Dear Boat Doc'

Jennie@ifish · 11-20-2003, 03:18 PM

OK! The fun has begun!

Go ahead and post your questions to the Boat Doc' here. The Boat Doc' will pick a few and answer them, according to how he/she feels that day.

Anyone who wants to ask a question may. The forum is Located here, under "Tackle Talk" on the main forums page, or on your drop down menu, lower right page.

Here are a few words from the Boat Doc' to start:

Welcome to ifish/Stevens Marine Q&A forum. We will try to answer all
questions that pertain to boats and or motors. Questions are answered by the
the service department of Stevens Marine. Stevens Marine and ifish.net are
not liable for loss or damage resulting in opinions given in answer forum.

OK!?!?!? SHOOT!

Jen

[ 11-20-2003, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

Pete · 11-20-2003, 04:04 PM

OK, here's one.

Like a lot of folks, I spend a lot of time trolling. I have a Merc 8 horse, 2 stroke. I run at very low RPM for long periods of time. Here's my question. My plugs get fouled pretty regularly. Is there something I can do to avoid this problem? Different heat range plugs? Less 2-stroke oil in the fuel? Would either of those solutions have long term consequences? Is there a solution to this problem? Or should I just do regular tune-ups?

STGRule · 11-20-2003, 05:44 PM

Pssst, Pete. I think that maybe we are supposed to post the questions on the forum? Or are we supposed to post them here? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Killertraylor · 11-20-2003, 05:51 PM

Dear Pete. Get a Honda.

Love, The Boat Doc.
:grin: :grin: :grin:

jokester · 11-20-2003, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Killertraylor:

Quote:

Dear Pete. Get a Honda.

Love, The Boat Doc.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">ROFLMAO!!!

Freakwater · 11-20-2003, 05:57 PM

Tried to post a question and it said I couldn't fish there?

KChookem · 11-20-2003, 06:23 PM

(Also could not post to the Boat Doc Forum)

RE: Outboards in Saltwater...

1. When moored in saltwater, say for a week, should the prop be kept down in the water, or raised out of water?

2. After operating in saltwater, what harm is there when the outboard is not flushed for several hours? A day or more?

STGRule · 11-20-2003, 06:40 PM

Okay (sorry Pete), that means we have to post here and the questions will be chosen from here. My bad. :blush:

Freakwater · 11-20-2003, 06:42 PM

Dear Boat Doc,

I have a Merc 50 hp I was told was a late �60�s model. I�ve owned this motor for about a year and it has been less than reliable. It starts up right away, idles well, and can rev it to high rpm�s. Some days it runs like a champ, but other days when you put it in gear, it bogs down. It will most always idle in gear, but when you hit the throttle it wants to die. Some days I can never get it up to power, and others I can idle around in gear pushing the throttle just to the point of killing it and given time, it will just kick in to full power.

I�ve taken it to two mechanics several times and dumped hundreds of dollars into this motor. I�ve had the compression checked twice, both times being told it had normal compression for a motor it�s age. I�ve had the carburetors worked on several times�..tank tested twice�I�ve had two complete tune-ups. Not to mention the other issues discovered when trying to fix this problem. Sometimes, the trip to the shop fixes it for a trip or two.

I give up. It seems fixable, but no one has been able to, or has suggested that the motor is shot. Wut da dillio Boat Doc?

Freak

Jennie@ifish · 11-21-2003, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Go ahead and post your questions to the Boat Doc' here.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">The other forum is read only. Post your questions here, and he will choose from them.

Jen

Anderfish · 11-21-2003, 07:21 AM

Boat Doc, I have a 19' Formula Vee with a 2003 9.9 Merc 4-stroke (purchased from Stevens). The kicker is mounted on the starboard side. I have no trouble turning the boat to port, but I have trouble getting the boat to turn to starboard, especially if the wind is blowing against me. What can I do to have a tighter turning radius to starboart?

NETONE · 11-21-2003, 07:54 AM

Changing oil on a 2001 - 9.9 Mercury Sailpower 4 cycle

According to the owners manual the oil capacity is 1 quart / with filter. However, on the data sheet located on the engine it indicates 1.1 quarts.

