Progress so far
 

Pulled the leaking tank, got a plastic one. Have holddowns in place but need to reroute the lines. The wiring was a mess. Replaced most of it. Put in a new distribution panel (switches and fuses) works great and really cleans up the console. One problem they are lighted switches but I can't figure out how to get them to light. There were no directions with the panel. I know I must have to put a jumper on some where. Can any one give me a quick hint.

Jobs remaining: finish some wiring, remove thru hull transducer that looks like a boat sinker. It runs thru a wood fairing block that is soft. Remember to glass hole where transducer was! Gel coat the worst of the dings in the hull. Paint bottom. Buy and install VHF. Sweep it out and put it in the water.

Saw a post about the the two under gunnel rod pockets. Mine were pretty badly cracked with most of the flanges just hanging. Lined them with glass tape and resin. Look good and seem bullet proof. A lot cheaper than buying new.

Finding a permanent home for it is another story. Probably for tomorrow night.

Re: Progress so far
 

I belive that the rocker switches have 3 post and one goes to ground for them to light. Sounds like you are moving rt along! I have to do something with my dash panale some time also. I have rewired the hole thig but it could have been better!! But I was in a hurry.
Alot of people have problems with them rod holder pockets!! I don't have them in my boat.
Good Luck hope to see you on the water soon

Re: Progress so far
 

Once I'm done working on the boat, the problem becomes what do I do with it. Right now it's in my sister' s driveway because I don't have any room at my place. She is being really nice about it but I my guess is that I'll be wearing out my welcome pretty soon.

I have applications in at two yacht clubs on Boston Habor but it doesn't look very promising for this year. A slip at Boston marinas is outside my budget. So I'm looking to rent a place to store it on a trailer, preferably in or very near Boston. Does anyone have any suggestions? i'm not desperate yet but it may come soon.

Re: Progress so far
 

Well I have kind of the same problem in tthe way I don't want to keep trailering it all around. And there is no slips or morins around. I have no problem with it in my yard but it takes like 1/2 to 40 min to tow to Falmouth.
Now a buddy of mine has a sweet deal and I am going to try to find someone in the Falmouth area to do the same thing with my boat.
What he has done is went to a boat yard near were he fishes and asked to leave the boat there on the trailer. He needs 24 hour acess to it. They said sure park it over there. And he pays then $50 per month. It is 1 mile to the ramp, 2 miles to were he sells the fish, 1mile to the gas station and 1/2 mile back to the yard. So it is like a 5 mile circle each time he takes the boat out. This is great because he lives some 70 miles from the ramp. He saves $50 + in gas towing!!
I have a coupkle of car dealer ships and a couple of boat places down were i go and I am going to make it a point to stop and ask about a smilar deal for my self.
You may be able to do the same?? Just make sure you can get the boat when you want!! Because there will be no one around at 5am when you want to get going.
Hope this helps you a little. Try a boat yard near your ramp. You never no unless you ask?
Let me no how you make out

Re: Progress so far
 

reprits,
How much do you want to spend?

I've looked into a self storage area in Medford (which is quick access to presidents landing (mystic river above the locks) and the Schrafts building ramp. Most places want $125/month and they don't have a fence or security camera's.

All winter I stored my boat in Marblehead behind the marblehead laundry for $50.00 a month. Chris Peach (the owner) will allow you to store your boat their during the summer too. She has about 100 - 150 boats on the lot during the winter and nearly 100 trailers during the summer.

If you are south of boston then I believe your chances are much better at finding a spot. Keep looking around.

My Brother and I are looking at land down in on the cape for this very purpose. Maybe next season I can offer you guys a good deal ;D

Re: Progress so far
 

Progress has been made - some good, some bad.

Finished rewiring the console and installed new running lights, bilge pump, cabin light. Dumped the old switches and replaced with a distribution panel. Just about replaced every wire on the boat except engine control wiring.

Replaced gas tank with a new poly one.

Removed and old thru hull FF transducer. It was faired to the hull inside and out with wooden blocks that were very soft. When i undid the nut the whole thing just fell off and the blocks were as soft as sponges. Glassed the 1.5 inch hole it left. Good I took it off before it fell of at the wrong time.

Repaired the worst of the dings in the gel coat. :-/ :'(

Found a place to keep it at Town River Marina in Quincy. I'm keeping it on the trailer. It's only about 100 ft to the ramp. This gives me good access to Quincy Bay and boston Harbor. Got it out of sister's driveway just in time for her big birthday party and present- a new car!

Now for the bad news. Got it in the water for the frist time today. When she started, the idle was rough and she stalled a number of times. Didn't get a half a mile before I turned around and went back to the ramp. It ran fine when i checked it out before I bought it! I'm hoping that all it needs is a tuneup. After all this work I'm getting pretty discouraged and am straining the budget.

