The iboats forum moderators are excited to announce that at this time it appears the iboats forums posting pictures function is working once again. Though we cannot promise for how long, we're hoping for indefinitely.
Happy Spring Everyone!
Wondering if anyone has advice on recarpeting an 18 foot bow rider - the boat originally had wooden floor with carpet over top. I’ll be reusing the wooden floor as it’s in good shape, but needs new carpet. Here’re a few questions on the best way to prep the floor before...
I have a similar symptom now, and when I read this it terrified me - the thought of a cracked and toasted engine block. I've since been advised that the "creamy caramel" color may just be oil leaking from oil pan/gasket or dipstick area, rather than a blown engine. This is because in my case...
Hi all - hoping for some insight here on a possible oil leak...but I'm hoping its not. I found creamy caramel color water in the bilge of my 3.0L Mercruiser I/O. So far, the information I've found on it, indicates that I have a serious problem with my engine block...such as a crack, allowing...
Hi All, would love to know your thoughts on this post. So I'm a newbie and have had my "new to me" boat in the water now for almost a month. Have had power issues since day one, but wasn't sure if it was me or boat. It's the boat. Here's the list of intermittent power-related issues...
Hey Guys, I have a 2,200lb 18ft Bowrider, which has a 3 blade 19pitch prop driven by a Merc 3.0L I/O. It's my only prop and I'm we're supposed to have spares. So, I'd like to upgrade and keep current one as the spare.
I'm told that aluminum is too soft, but stainless steel is so strong...
Hi Everyone,
I was advised by forum members to go look at more used boats as part of my first-time-boater/buyer shopping experience, and now I?m here to report back! I?d love to hear from everyone. Below are my two options, both in similar cosmetic condition, seating configuration...
This topic has been discussed multiple times before, but couldn't find any current or specific enough - so here goes...how do they compare in the following categories:
ASSUMPTION! Comparisons are of boats in near-equal size, weight, usage, age, type; e.g., 1998-2002 18ft bowrider under...
I'm set to finalize the deal on a 2000 Crownline 180 BR 3.0L. After being advised by iBoat members and moderators that a dozen boats are not enough to look at before settling, I'm going to have a look at a couple more this weekend to see what else I can learn, even though no real interest in...
Hi All - being new to the forum, I'm wondering how to go about adding a picture in the little "ID" box next to my screen name...likely the instructions are right under my nose somewhere, but not that I've seen. Also some have Emoticons or Giffs - is there a library on the site to select from or...
Doing some brand research on construction methods as part of my used-boat shopping and wondering if anyone knows when Four Winns converted entirely to wood-free boats. In particular, does anyone have or know of the Horizon 170 or 180 bowriders, 1999 and beyond, still having any wood in the...
Just picked up my first ever boat (used) and wondering and enjoying this online community. Got an 18foot bowrider with convertible top. I live in Ontario and hope to be boating from mid-May to mid-October.
Any ideas on how I might go about heating the boat's cabin, just enough to take the...
Boating newb here and enjoying the forum! Looking at buying a new-to-me used boat...very first and trying to decide between older 4.3 vs. less old 3.0. So here's a bit about the boat size and what I'll use it for:
Will be 18ft and no more than 2200lbs. Bowrider, not looking to go screaming...
I'm a newbie to iBoats. I've noticed two things: 1) only seem to be able to edit your own posts right after posting them - when you go back later after they've been read, they can't be edited...also, don't think we're allowed to post quotes from other "none-iBoats" forums, but posting links in...
Hi All,
First-timer here to the world of boating and to online forums!
I just bought an 18ft 2,200lb Bowrider, and wondering what size and type of anchor is best.
Also, how do I secure it to the boat (just tie it to the stainless steel hooks on the bow?)...since boat doesn't come with...
Hey Folks - newbie here to boating and this awesome forum. Any thoughts on what size tune (number of people it holds) is best for towing by an 18ft, 2,200lb, Bowrider powered by a 135hp Merc. I/O 3.0L?
Considering this one - thoughts...
Hey Folks,
New to boating and this great forum, and wondering if anyone has advice on how to go about recarpeting my boat floor. I can buy the marine grade carpet at a good price, but installation is quite costly...unless I hire a marine-inclined handyman to come do it in my driveway - but...
Hello Boaters (I'd say fellow-boaters but since I haven't actually hit the water yet in my very first powerboat...not counting the dingy with electric trolling motor...I don't feel that I deserve the title as yet!)
Just bought a used Bowrider with a few scratches in the gel coat. The gel coat...
Hi All,
Newcomer to iBoats and loving the online environment! Question about towing a boat. When I had my single axle pop-up trailer that I towed with my minivan, the trailer always made the back of my van sag low. Could never figure out why since I constantly saw other vans like mine...
Hello Everyone - I'm a Newbie to boating and looking to hear the opinions of others on a boat that I'm set to purchase. For context, in case it affects opinions on price, etc., I'm located in Ontario. I'm looking to close a deal on a 2000 Crownline 180 BR with Mercruiser 3.0 and Alpha One...
Hello everyone, I'm a total rookie to boating and am about to buy my very first boat. iBoats has been a wealth of knowledge and hope I can eventually contribute too! But for now, I only have questions.
Here's my situation: My tow vehicle has a tow capacity of 3,500 pounds, with trailer...
