Ask The Expert
Getting Properly Propped
Posted: May 1, 2012
I have a 1985 Procraft 1540 bass boat with a Mariner 75 and a Raker 15-inch prop. The boat will only reach 32 mph. Is this all the speed I can get? I love these old boats and restore them. Please don’t make me give them up for a new model.
Carb Cleaners Cross Over
Posted: May 1, 2012
My boat’s engine is a 190 hp MerCruiser Alpha 1. As I have been learning more about boating and motors, it is clear that you don’t use aut ...
Too Much Flushing?
Posted: May 1, 2012
I have a 25-foot Sea Fox boat with twin 150 hp Suzuki outboards, and I pride myself on taking excellent care of all my fishing and boating gear. The b ...
Seeking More Running Time
Posted: April 1, 2012
I have a 2007 Rinker 280 Express Cruiser with 12v starting and house batteries. I replaced the house battery with a pair of 6v batteries wired in seri ...
Finding Water Intrusion
Posted: April 1, 2012
I just replaced my Mercury Verado stock lower units with offshore lower units. The center engine has water in the oil. Can you help me figure out wher ...
A Simple Transducer Fix
Posted: April 1, 2012
I have a 2004 Ranger 190 Reata, and the transducer came loose on the hull. How do I glue it back on, or do I use fiberglass?
Confused by Contradictory Counsel
Posted: April 1, 2012
Recently, I’ve seen differing opinions on the topic of ethanol and the volume of fuel in a fuel tank for storage. In one place, I see an oil com ...
Build a Better Trailer Bunk
Posted: April 1, 2012
It’s time for me to replace and cover the trailer bunks on my 2001 Chaparral. Can I use indoor-outdoor carpet? I was told not to use rubber-back ...
Putting the Engine to Bed
Posted: March 1, 2012
I own a 2010 40 hp Mercury EFI four-stroke with a 7-gallon portable gas tank. Would you please tell me the proper procedure for storing these for wint ...
Win the Mold War
Posted: March 1, 2012
How can I remove mildew stains from vinyl upholstery? I have tried many cleaners and have reduced the stains from black to a gray tint, but I cannot r ...
Counter-Rotating Props Worth It?
Posted: February 1, 2012
I am considering a new 23-foot aluminum Pacific Boat walk-around with twin Suzuki 90 hp engines. To get counter-rotating props, I’d have to go u ...
A Sticky Float Causes Trouble
Posted: February 1, 2012
I own a 1968 33 hp Evinrude Ski-Twin. During the course of the summer the engine refused to run. After it was in the water, I attempted to start it, w ...
Perplexed by Props
Posted: February 1, 2012
I need to know which side the counterclockwise and clockwise engines go in a 1979 Sea Ray Express SRV. After our marina put in new long blocks, the bo ...
Go With the Correct Gaskets
Posted: February 1, 2012
I have a freshwater-cooled Crusader 350 that I am replacing the heads on. Do I need to use marine head gaskets?