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I am thinking of building a wooden mini tug boat this winter. Originally it seemed crazy, but I have been looking into it and think I may be able to tackle this task. I am not talking about a model, but rather a 16 footer that I could take out for a cruise with the wife and friends. I have...

I was planning on doing a complete rebuild on my motors this winter (170 hp 3.7 liter Mercruiser 4 cyl's) but am also remodeling an old farm house this winter and the budget does not have room for complete remans. Soooo, since both motors have good compression on all the cylinders, I am...

I am thinking of changing engines in my boat from 3.7 liter 4's to 4.3 V6's. My 3.7's need to be rebuilt this winter, and I estimate it will be about 2,500 each to have them done completely, if I pull and re install them. Doug Russel sells "certified" rebuilt 4.3's for about 3,500 each. I...

I had engine trouble the other day, the motor lost power until it eventually died. I diagnosed it as a faulty check valve on the fuel tank, but not before I replaced the carb. and fuel pump. The new check valve got the motor running, but it does not run right. It idles rough and when I go to...

1985 170 mercruiser engine. Carb. and mechanical fuel pump. Recently replaced plugs, cap, rotor, wires, adjusted timing, cleaned fuel filter in carb. and cleaned the carb. Checked compression last week, all were at about 120, so good. I was cruising back from a trip yesterday when about 20...

Me or the guy about 50 yards away? I was in Saugatuck to watch the fireworks (annual festival) and tied up next to a buddy that was anchored about 20 yards from a long line of newer, bigger searay's. They were there first. We were all in the designated anchorage, but it was getting crowded...

Anyone going? Staying a couple nights? want to raft up and party?

I was just reading the "following seas" section of this month's Boating mag, and it talk's about Europe's RCD rating that shows the level of seaworthiness for different boats right on the capacities tag. Apparently there are classes A, B, C, and D with A being the most seaworthy. I was...

I'm thinking of heading down to South Haven this weekend with the wife. First weekend of the year we said "NO GUESTS!!" on the boat, so we are looking to head somewhere tourist-y and close, South Haven seems like the ticket according to the cruising guide. Has anyone spent much time there that...

I decided to re-bed some of the screws in my transom last night, they looked a little suspicious (one wasn't stainless and the others had clear silicone caulk around them). I pulled them out and it looked like moisture has been getting in there. They didn't drain water or anything, but I...

So my engine has a bad exhaust manifold, it's cracked:smt021 I called and the mercruiser dealers can get them (cast iron, not aluminum), but they are $1300:smt021 I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions, knows of a guy that may have used ones, off-brand I could look at, ect. I can't find...

So I put the boat in the water the other day and a couple "boating" buddies gave me a hand. When we got to the dock they fastened lines to the dock cleats, in a couple odd ways. I've seen lots of people do lots of different things when tieing up, here's what I do: On the boat end - run the...

One of my props is dinged and needs to be replaced. The other looks like new and I planed on keeping it. They are quicksilver three bladed aluminum 14x19 pitch, both RH. I did a search, and some of you guys reccomend balancing props that are new, and some reccomend replacing old props that...

I am looking to get a mooring cover made for my boat and can't find any that are production made for it. It's prob. too old. Does anyone know of any local canvas guys that would do it with good quality, reasonable price? What should I expect to pay also? Thanks!

I was cleaning my bilge yesterday, it is finally above freezing here! I noticed some cracks down there and was able to pull up a little piece of what looks like a not so glossy gelcoat. Maybe it is just thick paint since it was in the center of the bottom of the bilge, it's the same color grey...

The economy is a hot topic lately, and I was wondering what financial situation other boaters are in. Not trying to get too personal, but I am curious. I tried to make it anonymous, but I am not sure how that works. Oh, and the value is in relation to what you could currently sell it for, so...

I am wondering if anyone has made a custom sunpad for their bow - especially on an older boat like mine. I am thinking of making one, but not sure of a couple things. I searched and saw some of you guys are making them for newer boats, but many had that as a factory option. I think mine would...

I am looking at a slip in tower marina in douglas. Wondering if anyone has a slip there or has in the past. How is it? We are looking at a slip on the new floating dock by the steamship museum, I am wondering if that is too far from the activities? Any local knowledge is appreciated. By...

I was working on my boat and noticed that there is a big area under the couch, kitchenette, floor, and mid berth that I can't get to. I was wondering what is under those areas - I assume it's foam. If so, will it keep my boat from sinking to the bottom if it gets swamped? A guy once told me...

I have a small business and expensed my boat this year though the business. I mostly just cruise with my wife and friends, but once in a while I go with customers, and other times I take my employee out. I thought this would be legit, but my accountant said no; I can only expense the cost of...