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  1. JASinIL2006

    Bunk lag bolts

    Lags bolts work fine unless the bunk boards are too soft. I re-used the boards and lag bolts when I recarpeted my 1997 trailer and they still are holding strong.
  2. JASinIL2006

    1960's Larson Lapliner

    Run away. Boats without paperwork are yard planters…
  3. JASinIL2006

    Beginner Buying Used Question Re. Sea Trials

    @airshot makes a great point about the paperwork. If the seller doesn't have that all in hand, walk away. It's not worth wasting your time if they don't have the paperwork.
  4. JASinIL2006

    oil change

    After having trouble a Moeller extractor that repeatedly fell apart, I ended up buying a small $25 wet/dry vacuum from Walmart. I duct-taped a section of garden hose to the end of the vac hose. The garden hose screws onto the dipstick and I can drain the engine faster than I could with the...
  5. JASinIL2006

    Beginner Buying Used Question Re. Sea Trials

    In our area, most boats are trailered and we're an hour's drive away from the nearest navigable rivers. Arranging a water trial therefore would not be a trivial undertaking, and it's often not done. (I'm not saying that's a good thing, it's just they way it is.) If I were selling, I'd be happy...
  6. JASinIL2006

    Weight distribution hitch didn't fit trailer rails

    Some WDH don't allow you to back up easily or make tight turns. Also, when the trailer is unloaded, the weight could be shifted disproportionately to the front wheels, which could cause a problem on the ramp (although less likely if you're in 4WD). I think @Bondo is spot on; you are at the...
  7. JASinIL2006

    Weight distribution hitch didn't fit trailer rails

    Sounds to me like you're overloading your truck. What does the yellow sticker on the driver side door jamb say your payload and towing capacity is? Also, how much weight (including passengers, gear, and trailer tongue) are you putting on the truck? I'm wondering how using a WDH on a boat...
  8. JASinIL2006

    New owner questions - trimming/trolling and fuel stabilizer

    The only problem with using Seafoam and Stabil 100% of the time is that you're wasting your money. It might be helpful to use Stabil for winter layups (even that is up for debate), but using them all the time is just burning your money.
  9. JASinIL2006

    Oil pan drain hose

    I'd snake the hose first. Sure sounds like you have some sludge or something clogging it up.
  10. JASinIL2006

    3.0l Alpha 1 Gen 2 low speed overheat

    Are there no marinas where people have their boats worked on? How do other boat owners do mid-season maintenance or repairs? I do think it's common for Gen 2 impellers to last longer than 4 years; I just serviced my water pump and the impeller is at least 5 years old and it looked fine. (I...
  11. JASinIL2006

    Blige pump problem!

    I agree. Those auto-sensing pumps just drain betteries.
  12. JASinIL2006

    relay

    My guess is you'll get better help if you state what boat/engine you have.
  13. JASinIL2006

    I/O taking on water while sitting not moving

    Silicone around the transom and loose transom shield bolts together are usually not a good sign... Whether or not your boat has wood, something isn't right back there and you likely are facing some disassembly to get at the problem.
  14. JASinIL2006

    Leak in Hull (found). Would like guidance to repair

    I would agree with the others... looks like the structure rotted and then caused the crack when the fiberglass by itself couldn't support the weight of the boat on the bunk. I don't think you can accurately assess what's going on without getting access to it from the inside of the boat. Do you...
  15. JASinIL2006

    Should I replace my surge brakes with electric on my boat trailer?

    Electric brakes work fine on a boat trailer, but @Scott Danforth is correct, if you don't already have a break controller, switching to electric will cost more. I personally don't care for surge brakes as I think electric provide a smoother braking experience, but they do cost more initially if...
  16. JASinIL2006

    Need Advice on Replacing Hubs, Drums and Brakes on Boat Trailer

    If it’s a freshwater boat, I’d go electric. Saltwater, probably not…
  17. JASinIL2006

    Need Advice on Replacing Hubs, Drums and Brakes on Boat Trailer

    If it were my trailer, I'd probably spend a bit more and get Dexter brake assemblies. I've had store-brand brakes and Dexters, and the latter were noticeably better made. I hate messing with the brakes, so the extra cost to avoid having to work on brakes is worth it to me.
  18. JASinIL2006

    2010 Ford E250 Weight Towing Question

    I bet you will have used all of your payload weight by doing the conversion. Add to that the weight of gear and the tongue weight of the trailer, and I’d guess you’ll be exceeding your vehicle’s payload rating. It is pretty common to exceed payload rating before you exceed towing capacity.
  19. JASinIL2006

    Possibly getting a slip - what to know before saying yes

    That's a good point; I didn't see that it was a self-bailing deck. That would make a difference.
  20. JASinIL2006

    I/O taking on water while sitting not moving

    Even putting your cellphone on a selfie stick and taking video can help find that kind of a leak. Those kinds of leaks are frustrating; good luck!
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