What have I gotten myself into????

[12Footer]

I got a call from a friend of a friend,for whom,I rigged a boat out. It's a 16ft john with a Merc 20HP on it.<br />I rigged his steering and got his motor running fairly well,but it still had carb issues (needed a set of new gaskets from cleaning). He explained that he would install a carb kit in the clean carb before taking it out. So fine, 3 months later (Saturday), he calls me...."Hay, I'm a few minutes from your house. Can you look at this engine? It died and wont restart.", he said.<br />I replied it was no problem,I was home anyway,and would pull the other boat outta the driveway.<br />Well,he backed it in,and I went to werk on it. I removed the carb,and removed the bowl.<br />Then the float. NO NEEDLE VALVE. Kinda won't run without one. So,he gave me some green to buy a kit with,and left the boat. While I'm out there fooling with it some, I looked at the prop,and it is bent-up like a raviolli noodle. I turned the prop with my finger, and noticed a grosely bent prop shaft.<br />I don't know if i want to put this guy back on the water. Jiminee!!!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: What have I gotten myself into????

12 Footer, I think I would make sure he is topped off with his favorite alcholic beverage. Then I would explain to him that if he goes back out to the spot where he made contact with the prop, and hit that area from the opposite direction that it should straighten it out. Or maybe when the needle valve got sucked out of its place, it somehow got caught in the gears of the lower unit and bent the prop shaft. People like that is why out country spends so much money on idiot proofing things. The knowledge of know how is there available, it is ashame that it isn't used. But then it is job security for those involved. Make the best of the day no matter what, there is still more fish to catch!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What have I gotten myself into????

Hey 12Footer if and when your friend gets running again I would STRONGLY suggect he spend more green on a skeg guard with a skid plate. This will provide him with protection and decrease your future work load. <br /><br />Bob