Boating/Engine - Information/Questions - Trouble Shooting - Quick Fixes

Having trouble, new boat, general boating information and questions, ask here!

Advice needed - Boating Virgins

 Looking at buying our first boat, and as most never realised there were so many options. So any advice and do's and don'ts is greatly appreciated. Okay, some of the things we have decided on are: 

Use: Mostly Fishing, cruising with the family (2 little one's) perhaps rotto trips, river runs 

Budget - $25k due to financing dont really want anything too old 

Size 5 - 5.5m (no storage space for any bigger) 

Wifey likes the idea of cuddy cabin for the kids as its more shaded then say a bowrider. However it limits the deckspace? 

Ali vs Fibre?? 

2 vs 4 stroke ?? 

Obviously looking for a smooth ride, economical and decent power. 

Been looking at a Haines Traveler at Mandurah Boat Auctions but after reading some reviews not sure now... 

So hit me with ur suggestions? 

What are your must haves for a first boat? 

Cheers

 


Drum Anchor Winches.

Does anyone here have a drum anchor winch fitted. What make, what issues, are you happy with the result?


Breather/Vent line surge protectors

Hi guys,

Just seeing if anyone out there has any type of surge protection fitted to their breather lines?

I have a quinnie bayhunter that's a pig to fill. Basically due to the position of the tank filler and the breather take offs when the tank gets close to full there is an air lock between the fill point and the breather lines. This obviously then causes fuel to come out the breathers if you try to fill any more.

I've tried being careful etc... But its still a pain in the ass.

So putting it out to any others to see if these little contraptions work. There are many varying opinions on the net. With some even saying that there's potential to have fuel come back out the filler, with force, in some circumstances.

Any opinions appreciated,
Steve


Glass or Acylic

Went and got a quote for a new windscreen today. Toughened glass was $200 more to do the two front panels, and having the sides in acrylic. Any pit falls when getting glass? $200 is not much more, is it worth doing?


Marine trimmer carpet for the boat recommendations

 Hey chasing thoughts recommendations on a good marine trimmer to supply and fit some marine carpet to the little tub. Looking for good quality service and not out to rip you off. Anyone recently had some good service and competitive pricing please reply or pm me the detail it would be greatly appreciated.


Good service mechanic SOR

Hey Guys,

I know this has been asked quite a few times here but just chasing suggestions of a good boat mechanic for my annual service (South of the River).

Only bought the boat last year so this will be the first time I've had it serviced. It's a 2000ish 40hp mercury 2 stroke (about 320 hrs) and nothing wrong with it just want to make sure it'll get through another year of boating. The anode definetly needs replacing as it's pretty much gone but other than that I can't think of anything really. Would be great to get the whole boat and trailer inspected while it's there too (check grease in the trailer bearings etc).

Chivers marine is closest and they seemed really nice and helpful but their quote was a little over my budget so just hunting some less expensive options too before I go ahead with it.

Thanks


Port Hedland boat advice

 Hey guys, 

I am heading up to port to live and trying to figure out what is the best boat combo up there for the area. I currently have a Quintrex 420 wide body and 30 Suzuki 2 stroke and trying to figure out whether I should upgrade before heading there.

wanting to fish wherever my boat can take me and can see myself getting both an offshore rig and estuary rig in future as I do both style fishing here in qld ....but looking for advice on what single best rig would be best at moment....

this is my first post on this and looking forward to see what the west brings fishing wise. And any hints on port fishing wise will be appreciated and I will have spots free on boat when I get there if you able to help me out :)

 

cheers all..


Marine Radios

So my old full size27MhZ GME GX290 radio has finally died (Volume on/off switch seized) so I need a replacement. Also looking to add an AM/FM radio so I can kick back and listen to the cricket while not catching fish.

Suggestions anyone?

Was thinking something like the GX300 (compact 27 Mhz), and perhaps something like a GR200 AM/FM radio that will also receive VHF. Open to suggestions, tried the GME webstite but it is crap!

Also suggestions on best place to purchase, local or online.

