1985 Islander + Mercruiser

[rolmops]

Yesterday I bought a 20 foot 1985 Islander with a 4 banger 140 horse mercruiser. It will mostly be used for fishing and I would like some advice on this thing. Will it troll at 2 to 3 mph or should I install a kicker? What do most people do when fishing in freezing weather as far as short term winterizing is concerned. Is it a good idea to install a heat exchanger or is that wasted money?
I have always run outboards so this is another world for me.
As always,thanks for your opinions and advice.
Cornelis.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1985 Islander + Mercruiser

It will mostly be used for fishing and I would like some advice on this thing. Will it troll at 2 to 3 mph or should I install a kicker?

Ayuh,... I've still got my ole '74 that started life as a 3.0l...
I'm thinkin' yer gonna Love yers....

Yes, it'll troll down that low, All day, for pennies...
I like draggin' drift socks, big 1s to keep speeds down to Sub-1 mph...
Better yet, I can bump the throttle to a grand or so,... (Motors, in general, like that)
It also helps with direction control,...(which is the Islander's downfall, the wind knocks it around, alot)

What do most people do when fishing in freezing weather as far as short term winterizing is concerned. Is it a good idea to install a heat exchanger or is that wasted money?

Yer motor only has 2 drain plugs, both portside, the block drain down low by the oil pan, 'bout center the block, 'n the manifold drain, just above it, upside down, on the bottom of the manifold...
Then just pull the Big hose off the circulating waterpump...
Then store with the drive down, or near so...

Heat exchangers are pretty much a waste of money for Us guys boatin' in sweetwater...

Even with my V6, it's less than 10 minutes, at the launch, to drain for the next weekend, or the next season....

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1985 Islander + Mercruiser

Thanks for your reply,Bondo.
I just checked over the engine and all the basics are in order. The engine turns over,there's no water in the oil,the tilt and trim goes up and down and the windshield wiper works.
It is quite a relief to know that draining the block is not very complicated. It worried me to think that my fishing season would be cut short by a few months because of the weather,specially now that I have a boat that looks like a small ice-breaker.
Thanks again and I probably will post a few hundred more questions.
Cornelis.