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  1. dbuffington

    Boat/Trailer Transport

    Hi Folks! We're looking at having a 17' runabout and its trailer transported from Minnesota to Pennsylvania. Does anyone have any experience with any of the boat transportation firms? Thanks! Dave
  2. dbuffington

    1956 Johnson 5hp Sea Horse? ID and Parts

    Hi Folks! I was lucky to stumble into this nice little Johnson Sea Horse over the weekend. The auctioneer said it is a 1956 model, but that may or may not be accurate. I haven't been able to spot a spec plate. Anyone know what model this might be? And a source for the damaged tiller grip...
  3. dbuffington

    Duplicate post

    duplicate post
  4. dbuffington

    Evinrude 2.5 ID and Carb

    Hi Folks! I recently picked up a nice little two-cylinder Evinrude 2.5 (Model E3RCUA, Serial B1368474). Two questions ... - What year is this outboard? - The motor was stored unused for many years, and there was no fuel in the tank. I refilled it with fuel/oil mix and checked the plugs...
  5. dbuffington

    Do You Know This Boat?

    Hi Folks! A week or so ago, I saw this boat being towed on Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania. Does anyone have any idea what this boat is? Thanks! Dave
  6. dbuffington

    Plugs for Mercury Mark 55

    Hi Folks! I've had some plug fouling issues with my old Mark 55 engine lately. I'm going to cut back a bit on the oil ratio, but I'm also looking for plug recommendations to address the problem. I'm running NKG B6S plugs now. Any suggestions? Thanks! Dave
  7. dbuffington

    Let's see...

    Let's see if I've got this right... I have a Mercury Mark 55e outboard. The max recommended rpm is 5400. I finally found a tach to use with the motor, and this past weekend, on a 60 degree day with a 10 inch pitch prop, full throttle produced 4900 rpm. So... To get closer to the 5400 max, I...
  8. dbuffington

    Vintage Boat, Vintage Tow?

    Hi Folks! We have a 1957 Whirlwind with a 1955 Mercury Mark 55 motor. Is it appropriate to pull that rig with a 2005 Ford Explorer? Of course not! So I'm looking for a visually appropriate tow vehicle. (More toys for big boys, I know :)) Something in the same age range -- say 1955 to 1965 --...
  9. dbuffington

    Fuel Gauge Dampening?

    Hi Folks! I recently installed a permanent fuel tank in my Whirlwind, and with it I installed an old SW electric fuel gauge. At first, the gauge needle bounced around as the boat bounced and turned, but now, it stays steady. Is there some kind of dampening circuit, like a capacitor, in the...
  10. dbuffington

    Smart Tabs Hardware Confusion

    Hi Folks! I'm installing a set of traditional (stainless) Nauticus Smart Tabs, and while the trim plates themselves are in place, the instructions have me really confused about the proper installation of the bits supporting the gas cylinder... - The upper, transom-mounted bracket has two holes...
  11. dbuffington

    Overheating Symptoms

    Hi Folks! I had an issue today with our 50s vintage Mercury Mark 55... What are the symptoms of overheating in such an engine? Thanks! Dave
  12. dbuffington

    Trim tab history?

    An odd question, I know... When did trim tabs first appear on recreational boats? Thanks! Dave
  13. dbuffington

    Tidy Cat Tub-How to remove markings

    Hi Folks! I know I'm not the only one who uses the big Tidy Cat litter tubs for onboard storage. They're big, they're plastic and they have a tight-sealing, hinged lid. Oh, and they're cheap. But... They have Tidy Cat written in big letters all over the place. Now, I've finally figured out...
  14. dbuffington

    Permanent Fuel Tank Choices

    Hi Folks! I'm planning on installing a permanent fuel tank in my 1957 Whirlwind, and I have some choices to make: - RDS offers an aluminum tank that would fit nicely in a spot in the rear. Anyone have personal experience with RDS tanks? - I also have a lot of space in the bow where I could...
  15. dbuffington

    Modern Battery for Old Motor?

    Hi Folks! I'm reconfiguring the rear of my 1957 Whirlwind to hold a second fuel tank, and I'd like to replace the lead-acid beast back there with a smaller, safer, more modern battery. (Probably an Odyssey, which I've used with great success in motorcycles.) The primary use for the battery is...
  16. dbuffington

    The Guns That Weren't There

    The great tales of boat resurrection told here are truly inspiring. Loyal hulls, cast aside, left to rust and rot ? are then rescued, lovingly refurbished over months and years. Then returned to the waters to bask in their newfound glory. Alas, this tale is nothing like those tales? Four...
  17. dbuffington

    Post to Completed Projects

    Hi! I'd like to start a thread in the Completed Projects section, but I'm receiving a message saying I don't have the privileges to do that. I can, however, post in other sections. Any suggestions? Thanks! Dave
  18. dbuffington

    Spark Plugs for Mark 55E

    Hi Folks! We have a mid-50's vintage Mercury Mark 55E. It runs beautifully -- thanks largely to Lancaster County Marine -- but creates some RF interference with our VHF radio. The plug specification in the original owners manual is a Champion J6J. However, the current recommendation seems to...
  19. dbuffington

    Vintage Mark 55e Drifting Idle

    Hi Folks! Our Mercury Mark 55e (probably 1957), which we bought over the winter, is having idle issues... - When cold, the motor starts easily, with no choke and with the idle lever set 3/4 full. - The motor will not idle without stalling, cold or warm. - As time passes, the minimum idle...
  20. dbuffington

    Prop Weight, Performance Difference?

    Hi Folks! I recently picked up a spare propeller for my old Mercury Mark 55. The spare is the same diameter and pitch as the original. The blades of both appear to be the same shape, design, et al. The only difference between the two is the weight. The original is bronze and heavy. The spare...
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