Recent content by Salty Dog - LI

I change my spark plugs every Spring. I also inspect and usually change the distributor cap and rotor too. Fogging the engine when winterizing can foul the spark plugs. Arc corrosion builds up on the rotor tip and distributor cap contact points. If you want to have easier starts, a smooth...

My porta potty has a pump out and vent hose attached on the back of the lower section. The porta-potty unit just clips in from the sides. I use a marina pump station for waste removal through the pump out hose line outlet on the starboard rail. The pump out process is easy. I run a fresh...

I stripped and painted my boat bottom 3 years ago. I laid down painting tarps under the boat, put on a tyvek suit, organic respirator, safety glasses, and chemical safe gloves, and did the job. Painter's taped the waterline with 2 inch tape to protect the hull above the waterline. 1st weekend...

Yes Rubber Duckee, lots to do! One engine at a time! 1) Add gas stabilizer in your tank for the winter as directed on the bottle. Fill your gas tank 90-95% full (to eliminate moisture in the tank) before being pulled out of the water. Some say to run your tanks down to empty for the Winter...

Contact Great Lakes and tell them you are missing the support frame straps which have plastic adjusters on them. I'm sure you can buy replacement straps from them if you have to. They may just send them for free if they were missing when the bimini top was purchased.

Read your Lofrans windlass manual for maintenance instructions! If you don't have a manual, go to the Lofrans website and download one. Good luck.

An outdrive is not hard to pull off, and it's easy to pull and install a gimbel bearing with the right tools. Gimbel bearing = $60-80. O ring kit = $8. Cut off and re-weld on new skeg = $400. New bellows = $80. With borrowed tools which many marine stores can provide, you can re-hab your...

Just Right, Not a great idea to modify your windshield! The windshield and dash is not designed for a step through access. Standing on the front cockpit seat will tear up the vinyl fabric. There is no room for a step that can support your weight. You will most likely end up with...

DMon, Another saying- "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" You don't need to relace a properly working starter! It isn't hard to get it out!

Dmon, Ron provided good advice! The old saying is "you get what you pay for"! I bought Merc manifolds. The mercruiser manifolds are more expensive, but they are ceramic coated on the inside- they'll last longer! Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block, riser extensions, and elbows...

Ron, Some of the bolts came off without heating them, others wouldn't budge even after the heat! Some came off with the craftsman easy out sockets. If the bolt heads are totally corroded off and you can't get a easy out socket or vice grip on it, it's time for the grinder! Once the...

Ron, I use a single bottle mapp torch- the torch has a starter attached. You can buy it at Home Depot, Lowes, True Value Store, etc. A lot of plumber use this type of torch for a quick sweat fit job (including my next door plumber neighbor- he also helped me chissel off the manifold once I...

Wider is better too! The wider the boat, the more stability- less listing! Bennett trim tabs are great too for planing control and keeping the boat settled when anchored!

Rain water through the air vents is the only water that should get into the bilge! Unless you have ice makers/ ice reefer that drains into the bilge. I have a little 1 gallon shop mate (wet/dry shop vac) that I keep in it's holder in the engine compartment. I suck the water up when I find it...

DMon, Trying to drill a cetered hole in a corroded rounded hardened steel bolt head located basically under the engine is impossible! Banging on slightly smaller sockets, back out sockets, or griding off the bolt heads works best. It's tough to grind the heads off without damaging the...