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    Have scraped the rudder and slightly bent it.

    How bad is that? I assume it can have an effect on gas mileage and ultimately steering. But it's only slightly bent. If it actually breaks off sometime, is that something that a mechanic can weld back on? Any thoughts are much appreciated.
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    Boating after a hurricane

    With Isaac now having passed (and assuming any of the boat launches survived along back bay) am pondering how long should wait before boating to let any debris in the water settle. Any thoughts are appreciated.
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    Gear Lube - where and what...?

    The owners manual and the repair manual and the repair manual are no help to me. What is the "gear lube" and is it different than the "lower gear lube" and where do you check/add it on a 4.3 2007 model with 190 hp. It's not the oil (top right of motor), it's not the trim fluid (down at bottom...
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    Range of a good VHF handheld radio.

    I live on the Gulf Coast and would like to take my boat out the the barrier islands, which are about 8-10 miles off shore. There is good commercial traffic and Coast Guard at Gulfport, and I suspect my cell will still work that far out anyway, but am thinking of getting a good handheld as a...
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    How often should the oil be changed on a

    2007 Mercruiser I/o 190 hp 4.3?
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    First boat and kids want to wake board

    We've recently bought our first boat (Sea Ray 185 Sport with a 190 hp 4.3 Mercruiser with wake board tower). We've just been cruising and tubing with it so far, but my kids want to try wake boarding. My son is 12 and my daughter is 8. Both are athletic/fit for their age and size, but I'm...
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    Batteries - should I alternate using 1 and 2?

    Is it best to use battery 1 for a while and then on other days use battery 2? It occurs to me that it may be good to do that to keep battery 2 from running down after an extended period of inactivity.
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    What is the maximum size for a boat if you really want to trailer it?

    What size boat would be the max/largest you could get if you really want to trailer it and not keep it in a slip?
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    Test driving Sea Ray 185 - what to look for?

    Am planning on buying my first boat tomorrow after a successful test drive. Very excited, and would love to hear any advice about what to look/listen/feel for in the test drive in making the final decision.
  10. T

    2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport, 4.3 190 hp

    Does anybody own one of these? If so, what do you think of it? Thanks.
  11. T

    How many hours of cruising time with 25 gallon tank?

    I know it will depend on a lot of variables in terms of stops/starts, wind, etc, but does anybody have an idea of hour many hours cruising time I can expect with a 2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport with a Mercruiser 4.3, 190 hp? Any thoughts are appreciated.
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    Bilge pump

    What is a bilge pump and what does it do? Pardon my ignorance, love this forum for all te resource of helpful information to learn. Any information is appreciated.
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    Looking at 2007 Chaparral SSI 210 with Volvo Penta 4.3 220hp

    Am looking seriously at one and would love any thoughts anyone has, good or bad. The exterior is in fine shape, and the water pump on the motor been replaced, but seller informs everything works and runs perfect. Havent sea tested it yet. Please provide any thoughts - thanks.
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    Can I expect to haggle on the price of a new boat?

    Looking at/considering a brand new Sea Ray 190 Sport. List price with some upgrades on the invoice is about 42k. The dealer says the "automatic discount" reduces it down to 33k (my impression is that the 42k is kind of like the minimum advertised price, and that the street-price is always...
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    Used boat purchase checklist of things to look for/do....

    I'm looking to purchase an used bow rider around 20 foot. Am looking closely at a 21 chaparral and a 19 foot Sea Ray, both used. Is there a general consensus of things I should look for when inspecting the boat? Amy thoughts are appreciated.
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    Mercury v. Volvo v. Evinrude

    Am new to boating and am curious whether there is a "conventional wisdom" or general perception regarding which is better and more reliable. Any personal impressions are appreciated.
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    Inboard/outboard verses stern driven - what's the difference?

    Any explanations are greatly appreciated.
  18. T

    Ever seen a leak from the swim platform support?

    Some of the 20' ft bow riders I'm looking at have an angled support member that attaches to the bottom of the back of the boat (transom?) below the water line. I'm wondering whether that's a common source of leaks, or something I should be concerned about. Any information is appreciated.
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    What is an average number of hours...

    What is the average number of hours that should be expected for 2007 Chaparral SSI 21' bow rider. Looking at one that I may buy and am trying to do all the research I can. Any thoughts o suggestions are much appreciated.
  20. T

    How many days per year do you boat?

    I know, incredibly subjective question. Many live and breath boating I know, some even live on house boats, there's the weather, etc. But to the extent that those that may read this thread, I'd be curious to know about how many days per year you take out your boat if you happen to approaching...
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