pulled the trigger!!!

[stubbsboogie]

So for better or worse I have given up on retaining an OB and "Gasp" I bought an I/O.

2006 Rinker Captiva 192. Boat is in pristine condition, I mean perfect!
4.3 merc. Alpha one drive. All maintence done at dealer with reciepts. Dealer says never had to fix anything only scheduled stuff. NO salt water whatsoever We are very excited about her but I am Very nervous about the I/O aspect of this one.

I have been told the key to them is maintenence and more maintenence. Anyone have any specifics or tips for me.

I am reading madly away for the next two weeks before we can go and pick her up, trying to learn all I can about I/Os.

Here are a couple pics from the day we met her.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m310/stubbs_04/IMG_1054.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m310/stubbs_04/IMG_1043.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m310/stubbs_04/IMG_1033.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m310/stubbs_04/IMG_1053.jpg

 

[ziggy]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

congrats on your new boat. get the mercruiser service manual for your engine/drive package. it'll likely have a periodic maint. chart with the specifics in it that you'll be able to follow..

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

NICE!!!!That baby should scoot with that 4.3 .

 

[ezmobee]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Very posh.....

 

[musella]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

You are going to love it!

I was an outboard owner for 30 years before I got my current boat, which is a stern drive. I was hesitant to make the plunge also. But glad I did.
It is nice not to have a huge engine hanging on the transom, getting in the way when fishing, skiing or tubing! It is hidden away as it should be. It is just as maneuverable as an outboard.

Luckily, you have a trailer, but if you wet slip it, just know you will probably have to haul it to clean the bottom mid season, since junk grows on the outdrive since you can't raise it out of the water like you can with an outboard... Other than that, it is a better configuration.

 

[JimKW]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Nice! I like the layout. And it you couldn't tell, I'm kind of partial to red.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Very nice boat, should run about 50mph same as mine, I think they have similar LOA and weight. Enjoy! I find servicing easier then my old outboard. The outboard was easier to get at, but the engine was vastly different then a car engine and require some serious thought when tuning/repairing. The 4.3 is ages old and just a plain ol' car engine with a few extra bits for marine use. A no brainer for me!

Ian

 

[mike343]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Just do what the engine owners manual says. Use a good vinyl cleaner a couple of times a year--I use Meguiars. Use a good fiberglass polish or wax--I use Star-brite w/PTEF. Keep the boat well covered when not in use.

My seven year old Glastron looks new except for the bruises that happen.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Great looking boat. Would you mind sharing how much you paid? If I was to upgrade I'd consider something like yours, maybe a foot or two bigger.

 

[ramster]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

The best part is you can swap that enimic 4.3 for a 350, or better yet a 383, and make that sucker really run. Do some research on small block chevy's and you'll see what your missing. I have a 400 HP 383 in my car that I am dying to put in my boat, but I just can't kill that 5.0, it just keeps running.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Thanks for the support guys!

Really looking forward to this one as I have never had anything close to this new.

I like your style jim

 

[redone4x4]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

I like it, especially the step thru transom and seating layout.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Did you get a good deal? Where will you use her?

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

awesome and congrats--let us know how she does

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

We feel like we got a really good deal on her.

The previous owner paid cash for her and then decided after two summers that they needed a bigger boat. Traded for a 24 foot deck boat. Happend to meet them while we were at the dealership, random.

So we made the place an offer and negotiated a bit, ended up about 2k below NADA. Super nice dealer. If you are ever in MT Dora FL check them out.

As far as use we are mostly river boaters. Suwannee and Sante fe rivers. Sometimes we make trips to some of the lakes around but we are only 20 min from the river so convience is a huge factor.

BUt one thing now that we have a bigger heavier boat we are going to get a bigger tow vehicle, get rid of my ancient blazer. When that happens we will take more trips towing the boat. Definatly going to be in MT. Dora for service at least once a year

 

[bigb2008]

Re: pulled the trigger!!!

Very nice... congrats!