MikeNash

I replaced an old Johnson on my boat with an E-TEC 90 a few years ago. My wife doesnt like to go fast in the boat so spends a lot of time putting along and hasnt missed a beat. Fuel consumption made me check that the fuel gauge was still working because compared to the old Jonno it was next to nothing. No strong smells for me when on the water.

Hi All, I'm hunting for a new (to me) boat. One of the boats I am looking at has been used for game fishing so it's been outside, and in my first inspection aside from the a whole heap of cosmetic issues I saw some cracks in the flooring of one of the lockers just aft of the V berth, opposite the head. It could be that someone has just thrown something heavy in there- or something heavy has been thrashed around in rough weather but I'm not sure if this is a serious structural issue or a cosmetic repair. Should I write this boat off on the basis of that damage? I didn't see any other cracking like this anywhere else. I'll be getting an inspection done on anything I purchase - but for a twin engine 30 foot boat that's about $1000 a time, so I don't want to do that too often if I should just look at something like this and nope-out. Appreciate any feedback EDIT: Just been told the boat has been sold. Cheers Mike

+1 My boat is likely going into the same place unless there's a better alternative someone can recommend.

Two simple ones for me: First day on the boat trying to get it on the trailer... reversed in nice and deep. Wondered why the boat didnt magically line up for me and kept floating away. Second one - I'll try driving the boat off. Full power in reverse. Pushing the boat. Much swearing. Then notice soaking wet tie downs at the back

Just as a followup - I called today and spoke with Roger who sounds like a splendid chap. He's given me a few diagostic tests to run to see how deep in the old poo I am... but he sounds like exactly the sort of person I want looking after my boat. Thanks a lot for the referral.

Thanks Guys, Rebuilding it sounds fine in principle - I think I need to find someone to do it though as I lack the time, skill and tools. Does anyone know of any good secondhand/reconditioned engine dealers out there?

Thanks I've sent a message to them just now.

Hi Everyone, I bought my first boat about this time last year, with a 1990 Johnson 115HP. At the time I bought the motor it had a new VRO fitted and a new water pump. It has also just had a new CDO/CDI? unit fitted to it after it died on the water, and a reconditioned gearbox too. Immediately after the fitting of the CDI unit, I noticed a banging sound at higher RPM (only on the water) and took it back to my boat dealer (again) when I got the bad news: Sounds like a scuffed piston, it will be about $4k to rebuild it and we're not interested - find someone else, or buy a new motor (and gave me retail pricing on new Yamaha.) (He also suggested I just put it on online shop "Buyer Beware" but I'm not that kind of scumbag). I spoke with a marine mechanic, he didn't want to do the work on the boat becaue he was busy and because of the age of the motor (and the fact he's a mobile mechanic and the motor is a big unit). So now I'm struggiling with what to do and looking for help and advice. I think I have two options: 1. Sell the motor as is for whatever I can get, and use that money towards a second hand motor, 2. Find someone who can rebuild the motor. I've written off the idea of buying a new motor - putting a $14k motor on the boat I have now only makes sense if I plan on keeping it for 4-5 years, and i don't think I'll keep it that long... the lure of a larger boat is already strong. I think the best solution (most cost effective) is to rebuild the motor. I've not been able to find anyone who gives me any confidence - The chaps at Sea Sea Marine said "Bring it in, we'll tear it down and give you a quote. If you don't accept the quote you get your motor back in a box". Offered a 3 month warranty on the work. I've seen rebuild kits online for about a grand - but I don't have the skills/tools/time/confidence to go that route. Can anyone point me in the direction that can sort out my motor rebuild the cheapest way possible ? I'm based in Sydney but if a drive out to central coast/newcastle/windsor/wollongong is what it takes to get a good result at a good price, I'm happy to do it. Mike