[76ANTHONY]

ok bought a new boat couple months back and took her out for the first time this weekend, what a disaster to say the least. first she wouldnt start on the boat ramp then i got her started and put her in rev backed out a little turned around and throttled up she just wouldnt plane, after a min she planed at about 15-20 mph and then i went to the lagoon to pick up the family, wellll thats when it really got bad, i had to idle for a minute while this pwc moved out of my way to get in and i went to put her in gear and she made a loud clunk, then i had no forward or rev. my question would be, where to start? i just ordered the manual and i've worked on all kinds of boat engines, just never an outboard. funny thing is i said id never get an outboard, but we bought it for its realiability, dohhhhh. now i know these engines are good and last forever if taken care of, so i really want to fix her.
any help would be greatly appriciated.
thanks
scott
oh and shes a 1983 merc mariner 200 hp v6 2 stroke.

[76ANTHONY]

gonna look at her again today...

[j_martin]

Odds are good the "lubricant" in the lower unit is water.
grease is cheaper than parts, and maintainance is cheaper than repairs.

200 HP going through a couple of gears only a few inches in diameter needs tender loving care on a regular basis.

[76ANTHONY]

hmmm, i will drain it when i get home, see if maybe i have water where grease should be. thank you....