Thus being said, with one quart the oil level on the dip stick measures at the 30% level in the ok zone. Should I add the additional 3.2 oz to meet the 1.1 quarts????

Logically, I would assume it should be added, based upon the data plate & the level on the dip stick....

[ 11-21-2003, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: NETONE ]

Barviewrocks · 11-21-2003, 08:26 AM

Boat Doc,

I have a 89 Merc 15 hp 2 stroke with low hours. When warm it runs very well. My challenge is cold starting. I pull out the choke once and it usually starts coughing on the first couple of pulls. Then stops and it is hard to start after this requiring multiple pulls.

I always run a 50:1 mix using Merc oil in the gas and stabol. And I always pull the fuel line and run the engine until it quits when done for the day.

Can you offer any advice on proper starting techniques or should I turn the idle up a bit?

El-Kabong · 11-21-2003, 08:57 AM

DEAR ABBY
by John Prine

DEAR ABBY, DEAR ABBY, MY FEET ARE TOO LONG
MY HAIR'S FALLIN' OUT AND MY RIGHTS ARE ALL WRONG
MY FRIENDS THEY ALL TELL ME ARE NO FRIENDS AT ALL
WON'T YOU WRITE ME A LETTER, WON'T YOU GIVE ME A CALL
SIGNED, BEWILDERED

BEWILDERED, BEWILDERED, YOU HAVE NO COMPLAINT
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE AND YOU AIN'T WHAT YOU AIN'T
SO LISTEN UP BUSTER AND LISTEN UP GOOD
STOP WISHIN' FOR BAD LUCK AND KNOCKIN' ON WOOD

DEAR ABBY, DEAR ABBY MY FOUNTAIN PEN LEAKS
MY WIFE HOLLERS AT ME AND MY KIDS ARE ALL FREAKS
EVERY SIDE I GET UP ON IS THE WRONG SIDE OF BED
IF IT WEREN'T SO EXPENSIVE, I'D WISH I WERE DEAD
SIGNED, UNHAPPY

UNHAPPY, UNHAPPY, YOU HAVE NO COMPLAINT
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE AND YOU AIN'T WHAT YOU AIN'T
SO LISTEN UP BUSTER AND LISTEN UP GOOD
STOP WISHIN' FOR BAD LUCK AND KNOCKIN' ON WOOD
DEAR ABBY, DEAR ABBY YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS
BUT MY STOMACH MAKES NOISES WHENEVER I KISS
MY GIRLFRIEND TELLS ME IT'S ALL IN MY HEAD
BUT MY STOMACH JUST TELLS ME TO WRITE YOU INSTEAD
SIGNED, NOISE-MAKER

NOISE-MAKER, NOISE-MAKER, YOU HAVE NO COMPLAINT
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE AND YOU AIN'T WHAT YOU AIN'T
SO LISTEN UP BUSTER AND LISTEN UP GOOD
STOP WISHIN' FOR BAD LUCK AND KNOCKIN' ON WOOD
DEAR ABBY, DEAR ABBY WELL I NEVER THOUGHT
THAT ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WOULD EVER GET CAUGHT
WE WERE SITTIN' IN THE BACK SEAT JUST SHOOTIN' THE BREEZE WITH HER HAIR UP IN CURLERS AND HER PANTS TO HER KNEES
SIGNED, JUST MARRIED

JUST MARRIED, JUST MARRIED YOU HAVE NO COMPLAINT
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE AND YOU AIN'T WHAT YOU AIN'T
SO LISTEN UP BUSTER AND LISTEN UP GOOD
STOP WISHIN' FOR BAD LUCK AND KNOCKIN' ON WOOD
SIG-NED......DEAR ABBY

couldn't resist. This thread made me think of this song.

Dear Boat Doc, Dear Boat Doc, my motors a mess. Knocks every morning and Smokes all the time. Seen lots of mechanics and spent lots of cash, won�t you help me dear boat doc for I�m at a loss
Signed, merc problems.

EK

[ 11-21-2003, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: El-Kabong ]

Silver Hilton · 11-21-2003, 08:58 AM

Dear Boat Doc,

Can you run an Evinrude and a Mercury from the same boat, or is that still banned in most southern states as an unnatural act?

