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  1. tractoman

    Winter storage questions.

    Is it OK to winterize by only draining fluids from the block, manifolds and power steering cooler and not filling with anti freeze? Secondly, I understand it is best to keep the OD down to relieve strain on the bellows when it is stored. I can only lower it to where the trim up cutout stops...
  2. tractoman

    First trip out report, a little long.

    Saturday we made our first trip in our new to us 1995 Searay 180 with a 4.3LX and gen II. I had spent the first few weekends redoing the brake system on the trailer and making little adjustments here and there that were needed. The boat was at a marina and trailered only in and out of the lake...
  3. tractoman

    Quicksilver 3000 Control Trim Switch

    I have a 1995 Searay 180. 4.3LX, Gen II with a QS 3000 control with trim and the trailer button. Yesterday the trim up stopped working. Today I took the control apart to find the switch working fine, and I know there is a safety built in to the trim so it won't come up too high. The problem is...
  4. tractoman

    Bow Stop Style

    On my new to me trailer, I can't crank the winch without hitting the bow stop. It is a Stoltz roller style with end bells and 4" center roller. I guess I should but on the V style. Is one better than the other? What a stupid question huh?
  5. tractoman

    Zieman trailer question

    Anyone with a Zieman tandem know this one? I noticed on the front crossmember, in the middle section, the remains of two rusted out rivets that may have held a pad or some sort of keel support or guide. It is a 1995 model if that makes a difference. I'd like to figure out what should be there...
  6. tractoman

    V6 differences

    What is the difference between a 4.3 and a 4.3LX? It seems the HP rating is different, and atleast my LX is using a carbureted vortec? I know they went to MPI after that. Why all the different HP ratings. Mine's a 1995 if that matters.
  7. tractoman

    Test driving used boat.

    Is there a specific process to run a used boat through its paces or just generally run it around at different speeds and start and stop to simulate the type of use it would get. Turn the engine off for awhile and start again sort of stuff? Any tips appreciated. I am looking at a 1990 Marlin...
  8. tractoman

    Merc 4.3 V6 reliability

    I am looking at a 1990 18' boat with 213 hours on a Merc V6. Are these engines pretty reliable or are there any common problems with this era V6. Anything in particular to pay close attention to on these? Thanks
  9. tractoman

    Is a Merc 305 5.0 a good engine?

    I am looking at a 1990 RInker with the above listed engine. I will check compression and run it but generally are these decent engines? It's got about 300 hours on it. Thanks
  10. tractoman

    Are Rinkers any good?

    I am going to see a 1990 Rinker open bow 20.5 footer. It's got a 305 5.0 and merc outdrive. A little over 300 hours. I've not seen many of the Rinkers, are they decent quality and do they hold up? It'll be a family boat and our first. Thanks
  11. tractoman

    New boater looking for guidance

    I am looking for a boat for the family. We have 2 kids about ready to start skiing, tubing or whatever and to do some boat camping. I am leaning toward an open bow and deep V with an IO of some sort. A buddy who's a great skier keeps ripping on IO's and says I should get a direct drive like a...
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