Cheers,

BD


Chasing Mic for iCom M302/402

Mic handset has broken on the iCom M302 VHF and my attempts to repair it have failed

By any chance does anyone have a mic handset for this model lying around they want to get rid of for a few bucks?


Good Spot to pull a Biscuit with the family

Hi. Pilbara Feral here and wanting information on a good place to pull a biscuit with the kids in perth this school holidays as it will be the first time we bring the boat. ideally somewhere where we wont get in the way of hardcore wakeboarders and skiiers.
Has it warmed up yet? Its hitting 30 up here already. Anything lower then that might be an issue for us. thanks


beach launch ocean whaler 565

 Looking for comments from 565 owners that would/do launch from the beach. Equally keen to hear from anyone that thinks it's not such a good idea. 

Is it a necessity to submerge the trailer or can the hull handle a bit of a drag?

 

Cheers Craig.

 


2012 Mercury 30hp Photo needed showing rectifier and wiring please

Hello all,

 

I have a 2012 30hp Merc (Tohatsu build) and have just brought a charging kit for it.. It includes a rectifier and the wiring plus a few brackets ect.. I had a look last night and cant work out what bolts up and where, Does any one have a photo of the side of their engine fitted with a charging system they would be willing to share with me please.


Anyone have small length of 38mm (1 1/2") fuel filler hose going spare

Need a short piece of 38mm (1.5") fuel hose to connect a fuel cap to a tank that I have bought. Not mounting the filler cap on the boat so just need enough to join the filler cap to the neck on the tank......think 15 to 20cm would be enough. I know whitworths sell it but min purchase is a metre so just thought I'd check if anyone has a small piece lying around (ideally NOR)?


servicing motors

Hi Fishos

Does anyone own a 2013 150ph mercury 4 stroke/140ph suzuki 4 stroke?

Would like to know the cost of servicing either of these motors as I would be putting 2 on my boat.

 

Cheers

Dwayne


Suzuki fuel gauge

 Hi guys recently had fitted a new 140 Suzuki and gauges. The problem is I can't get the fuel gauge to read right and trying to get the people that fitted it back to fix it is taking to long.so my question is does anyone know how I can calibrate the gauge it was reading half , removed the resistor as told and now it reads 3/4 any help would be awesome


Need help with locked aluminium fuel cap

Hi guys, 
 
I've got a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I am trying to get an aluminium fuel cap off a welded aluminium fuel tank inside my boat. The cap is so tight that you cannot loosen it with a pipe wrench... I think it might have loctite on the thread. I wouldn't like to cut it or heat it for obvious reasons. The cap is roughly 2" in diameter and on an angle. Any input would be appreciated. 
 
Best Regards, 
Brad.


fuel leaking

howdy all

i have a 30hp 2 stroke mariner 1989 model. i took off the carby to give it a good clean out, but when i start it now after about 30 secs fuel is pissing out of the hose that cconnects the fuel pump to the carby, the leak is comming from carby end from the hose, any thoughts please as to what could be up thanx.

                                                                                                                                                 cheers

                                                                                                                                                 dakka


Bait Board Mounting on Chivers Thunderbird

I've got the Outboard model of the Thunderbird with the Splashwell

I recently picked up a rod holder mounted baitboard and want to mount it so it's over the splashwell without causing issues to engine movement

Has anyone done this with a thunderbird with a splashwell?

Due to the distance between the legs I can't see a viable way to mount something like side rod holders.

Feedback and ideas are greatly appreciated


Milky Slime through prop?

I have just purchased a second hand Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke. Its only done 1-2 hrs and has never been in the water ( so i am told and it certainly looks that way)

It is still in its run in period running 25:1

 

It runs perfectly ( with no load just on the stand) but when i stopped it the first time there was a bit of a Milky/ Cream slime come out of the Propeller ( say a tea spoon) that came out of the exhaust.

So flushed the lower leg oil ( it was already perfectly clean) cleaned the slime out of the prop and ran it a few times and it seemed to get less and less every time after i cleaned it.

 

So my question is what is it? and i should i be worried or is it something to do with the run in ?

Some suggestions on the net include:

 

Water in lower leg ( which i have discounted)

Old fogging oil

Cracked head

Any more ?

