Bought my first boat today..

[Dlt98815]

So, like the title says I bought my first boat today. I think I've bitten of more than I can chew... the actual boat isn't in bad shape the only thing it needs is a small section of floor replaced... but the motor is another story.. it is a mercruser model mcm 120 it doesn't start for 1 and for 2 I have no idea what half of the stuff is... i did most of what I've read changed the spark plugs and oil checked for water in the gear box and fishing line in the prop and everything looks good... so I hook up a battery and turn on the water and it won't even crank it just clicks once... I manually turned the motor so I know it isn't locked up... can anyone give me some advice on what I can do? I'll post some pictures shortly of the parts that I don't know what they are

 

[flipbro]

I think u may be write about biting off more than u want. A section off rotten deak ussuly meens a fully rotten boat

 

[Dlt98815]

i only paid 125 dollars for the boat and trailer so I'm not worried at all about putting money into it

 

[Big Gee]

Congratulations on your new to you boat purchase and welcome aboard! :welcome:

Those with detailed troubleshooting steps will be able to provide specifics, in the mean time, start checking connections at the battery, starter and solenoid, including ground connections and post those pictures when you can.

 

[Dlt98815]

It won't let me post pics But the thing has white tubes coming from it they look like the type of tubes you would see on the back of a dryer

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard, Dlt.

You can add pictures now. You needed to have 3 or more posts. Click on the Forum Help in the sig below for help with adding pics.

Your Maytag hoses are for the bilge fresh air venting system with a blower.

 

[SeaDooSam]

If it clicks then it may be a starting solenoid? When you turned the engine do you mean by the propellor? Because of the engine is in neutral the propellor should spin regardless

 

[Bayou Dave]

Make sure the battery is fully charged.

 

[hotdog atw]

Congrats on your new boat/project. Its good to have the iboats form to help us

 

[Maranvin]

Congrats on the new boat. I like hearing stories of people joining in. One thing I'd recommend is taking a coast Guard safety course.

 

[thumpar]

It could be a dead battery, poor connection, bad solenoid or bad starter. You can try jumping it off a car.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Boats are pretty notorious for getting corrosion on electrical connections, especially ground connections. If you end up knowing you have sufficient battery power, next thing is to start unbolting and wire brushing clean all the battery connections.

Rick

 

[jakehorton15]

If you can't charge up your current battery you could use the battery out of your car or truck just to be able to eliminate or prove that a bad battery is your problem. Regardless it's still a good idea to wire brush all your battery and starter wire terminals and steel wool them down to fresh copper.

 

[Dlt98815]

It was the solenoid I replaced it cranked still haven't gotten it to run but I'll get her there! I also ended up buying another boat today it's a 87 Baja with a Johnson 175 outboard couldn't turn it down for 200 dollars

 

[Dlt98815]

[No message]

 

[Dlt98815]

No Title

I know that the tube on the side goes to the carb but I need to know what it is... also does anyone know what the green stuff is on the top of the tube

 

[Dlt98815]

No Title

Also trying to figure out what this drain hole is for... I know the one in the back of the boat is for the bildge pump... but this one sits pretty low and seems like it would let water in... does this need to have a plug in it? Or is it for another pump or something?

 

[thumpar]

The tubing that looks green is the sight tube. It goes from the fuel pump to the carb. If the diaphragm in the pump goes bad the extra fuel is pumped into the carb instead of into the bilge. It is green from old age.

 

[Dlt98815]

Any idea what that drain hole in the other picture is?

 

[Bayou Dave]

Does your boat have a livewell? If so, that could be the drain for it. Look for some sort of a hose inside the boat above that fitting and follow it.