Re: Progress so far
 

Must be all that new fresh gas you just gave it. ;D Seriously though, if it ran good when you did the sea trial and now it's not, I would start looking at the changes that were made first. While a tune up certainly wouldn't hurt, try to troubleshoot one thing at a time. Just double check all your hose connections, bulb, etc. to make sure everything is tight and not drawing air into the line. When it runs rough, was the bulb staying hard? If not, there could be a restriction (kinked line, or something in the line from the previous tank) or air being sucked in from a loose hose connector.
If everything checks out, then look at the tune up. If the fuel supply was as bad as you said it was, chances are, the previous owner tuned the motor with poor fuel and possible low gas flow to the carbs. He probably made some adjustments to the motor to compensate for the problems with the gas. If you think you're comfortable working on the carbs yourself, pick up a manual for the motor that you've got and follow the directions. It's not really a difficult job, but can sometimes be tricky. Otherwise, bite the bullet and pay a mechanic to work on it for ya.
I hear ya on straining the budget. Welcome to the world of boat ownership. It's always about straining the budget. :'(

Re: Progress so far
 

When you put the new tank in did you make sure to vent the tank?? and was the hose and vent clear?? I had a spider nest in one of my vents and it caused all kinds of problems.
What kind of motor is it?? Like CB says ck all the lines for kinks or obstructions. Some time's iit's the little things.
Owning a boat is a great thing but it can be real fustrating at times and the spending of money will never stop!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a lot of nice mahcanic marine at http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi
That might be able to help you. They helped me alot when I was repowering my boat and lookingfor a motor!! They told me everything to look for and it helped. Give them a try
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Progress so far
 

Last night replaced plugs. Some of them were pretty badly fouled. Also replaced priming bulb that seemed to be leaking. Ran it on ear muffs. Runs much better. The other day whenever I opened the throttle it stalled. Now it doesn't. Plan to run in water thursday evening. Wish me luck.

Re: Progress so far
 

Good Luck Repirts!!! I think you found the problem.

Re: Progress so far
 

Took her out this evening. Much better. Only problem is that occasionally (not all the time) when I go from a neutral slow idle and try to accelerate it dies. Maybe, the carbs need cleaning?

Question: It seems to take an awful lot of pumping to get the priming ball firm and as I pump it makes alot of gurgling. Is this a problem? The bulb is new.

Re: Progress so far
 

Bulb should remain firm. Check valve in? Flow arrows facing right direction?

Re: Progress so far
 

Bulb doesn't remain firm! Arrow on bulb pointing to engine. Maybe the check valve in this NEW bulb is not working! I'll buy another and try that. Could this account for the stalling. I'll describe it more. If I slow down to just above idle and then try to accelerate, it will occasionally die. Today when this happened, I squeezed the bulb and at first there was no pressure.

So tomorrow night, I'll clean the carbs and change the bulb.

Re: Progress so far
 

You may need a new fuel pump on the engin?? When it does this have someone pump the bulb at the same time you are trying to accerlated. I would think that if you are hearing a gergle soung that maybe the pick up in the tank might be out of the fuel or there it is pumping air from somewhere?? Check all connections from mototr back.
Good Luck!!

Re: Progress so far
 

Worked on the boat Monday night.

Changed all fuel lines including the priming bulb.
Made sure there were no leaks at hose fittings
Replaced engine in-line fuel filter
Decarbed the engine
Pulled and cleaned the plugs- all of them looked good before cleaning but I was already greasey so why not.

Runs much smoother now but I think I still hear an occasional miss at slow idle, seems to smooth out when idle speed increased. Next need to find out which cylinder is missing and why. The wires look good but you never know.

On the whole, it seems like good progress. Will give it the real test Thurs night.

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

Re: Progress so far
 

Still having the problem. Spoke to the mechanic at the marina last saturday and he said he would look at it this week and call me the day before because I have to pull it off a float and bring to dock. Well, it's Thursday and haven't neard a thing. Doe's anyone know how to get a mechanic to answer his phone??

Re: Progress so far
 

Wave money under his nose! ::)
Good luck with that >:(

Re: Progress so far
 

Cold Cash or Parts that they want!

Re: Progress so far
 

My progress seems to be only in one direction - BACKWARDS!!

Water in #1 cylinder. Probably leaking head gasket. I need to find a shop in the Boston/Quincy area that can turn this around fast. I'm tired of dealing with mechanics who promise but don't deliver. Any suggestions?

PS. What can I expect $wise to replace the gasket on a 175HP Mercury?