 

Cheers

Vinnie


Mercury 40 1993 running hot.

 I have a mercury 40hp 1993 that I have rebuilt (new piston, rings and reed valves) but now it seems to be running very hot. Its hot enough to keep your hand under for 1 or 2 seconds from idle to half throttle, at WOT its steaming. I have replaced the impeller which increased water flow slightly (old one was worn). It takes a while for the water to get through and heats up quickly even from a cold engine. I have heard some models have thermostats that can get jammed but can't find one in the manual. Or could it be a blockage somewhere in the engine. Any advice would be appreciated, summer is coming fast!


Cheap and Quick Ideas needed on a Stone Defector for Boat and Trailer

I am towing 6.10 m Boat and trailer from Melbourne to WA Soon with my Prado. Looking for all ideas and photos (if any one has any) on a cheap and quick setup for stopping stones hitting the hull of my boat either using shade cloth, bubble wrap etc.

Intend to get a cover made when I get back but cant before as the cover companies need to measure the boat first.

Regards Murf


Ply battery mount

Im looking at putting a second battery in my fibreglass runabout but because the floor in this boat sits down low within the hull I dont quite have enough room. I was thinking of making a marine ply platform that sits up off the  floor on one side and rests in the corner of the hull on the other and fixing the batteries to that. I'm just wondering will I need to do anything to seal the ply since its going to be in a potentially wet area? And will screwing it to the existing floor also be enough or will I need to use epoxy or something similar to make sure it holds. Hoping I dont need to start fibreglassing mounts to the floor or anything like that.


Anchor issue how much chain not setting properly

 hey fellas havin anchor issues just wondering how much chain users are running  from the rope to anchor as I believe that's where my issue is. cheers again


Towing and 150HP Outboard Support Suggestions

Have a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. Going to tow it over 3500kms on east west highway connected to a 6 meter Aluminium Quinnny and trailer.

New to this all suggestion welcome on supporting the outboard, re blocks of wood, roping or genuine supports welcome.


boat trailer licence

Hi everybody,

Got a quick question about getting a trailer licenced after it has ran out as have been given a tinnie with no trailer.There seems to be a lot for sale but not licenced is it hard to get them licenced again with no paper work for old licence   ??????.Thanks in advance for advise.

Cheers davo   


Transom 20" to 25" Rebuild

After shopping around for used Outboards it's getting fairly rare to find a late model 20" shaft.

A lot of dealers have suggested building up the transom to 25" to have a larger range of outboards to choose from.

So as some of you might know from recent discussions it's the old Chivers Thunderbird.
Has anyone rebuilt their transom on this or similar fiberglass to 25"

My main concern is changing the centre of gravity affecting how she handles and stability

So, have you or would you do it? or go with a Jack plate?


Towing Mirror Recommendations for Prado

Hi all

 

I have a 120 series Toyota Prado and need a strap on towing mirror to tow my 6.10 ally boat on occasions from Perth to Exmouth etc. Any recommendations on ones that will not damage the paint or door?

 

Also where the best place to buy these in perth.

 

Regards

 

Murf


Mobile mechiac sor motor isnt pumping water out the top

 hey fellas took boat out weekend and on way home noticed it wasnt pumpin water out the top nor when we flushed it


Creating underfloor space

I've been thinking about the possibility of creating an underfloor space for a kill tank, basically a removable fibreglass container - no pumps or drainage

 

It's a 78 Chivers Thunderbird with Outboard, so no current underfloor tanks or engine.

From the research i've been able to do there's no foam, just air compartments for buoancy.

 

Has anyone attempted this themselves before?

I assume under the fibreglass floor is wood stringers running port to starboard. If there are is there an easy way to locate them beforehand? ie knocking?

Also will this affect buoancy much by compromising an air compartment?

 

 

Thanks for the feedback


custom bait board & snapper racks

hey Guys- I'm wondering if any one knows where I can get a custom bait board with snapper racks made up in or around Perth(i'm located NOR). Ideally I'm after a fibreglass bait board with a bottom compartment for bait/knives ect.

cheers/Ben