Valuing a Vintage Johnson Outboard Motor: A Guide

QuestionIn 1989 my wifes father past away after just buying a new Johnson outboard motor. He put it on the boat and winterized it, went to the Hospital and

Pontoon Boat Repair: Can It Be Fixed & Is It Worth the Cost?

QuestionIve been looking at a pontoon type paddle boat on Craigs list for $195. The style of the boat is what I would like to get with my limited funds. Th

Troubleshooting a Non-Functional Yamaha 90hp Outboard Speedometer

QuestionThe speed/mile p/hour indicator on the instruments panel of my boat has suddenly stopped working. At times it only shows a dash, and when it does s

Marine Paint vs. Gel Coat: Which is Right for Your Boat?

QuestionWould it be possible to sand down the gel coat on an entire boat and reapply gel coat,or would it be better to go with a marine grade paint? Answe

How to Safely Drain a Boat Gas Tank - Bayliner 192

QuestionI have bayliner 192 and I need to drain gas tank in it. How can I do it? I was trying to use a hose the way I was draining my tank in the car but i

Sea Ray 1984 Engine Starting Problem: Troubleshooting & Repair

QuestionI have an 84 Sea Ray 18 with a 3.0L inline 4 cyl, 140hp motor. I last used the boat in 2006 and it ran perfectly... no problems in the motor or ou

Hydraulic Steering Stiff to Port - Maxum Bowrider Repair

QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2001 Maxum bowrider with a 125 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard.  The hydraulic steering system looks to be the baystar model

4.3L Mercruiser Oil Consumption & Startup Smoke - Troubleshooting

QuestionI just bought a boat with a 4.3L w/ 40hrs on it.  It smokes upon start up and burns oil throughout the day.  Its tough to get on plane, b

Repairing Rotted Plywood Stringers on Boat

Question The  plywood stringers on my boat  rotted out. the fiberglass tabs that attach to the hull are still intact 1) Can I insert new wood int

Depth Finder Beeping 'BP' - Troubleshooting & Fixes

QuestionI have a 2005 bennington with a 115hp merc. when i took it out today the depth finder started to beep and read bp what is this and how do i fix it?

Assessing the Value of a Vintage Glasspar Tadpole Cabin Cruiser

Question Tadpole Harvey, I have an opportunity to get this boat for free. It has set for atleast 25 years. All I have to do is get the boat and trailer mov

Saltwater Mooring & Aluminum Boats: What You Need to Know

Question The Boat Hi there, I am considering buying a 16ft alum bowrider(new). During the summer months I am considering leaving it on a saltwater mooring.

Refinishing a Sunfish Hull: Removing Old Bottom Paint & Preparing for New Coating

QuestionI have an old (pre-1970) sunfish that someone used bottom paint on the hull. How do I go about taking the paint off and refinishing the fiberglass

Pontoon Motor Revving Issue: Troubleshooting & Fixes

Questioni have this motor on a 20 ft. pontoon when you turn to the right sharp the motor revs up (at full throtle)just started doing this thanks Ron Answe

Evinrude 40 2-Stroke Engine Troubleshooting: No Start - Seeking Advice

QuestionHello... We have an Evinrude 40 2 stroke motor (older), first you cant choke the motor to start it but they did & killed the battery, tried again a

Protecting Your Aluminum Boat from Saltwater Corrosion

QuestionI was curious if it was ok to use my aluminum boat in brackish or salt water? If it is ok what precautions should i take to protect my boat? Answe

Recommissioning a Stored Boat: Steps for a Smooth Startup

QuestionI have a 2000 Baylinner 5.0 Merc IO and it has been stored for the past 4 years I am about to uncover and start, the gas tank is aprox half full I

Valuing a Vintage 1955 Dolphin Boat: History & Potential Worth

QuestionHi i have an old dolphin boat not sure of the year or what it is worth its 18 4seater black it says dolphin on the dash have you ever seen one Ans

Mercruiser 350 Engine Rebuild Gone Wrong: A Cautionary Tale

QuestionI rebuilt my Mercruiser 350 engine a year ago, to be safe, I brought it to a local marina to check things before going out. They told me I had the

Doral Cavalier Hull Crack & Water Intrusion: What Are My Options?

QuestionWe bought our Doral Cavalier 4 yrs. ago from a dealer.  We were new boaters and our insurance co. didnt require a survey so we didnt get one.