[MikDee]

Well I finally got to test out the newly aquired Bayliner ski boat, it is low profile, & does sit low in the water, plus the seating is low in the hull, this old guy has to squat most of the time (not good),,,lol, After some annoying, & frustrating, idle speed adjustment to keep it running just enough to shift, we were on our way. Anyway, it rides, & handles like a dream! then again, I caught the lake in the afternoon, and it was dead calm. It was surprisingly pretty stable too, more so then my son's similar standard 19' Bayliner Capri. I was a bit uncomfortable, because the drivers seatback was disintegrating by the minute, (sure, only that one!) and you can't really stand to drive this, it's so low. This was also interesting, the boat does have a Doel fin on it, but seemed like it was always on plane? it come right up out of the water as I throttled up (none of this bow up, gradually settling onto plane). I was planing at 20mph! and on up, it hit 35 and that was about it, I then managed to coax it up with trim to kiss 40. Not bad for an old worn out boat, & motor, but it was just me, and the bride on it. After about an hour of putting it through it's paces, I headed back to the ramp, and then the trouble began again, I couldn't get it to idle, and shift, it was racing, dying some, and surging, it was a bear to finally get it back on the trailer, but what a nice hull!
So, I have my work cut out for me.

By the way, talk about lack of storage, I don't know what they were thinking with this boat? Yes, I have the center storage hatch, but no storage under the long rear lounge seats, or along the sides of the boat anywhere? there is a small cooler like storage under the driver, & pass. seat, and also small angled storage under the bowrider side seats, but only a tiny area under the front most cushion. That is it! Nowhere to really put the anchor, or life jackets? I finally had to put the anchor under the left side front bowrider cushion, and I guess this boat actually forces you to wear your life jackets?, imagine that!,,, lol Overall, it was a bittersweet experience.

[MikDee]

Well it appears that the racing idle problem was caused by one of the plastic pieces for the spark advance rod that had cracked, & broken, and the spark advance rod was hanging loose, and stuck in an advanced position, bummer!
Anyway, does anyone here know where I might find a replacement part like this, so I can get back on the water?

[gcboat]

Oh boy - that's gonna' be a tuffy in my opinion. I'm thinking eBay for starters and then some calls to marina's, etc. Do you think you could make one? That may be the quickest way to solve your problem. Maybe keep an eye out for a junk motor and do some parts salvaging. Sorry I can't be of more help on that one.