ETTY

Some just put it on the stern (transom) area if space permits...i.e. cruisers, boats with inboards etc

Hey, I agree with many of pelicans comments except, not all twin outboard setup's have their own independent fuel tank/system and therefore if a contamination would occur it would effect both motors. Twin motor options are somewhat more expensive than a similar rated single motor. Servicing would also be much more expensive as in affect your are servicing two engines instead of one. Personally I would prefer a twin motor set up. Hope this helps ETTY

Any alkanol be it methanol or ethanol will attract water. But if you add these, you'll still have to get rid of them by the use of a fuel filter otherwise you are just going to put both the water and alkanol through your engine.

Hmmm that does look interesting...does anyone know whether you need to have a VHF radio equipped boat to get the qualification? I would be keen on getting it for the future! Cheers Et

That looks hot and probably goes even hotter!!!!!

dat, There are some many endless options and opinions on boats for every application under the sun. In terms of material, fibreglass will generally give you the smoothest ride but more maintenance and care is needed to keep it in tip top shape. Aluminium has come along way with some hull design able to perform as well as their fibreglass equivalents. Aluminium is quite hardy and durable, lighter and generally cheaper than fibreglass. I have little info on poly boats but I know of many members who own them and they could not speaker higher of them. Some things I have noticed are; fibreglass boats are generally nicer fitted out than aluminium boats but their higher cost would obviously influence this. Some aluminium boats you could look into are Quintrex, Stacer etc. Some fibreglass boats could include Haines Hunter, Savage? etc. Some poly boats could include Polycraft etc. Do some research using some sites such as www.boatpoint.com.au or the Trading Post to find out some prices on your desired length etc. Look in the Sponsors Section of the site to see Huey's boats of the week to see some quality boats that may suit you. Where will you be operating the boat (i.e. inshore, offshore, bit of both)? How many people do you want to carry? Are you keen to stay overnight? Do you need shelter from the elements? Do you want to ski, cruise as well as fish? Boats are generally expensive and you don't get a lot for your dollar so be prepared to reacess your needs to suit your budget!!!! BOAT= Bring on another thousand! Elliot

Water Police and NSW Maritime can now deregister boats on the spot for breaches of the law including navigation lights.....(from http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/04/2264759.htm) This is pretty intense (but very good)....if you have a boat on a mooring and it gets deregistered say goodbye to your mooring!!!!

492 needed now!!!!

Hey guys, Just wondering how much Marina diesel and petrol are in your area at the moment. Need a general idea to do some calculations on. Many thanks, Elliot

Hi, I think most outboard issues arise from the lack of use rather than too much usage. I would say as long as general maintenance is performed you could probably double the hours before a service is needed. Car engines can do tens of thousands of kilometers before requiring a workshop visit so I don't see the logic for an outboard that is used frequently to be subject to frequent servicing. I believe frequent usage with less servicing is better for an outboard than an infrequently used serviced engine. Engines are designed to be used, not to sit around and rust away! Good on ya for getting out amongst it often!!! Just my 2 cents Elliot

Yes what you have posted is correct as per the link you provided - this is very interesting because under the PWC section it says "A special licence is required to ride a PWC regardles of what speed it is driven". You do have to hold a PWC license to operate a PWC regardless of the speed in NSW....... I wonder if Maritime know of their mistake!!!!!

An outboard is just like any engine mechanically, therefore premium fuel will do the same to it as in your car. Improved fuel economy, less pre ignition, burn cleaner etc.

All the topics so far sound very interesting but regardless it would be great if the workshop could be videod or recorded and posted online so those who can't make it can learn a thing or two? The topic on collecting bait and motor maintenance sound fantastic! Elliot

To any boaters who use the Port Hacking especially at night, the Special Mark located between Cabbage Tree Point and Gunnamatta Point is now exhibiting it's applicable flashing sequence. This is after a long period of non night operation. Just a heads up to anyone who hasn't been out for a while as I know an unfamiliar light thrown in at night even adds to the confusion of night navigation! Hope this helps Elliot

Wow what a comprehensive report and well done with your successes! As a Port Hacking fisho your tips and spots you listed are most appreciated! Hope I can share some success from your info soon!

Premium fuel would be a better option in any engine as it has more energy per unit, retards pre ignition and usually is cleaner burning. People must remember an outboard/inboard is just like any other engine and something that will improve a cars performance will increase a boats performance. The Honda range (90hp ish) is the same engine used in the Honda Jazz! So with premium you will get cleaner and more complete combustion, better performance and more km's per litre and it has a higher energy rating per litre than standard unleaded. All these factors are the same when you put it in your car. If you got the money for sure use it but unless it's especially needed it's fine to use regular. Maybe a hit of premium now and then when going on a long trip or when operating constantly at high revs (skiing etc) will do the engine good. Many people do this when going on long highway trips operating at high speeds. Also all fuels can be mixed together as they generally all come from the same place. At the moment especially, the Shell catalytic cracking unit is not functional and is using fuel from the other providers as a substitute. Brands need to be able to "mix" as in fuel shortage situations Shell can give fuel to Caltex or whatever.

Hey All, I have always heard people discussing plate and pressed boats without truly understanding the difference. Could some please explain the difference between the two and also the advantages and disadvantages they each have! Any info will be much appreciated! Elliot

Thanks for the reply David! Sounds as though your loving the boat and it seems to be quite an allrounder, which is definitely what we are looking for in a boat. Just a question regarding fishing. What is it like fishing over the transom (as the sun lounge is quite large and high)? Is there a method to fold it up like in the outboard models? Thanks Elliot

Thanks Craig once again for your response. A further question to all if I may! Has anyone, or is there an option, to change the colour/quality of the carpet on quintrex/stacer boats? I just think the traditional blue is not as nice looking as the carpet that is on the US fibreglass bowriders. Thanks Elliot

The price range you gave is about right for a motor of that size. It's pretty expensive for what it is!

Hey All, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the new bowrider's from Stacer and Quintrex fitted with the Mercruiser sterndrives? Further, what are peoples thoughts on the 4.3L MPI (220hp) from Mercruiser. I think it's one of the only boats on the market suitable for fishing, skiing, cruising etc. (if not, what else is out there?) Thanks in advance Elliot

Hey tryhard, Use distilled water to fill each cell so it is over the plate but not enough that it may spill if knocked or when filling. So as much as possible is best. Hope this helps Elliot P.S. Make sure you use distilled or pure water

Thats bloody awesome. Wish I could get out there soon!!!!!! Well done!

Thanks once again all!!!

Hi All, I was wondering... when a manufacturer says a vehicle has a specific max towing capacity does this include the weight of the trailer or is it merely what is on the trailer??? Thanks Elliot