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  1. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    The 1950's were the golden years of boating. When the Greatest Generation came back from the War many wanted a boat. We all grew up in classic woodies. Some of the oldie boats even survived. The 80's and 90's were the years of growth. The Boomers that grew up with Dad's 25 HP outboard now...
  2. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Yes, SeaDek is a closed cell EVA foam that sheds water. It is available OEM on many new boats today, but most are snap-in so that they are easily removed from a fiberglass deck for cleaning. We're on our 3rd season with a complete setup and I'll never own another boat without it.
  3. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    A buddy of mine had his 19 footer completely redone. He had a firm price quote from who he was told was an expert at fiberglass repairs. When they pulled the deck ALL of the stringers were bad AND the transom, (what most people would have expected). He got called back and the mechanic said...
  4. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Its good that they make so many different types of products, so we can all buy what our personal opinion likes. After owning inboards for 35 years I wouldn't own another. Outboards today are quieter, smoother and they go faster and use less gas. The boats today have tons of storage space and...
  5. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    There's a different story for every issue. If the same cover / toneau / bimini enclosure is used at home and at the marina, assuming the attitude of the boat is the same, why would the water intrusion be different? If the boat has a hull leak, that's a whole different story. A buddy of mine...
  6. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Another thought just came to mind.... You know, the gofasts with single 454's are becoming passe'. The noise of twin 454's with 4 transom exhausts are seen more frequently. However, the REAL head-turners are the graphics laden boats with multiple 4-stroke outboards. While twins were once...
  7. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Garage kept trailer boats are the ones that usually have good wood. Sitting outdoors in a driveway is no different than being tied to a dock. The key is keeping the bilge dry 100% of the time.
  8. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    We may be overly cautious here, but its because we see way too many guys buy a boat and then find out that the wood repairs cost more than the boat cost. If you're going to spend the big bucks, hire a marine surveyor to do a professional job, no matter what it takes to find one. Its better to...
  9. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Yesterday while drifting out in the river with the family a boat very similar to that came by. Verry close. With a 3 foot wake. It was manned by a number of 20 somethings. When I commented about the wake and that he was only 25 feet away, he just did not understand what I was talking about...
  10. JimS123

    First boat is it worth it?

    Its a pretty boat. Looks like a perfect fit for a Millennial looking for dates, or an old Boomer looking for a younger date. Just kidding. OTOH, its crazy overpriced. It's a 30 year old boat, so it will undoubtedly need some fixing, maybe even be a money pit. The low engine hours indicates...
  11. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    Yesireebob. No coincidence at all. All the boats I see being towed are 4-strokes, never a 2-stroke. But having said that, the guy with the 60 EFI must simply have a lemon. Way too many issues on the same motor. But since its still under warranty maybe the lemon law would give him a new...
  12. JimS123

    Ideas for balancing 12' Fiberglass Boat

    That's the ONLY correct answer. You can move weight around, but you never want to ADD weight, especially on a boat that's already too heavy.
  13. JimS123

    Can't get boat even on bunked trailer.

    This is all being over-thunk. A 2-speed winch hardly reduces the cranking energy, but it DOES make the job last longer. The OEM winch is not an issue. It's not rocket science. But it IS an issue with 75% of trailer boaters because the dealers don't know how to teach you, they don't watch...
  14. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    If we are talking about "little" motors, then just maybe there is a difference between them and the bigger ones. I only have four 4-strokes and they range between 4 and 2 years old. The 60 and 150 run so awesomely quiet with no vibration that at speed all you can hear is water rushing. They...
  15. JimS123

    Fuel hose lifespan?

    I also have 35 year old OEM Evinrude fuel lines that still look like new. The only line I ever had go bad were after market products.
  16. JimS123

    Outboard Lock Recommendations?

    Surely your motor is bolted on. McGuard makes theft-proof bolts that will deter a thief. However......if the thief really wants it he (she) will use a sawzall and cut the transom. Then you not only lost the motor, but the boat is ruined as well. Forgetaboutit. Buy good insurance and park...
  17. JimS123

    Trailer tires dryrotting again

    Trailer tires are a nightmare and have been for quite a few years now. But your story beats all of the horrors I have ever heard or personally experienced. If I were you I'd look carefully at you storage or maintenance procedures. Especially tire pressure.
  18. JimS123

    Boat and trailer Registration NY

    "Some" boats are titled. If so, you need the old title and a bill of sale and you are good to go. Otherwise, if you have a "transferable" registration and a bill of sale its OK. You will pay for the new registration and also a sales tax if it was from a private seller. Same for the trailer...
  19. JimS123

    Used 40hp two stroke value?

    I've been a boater for 67 years and have owned my own boat for 53 years. I collect and restore outboards and have 69 in my boathouse as we speak. Six boats complete the collection, although one is a dinghy so maybe that doesn't count. I won't argue about cost of purchase, but then again the...
  20. JimS123

    Mercury 20hp only getting 21mph normal?

    A Doelfin hydrofoil will certainly help you plane easier and the investment will certainly pay off. Buttt, it won't cure your loss of HP nor get you running faster. The caveat is that for a foil to work properly the motor height must be adjusted to optimize your footprint in the water. Add...
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