On a recent trip up North I found out my VHF would only work within say 3nm ish. It used to work fine, could talk to Geraldton sea rescue from the Abrolhos no issues.

As it was a cheap GME setup d ~5yrs old I replaced the VHF and antenna with a new ICOM VHF and Pacific 2.4m 5db antenna.

However I am having the same issue with the new setup, VHF only works up to say 3nm. I am thinking there is 3 possible causes but any tips for narrowing down the cause would be appreciated.

1 - Dodgy power connection to VHF unit so that it isn't getting enough power. Visually checked the wiring, there was a slightly dodgy connection which I have fixed but haven't had a chance to test since. Not sure if this would reduce the receive ability (we had the VHF on all day at direction bank, monitoring 16 & 73 and heard nothing).

2 - Dodgy fitting the antenna plug. The pacific antenna came with the plug not fitted so the cable could be cut to length. I followed the instructions and thought I fitted it correctly but maybe not?

3 - Faulty antenna or VHF. Probably unlikely but I have been caught a few times before with faulty new products so can't disregard.

Any tips?

 Hi All

The finance minister (who shall be obeyed) is keen for the family to upgrade our boat. During our recent boat yard crawl we discovered an Ocean Master Enterprise 590. It is essentially a bare hull sitting on blocks/tyres in a boat yard, no outboard or trailer. A GME VHF radio and Lowrance hook 7 have been previously installed and that is it.

I thought I'd ask the FishWrecked community their thoughts on the essential items required to make the "new boat ownership" experience a good one. While I dont have endlessly deep pockets for all the goodies that make my eyes widen and my wallet cringe I do want to get the basic set up right from the outset. I can add extras later.

The boat yard is offering a Yamaha outboard in 130 or 150hp. What is the general view regarding outboards? Four stroke or direct injection (ie evinrude)? 

Thanks in advance

Matt

 Anyone had success buying an "off the shelf" cover for a cat?

7.2m Leisurecat

 Hi Guys,

I just realised I haven't put the new rego sticker on my boat I from a while back and can't find it anymore :(

Do boats still need the rego sticker on them or is it like cars now?

Thanks!

 I recently did a trip to Coral Bay and decided to have a mechanic service my trailer brakes.

After leaving the boat there for a few days, I was advised that the caliper pistons were stuck solid and couldn't be freed on some of the calipers and that the easiest solution would be to but=y new calipers which I did, but I decided that I would not throw away the old ones and that at some stage in the future, I would have a go at freeing the pistons myself.

That day arrived yesterday and after much searching on google / youtube etc. I came across 2 articles on using a grease gune to free the pistons. 1 simply pumped grease into the caliper. It worked but I reckon woyld leave an unholy mess in the the fluid channel so I decided to try the other route. Modify a grease gun and use brake fluid.

This entails clamping the grease gun in a vice with the plunger drawn back and the lever at the bottom. Fluid was then put in to the gun till I had a reasonable amount covering the grease gun piston. 

I had a few couplings made up so I could attach a line to the grease gun - then - crucially to a check valve so that fluid passing the check valve remained under pressure upstream and then a line from the delivery side of the check valve to the caliper.

after a few pumps with almost no resistance, the piston moved and was freed easily. I continued with the others and they too came out with no effort at all - even though the machanic was unavle to move them with compressed air

Will now clean up the old stuff and have rebuilt calipers ready for the next major trailer service

Feel free to contact me for further details if required

Eric

 I'm thinking about replacing the bow rail on my haines traveller 5.3 due to it having a bit of a bend in the front. It still does it's job so it's more for cosmetic reasons than anything. Can anyone provide any advise as to what it might cost in stainless? I'm not flush for cash and tossing up wheather it's worth it. Any advice will be appreciated.

 Has anyone bought from first-outboards.com.au before?

im looking at a new outboard up to 150hp but these new prices are cheaper than second ones I’ve seen advertised?

website seems legit etc but sheesh a new zook 150hp for less than 9k?

I was rear ended a few months ago. There was damage to the trailer socket on the car and the socket needed to be fully replaced. It was replaced with a geniunie toyota socket. I believe they needed to replace it with a full new wiring harness.

Since then the trailer plug has been a very snug fit. So much so that today when removing the plug the casing of the plug seperated from the wires. I needed to use pliers to pull the inside of the plug from the socket to remove the trailer. I have managed to fix the plug, although the casing is a little loose.

Is there a trick to loosen (and tighten) the socket to allow the socket to securely fit without being too tight. I noticed there is a screw beneath the socket, is this a screw to tighten the connection?

Howdy All

Question regarding securing radio aerials...

For radio aerials... in this case a GME AE346H
https://www.gme.net.au/catalogue/antennas/27-mhz/ae346h.aspx

A) Given that these exist as a separate item > https://www.whitworths.com.au/gme-replacement-aerial-knob-for-ae346-aerials
Due to them shearing off...

