Recent content by wadebmadden

I am looking at either a 21 or 24 foot sundeck. I see that the 5.0 liter is common in both boats. I understand that the same motor will give the smaller boat (seemingly) more power, but, does the 24 feel underpowered in any way? If anyone can advise on the sundecks in general, I would...

Ok, well I found this, https://appcenter.mercurymarine.com/litreq/orderForm.jsp?type=mc If you get the engine serial number and the outdrive serial number, you can follow that link and order the shop manuals. I have found that even if you dont do your own work, it is handy to have the books...

Absolutly, If you are under warranty, you will most certainly want to use the recommended oil, what ever that may be. In my case. The warranty expired about 27 years ago, and the engine is a 351 windsor, which was also a car engine. As for RPM's i usually dont even hit 3600, so its not running...

Or I could upgrade to a twin screw!!!!! Hell, Im single, why not!!!

Inland lakes and rivers I will very often have a current to contend with, especially in Kansas its not uncommon to have a 40 kt wind. I guess the thing to think about is "do I want this aux motor to get me home in all conditions, or most",,, that could make a diffenerce.

Ok she's old, I get it. AS such she isnt as reliable as she could be. If I tried to buy a new sterndrive for her, I run into a few problems. 1, this outdrive isnt made anymore, so any one I get is going to be a refurb, and problem 2, If I try to upgrade to a newer outdrive, it is going to take a...

Actually there is such a thing as oil foaming. check it out on google. It usually is a result of moisture or some other liquid contaminate in your oil. The best way to fix it is to have the innards of your engine steam cleaned and baked dry. This is also probbably the most expensive way. BUt...

Ive already prayed to Poseidon to "assist" this fella in learning the rules of Nautical Courtesy

Piece of mind is the greates thing. THe lake dosnt scare me, but it would sure stink to break down on the river or even off shore. What I am looking at for the quickest, best solution is to add a kicker. A large gas trolling motor or a small outboard. Thoughts? Thanks wade

Well, I could be wrong, but I think this is an "In water part" lube is going to be difficult to keep it lubed. I think even if you lube it at the start of the day, its going to be gone at the end of the day. It would however have had more lube than if I didnt. As for allignment. I guess...

Ok there is a maintenance question at the end of the story....... So there I was, it was a beautiful Tuesday afternoon. I was out on the water and I was one of two boats on the lake. All of the sudden the engine siezed up, wouldnt start, lower unit would come up out of the water. I tried to...

I had considered swapping out my stringer too!!! Keep us posted on how that is going. I thought about checking with Sea Ray and seeing if there is a retro kit available. The stringer works fine most of the time, but it is 30 years old and (as you said) parts are hard to come by.

YOu just do your best to keep it off the gel. I have about 12 foot of chain. The secret is to have your tackle sotwed properly. The bitter end goes in first, then as you add rope be sure you coil it in a manner that prevents tangles (dont just throw a wad of rope in) get all the rop in, then...

My trims act up also. One day, I couldnt lower the out drive. After some thinking I fixed it like you do the starter on your truck... Hit it with the hammer. It worked that time. I went to the marina to try to get a new one, it is a discontinued part. So now we have to try to find an after...

I also like to keep all manuals on the boat, gps, vhf, and repair manual, whatever you have installed that may be new or unfamiliar to you. Those things dont really do any good in the truck or on the kitchen table when you are on the water and need some onfo on your equipment! Also, a...