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    Bellows Longevity

    Merc888, Ford 302, R drive: Assuming equal amount of engine hours running, would the bellows last longer if constantly submerged (ie: in a slip), or on the trailer? Just curious.
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    Steering cable stuck

    1990 Johnson 60hp Teleflex rotary steering cable. The boat was not used for about 4 months and now the steering rod passing through the engine tilt tube is stuck. I have disconnected the engine and it pivots fine. I unbolted the starboard nut attaching the cable to the tube and the inner rod...
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    Fixing bimini snaps

    The snaps on bimini top are very corroded and some have broken. Is there a way to remove the corrosion? Also, for the broken ones, is it better to install new snaps next to the old ones, or remove and replace them in the same location in order to use the existing male parts on the boats?
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    Trialer winch strap position

    I want to move my boat forward on the trailer but the current winch strap position/path won't let the boat snug up the the bow stop. Is it OK to run the strap under the bow stop instead of over it? (see picture attached). I am also adding a safety chain from the bow eyebolt to the trailer.
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    selling a boat advice

    I am selling one of my older boats (1971 18' trihull merc888 with tandem trailer, so we're only talking about $2500.00 or so.) One potential buyer who checked it out wants to haul it about 60 miles away for her friend/mechanic to look at it. She has not asked for a sea trial. I this a safe...
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    shift interrupt problem?

    1971 merc888 Ford302 V8 carbed. I ran the boat this afternoon on muffs in the driveway as I do about every two to three weeks keep things lubed, etc. It started right up and ran fine. I let it warm up for about 15 minutes, then checked the shifting, forward, then reverse a couple of times with...
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    GPS speed accuracy

    In general, how accurate are GPS speed readings? I have a hand-held Garmin and it reads about 10 mph faster than the fish finder.
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    Propeller to fin clearance

    1974 Merc 225s, pre-alpha drive: Is there a minimum clearance recommended between the propeller blades and the fin/skeg? Mine just barely misses it. It is OK to shave off a bit of the fin to get more clearance?
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    Boat extension for outboards

    I have seen a number of boats around here lately that have a rather large extension bolted to the transom to which one or two outboard motors (one had twin Honda 200's) are mounted. Most of the boats are not new, but some are. Is this a retrofit device to get more boat length? It seems like...
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    Propeller recommendation

    1974 Merc 225 Ford V8 pre-alpha outdrive 18' IMP trihull. What is the recommended propeller for this setup? I cnat read the numbers on the existing prop, but think it is too small. I'm only getting about 20 mph at 3500 rpm. The coupler is new and I don't see any signs of prop/hub slippage.
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    will smaller prop help?

    1990 high Johnson 60hp, 1976 18' boston whaler type boat. The engine runs fine, new water pump, flushed out water passages with a hose on the water tube, good pee flow, 5000 rpm's at WOT. However, the engine overheats at high rpms. Some say it is because the engine is too small for the boat...
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    refinishing teak

    I have a TODD swingback seat with teak side arms. Does anyone know what TODD typically uses to finish/seal their products? Most of the original finish is gone, but where they were attached to the cushion back, the finish is smooth, semi-shiney, and honey colored. Is that varnish or oil?
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    VHF Radio to Antenna distance

    Is there a recommended minimum distance to place the antenna from the VHF radio? The boat came wih a small center counsel with the radio and antenna only about 24" apart.
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    Bayliner question

    I am curious as to what the is that issue some people seem to have with Bayliners? In the past they have been spoken of in not so nice terms. I don't have one, just curious. Is/was there a structural problem?
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    Chine walking

    I have seen this term used occassionally but am not sure what it really means. Can someone explain what "chine walking" is?
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    Winch strap position

    Is there a standard path for the winch strap to follow to connect to the Bow Eye on the boat? Should it go over or under the bow stop? Advantage/disadvantages either way?
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    glue for teak repair

    One of my teak side members on my Todd swingback seat has broken. I was thinking about gluing it back together then reinforcing it with some screwed- in stainless steel side plates. What glue should I use?
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    1990 Johnson 60hp VRO

    New to us 1990 Johnson 60hp (VRO disconected), 18' Boston Whaler. We finally took it out yesterday for ocean trials. 5500 WOT, 26 knots. Ran at WOT for a couple of miles, then slowed down to about 2000 prms and the hot engine alarm went off. We shut it off, let it cool for a couple of minutes...
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    Boston Whaler or not?

    I have a boat that has the BW logo on the sides and the registration paperwork lists as a 1976 18 Boston Whaler. The transom has a molded in number of 18UB732. However, the hull side fins(?) near the front are different from other BW's I've seen, and it does not have the smooth gel coat...
  20. R

    Boston Whaler or not?

    I have a boat that has the BW logo on the sides and the registration paperwork lists as a 1976 18 Boston Whaler. The transom has a molded in number of 18UB732. However, the hull side fins near the front are different from other BW's I've seen, and it does not have the smooth gel coat finish. It...
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