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  1. JimS123

    Purchasing 2nd Boat: Jet or Stern Drive?

    I'm an old fart (don't call me an old fogie, though.....LOl). I've owned / run them all since the very beginning. I've been a boater for 67 years, and I've owned my OWN boat for 54 years. What I'm about to say is strictly my OPINION, based on the aforementioned experience. Plus, I may...
  2. JimS123

    I don't think this will buff out....

    I've been dealing with a "mobile mechanic" for 25 or more years. He has a house and dock on the Erie Canal. He will come to your house to work on your boat, or to your marina, or at your launch ramp if your marina won't allow repairs. He'll pull it our with his huge articulating trailer...
  3. JimS123

    Submersible trailer lights

    I currently use LEDs and have not had a problem..... yet. Prior to that I used sealed bell jar lights and never had a problem either. I used to always disconnect before they hit the water. My last set lasted 35 years on the original bulbs. Now I don't disconnect because I have brakes and it...
  4. JimS123

    Air don't freeze... RV antifreeze DOES!

    I used to change the car's anti freeze at the end of the driveway and simply let it run into the storm drain. I used to put the green stuff in the boat and simply let it run into the river when we re-commissioned the boat in the Spring. Then, after reading Al Gore's book I got religious and I...
  5. JimS123

    What model is my Starcraft?

    It's a Starcraft Seafarer. Basic no-frills utility. If it has a HIN on the starboard side upper transom, you can glean the year. Otherwise its an older model. Regardless, google recent model Starcraft utilities and you can get specs that will be close. BTW, looks like its missing the bowform
  6. JimS123

    What should I do with this free boat?

    The guy giving you the boat is a genius. When he found out how much it was going to cost to dispose of it, he started looking for someone to pay the expense for him.
  7. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    Only happened to me once. I admit it. He seemed like a good mechanic, but looking back I always seemed to have to spend a few extra dollars for yada,yada. Then, it was an expensive estimate. I crawled under the car and it looked OK to me. So, I went to a Chevy dealer for a simple oil change...
  8. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    Since the advent of ethanol gas, and with phase separation problems everywhere, there is no place in the USA that doesn't have the facilities to drain gas, whether it be a car or a boat. I realize some people might be scared to do it themself, and I respect that. I'm a computer guy myself, not...
  9. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    1/2 tank of good new gas + 1/2 tank of bad old gas = full tank of bad gas. Its like beer. If someone pies in you beer, it doesn't matter if it was a little pie or a half a bottle of pie, you don't want to drink it ever....
  10. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    No value here. If it runs on the muffs at the mechanic's shop (and it probably will) it may not run in the water after you leave the dock. Your carb needs cleaning and rebuilding. If he won't fix the jets, maybe he doesn't know how to rebuild a carb either. (I know very few that do know how...
  11. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    So, the gas just keeps getting older and older. If you're using E10 and eventually get phase separation, or if you're using E0 and finally get enough condensation from lack of use, then the boat won't run at all and then for sure you'll find a way to drain the gas. BTW, 5000 feet is considered...
  12. JimS123

    Wrong New Prop Or What?

    I apologize for jumping in here late in the game. I was just thinking about a thread last year and it got me wondering how you made out. So, I googled your screen name and came up with this new thread. As I recall, when you moved to the high mountains you could not find a mechanic that would...
  13. JimS123

    Moisture meters & used boats

    I dunno. It all depends how dry bone dry is. Regardless, if its a budget boat and the cost doesn't command a survey, and it's more than 10 years old and was built with a wood core, you can expect it to be rotten unless the owner kept it garage kept and dry. I am reminded by a boat down the...
  14. JimS123

    Moisture meters & used boats

    I have been using moisture meters for 45 years. Not the model you cited, but a professional grade. If the surface is at all wet or even moist, you won't get an accurate reading. The last time I bought a meter it cost $850.00. For 44 bucks you'll be taking your chances. Maybe contact a...
  15. JimS123

    what is make and model?

    Sounds like we have similar backgrounds. I remember my Ponch Tri-Power with great fondness. Later I had a Cat with a 400. Both had Rochesters, not Hollys, and both were factory setups. As much as I reminisce, the old days weren't the "good" old days. Tune ups every 1000 miles, constantly...
  16. JimS123

    what is make and model?

    What do you feel is the advantage to a 4 stroke outboard in the performance area? I am not wanting to start debate on here, but I just dont see it. I am open to opinions. Quieter, smoother, starts instantly, less gas usage, easy maintenance, don't have to add oil to the gas, can run at idle for...
  17. JimS123

    what is make and model?

    Getting the right prop isn't rocket science. With RPM and GPS data you can dial it in right the first time. If you want performance go with a cupped SS performance prop. Lots to chose from. The internet is full of opinions. Some good, some bad. So take everyone's with a grain of salt...
  18. JimS123

    Ruger single six

    A Single Six is generally a fixed sight model. The Super Single Six is an adjustable sight model. The "Convertible" model has both a .22 LR and .22 mag cylinder. To add to the confusion there are old models (3 screw) and new models (2 screw with safety transfer bar) available. May of the...
  19. JimS123

    Live well

    The 2 live wells that I have owned both had pumps to fill them. One had the inlet on the transom, thus would not draw water unless the pump was on. The other (a Whaler) had a scoop pickup on the bottom. The line was fitted with a ball valve. If the valve was open, water would draw to the...
  20. JimS123

    Inboard Engine Cover is Really Heavy

    If the cover is equipped with gas shocks, the shocks need to be replaced.
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