B ) And that these also exist as a separate item > https://www.gme.net.au/catalogue/antennas/27-mhz/aw346h.aspx
Due to them falling off, if you haven't tightened the knob up enough (in order to not shear the knob off)

Should I create a leash to secure the aerial to the base in the event of either A or B happening?
Thinking of using either >100lb mono or plastic coated wire trace?
Would the wire trace create any interference issues?

Example idea...

Don't ask me how I know about either A or B...

Knowing what I know now... I would have gone for a different type, but there were already similar bases installed on the deck so...

My trim and tilt relay has shit the tin. Was wondering if anyone knows where I could get an after market one from as a genuine part is quite exxy. Have searched eBay and don't have the exact one I am looking for. They have one that looks exactly the same but the part has an extra two 0's on the end. My part number is 63P-81950-00. The one they have is 63P-81950-00-00. Does anyone know if this is still compatable or should I stop being such a cheap arse. Thanks in advance fellas

Hi All

Does anyone know where I could get some SS Oval Head Machine Screws from in Perth? I have tried West Coast Fasteners in Balcatta and a couple of boat shops but everyone only has the regular countersunk type screws. I need the rounded/domed ones for a rod holder.

 Hi All,

New boat owner here, when I flush my Yamaha FT60DET with muffs on, I get a strong stream out of the tell tale but also another stream just under the cav plate at the front of the motor. I have taken a small video to show this, is this normal? 

 Hi guys,

Looking for info on the pacemaker 210 offshore. Are they prone to rot?

Whats the max hp rating or outboard weight? Pod vs no pod? Hull weight etc.

Cant seem to find much online so any info would be appreciated.

Cheers - Jim

 Hey there fishwreckers,

just wondering if anyone has any recommendationss for people/ compaies that do repairs and maintenance on small boats. I have a 5.8 meter Genesis Craft that desperately needs some tlc with a few small  issues. (New seat swivels anchor winch repair/ replace, new stereo speakers etc ).

unfortunately I have found no companies that are interested in understanding these small fiddly jobs and I lack both the time and the skill to do it myself. 

Cheers in advance!

 I’m thinking about buying an older savage gannet and wondering wat people’s thoughts are about them as in handling and stability 

 Hi,

Im looking at purchasing a late model Stejcraft - Monaco 610, offshore 640 or Islander 580. The models im looking at are all now made in Australia not the previous chinese models. 

Wondering if anyone owns or has been in one can provide feedback on how they handle and expected fuel economy with a mid power 4 stroke or Opti. 115hp Opti on the 580 and a 150hp 4 stroke on the 610 and 640. 

Most of my fishing is within 20kms but would do the occasional 50km trip 

Anyfeedback would be appreciated

 Hi everyone ,

im hoping that some of you guys who are way more experienced than myself can clear up a doubt that I am having with my boat? 

In a glass boat - should an aluminium fuel tank be grounded to a negative battery terminal ? 

Not sure if it matters but the fuel tank does have a sender hooked up to digital gauges ?

Thanks in advance 

Joel 

 Hi tech gurus -  96 Etec 75 -  my trim/tilt gauge and taco are not working properly - taco is only going up to about 1500pm and trim  has stopped working - should I be looking for an electrical issue there is power to both as the light is working in both - or is there a mechanical possibility? -Thanks in advance

 Long story short my grand mother used to work in the the mid to late 70's building boats. All she can remember is that it was on Scarborough beach road and that they were recreational glassboats as she used to lay up the fibre glass etc.  

Would any one on here know where she worked? Someone said blaxell possibly? I thought it could be penguin. But she said it didn't ring any bells. Interested to find out.

Another thing she said that was interesting is that the resin they used back then got so warm once it was mixed with the catylist it would ignite into a flame if any fuel source left in the pot, paint brushes etc! She said they had 3 fires at the factory while she worked there. 

Thanks in advance 

Does anyone know where i can source some boat carpet that is wider than 2m ? My boat is 2.3m wide and i dont really want a join ( which begs the question why it only comes in 2m wide )

Thanks 

Paul

Hi Guys,

Pretty sure i got some braid wrapped around the prop (Optimax 175) while out yesterday......just after some advice regarding removing the prop to check.

Watched a couple videos....from that looks like I need a 1 1/16'' socket, then use a block of wood tostop prop moving while remove the large nut holding prop onto shaft/spline. then pull prop off (and washes??). Then clean spline/shaft, and remove any fishing line. re-grease.....was recommending a lithium based grease like Mercurys 2-4c grease. Re-assemble and tighten the nut back up . Looks like may need a torque wrench to set the correct torque.

Am I missing anything? Can anything thing go wrong?? Anything to look out for....or is this something to take to a shop??

cheers for any advice

 Hi guys,

Does anyone know of a place that sells service kits for outboards ? my local Yamaha dealer said no one has service kits and couldn't even quote me on the various parts required.

Im wanting to service my motor myself so a kit would be handy.

Thanks in advance

Stu. 

