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  1. JimS123

    Why do deep cycle batteries seem to lose charge so quick?

    That was true in 1952, but modern battery technology has made that fact obsolete.
  2. JimS123

    What am I missing here?

    I thought the "book" said to remove prop, grease splines, etc. as part of the annual maintenance. It should have been easily detected. I assumed the hub and washer were simply removed before the pic was taken. If they were not installed in the first place, wouldn't the prop have waddled and...
  3. JimS123

    Fixer Upper

    Early MFGs were extremely rot prone. Many didn't last very long. The company recognized that and made major changes in hull construction. All wood was eliminated sometime in the 1960's I believe. If the boat in question is truly a 1970's model, my guess is that its all glass and other than...
  4. JimS123

    Why do deep cycle batteries seem to lose charge so quick?

    Sounds to me like there's nothing wrong. If they drop below 12 in 2 weeks or don't reach 12.7 after charging, then you know the battery needs to be replaced.
  5. JimS123

    Buying a boat that’s sat for 5 years

    The best boats any of my friends bought were from old ladies. After you get he in the water and have a good test, be sure to call her and offer a a ride. Maybe she has a hot daughter (or Grand daughter). If you are married, forget my idea.
  6. JimS123

    Trailer Build

    And we value your opinion of course. Nevertheless, my experience has been different. Of course, I have only dealt with nationally advertised trailer manufacturers, not Bubba in East Podunk that sells trailers out of a warehouse with non-certified welders. If a manufacturer has no Engineer on...
  7. JimS123

    Earrow Outboards.-

    I'm an Engineer and I managed (owned) a company that builds factories from parts sourced worldwide. (Caveat I retired 4 years ago) I have worked with companies that sourced parts from Chinese companies that built to US and Japanese standards. That was one of the reasons I retired - because...
  8. JimS123

    Trailer Build

    When a company builds trailers, they have some kind of Structural Engineer do the design and set the specs. When the rest of us buy old crap and modify it we are merely hoping for the best. I'm an Engineer by profession, so I speak with at least a little bit of experience. No matter how well...
  9. JimS123

    Junk Starcraft arrow

    If it was your Grandpa's boat and your Mom can show you a picture of you sitting at the helm steering with Grandpa, the boat is priceless and no amount of money to restore it will be wasted. If that's not the case, its not cost effective. Old boats are a labor of love, not something to go...
  10. JimS123

    Drain Plug Rot

    You have a 30 year old boat that is beyond its normal usable practical lifespan. It may require a total rebuild of the innards. What you have identified is a probable rotten transom. If that is the case, the deck and stringers are all probably compromised as well. You need to start...
  11. JimS123

    In search for a 17 ft deck boat

    Nice boat and you should be proud of your dealership. Give them more business in the future. Since you had a non-standard mod done on the trailer, they should have moved the axle as well. So, be sure you have enough tongue weight before you try her on the interstate.
  12. JimS123

    Name that boat trailer part

    They really aren't water tight. They will eventually let some water inside the frame, and then not let it out. Cover the wires with shrinkwrap sealer and leave the holes open. You'll be glad you did.
  13. JimS123

    Fixing holes in aluminum boat transom

    Put one on both sides, and put a bolt thru it. When it falls off (and it will) you will get your feet wet.
  14. JimS123

    1988 Mastercraft prostar $7,800

    SeaRays are nice. In fact, I own one. But one that's 35 years old and already needed to have the engine replaced?? Somebody did somting wong. It ran good last time it was in the water. Just won't idle and needs a carb cleaning and it'll be fine. (That;s like telling the girl "Don't worry...
  15. JimS123

    Updating the motor on an old boat

    After 56 or so years of taking care of outboard motors, I'm amazed on how little time and effort is required for the new 4-strokes. Sounds like you need to let Dad have his engine and YOU do the maintenance. If you and him get together and it turns out to be only 1 time on the water, it will...
  16. JimS123

    Need help choosing

    27 year old boats are beyond their practical life span. Condition is the most important factor. Both are overpriced, but that's what life seems to be these days. Without looking up that old Johnny, I don't know if its a 2 or 4 stroke. If its a 4, parts availability might be a problem.
  17. JimS123

    Cockpit cover

    No parts left for a 14 year old boat. Only a custom canvas shop can make what you need. If you think dealers are steelers, wait till the canvas shop quotes you a price.
  18. JimS123

    Boat corner cap protectors

    I have a Sea Nymph as well, and the corner protectors are cast aluminum, not plastic. Regardless, I can't imagine why anyone would take them off. My only suggestion is to buy some starboard and fabricate them yourself. They are not going to be available and a machine shop would undoubtedly...
  19. JimS123

    out drive gear lube

    I talk to to boaters all the time. Many do their own "service". I can't tell you how many times people tell me that they don't know enough to lube u-joints or replace water pump impellers. And bellows! - what is that? My comment was not intended to downplay requirements, but merely to point...
  20. JimS123

    out drive gear lube

    Get a seal leak and fill the lower unit with water. Then, coincidentally, have a bubble in the line so you "think" the outdrive is OK. So who do you know that cleans the tank every few years.....LOL. Pop the top screw out once a month and see what happens. Then you'll be sure and not be...
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