Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

[bryanredfish]

Just had a beautiful day of fishing, and while flushing out the motor, the cowling fell off the boat (yes, I learned my lesson) and it cracked big time. It's certainly useable (thank God for Marine Tex), but I'll have to get a new one. Anyone have ideas for a place to get one? Thanks.

 

[iRich]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Have you tried ebay? <br />Rich

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

I'll try. It's a 2002 o/b, though. So I can't imagine there'd be too many parts out there on the 2nd hand market.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Just checked E-bay. Nothing. Guess I'll call the dealer tomorrow for the bad news, unless you have some better suggestions. The crack looks pretty nasty -- probably will never look the same.

 

[iRich]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

jeez..what did it drop on to crack that bad?<br /><br />Rich

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

iRich:<br /><br />A concrete driveway, from the top of the boat. About a 4 ft. drop. A sad sight.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Hey Bryan,<br />If ya got all the parts, it's fixable. Get some West Marine epoxy, fiberglass colth and Marine-Tex. Put the fiberglass cloth / epoxy patch on the inside, grind the crack on the outside, Marine-Tex the crack, sand and smooth the whole cowel and paint.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Hooty:<br />Thanks for the encouragement. I have family in, so did a quick fix to get it sealed. One problem, that perhaps you can help me with. The breather portion is a two piece section, and is impossible to get to (can't take it apart). I can fix the crack from the outside, but not the inside. Any suggestions? Thanks much.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

since you have done the bulk of the repairs to restore structural integrity, the breather area shouldnt be a problem - a little marine tex sculpting or even bondo would work - feather it out, prime it and paint it

 

[JAYBEE2]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Just looked at a the dougrussell website for a top cover (Aluninium) for early Merc.<br /><br />2153 - 7938 TOP COWLING (MANUAL) (MERCURY) 1 $517.32 <br />Ouch @@##$%$$# <br /><br />Late model EFI is $1,200.... O M G<br /><br />Hope you can fix yours....

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Just finished the job today. A little Marine Tex, some Merc black paint, and lots of sanding -- it's all done. Doesn't look perfect. Need to buff it down to match the gloss, but looks fine. Priced a replacement cowling at $729 -- ridiculous!!!!!!!

 

[Hooty]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Well done sir.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[JAYBEE2]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

Because cowlings are not a consumable..<br />So they can charge for tooling, keeping stock,<br />Spare parts company Christmas parties etc etc

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Aarrghh! Busted Cowling!

And a special thanks to Hooty for his wise advice. Saved me a bundle. This forum, in general, has been a God-send.