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  1. JASinIL2006

    Confusion

    Not all of us are too enthusiastic about using PT wood in boat construction. In addition to the problems with PT plywood and lumber requiring extensively long drying times before it can be glassed, I worry that if it does get wet in the future, it may leach chemicals that could be corrosive to...
  2. JASinIL2006

    Need Advice on Towing Performance

    Other than the ideas re: the prop, something that might help is something like SmartTabs. My boat isn't underpowered but it would have difficulty holding plane at the lower ranges of tubing speed (18-20 mph). Once I got up to 22-23 mph, it planed fine. Adding SmartTabs force the bow down enough...
  3. JASinIL2006

    Combo trailer for 1 boat and 2 skis

    That's pretty creative! Nice work! Did you take any steps to avoid corrosion at the spot where the galvanized channel and aluminum frame come in contact?
  4. JASinIL2006

    Boat info appreciated

    If you are new to boating, please take a boating class. In-person classes are best, but even an online course will give you lots of information on how to operate your boat and do it safely. If you're lucky, you might have a buddy who is a boater who can take you out and teach you how to operate...
  5. JASinIL2006

    Boat construction question on gelcoated underdeck surfaces

    I think it depends on the boat, and when it was made. My boat has fiberglass stringers that were gel coated, but they pretty clearly were made separately from the whole, and then we’re tabbed in and filled with foam. Some newer designs may have them as an integral part of the hall.
  6. JASinIL2006

    Transom and floor replacement

    Your goal should be to rebuild it better than it was when it came out of the factory. (That's not hard to do, for many of our boats...) There is much good info here to help you, and many patient folks to answer your questions along the way. As @Scott Danforth noted, it does look like your...
  7. JASinIL2006

    Illinois registration numbers?

    Yup... I'm in Illinois, too. The card with your registration should have instructions, but the booklet in the link from @tpenfield shows it, too. I don't think Illinois sends out reminder notices to renew your reg anymore, so you need to make sure you remember in a couple years to renew.
  8. JASinIL2006

    Raw water pump kit differences

    I agree. The water pump is not something to scrimp on.
  9. JASinIL2006

    Old timey runabout?

    A couple friends of mine recently purchased a lakefront cottage on a small lake. They would really like to find an old vintage run about like the one in the picture below. Other than craigslist and Facebook marketplace, any thoughts on where to find one? It doesn’t matter if it needs some work...
  10. JASinIL2006

    Possible buy (engine option)?

    I'm pretty sure @tpenfield had a Formula 242... I'd be concerned about a boat that size being underpowered with a 350 Mag. Also, I have a hard time believing an '87 was built without wood.
  11. JASinIL2006

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    Sounding test is worthless unless the boat is completely rotted away or you are highly experienced at examining boats. Drilling core samples from inside is a MUCH more reliable way to check for rot.
  12. JASinIL2006

    Flex Seal on a Leaky Aluminum Boat?

    Gluvit works great. Just be sure to cover it with a coat of paint to protect it from UV.
  13. JASinIL2006

    . . . and I Thought Hi-tech Boat Engines Were Bad . . .

    Pretty common. Even my 2019 F150 has that (called Battery Management System). The manual says you need to take it to a dealer to get the BMS reset when you buy a new battery! (Of course, there are non-dealer work-arounds, but still...)
  14. JASinIL2006

    . . . and I Thought Hi-tech Boat Engines Were Bad . . .

    Disconnect the battery overnight and hope the ECU resets?
  15. JASinIL2006

    Buying a 1989 fisher with a payed off lien on title

    I wouldn’t buy a boat with a lien on the title. If it truly was paid off, the seller should be able to get a free and clear title.
  16. JASinIL2006

    Missing transom bolt on Mercruser outdrive to bellhousing.

    Those are a challenge enough with the motor pulled... I can't see any way you could replace it with the motor in place.
  17. JASinIL2006

    Blogs plug housing loose and turns

    Rapping on your boat with a hammer is not a reliable way to detect rot, unless you are highly experienced. My boat sounded great when tapping on the transom, but it was total mush when I pulled it apart. Drilling test holes into the wood from inside the boat is the way to tell if the wood is...
  18. JASinIL2006

    Amateur hour transom rebuild question

    I’d be using the 1708 rather than hoping the composite stuff is strong enough.
  19. JASinIL2006

    Materials

    I believe my Larson (a ‘97) was originally outfitted with a 4.3L Volvo Penta that later was replaced with a Mercruiser 350 Mag (basically a 5.7L V8). At least on my ‘97, a 5.7 was an option when the boat was built, so other than some shims under the front motor mounts, there was no modification...
  20. JASinIL2006

    '85 Sierra 16.5' Fiberglass - Floor / Transom / New Layout

    I set my circular saw to cut 1 3/4” deep and made criss-cross cuts about 2” apart all over the transom. After that, a hammer and prybar popped out the wood pieces and a grinder was used to get down to fiberglass. That was one of the least enjoyable parts of the resto.
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