pdelux

Thanks for all the imformative replies. I've booked in @ Huetts for some peace of mind as many people seem to recommend. I just think maybe I left some old fuel without stabiliser few too many times. Hope its not too serious and I can get back on the water as soon as possible.

Nice, Wish someone would show me how to catch squid. I always get 0.

Thats some bad luck mate! I feel for you. When one things goes wrong, it seems like it all starts to fall apart. Good to see you endured and still caught some fish, that would've softened the blow =)

I know you are a just voicing your opinion here --- but the the poster has provided us with a good report, great photos and information. I think it's unfair for you to criticise his catches when they are all obviously legal I am a little jealous of UNTAMED skills, but he's inspired me to try beach fishing again, although I hate it!

Yes that is exactly correct. Before it would always start when prop is in water. Sorry for my poor mechanical terminology. it is firing (like a car trying to start) but does not start. Choke is often required, as is tilting it out of water. I think it stops firing (or does a puny little fire, when I flood it from overchoking or trying to start too much) This is when I need to just leave it for a while, usually out of water. Okay I am a little scared now, but It does crank (if by cranking you mean like trying to start/firing) Sorry I don't know much about the engine. I do sometimes notice a little slick, but I cant be sure its not the exhaust residue etc. You've been very helpful, I would like to take it in to get looked at but I just want to be sure it's just not me as first time boat owner doing something stupid.

I initially thought that and had the battery replaced. Bought a nice new battery, same thing. Got teh old battery measured (even though its 4 years old) still had more than sufficient cranking AMPs left. Now just use it as a spare backup.

Mate what a story. I hope everyone who reads this is reminded that SAFETY IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY on the road and on the water. No EXCEPTIONS.

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the top responses. After reading through them I want to clarify some of my statements because it may have been a little confusing. * Fuel - I am using Premium, usually 98 but somtimes 95 if 98 is unavailable * Oil - I am mixing the oil myself as the fuel injector/mixer thing was removed/disconnected by previous owner/s, for whatever reason, I think the last owner said it was supposedly safer not to rely on it. I have to admit though, I am mixing the oil and fuel as I am pumping the fuel in to tank (this is what the previous owner showed me how to do). I always wondered if it would get a good even mixture, and now starting to wonder maybe this is partly part of the problem. That is I mix with every 10 litres of fuel being pumped in. * ON cold start - the engine normally starts fine, with a little choke. I do 1-2 pumps of the fuel line thing. I sometimes have to pull the throttle lever up half way to warm engine/stop from stalling. I notice now it's hard to start when in water, seems to start better when motor out of water, then I immediately put engine back into water once started. * After turning off engine to fish for a while anchored/drifting (leaving motor in the water for a while) I find it is even harder to start (particularly when in water - near impossible sometimes). Even with choke, and sometimes once i get it started (idling) I need to lift throttle lever or it sometimes stalls where previously i never had to do this and only had to do at the start of my journey. Is this also considered a cold start?. From the responses. I think I have been flooding the engine by trying over and over (with choke- pushing key in) because at this point engine does not really turn over (or crank as what Huey said). What I have been doing is raising the motor out of water and leaving it for a while 5 -10 minutes, then I can start successfully - eventually. I hope it is something that I AM DOING - because this can be easily corrected, rather than a motor issue. So from what others have said, some of my conclusions are 1. possibly poor mixture of fuel/oil 2. point 1 may be leading to difficult start 2. point 2 may be leading to excessive choking by me, and engine flooding. Are these fair assumptions? What other corrective measures can I take? At this point I have to assume the mechanic did the job properly with the correct sparks/spacing etc. I recall they cleaned fuel lines/filters etc (was a major service) and from my limited mechanical knowledge I do not want to touch these things myself, would rather pay someone to do it, but only if it is required (i.e. NOT caused by user error!) One thing to mention is that when I start the motor at home (with hose attached) it starts all the time no probs. Once again thanks for all the informed and helpful responses.

Hi Raiders, I am recently new into boating/fishing, and and have a runabout with a 2 stroke 50 HP Johnson motor (circa 2001) I think. I mix the oil myself 50:1. The outboard has been fine since I bought the boat a 18 months ago. Recently I had it serviced and no problems running it at first. But now I start to notice this issue wonder if you could tell me what is causing it. Firstly the motor starts pretty well upon launching (i may need to choke it a little though). However I noticed now that I usually have to pull it out of the water to get it to start first, where as before it would start fine in the water. It struggles to start when in the water. After cruising around and stopping to fish I notice sometimes its hard to start up again, doesn't turn over. So i pull it out of the water for a bit and need to "rest" it for a few mins. Then I am able to start it, although sometimes I need to choke it to stop it from stalling. Not sure whats going on, I never had these issues before I got it serviced, not sure if its a result of the servicing or just natural engine ageing. During the service several things were replaced: water pump, spark plugs, some thermostat thing. Any one have any advice?

Can I ask were you fi shing in the channel or lake, if channel north or south side? or under bridge?

Hi Guys, Thankyou for all your responses - I really appreciate it!

Hi Guys, Just wondering if you would know any dealers to make a custom canopy (not bimini) for my little runaboat. I had an awesome one which was in great condition, side windows etc, until some scumbag thought it would look better on his boat, and stole it just the other day. Sad but true. I have found this site: http://www.onsitecovers.com.au/ But just wondering if you guys knew of any more in Sydney Area? Also does anyone know if one can be made to be removable (removed from the boat), as I don't really want to get another one stolen. Thanks!

Sorry to here that happening again to you. I guess the only thing we can do is make it harder for these crooks in the hope they will choose n easier Target. The worst part is, when I think of these sad people, I imagine that they are junkies or dole bludgers, rorting the system, and hard working people are paying to support them.

Was off to work the yesterday Thursday 17/11/11 and notice my boat was missing its Canopy. On further inspection I foudn the boat had been stripped of pretty much anything inside aswell (anchors, fenders, battery etc). Who knows what theyll take next. At least these lowlifes had the courtesy to leave the bungs though. Please all , take extra precaution. I've made a police report but I doubt i will ever see my stuff again. I will invest in some chains and extra locks from now on. Boat was parked on my property in driveway. I hope they scum are caught before they do someone else over.

HERE HERE!

I think Beach fishing is a pain (sand everywhere, big swells) but I know alot of people who love it. If you are a beginner you can try some breakwalls with the same stuff you are using i think it's alot easier for a beginner to learn how to fish and catch something.

Good on ya mate. Nothing beats doing the thing you love most on your Bday!

Whats carp like on the plate??

keep your eye on the weather. Forecast is windy 37Km. Lake Macquarie can be scary with high winds. Be safe.

way to go dad.

Sound like Stanwell beach or Wattamalla.

Sometimes gates for either Outer or Inner breakwalls can be closed for maintenace and other reasons. But if they are open, you can fish there no problems, great spots for LB Kingies

This post made me smile. There's no worse feeling than having a visitor come half way across the world to go fishing with you and you get nothing. Don't play down the catch. Flathead is excellent eating!