Bait O' Eggs · 11-21-2003, 01:35 PM

Boat Doc
I am looking at buying a used older inboard/outboard motor. (mercruiser 110hp)

I have only ever owned outboards and they pretty much take care of themselves in the cold weather. On an inboard, what do I need to drain/flush fill with antifreeze, winterize, etc... so I dont cause myself big problems when the freezing weather gets here? How do I do this work? Is there a good reference somewhere or can you impersonate "The Great Carnak" and give us the answer?

2nd question - When buying a used boat, what should I look at, and what do we look for as far as potential problems? I know surveys are available but what and where should I look at on a boat ruling out the lemons before I spend some money on a so called expert? I dont want to buy a used boat and find out "she" has a prostrate problem :shocked: :shocked:

Thumper · 11-21-2003, 05:02 PM

Prostate. P-r-o-s-t-A-t-e. I should know.

WaterDog · 12-04-2003, 08:01 AM

bump for the boat doc. :smile:

Jennie@ifish · 12-04-2003, 08:27 AM

Boat Doc and I have decided to feature this on the main forum. It got too confusing with a separate forum.
Now, whenever he posts a post, that means he has time to play. :smile: -- Or just ask a question and I'll let him know it's up.
Jen

El-Kabong · 12-04-2003, 08:45 AM

Boat Doc,

I have an 89 60Hp merc. Wanted to know what you think about adding a fuel/water seperator. Worth it? Does it change the fuel line pressure enough to cause problems?

Thanks
El Kabong

[ 12-04-2003, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: El-Kabong ]

FishinMission · 12-04-2003, 08:49 AM

Dear Boat Doc... Where's the alarm horn located at on a 2001 200 MERC Stevens installed with a tiller handle, and how do I check it. (It's not working).

Mark

Boat Doc' · 12-05-2003, 02:49 PM

Fishin Mission, the alarm is lacated inside the handle next to the key switch. To test it loacate temp sender on stbd. cylinder head. It has a brown wire with a blue stripe that attaches to a terminal block. If you take a small jumper wire and touch that post ONLY to ground with the key in on position the horn should sound. If it doesnt you should have it checked out.

rebell · 12-05-2003, 05:58 PM

Dear boat Doc,

I have a 2000 150XR6 Merc. I have made the move to Synthetic oil in my injection system. What are your thoughts, good/bad? Should I change anything since I have gone to synthetic oil?

Please answer my questions!!!!!!! :smile:

CAPT KUJO · 12-05-2003, 08:03 PM

Hello....Boat doc?

Pickles · 12-13-2003, 01:44 PM

ttt

Phil Layer · 12-16-2003, 02:41 PM

Boat Doc,

What type of paint should I use on the sides of my fiberglass, trailerable boat (seldom moored for long but frequent trips into the salt)? The sides are not sitting in the water like the bottom.

Also, since this boat usually sits on the trailer between fishing trips, how often should I repaint the bottom?

Thanks!

Tanner · 12-16-2003, 03:49 PM

Dear Boat Doc'
I have a 1991 Alumaweld Formula Vee with the 351 Redline v-8 and American Turbine pump. It has an enclosed cooling system. I have been talking to people about winterizing boats lately and it got me wondering. I have never done anything to winterize mine, mainly because I use it all year long. Have I just been lucky not having any problems or is there no winterizing necessary.

I hate to spend money to have you guys winterize it three times during the winter because I do use it quite often this time of year.

Thanks in advance,

Tanner

Boat Doc' · 12-16-2003, 11:10 PM

Rebell, sorry this is the first time I saw your question, people who have used synthetic oil swear by it, cleaner burning,less smoke etc. Of course the engine manufacturers want you to use the oil they sell. As long as it meets the TCW-3 designation it should work fine.

Capt. Kujo I,m here, whats up?

Boat Doc' · 12-17-2003, 10:51 AM

Phil Layer,I am not that familiar with bottom paint on fibreglass boats but somebody who could answer your questions is the folks at Sells Marine Service, I don't know there web address but the phone number is 503-285-3838.

Tanner, Even though you have a closed cooling system you still have to drain both manifolds, the sea water portion of heat exchanger, and the sand trap if equipted.Also make sure the sea water hose that runs to the heat exchanger is drained. Or you could heat the engine compartment on days when it gets below freezing for 24 hours or more