boat questions to chew on

[gator]

got a bass boat w/ a 55 evinrude (electric trim and tiller)...is it possible to take this system off and put it on an aluminum boat for duck hunting...also, the motor hasn't been cranked in years, has been under a roof but open aired, what's the odds that it'll even crank...could a 15-16 ft boat support this...also, would like a ballpark figure on how much a boat would cost, motor work, and to transfer the system if it's possible...also, is it worth my time....had a guy offer me 1,000 for the tilt sytem, motor, and trailer, should i just do this? all boaters please post, and all ya'll w/ knowledge is this department...man, i'm trying anything to get in a boat...help a brotha out

[CaptnT]

Depends on what type of aluminum boat (semi-v, deep-v, flatbottom), but my experience is that it will transfer without much problem.

If it is a flatbottom boat you are considering I would take the fellas $1000 and but one with less horses.

You should be alright with a semi or deep-v, make sure your transom is large enough to handle the wieght.

Put the motor in gear and turn the prop. If you feel resistance, then it kicks free, you probably have compression. I would replace the plugs, fill with new gas (premium), replace the fuel filter and check out the fuel lines real well, they are the biggest culprit when starting a motor that has been out of action. If they look dry rotted AT ALL , replace them. One little pin hole will make the motor run badly. Spray lubricant in the cyliders while replacing plugs, keep some carburator cleaner handy. I would try to start the motor in the water, even if its at a boat ramp. The flush ears really don't get enough water to rev the motor like you will need to. Its a good idea to bring towo charged batteries and a set of jumper cables.

Two-stroke outboard motors are really amazing how much abuse they can take. Usually after sitting up the fuel sours or evaporates, leaving the lead to contaminate the carbs, usually sticking the float. IF you can't get it started, or if it won't idile, and you aren't "motor-savy", take it to a pro.

As far as cost for installing, I can't tell you that, I have always done them myself. Really not that hard, but you need access to various tools and a litele know-how.

Good luck, hope that helped.

[tunica du4u]

Gator, Captn. T gave some good advice and if I could add to that you better plan on staying in big water with that 55 Evinrude. Don't know where u hunt but Up here like we hunt you couldn't use it in sloughs, ditches, creeks and fields. I got 2 F&F duck boats, 1 with a 15hp Nissan and 1 with a 16hp Go Devil and either 1 does fine anywhere, big water, little water makes no difference with either.

[gator]

tunica, it will basically be used to get me across and around big water to where i'll hunt...i used to hunt sardis, enid up at oxford and now i'm in jackson, and will hunt the rez, chotard, albamarle, eagle, etc...when in tiimber or fields i got a pirougue (sp?) and one of those float tubes for that...like i say, i'll be basically using it to get from pt. A to B...thanks, for the thoughts...later

[gator]

just wanted to get the post back up at the top...need more info if anyone's got it

[bwm]

I've got a 15/48 flat bottom F&F with a 50hp tilt/trim merc. 50 is plenty wouldn't have any less. My 3cents.