Search results

  1. P

    A few tips for winterizing your Merc

    This is really only going to apply to those of you who have raw water circulation. This past weekend I winterized my boat, and I just want to pass on a few tips from some issues that surfaced during my process. When I was removing all the blue plastic drain plugs, I noticed that a good amount...
  2. P

    Had a breakdown, but got back to the marina.

    I guess my day could have been much worse... I headed out to sea, and was about 4 NM out and the seas were rough, really too rough for my 22' Stingray. I need to do a few mods to get my boat more rough seas compliant. So I cut my trip short and headed back into port to play around in the calm...
  3. P

    What a PIA docking a boat in a strong current!!

    Myself and my kids went out today for a wonderful afternoon out on the boat. Usually I trailer my boat, but a boating friend offered his vacant slip for the week while i'm on vacation, and my buddy is getting a blown head gasket repaired on his boat. I'm fairly new to boating, but thus far have...
  4. P

    I started to get a bit sea sick ? Why?

    Hi folks, I went out Sat night for my first ever night striper fishing. The sea was a bit rough 4 ft swells, and we were anchored 150 feet off a rock jetty. I have eaten a large sub about an hour before, and 30 min into the trip I started getting sea sick? I've been out on many boats, small and...
  5. P

    A question about my boat "wandering" no wake speed

    Hi folks, the more time I spend with my boat, the more I am getting to know it's mannerisms. Heres a question, when I am in a no-wake zone, I notice my boat wanders from left to right all the time. I also know I have a decent amount of slop in my steering. Are these two related? Is it normal for...
  6. P

    Thank god for the bow safety chain!!!!! oops!

    Did my calm pre-ramp checklist : 1) PLUG IN ? yes 2) rear rachet straps off? yes 3) blower venting? yes 4) bow and stern lines ready? yes 5) got the dam boat keys ? yes 6) PLUG IN? yes again. OK I am ready, I start to back up towards the ramp, and things are fine, I start to back down the ramp...
  7. P

    Should I be sealing deck screws?

    Hi folks, I got to thinking about this, but maybe i'm splitting hairs.. Should I be sealing newly added deck screws when I drill a pilot hole through the fiberglass decking? I repaired my old rotted trim pump bracket, and had to drill new holes, now I am upgrading to dual batts, and am...
  8. P

    Question about trim sensor switches

    Hi folks, I'm in the process of replacing the trim sensor switches on my Merc Gen II, and need some input. I have the outdrive removed, and am ready to remove the trim switches. Does the bell housing have to be completely removed to rout the trim switch wires? I REALLY don't want to disrupt the...
  9. P

    repainting outdrive question

    Hi folks, could you give me some tips as to if there is a quality gloss black type paint that I can refinish my Mercruiser outdrive? The previous owner brushed on some type of thick crappy looking flat black paint and the outdrive looks absolutely terrible. The flat black paint almost looks like...
  10. P

    What's a good brand/style of beginner skis?

    Hi folks, could you guys give me some tips on buying the right set of skis for a beginner? Any tips would be GREAT ! Thanks! Rich
  11. P

    Swapping a 5.7 to a 7.4

    Is it possible to swap a current 5.7 to a 7.4 powerplant in my 22 foot Stingray ? Also is 300 hp too much to bolt a 7.4 to an Alpa 1 gen II outdrive? Thanks for your input! Rich
  12. P

    Removing hull pinstripes?

    Hi all, I am going to remove the ratted out pinstripes on my boat, and I was wondering if anyone has some tips to simplify the job. I tried a little heat, but the pinstripes just keep chipping off in small pieces.... thanks, Rich
  13. P

    How to plan navigation for an overnight trip?

    Hi folks, I am a brand new boater this year and would like to know the correct method for planning an overnight boating trip. Do you call your destination marina to reserve a slip for overnight docking? Wats a good method for planning fuel stops? I just bought a Garmin 440S combo...
  14. P

    Where do I fill the freshwater tank ?

    Hi all, can someone help me, I can't locate the fill point for my freshwater holding tank. Where is it? I have a '98 220CS. Thanks! Rich
  15. P

    So who here has made big bucks on the 'street lately?

    NOT ME............... I thought I was very diverse over the span of my entire Edward Jones managed investment portfolio as far as risk....Luckily i'm fairly young, and have still another 20+ years of investing to recover. I feel so bad for near retiree's that are getting hit so hard right...
  16. P

    Your opinions on my Garmin chartplotter choice

    Hello folks, I am a new boater, and I thought it be wise to purchase a good marine GPS. I'm a little brain dead when it comes to GPS's (I had a Garmin handheld unit many years ago for ATV'ing). I purchased this unit: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=8055 Right now, all my...
  17. P

    New boat owner, "needs TLC"

    Hi folks, I am the proud owner of a used '98 22' Stingray cuddy. Overall I am very happy, and my project boat should be all panned out and ready for water next weekend. I picked up this boat used for VERY short money ($6600), but for a reason. There are severall issues that need to be fixed: 1)...
  18. P

    Hi folks ! (new to me Stingray owner)

    Hello everyone!! I am picking up a used '98 220CS w/ 5.7L/ Alpha 1 boat next weekend, and I am jacked ! Never been into boating until a good friend took me and my family out on the ocean a few weeks ago. I am hooked! My 220 will need some cosmetic repairs and some good 'ol elbow grease, but more...
Top