Re: Progress so far
 

Repirts, sorry about your run of bad luck lately. The only decent Merc mechanic I know just had open heart surgery, so he's down for a bit. Just out of curiosity, did the guy who looked at it suggest all you need is a new gasket? Sounds like it may be a little more involved to fix correctly than just a gasket. A new gasket may get you by for a short time, but my guess is that it's still not going to run the way you want it to. Not trying to rain on your parade or anything. Unfortunately, you're going to have a difficult time with a quick turnaround this time of year unless you or somebody else knows someone. I sincerely hope you guys get this thing running and get to enjoy it before the season is over.

Re: Progress so far
 

He THOUGHT that was all.

Re: Progress so far
 

IO guess I'm getting desperate But-If I can't get someone to do it soon - As a last resort I am considering doing it myself. Anyone here done it? Got the Clymers manual but it's pretty poor but looking at the engine it doesn't look all that difficult. I'll see if I can get a factory manual.

Re: Progress so far
 

Sorry to here about your motor!! But as I said when you were buying it , have some cash for repair!! Its not unlike a used car you need to put money in!! I never bought a boat for the whole package! I buy the hull when I am looking, then the trailer. As for the motor unless you are very lucky!! you have to replace the engin when you get it. This is why most boats get sold. They just have had it with the engin problems and can't afford a new engin at $10,000.00 so sell it.
I also belive you are going to put good money after bad if you think it is just a gasket. You now have water in that cylinder and it is rusting things as we speak!!
I don't know how you are for money but I have a guy who will sell you a complete rebuilt Yamaha 150hp installed with garratee for about $6000.00 I know it is alot of cash but the best way out. I also have a great Mercury/Johnson guy I have used for 10 years and he is great, no bull s*^t, tells it like it is weather it is good or bad. I don't know how backed up he is but I can call him. But he is in Raynham, Ma.
Let me no if you want me to call him. And good luck with what ever you do!!
I have been there and done that, and it is very upsetting!! You try and try and try and hit a dead end everytime!!

Re: Progress so far
 

Pulled the head off last night. Came off easier than I expected. Cylinders looks ok, no rusting or scoring and the top of the pistons look fine. But the inside of one head had some dings like a piece of ring was flying around in there. I'm hoping it is old damage taken care of at the last rebuild. Compression check done when I bought it was good. Will put a new gasket in this weekend and do a compession test. Wish me luck because I don't have $$ for new engine this year.

PS. Not looking for trouble (already found it when I bought a boat) but if I need to replace rings do I need to tear the entire engine down?

Re: Progress so far
 

Repirts, Check out Blackbird Remanufactured Outboards & Powerheads. They have some interesting information on proper equipment needed to redo ( Honning ) cylinders. http://1outboard.com Crusher

Re: Progress so far
 

WOW,

This sounds really familiar!! I pulled off the head with the leaking head gasket 2 weeks ago and was also greeted with a pitted underside on the suspect cylinder. This is definitely from an earlier rebuild in my case, but my buddy and I rotated the engine around and took hold of the piston top. We could wiggle it back and forth WAY TOO MUCH. We didn't get a mic. on it, but It's got too much play. The Johnson has an inspection plate up on the cylinder wall that we removed and looked into. We could get a little flathead screwdriver on the rings and they would wiggle back and forth with too much play. This baby was about to let go, and the dead ignition to that cylinder (coil pack) was saving me a tow to the dock.

Unless yours is just a simple blown head gasket (coincidence that it's the old blown cylinder that blew again?) I'm in the same boat as you :(

Re: Progress so far
 

Well now I'm screwed. Replaced gasket, checked compression, that's Ok. Put it in water and result really bad. Won't idle and there is an occassional knock that sounds like metal hitting metal. Concensus is engine is shot. Now what? I don't have the money for a new one. really don't even have the money for rebuilt. SH%T!!

Re: Progress so far
 

First thing is to relax!! We have all been there and we will all be there again. Welcome to the world of boating.

First, did you put it all back toghter again the right way?? I am not trying to say that you are stupid or anything. But did you go just like the manual said? Some bolts have to be torqued just rt. Is everthing sealed good?? Just a little air leak can mess things up good! Or a water leak! Take plugs out and make sure there is no water in the cyl. If there is maybe there is a crack in the water jacket not the gasket at all?? Did you remove the Carb's at all?

I found that I Boats is a nice place to ask ?? and they really no there stuff!! Give it a try

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi

I hope all works out well!! If not its not the end of the world, Fall is comming and there will be lots of motors on the market. You might find a nice used deal. I found a 1989 175 hp Yamaha for $1800.00 with everything!!
If not then then in early spring? I use my Tax refund to suport my habbit ;D One year the boat next year repairs, next more repairs, next more repairs, next Repower, ect, ect............. Get the picture.

Why we spend so much money, sweat, tears, hate, discontent, all in the name of fishing is beond me!! But I love it!!

