then things slowed down a bit. Covid caused another boom and now the waters are tooooo crowded. We never boated on a holiday anyway, but now we refuse to go out on weekends as well.
  4. JimS123

    Can anyone identify this older 16' Crestliner?

    By the looks of the condition, it certainly is a "project". While the boat can be rebuilt for a moderate amount of money, the engine could end up costing you more than the whole thing is worth. When people abandon a boat that used to be nice for that length of time, there is probably a reason.
  5. JimS123

    Boat will not plain fast

    You need new props. Ones that are suited for the passenger load you need to have. Your boat should literally jump out of the water, and it certainly be made to do just that.
  6. JimS123

    changing from 2.07 to 2.38 gear ratio on a new motor

    Make your dealer sign and notarize a written statement that he will honor the warranty after he makes the change. If it were me, I'd simply use the standard gearcase. There are props that will do the job as long as you get the needed data. Regardless, I would not trust anyone to change the...
  7. JimS123

    Best boat trailer lights

    Many say that a ground wire is needed to each light. I never did that. Maybe I should have. Nevertheless, I have had several trailers equipped with OEM Wesbar bell jar lights. The last one was 35 years old and I never replaced a bulb. Other trailers with "water proof" lights last only 4-5...
  8. JimS123

    Where I can find information on what type of wood. size and how to go about making new trim around my boat? I just put a new plywood deck,

    I assumed it was wood and that you replaced it. Now I don't have another suggestion.
  9. JimS123

    Best Outboard Today

    I personally own 4 Mercury 4-strokes. They have all been 100% flawless. In my neighborhood there is one Honda dealer (idiot mechanics), one Yamaha (awesome guy but overloaded with customers), one Tohatsu (won't handle anything above 15 HP) and NONE of the other brands. There are 15 Mercury...
  10. JimS123

    Starting a jet boat out of water

    The Winterizing procedure calls for 3 throttle "pushes" to expel water that could freeze. When I do it, I may run the engine for 5-7 seconds. Running without water for 30 seconds would make me cringe. The possible problem is overheating. Besides, what would be the purpose of running it that...
  11. JimS123

    Will dealers still deal on new boats?

    For years Boston Whaler had mandated that dealers be quite far apart regionally so there is no price competition. As such, sticker price is expected. If you want a premium boat, don't expect to get a "deal". Also, don't expect to pay ONLY the sticker price. Dealer prep is an add-on. The...
  12. JimS123

    Starting a jet boat out of water

    One other comment to add. Before starting the engine, spray the impeller and wear wing with water. That procedure is also in the manual.
  13. JimS123

    Will dealers still deal on new boats?

    My Whaler uses about 4 gallons for each fishing trip, or lets say 20 bucks. My Searay family boat uses about 7 gallons for our typical Sunday, or about 35 bucks. Add beer and pop to that, plus a pizza delivered to the dock and we're at about 60 bucks. A family dinner (just the 2 of us) at our...
  14. JimS123

    Batteries status after winter storage

    My batteries self discharge about 10% every month. My regimen is to recharge monthly all Winter. When I put them back in service they are 100%. When I take them put of service in the fall, they are usually about 95%. If I disconnected them in the Fall and they were at 80%, I would have...
  15. JimS123

    Where I can find information on what type of wood. size and how to go about making new trim around my boat? I just put a new plywood deck,

    Painted trim would be oak. Varnished would be mahogany. Decorative would be teak. I guess you need to plane or route out the transom to,about 1.5" where the motor goes.
  16. JimS123

    Elgin 5HP motor

    Show us the year, HP, model number and / or a picture and we can answer your question.
  17. JimS123

    Starting a jet boat out of water

    The Owner's manual for the engine(s) should show the port for a water hose pickup. If you don't have the manual, buy one. Jets are an entity all in themselves. Sending water to the engine with it not running can send water to the cylinders and thus hydrolock the engine and thus turn a good...
  18. JimS123

    Does EFI solve the hard start/cranking issue?

    The Lark's electric lines that ran between the powerhead and the lower unit were routed along the exhaust tube. They burned out every other year. After the second time OMC would not warrant a 3rd replacement. When the wires disintegrated it would not allow you to shift. The first burnout...
  19. JimS123

    Making extra step for ladder

    Many years ago I wanted to add another step to my ladder. I found a kit that did that very thing. It had a SS "loop" that fit round the bottom step, and thus would extend it. When folded up it fit nicely with the existing ladder. Sorry, about 46 years ago so I can't provide part numbers. I...
  20. JimS123

    Does EFI solve the hard start/cranking issue?

    Dunno. I had a '68 Lark 40 and a '70 Triumph 60. Both were a pita.
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