Good evening all. <br /><br />Just a few words. Been reading for a couple of hours and seems like a good site. Lots of knowledgeable people. One thing I am glad for, that the boat world newbies seem to be the same as the motorcycle world newbies. The stupid ones are just there to provide cheap parts for everyone else. 
<br /><br />Anyways, a little background on me. My Dad bought a boat many years ago (about 15). It is a 1982 Monark with an '84 Mercury 90. For the past nine years, it has sat in various condition ranging from garaged to full weathered. It has not been started in the past nine years. Four months ago, my Dad gave me the boat. Little did I know he wasn't doing me a favor.<br /><br />Now here is where my story takes a downside. Finding quality help around my area sucks. I don't have a lot of knowledge about boating. Matter of fact, many of the terms I have seen such as trim don't mean alot. Ok, off topic, back to topic. So the carbs were gunked badly, I figure the water pump needs rebuilt/replaced, cleaning all electrical contacts, (anyone got a free motor that works?). Boat is pretty bad off, but due to sentimental reasons, I won't give up on it. <br /><br />Well, upon review of the conditions, I realized my first issue was the carbs. I've pulled off all three carbs, stripped them, degunked (bowls were nasty), and have reassembled them minus the rebuild kit. Once again, difficult to find quality help.<br /><br />I know that the senior members on this board would love to help a newbie that is actively seeking advice and assistance. Equally a newbie who will state he knows nothing except how to pull the cover off the engine. And even after reading a few posts off this site, I don't think I will be launching the boat the first time by myself. But what I am looking for is a parts place that won't screw me, take unnecessary excessive amounts of my money, and will provide minor assistance with troubleshooting. On my bike forum, we have a "site sponsored techie" who either has the part, or can get the part, at a reasonable price. Does this site have a person or place like that here?
<br /><br />Anyways, a little background on me. My Dad bought a boat many years ago (about 15). It is a 1982 Monark with an '84 Mercury 90. For the past nine years, it has sat in various condition ranging from garaged to full weathered. It has not been started in the past nine years. Four months ago, my Dad gave me the boat. Little did I know he wasn't doing me a favor.<br /><br />Now here is where my story takes a downside. Finding quality help around my area sucks. I don't have a lot of knowledge about boating. Matter of fact, many of the terms I have seen such as trim don't mean alot. Ok, off topic, back to topic. So the carbs were gunked badly, I figure the water pump needs rebuilt/replaced, cleaning all electrical contacts, (anyone got a free motor that works?). Boat is pretty bad off, but due to sentimental reasons, I won't give up on it. <br /><br />Well, upon review of the conditions, I realized my first issue was the carbs. I've pulled off all three carbs, stripped them, degunked (bowls were nasty), and have reassembled them minus the rebuild kit. Once again, difficult to find quality help.<br /><br />I know that the senior members on this board would love to help a newbie that is actively seeking advice and assistance. Equally a newbie who will state he knows nothing except how to pull the cover off the engine. And even after reading a few posts off this site, I don't think I will be launching the boat the first time by myself. But what I am looking for is a parts place that won't screw me, take unnecessary excessive amounts of my money, and will provide minor assistance with troubleshooting. On my bike forum, we have a "site sponsored techie" who either has the part, or can get the part, at a reasonable price. Does this site have a person or place like that here?