It has taken me 5 years and $6000.00 above the $2000 I bought the boat for to get where I am today. And this is for the boat! Wait till you get into the fish finder, GPS, Rods, Reels, and all the other little things you need.

Good Luck!! If you need ant Info I will help all I can! But take it easy!! You have had no boat all this time and one more season won't hurt. You will get there!!

Listen to me if I lost my boat for a day I would be like a new born without his mother.

Re: Progress so far
 

Macojoe,

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm pretty discouraged right now and my kid is crushed.

Right now, the way I see it, is that this season is gone, I spent $3000 for a good hull and a lousy engine. I guess it boils down to my paying a little too much for the hull. If I sell it I'm not going to get my $$ back so I might as well keep it. Right now I don't have the money to repower.

This motor is a machine. In fact, it's not really all that complicated. I don't want to brag but all my life I've tackled jobs that everone said I couldn't do and done them. So, here's my plan.

Pull the power head, put it in my basement, open the damn thing up a see what is wrong. At that point either fix it or put it in the dumpster. What have I got to lose? Even if I can't fix it, I'll learn something.

I'll keep you posted.

Re: Progress so far
 

Repirts, good advice from macojoe. And, $3000 for a decent hull and trailer isn't really too far out of line. They should be worth $2500 at least. Hey, any time you buy a used motor, you take a big chance unless they offer some sort of warranty which just never happens except for the few times you might buy from a dealer and even then, they might only give you 90 days at best. If you're interested in getting that motor rebuilt, I know someone that would probably do the job. Just don't plan on getting it turned around right away. You could get it rebuilt and running possibly for some fall Striper action or get everything set for next year.
If the motor is rebuildable, you'd probably be looking at around $1000-$1500 depending on what needs to be done.
The guy is in Marshfield. Let me know if you're interested and I'll talk to him.

Re: Progress so far
 

Well, since I don't have the $$, I have decided to pull the power head and take a look inside. What the h#ll, I've got nothing to lose and maybe a lot to gain.

Went to the marina tonight and started removing all the cables and hoses hanging from the engine. Took digital pics and notes so that I can get it back together again. If the lousy weather we have been having in Boston clears for the weekend i may have it off soon. I'll let you know what I find.

Re: Progress so far
 

Repirts,
Good Luck!! Let us know what you find. Probably not a good sign when hear metal on metal. When did you buy the boat? Can you contact the person or place that sold you the boat and ask them for assistance helping you fix or locate a new powerhead?

Re: Progress so far
 

Bought the boat 1st week in June. Got it for about what the hull and trailer are worth. Maybe a little high but in the right ball park. Sold "as is" so I don't think I'll get much help from seller.

Yah, metal on metal doesn't sound good! But, let's wait and see.

Re: Progress so far
 

Good Luck RP!!! *I'll keep an eye out for a deal on ebay. *

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=26454

Re: Progress so far
 

My son and I pulled the powerhead yesterday. What a job! There were ten studs with nuts holding the powerhead on. Nine let go pretty easily but the tenth was another story. We were using a boom truck to pick up the head. That one stud was stuck firmly enough to lift the boat off the trailer. Eventually, with enough pounding and prying we got it moving a little. All of a sudden it let go and there was enough tension and stretch in the line to catapult it about 12 feet into the air. Luckily the lift line held and it didn't hit anything or anyone. When it let go both my son, Christian, and I hit the dirt. I can't remember jumping that far or that fast in a long time. Found myself under another boat about 10 feet away.

Right now it's outside letting some of the gas fumes evaporate before I bring it into the cellar. I'll start on it tonight. Hope when I open it up it doesn't look too bad.

Repirts (Steve)

Re: Progress so far
 

I've pulled the cylinder heads and the exhaust manifold. So far it doesn't look too bad. One cylinder has a small score that is just detectable if you run your fingernail over it and one head has the nicks mentioned before. Pistons and rings look good. Everything seems OK when I turn it over with the flywheel. Before I pulled the power head, I checked the compression it was between 120 and 125 all six cylinders.

Now I'll flip it over and open the crankcase to take a look.

Re: Progress so far
 

Good Work!!

Re: Progress so far
 

This engine has chrome bores and can't be honed. The only way to do anything with the cylinders is to have it bored and sleeved. I only want to get one or two more years out of it. As I said, it has one very small score in one cylinder, should I have it sleeved or should I forget about it, close it up and run it..

Re: Progress so far
 

I don't know any better, but you might post the question on bostsetup.com or iboats.com. I've gotten some excellent information/help from both sites.

Re: Progress so far
 

If comp checked out at 125 PSI and that is within specs I would not do anything as long as bottom end bearings look good.
You can do a leak down test, I have never done one on a two stroke but have done many on car engines. This is the real test of the sealing of the rings. Not sure what % of leak down is OK for 2 stroke.

Charlie