New member - new boat to me

[DarylJ]

Hi all. I just got a deal I couldn't pass up on an 18' '88 Starcraft Mariner 180 with a 50hp Mercury outboard. It left its previous owner stranded without a forward gear, but reverse did work.

I've not owned a boat this size before, and it's likely to be the biggest thing I'll own - I don't want anything that I can't put right back in my garage.

So I'm off to the archives to read up. My previous experience has been primarily with small (10-12 foot) fishing boats and jet boats/jet skis.

I'm right on the Delaware in New Hope, PA. I'm interested in the possibilities this boat opens up for me as far as hitting bigger waters.....but I'm cautious about that and need to learn some more.

I'd also like to find a lake or other still water for a shake-out after doing the motor work (I turn my own wrenches whenever possible).

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions in the future. Glad to find a helpful forum.

That's all I've got - just wanted to give a short intro.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Welcome to iboats.
You will find plenty of answers to any questions you might have.
Just remember, the only dumb questions are the ones not asked.
Again, welcome aboard.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New member - new boat to me

post you mercury motor questions here:: http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25

glad to have you aboard.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Welcome !!! You will find a wealth of knowledge here.You can also share the know how that you have even if it not about boats.What is your area of expertise??? Charlie

 

[DarylJ]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Welcome !!! You will find a wealth of knowledge here.You can also share the know how that you have even if it not about boats.What is your area of expertise??? Charlie

On the fun side I restore Porsches - mostly 944s (Yes, yes, I know what most people think of them - I like how they drive more than.....yes 911s).

For work I'm split - I'm a computer engineer that primarily works in wholesale voice over IP and network security, and I'm also a part-time Fire Marshal for a small town in PA.

I'm doubting any of this will be helpful to anyone

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: New member - new boat to me

On the fun side I restore Porsches - mostly 944s (Yes, yes, I know what most people think of them - I like how they drive more than.....yes 911s).

For work I'm split - I'm a computer engineer that primarily works in wholesale voice over IP and network security, and I'm also a part-time Fire Marshal for a small town in PA.

I'm doubting any of this will be helpful to anyone

my brother works in internet/network security. he works from home in connecticut for a company based out of virginia, and makes a boatload of money... i chose the wrong profession!

but i have a boat and he doesnt!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Daryl, Good luck with the boat and motor. You might start think about upgrading the power to 80HP or so, especially if the motor is old and forward gear is shot. The cost to repair the gear will be close to the cost of a larger used outboard.

I will assume that boat is aluminum, but it will still be a better performer with another 30 or so HP.

 

[Solittle]

Re: New member - new boat to me

I'm with Chris - Don't expect much by way of performance. I would think one of johnny/rude V4s would do nicely.

Oh and a BIG WELCOME!!

 

[DarylJ]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Daryl, Good luck with the boat and motor. You might start think about upgrading the power to 80HP or so, especially if the motor is old and forward gear is shot. The cost to repair the gear will be close to the cost of a larger used outboard.

I will assume that boat is aluminum, but it will still be a better performer with another 30 or so HP.

I'm not up on my used outboard pricing.....but from what I'm seeing as far as pricing, a forward gear is about $200. And I turn my own wrenches......I'm guessing an 80 would end up putting me way over that, even if you include bearings, a new drive gear, and a pump (which I'll likely do all of, depending on what I find when I open it up).

 

[HONKER1]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Hi Darryl...Welcome to IBOATS.
I had a 16' Starcraft with a 50hp Mercury. It was fine for 90% of my boating needs, but that other 10% left me with white knuckles. When the tide starts to run heavy, and the waves get large, you will wish you can get better performances out of you power train.
I now have a 18' Starcraft with a 115hp Mercury and a better feeling of comfort. When that wave starts to foam at the back of the motor I want to get moving, and I mean NOW!!
So if you going to start "hitting bigger waters", you may want to take a closer look at the 50 horses pushing 18' of boat.
Anyway that's my 2 cents. And welcome to !BOATS.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: New member - new boat to me

On the fun side I restore Porsches - mostly 944s (Yes, yes, I know what most people think of them - I like how they drive more than.....yes 911s).

I used to buy up old 944's 83-85 and put v6 chevys in them and sell em.. i loved it. I did three

 

[Chris1956]

Re: New member - new boat to me

Daryl, Did you ever open up the lower unit of a Merc and replace some parts? First of all it is difficult to get the gearcased open and then difficult to inspect for faulty parts and difficult to replace and shim the new gears.

I have not priced a 50HP foreward gear, but I think $200 is a bargain, if you can find it. We usually just replace the entire LU with a used lower for $3-$500.