becoming an expert

[rdnk1987]

i dont know if its just me but before getting this boat i had no idea about outboard motors... after fixing up my 78 i feel like an expert... i guess thats how people become boat mechanics, just own one for awhile and you will be

 

[5150abf]

Re: becoming an expert

It is very nice to be able to work on your own stuff, thankfully I haven't had to do anything to mine for sometime but I know if I have to I can.

I have rebuilt my lower several times, replaced coils and most of the wire harness and resealed the lower, done carb work, all the basic stuff, can't imagine how much money I have saved over the years.

A factory service manual is a huge help also.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: becoming an expert

That's for sure, if you want to learn to work on an outboard just buy an older model, you'll learn a lot quickly.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: becoming an expert

Seems to be that way with a lot of things. Older boat, older car, older house....never ends. But, that's why guys own tools...

 

[metalwizard]

Re: becoming an expert

I am with you guys on that one. bought my first boat about a year ago, Old OMC electric shift stringer.

I have been through EVERYTHING carb to prop. I could rebuild the thing in my sleep now. I actually may have done that.

That is why I like old projects like that. great learning experience.

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: becoming an expert

i dont know if its just me but before getting this boat i had no idea about outboard motors... after fixing up my 78 i feel like an expert... i guess thats how people become boat mechanics, just own one for awhile and you will be

Right....during a little tour today my engine DF70 Suzuki dropped 1 cylinder. Guessed it had to be bad fuel or so. Took the hood of to tinker (whatever) and my little 5 months old cocker spaniel (always nosy about what is going on) put his nose to the no 1 connector on the fuel-injection manifold. It fell of. Put it back on and it ran smoothly again. Promised the little blighter he can come on our next fishingtrip !!!

 

[southkogs]

Re: becoming an expert

Not just becoming an expert (still don't hold a candle to half the guys on this thread), but for me a mechanic. I'm awful with a wrench, and yet my boat runs!! Humorously, it's actually pushed me to do a few mechanical projects on my cars that I would normally hire out.

 

[stackz]

Re: becoming an expert

as far as I'm concerned, even if other people label me an expert on something, I'll never consider myself an expert on anything. always something else to learn or a different way to do something compared to how I do it.

I will say my knowledge of boats has increased probably about 500% since I first joined the forum in 08 though. I've actually chuckled at a couple of the things I either said or asked in older threads as I just didnt know...especially in regards to marine components vs regular automotive...and I've finally personally seen some of the horror associated which got me right in line with everyone else who frowns at people wanting to use a regular carb in a doghouse :facepalm:

I liken to when I went from cars to motorcycles and then land based to water based. gotta start all over again. my god I hate learning terms/acronyms when you're just starting out.

 

[robert graham]

Re: becoming an expert

i dont know if its just me but before getting this boat i had no idea about outboard motors... after fixing up my 78 i feel like an expert... i guess thats how people become boat mechanics, just own one for awhile and you will be

Lot of security and satisfaction in learning to troubleshoot and repair your own outboard, plus in the process you get much better at Preventive Maintenance and hopefully not require as much of your repairing skills. "Ounce of prevention worth a pound of Cure"....like Grandpa used to say!

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: becoming an expert

FYI Definitions of expert...
1. Expert is just a normal guy 500 miles from home.
2. Ex is a has-been, spurt is a drip under pressure.

That said, I know what you mean. My first outboard was an older Chrysler. Verrry Intresting. I learned more that I wanted to know.

To Southcogs comment on pushing one to do more projects on the vehicle that you normally would hire out... I have that issue too. It is because the boat eats (or drinks) money that I would have spent on the car. (Actually, not so much of an issue, but I thought it sounded funny.)

TerryMSU