My first boat

[7designs]

After long wait today I finally joined the world of boat ownership. I brought home a 1973 Tom Sawyer 160v Mercruiser 120 I/O. I love the looks of this boat, very classic. I have worked on cars and built hot rods all my life but this is my first adventure into boating.

My questions are:

1. The starter needs replaced. Does this require a special marine starter or can I go to local auto parts and get one for 2.5l Chevy and match what I have? If it is special does anyone have one for sale?

2. The prop is a pit chewed up on one blade so I am sure it needs replaced. Does any one no what size came on this boat or where to find that out? And does anyone have one for sale?

Once I get these problems fixed and give it a tune up then its time for a test drive. Woo Hoo!!!

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: My first boat

welcome aboard!

For your starter you do need to buy a marine starter. there are spark aresters in them to stop your boat from going BOOM. Same goes for the alternator. Iboats has them for sale also dbelecrical.com.

you should go on up to the adults only post and download the manual for your boat. there is a lot of good info in there. good luck

 

[danond]

Re: My first boat

Take the prop to a prop shop. Sometimes it's fixable. They'll also give you advice on size & pitch.

 

[7designs]

Re: My first boat

I found the pitch size of the prop and might have one lined out. How hard is it to swap them? Are they a pain to get off the shaft?

 

[mkast]

Re: My first boat

I suggest you download the maintenance manual, you'll have to eventually anyway.

 

[7designs]

Re: My first boat

I suggest you download the maintenance manual, you'll have to eventually anyway.

Manual? Where is the sense of adventure... your right, I will go do that now. LOL

 

[wellsc1]

Re: My first boat

A manual is definitely worth the money. If you're not working on your motor, the manual makes for some good easy-chair reading to become more acquainted with your motor.

That said, the prop should be a cotter pin or folded tab on a washer. Keep track of the order each piece comes off and don't flip things over. Sometimes, like Yamaha motors, the front washer is beveled to mate with the tapered shaft up front. Put adequate marine grease on the shaft when putting the prop back on to keep it easy to remove next time (i.e., not seize onto the shaft). A new cotter pin or washer with folding tabs is also recommended. They cheap insurance to keep the prop where it belongs, on the motor.

Now, be sure to get that manual.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: My first boat

The size of the prop should be stamped into the hub. I agree the prop shop is the way to go. They should be able to rebuild it for half the coat of a new one.

 

[kanga2311]

Re: My first boat

A manual is definitely worth the money. If you're not working on your motor, the manual makes for some good easy-chair reading to become more acquainted with your motor.

That said, the prop should be a cotter pin or folded tab on a washer. Keep track of the order each piece comes off and don't flip things over. Sometimes, like Yamaha motors, the front washer is beveled to mate with the tapered shaft up front. Put adequate marine grease on the shaft when putting the prop back on to keep it easy to remove next time (i.e., not seize onto the shaft). A new cotter pin or washer with folding tabs is also recommended. They cheap insurance to keep the prop where it belongs, on the motor.

Now, be sure to get that manual.

When I replaced my prop, the new prop did not have the same dimensions as the old prop. I had 2 brass washers and only needed one. Look at how many threads are on your shaft before you take off the prop. You need to have enough of the prop nut on your threads without going past your threads. Just pay attention and make sure it looks like it will work. All props are not created equal.

 

[7designs]

Re: My first boat

When I replaced my prop, the new prop did not have the same dimensions as the old prop. I had 2 brass washers and only needed one. Look at how many threads are on your shaft before you take off the prop. You need to have enough of the prop nut on your threads without going past your threads. Just pay attention and make sure it looks like it will work. All props are not created equal.

Good Idea. I will do that.