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  1. fixb52s

    Can 2.5L GM block be bored for 3.0L?

    I am currently have 1985 3.0L Mercruiser engine that has a trashed block. It appears to have been overheated and cracked a cylinder and the deck. I have searched for a replacement block and found one from a 1983 Sea Ray. Even though it was marked 3.0L and the block casting number checked...
  2. fixb52s

    Facebook boat colors

    With bra colors posted on Facebook for cancer awareness, I say we post our boat colors on Facebook posts. Boating needs some awareness too. Any takers? I will post this on Discover Boating's Facebook site too. I will start here and on Facebook: Shadow and White. Let's see how far it goes.
  3. fixb52s

    Ensure your boat is in good shape

    http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/article856954.ece These guys were lucky they made it. They are also lucky their boat was recovered. It started with a broken steering cable, and ended up with the boat capsized. Is it me, or does the transom look a little worse for the wear...
  4. fixb52s

    Restoring a 22 year old finish

    I thought I would attach a photo to prove that old gelcoat CAN be brought back with some work. I sanded the hull with 220 to knock down the old pinstriping ridges, followed with 400 and 1000. This is an in progress photo after hitting it with rubbing compound and a buffer. A lot of work, but...
  5. fixb52s

    Stringers and deck finally done

    Looking at a carpeted boat makes the last 3 months of work seem worth it. After a lot of sweat, itching, swearing, Woodchucks and such, I installed the carpet today. I just might have this on the water this weekend! And to top it off, I had it running yesterday. Of course a new fuel tank and...
  6. fixb52s

    Stupid exhaust question

    Great day so far. I got my 3.0 running, and it really seems to be in great shape! I guess the carb build went well and I got it together right :D and the dwell and timing was spot on. Not bad for someone who has not installed points in years! Getting the almost new dwell meter and timing light...
  7. fixb52s

    Outdrive locked up!

    Background info: 1986 Alpha 1 drive, 140 4 banger. I have a strange problem and hope it is something simple. A few months ago, I removed my outdrive to install new bellows and the gimble bearing. It worked great prior to me taking it apart. I reassembled everything except I left the drive off...
  8. fixb52s

    Fog that engine!

    Hey, I learned something today! I was working on my engine today (still waiting for the fuel tank) and was doing routine things (filters, carb rebuild, ignition). The last time I had the engine running was in Jan (4 months ago) and it ran fine. Well, today I went to turn the engine over to...
  9. fixb52s

    Seat wood question

    While I am waiting for my fuel tank, I decided to work on the interior. I built a new firewall and seat support (in photo) and will be fiberglassing/painting them (what was in there was unsealed rotted ply). I was looking at the upholstered parts of the seats and see the wood behind the foam has...
  10. fixb52s

    Murphy bites my fuel tank!

    After a real crappy day yesterday, today was going very well. Got the fuel lines connected and the sending unit working, so I decided to put about 10 gallons of fuel in the tank. I was happy knowing I was going to fire this up tonight..... Then I smelled gas. Not good, maybe a loose fitting...
  11. fixb52s

    Getting frustrated!

    Working on the boat today just does not seem fun today. I got the fuel tank back in and framed it for the fuel access deck, but after working for about 4 hours, I am getting wiped out. I have been dragging butt all day. :mad: I hate the feeling that after working countless hours, there is...
  12. fixb52s

    Transom repair history

    After owning my boat for some time, I contacted the widow of the former owner about some history. She put me in touch with a retired boat repair guy in Ocala who did work on it in the past. I got a lot of information from him today. It seems the boat went in the shop in 2001 and they found...
  13. fixb52s

    What paint for the deck?

    OK, I am in NY for some time away from the boat, but cannot stop thinking of what to do when I get back next week. Like I posted before, my deck is glassed in and is ready to be covered (after the fuel tank goes in, etc.). My wife is INSISTING on putting carpet back in it, so my hands are tied...
  14. fixb52s

    86 CC BR deck and stringers done

    After about 5 weeks of some really messy and tough work, my stringers and deck are done. The deck is solid as a rock, and the windshield lines up great. I can jump on the deck and it feels good to find it solid. I am taking a break to visit the folks in upstate NY for a week, then back to...
  15. fixb52s

    Foam and fuel hose

    Progress made! I will be foaming the boat and have a question about the fuel fill hose. I am replacing the hose since the original 1986 labeled hose is toast. The hose goes from the bow/windshield, under the helm to the tank. It goes directly through a foamed area. (see photo) The old hose I...
  16. fixb52s

    Minor screw hole repair/sealant

    I found my speedometer pick up was replaced in the past, and they remounted it in new holes. The old ones are still there. While checking the hull for leaks today, I found it leaking. What should I use to seal them up? Should I use Marine Tex or another type of sealant?
  17. fixb52s

    Yet another steal

    Going to pick up this 1960 Starcraft tomorrow. $150 with trailer and motor.
  18. fixb52s

    VIP Bankrupt

    http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080310/NEWS01/803100313 Too bad. They made a nice boat.
  19. fixb52s

    Stringer advice

    Well, the "destruction" of my Chris Craft continues today. As I posted before, I have the floor and fuel tank out. I knew I might have to do some stringer work, but as the story has been on this board many times, wood does not like water. My rear stringers are still solid, but the front...
  20. fixb52s

    Floor plan: solid?

    I have a 17' 1986 Chris Craft Scorpion 178 and am replacing the floor. I got it pretty cheap because the owner passed away last year. I knew some work was needed, but felt I could handle it. The boat had it's first floor replaced some time ago. The rear section (around the engine) was left...
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