Search results

  1. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    It wasn't "extra special", it was what was required. The problem is that not enough people understand that and that's why there are so many rotten used boats for sale.
  2. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    Or maybe you were smart enough to dry the boat out before you covered it. Freezing temperatures exacerbate the deterioration of wet transoms and stringers.
  3. JimS123

    Looking for trailer setup source

    53 years ago when I built my first boat I bought a trailer "kit" from Holsclaw. It had very detailed instruction manual on how to set up the trailer. The book got lost in one of my moves. I was also guided by a book I borrowed called "The Trailer Boater's Guidebook". The lessons learned...
  4. JimS123

    Spotlight

    Parts for a 25 year old boat probably went out of production many years ago. The first choice would be to view all the pictures of used parts on E-bay. Just be prepared to find parts that are corroded or pitted. When I needed to replace the running lights on my woodie I was lucky enough to...
  5. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    Actually, the older glass boats were much worse. The guts were made of wood and many of the decks were not well sealed to prevent water intrusion. Rot was common. Everything is a trade-off. The minor wood in Aluminum boats is easily replaced. You sacrifice ride quality.
  6. JimS123

    Why's the boat leaking?

    Don't replace them yet. Find the leak first. Bellows keep the lake water out of the boat. If they are leaking they will leak whether the engine is running or not. They usually leak worse if the drive unit is up. If you put the boat in the water and its not leaking until you start the...
  7. JimS123

    Buying a used boat anxiety-talk me down.

    The 15 year service life is merely an opinion, not documented fact. It's all about care. I've seen 6 year old boats that were pure junk. My last garage kept boat was 35 years old when I sold it and it was good as new. Nine people together on the same boat, with all the crap they bring, will...
  8. JimS123

    Why's the boat leaking?

    First, crawl under the boat and verify there are no cracks. Then, remove the doghouse, rear seats, etc - anything that will reduce visibility. Raise the bow of the boat on the trailer and drain all of the water. Then get down on your hands and knees with sponges, rags and a bucket and remove...
  9. JimS123

    Trailer Tires

    Personally, I think this sidewall story, ST tires, can't use car tires, yada yada is simply the tire manufacturer's BS to sell more tires. The last TeeNee trailer I bought (a tandem, btw) came from the factory with bias ply CAR tires. What could TeeNee have been thinking? I ran those tires...
  10. JimS123

    Water Leaking from transom.

    There is no such thing as "too high". It is supposed to go to the top of the travel. If it makes it leak it wasn't installed properly. I do a lot of my own maintenance, but I won't touch bellows myself, deferring to what I consider and expert mechanic. Even dealers don't get it right some times.
  11. JimS123

    Please help identifying 12 foot aluminum star craft :)

    Nice boat and nice family. Boats are like cars. You need paperwork, titles, yada yada. The really cheap boats that come without them are cheap for a reason. Have the previous owner give you the paperwork. If he can't, you should get the boat for free. The HIN should be on the upper...
  12. JimS123

    Water Leaking from transom.

    If you raise the outdrive too high and it leaks, it sounds like the bellows. Did you use adhesive when you installed the new ones?
  13. JimS123

    2001 Mercury 60hp Bigfoot

    A Bigfoot is basically what they call a Command Thrust today. It is indeed a larger 115 gearcase with different gearing and was originally designed for heavier slow-moving boats like pontoons. But today they are being marketed for many other applications. They are more durable, easier to plane...
  14. JimS123

    What’s it worth

    I've been a "collector" for umpteen years. I belong to all the collector clubs and go to meets frequently. So, I know a little bit about the market. For some sad but specific reasons I had to thin the herd a bit over the past few months. Nobody wanted anything old. I couldn't even give them...
  15. JimS123

    Trailer Tires

    I guess we all have different requirements. Once I ran radials I was anxious to go back to bias. Now the only time I buy a radial is when bias is not available in that size.
  16. JimS123

    2001 Bayliner 175 bumper mounting location?

    Yes
  17. JimS123

    2001 Bayliner 175 bumper mounting location?

    Your boat should have a bumper (or rubrail as they say) all the way around, so there should be no problem. For tying to the dock I put a fender a foot or so forward of the transom, one midships and another just as the hull breaks toward the bow. If you don't have cleats in the appropriate...
  18. JimS123

    Best manual stapler for replacing carpet on bunks ?

    ^ That. But be sure to use SS staples. Not rocket science.
  19. JimS123

    Trailer Tires

    If all you do is 25 mi/year at city speeds then you should have no problem. If at some time during those 25 miles you attain highway speeds, then you need tires of reasonable quality. Either way, the tires shown in your pictures needed to be replace many years ago, regardless of your speed or...
  20. JimS123

    Boat identification

    My gut feeling is its not a Chris Craft, But I truly don't know. Looks like some sort of kit boat to me, and not one of the CC designs. Post a question on the "Antique Classic Boat Society" and see what they have to say. Regardless, your registration papers should tell you what you have. If...
Top