 G’day, 

My new outboard is almost due for its 1st service (20hrs) I’m just wondering if I have to take it back to the dealer that supplied and fitted it, or can I take it to my usual marine mechanic? 

Cheers 

 I have a single new (30hr) Suzuki DF70A.

The multi function gauge gear indicator only shows if the motor is in neutral,

when I go into foward or reverse the box displaying the gear just goes blank.

The catalogue pictures clearly show FNR indicators in the display.

What do others' displays show? Is something in the standard side-mount control box

 or the wiring loom not connected?

tia

PB

 Im considering upgrading so I keen to know what fishwrecked peeps think about $$ I might get for my boat. Not many of these are for sale online and it is hard to gauge the right price. 

Details:

2006 Stacer Nomad 469. 50hp Mercury 2 Stroke engine, recently serviced, approx 190 hrs.

Dual Batteries. One in good condition. One brand new

Forward raised casting deck

Under floor storage: under floor fuel tank (70l), underfloor flotation.

Lowrance HDS 7 touch with 50/200 & structure scan transducers.

Trailerable canvas cover (brand new).

New trailer lights/wiring. New trailer tyres.

Pumped live well. Bilge pump.

Tacho currently not working but will be replaced 

Any opinions and thoughts on applicable price band welcome

Recently bought a boat which has a 250 Verado on it - a bit like E-Tec's it seems you either love or hate them - having been a Honda and Yamaha person prior I had one foot in the hate them camp -after being out for a few runs on the boat and a few days at rotto over easter I am starting to like it - scrolling through the smart craft screen though to view different gauges though - not so much!

I have read up a little on the verado forums and especially the do's and donts!, So couple of questions

1) what sort of RPM do you run at? - at 3800-4000 I am getting 23-25 knots - which is fast enough for me
2) what are you paying for a service?
3) anyone recommendations for a mobile mechanic?

cheers

 Gday all,

I thought I would throw up a few pics of a recent refit I did on my 5.0m 1982 Quintrex centre console... The boat has been in the family since about 1988, and has gone through a few changes over those years. The centre console is out of a Banana boat, the bow rails were cut off years back and replaced with lower ones, the outboard is a 1999 Yamaha 90hp 2 stroke.... this Reno involved an interior re-spray, re-wire, new floor and carpet, new ice box, and a new cutting board...

In 2 weeks time we are off to Exmouth once again to explore the bottom of the gulf....

 urgently in need of a trailer stone guard who stockes them or what have you done to protect your boat as i will be traveling  to nsw via exy darwin and nth qld and rocks dont really get along with fibreglass and boat has a fair size flare

Hey fellow wreckers,

I'm looking at buying a boat, not knowing very much i thought i'd throw it to you lads and see what you think. Here's what i know about it:

The Boat:

- 6.2m 2005 Noble Super Vee centre cab

- some cosmetic damage as shown in pics; cracks in perspex shield, bent support where the canopy joins the cab, paint job pretty rough

- hull seems ok, doesn't appear to have any cracks in it.

- carpet is stuffed and needs replacing

- has kill tank and live bait (not plumbed in)

- VHF & Radio

The Motor:

- 200 hp Yammy on the ass with 214 hrs.

- hasnt been run up in over 12 months

- will need a service done on it ASAP

- needs 2 new batteries

- little to no fuel sitting in the tank since last use

Extras:

- VHF and radio with speakers

- deck wash

- electric windlass

- I was told the whole boat has been rewired

- plotter/gps i think a furuno

- boat cover

The Bad:

- Trailer needs replacing, can't even get it to the boat ramp to go for a sea trial. which means i'm up for the cost of a new trailer (approx. $7000 delivered)

- i've been told that the reason they replaced the old motor was because it ended up wrapping itself around the anchor line and semi submerged the boat one day.

- Carpet needs replacing

- an electrical issue with the auto bilge pump

- she's pretty dirty, not nice to look at but will clean up nicely once i spend a bit of time on it.

- motor and boat have been sitting in a dusty shed for over 12 months

- i'm going to have to hire a crane to get it on the new trailer. would like to hear ideas of how to get it on the new one without the crane?

Asking price of $30,000 firm. is this a fair price for this boat? do i have room to bargain and how much?

It is in a remote location with not much buying interest. 6-7 hours drive to get it to where i live.

 Hi everyone

Every boat Ive ever owned has had a side mount control box for the outboard motor. Apart from Centre Console boats, does anyone have a Top Mount on a runabout/cabin style boat?

Reason I ask is that I am looking to change up my helm seat and the side mount is sort of in the way. Having never used top mount I just want to get some feedback as to whether you lose a level of control by going top mount.

The obvious benefit of side mount is that the control sits at a comfortable level near your elbow, but the down side is that it can be hit by your seat when swiveled or indeed your arm. 

The top mount obviously wont be in the way of seats and elbows...but is it too far forward to give accurate and comfortable throtle adjustment?