Finally got the boat back on the water: I had my boat started up this spring by the same guy I had winterize it. I told him of a few issues that I was having at the end of last season...

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

I had my boat started up this spring by the same guy I had winterize it. I told him of a few issues that I was having at the end of last season, I thought they were fuel related. He said he’d fix anything that was wrong.I picked the boat up and a week later and put it in Great Bay, a South Jersey back bay leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. My oldest son and my oldest Grandson were with me. When we left the ramp area and crawled away from marina I pushed the throttle forward and she stalled , again and again, I couldn’t get going.I called the guy at the marina that supposedly fixed it and brought it back to him. Two weeks went by and he called to tell me it was ready. My wife and I went to pick it up and it was still in the water at the dock. We tried to take it for a test run and couldn’t get it started. The guy came over and played around with the control box and something in the motor. Finally it started and after he said “ya just have fool around with this here a little on these older ones”. We took it for a spin and had same problems with it stalling out. So I got it back to the marina, got it on the trailer., took it home and called three other repair shops. One couldn’t fit me in till Aug 15, another July 21 , and one July 9 so I made that appointment.When July 9 rolled around I called to ask what to do when I got there and they told me they couldn’t get to it for two or three weeks. I said “no I have an appointment”, they said I could bring it but it would sit for 2-3 weeks . I called the other guy who said he would get right on it on the 21st bring it on the 20th. He’d have it ready on the 23rd. I called on the 23rd and got no answer, I left a message . He finally called me back on the 28th and said it would be done on the 30. I called on the 30th no answer I left a message. They returned my call Aug 4th and he apologized and promised it would be done on the 7th. I called on the 7th , no answer , I left a message and he called back at 2:30 and said it would be ready when I got there. It was over an hour to get there and he was still working on it. We went to get something to eat and came back and it was done . He left black grease hand prints all over my white boat, I wanted to scream but I just paid him and got the hell out of there. I missed enjoying the boat with my family for most of the summer because people today don’t do what they say they’re going to do. My oldest son and I put it in Great Bay yesterday and ran it 5-6 miles over to the little egg inlet . The boat ran great. We shut it off and began our first drift and my line was in the water two minutes and I pulled out the first of three keeper fluke for the day , 19”, 18”, 21and a half “ . We had 7-8 fish each over 3 1/2 hrs. The grandkids go back to school in a couple of weeks. I hope to get them out a couple times before then.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

CRKfish wrote:

I had my boat started up this spring by the same guy I had winterize it. I told him of a few issues that I was having at the end of last season, I thought they were fuel related. He said he’d fix anything that was wrong.I picked the boat up and a week later and put it in Great Bay, a South Jersey back bay leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. My oldest son and my oldest Grandson were with me. When we left the ramp area and crawled away from marina I pushed the throttle forward and she stalled , again and again, I couldn’t get going.I called the guy at the marina that supposedly fixed it and brought it back to him. Two weeks went by and he called to tell me it was ready. My wife and I went to pick it up and it was still in the water at the dock. We tried to take it for a test run and couldn’t get it started. The guy came over and played around with the control box and something in the motor. Finally it started and after he said “ya just have fool around with this here a little on these older ones”. We took it for a spin and had same problems with it stalling out. So I got it back to the marina, got it on the trailer., took it home and called three other repair shops. One couldn’t fit me in till Aug 15, another July 21 , and one July 9 so I made that appointment.When July 9 rolled around I called to ask what to do when I got there and they told me they couldn’t get to it for two or three weeks. I said “no I have an appointment”, they said I could bring it but it would sit for 2-3 weeks . I called the other guy who said he would get right on it on the 21st bring it on the 20th. He’d have it ready on the 23rd. I called on the 23rd and got no answer, I left a message . He finally called me back on the 28th and said it would be done on the 30. I called on the 30th no answer I left a message. They returned my call Aug 4th and he apologized and promised it would be done on the 7th. I called on the 7th , no answer , I left a message and he called back at 2:30 and said it would be ready when I got there. It was over an hour to get there and he was still working on it. We went to get something to eat and came back and it was done . He left black grease hand prints all over my white boat, I wanted to scream but I just paid him and got the hell out of there. I missed enjoying the boat with my family for most of the summer because people today don’t do what they say they’re going to do. My oldest son and I put it in Great Bay yesterday and ran it 5-6 miles over to the little egg inlet . The boat ran great. We shut it off and began our first drift and my line was in the water two minutes and I pulled out the first of three keeper fluke for the day , 19”, 18”, 21and a half “ . We had 7-8 fish each over 3 1/2 hrs. The grandkids go back to school in a couple of weeks. I hope to get them out a couple times before then.

I had my boat started up this spring by the same g... (show quote)

I am so glad that in most cases, I don’t have to depend on anyone but myself when it comes to fixing something. Now if I could only fix “ME” I’d be in good shape…😜🤣😂🐟on

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

CRKfish wrote:

I had my boat started up this spring by the same guy I had winterize it. I told him of a few issues that I was having at the end of last season, I thought they were fuel related. He said he’d fix anything that was wrong.I picked the boat up and a week later and put it in Great Bay, a South Jersey back bay leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. My oldest son and my oldest Grandson were with me. When we left the ramp area and crawled away from marina I pushed the throttle forward and she stalled , again and again, I couldn’t get going.I called the guy at the marina that supposedly fixed it and brought it back to him. Two weeks went by and he called to tell me it was ready. My wife and I went to pick it up and it was still in the water at the dock. We tried to take it for a test run and couldn’t get it started. The guy came over and played around with the control box and something in the motor. Finally it started and after he said “ya just have fool around with this here a little on these older ones”. We took it for a spin and had same problems with it stalling out. So I got it back to the marina, got it on the trailer., took it home and called three other repair shops. One couldn’t fit me in till Aug 15, another July 21 , and one July 9 so I made that appointment.When July 9 rolled around I called to ask what to do when I got there and they told me they couldn’t get to it for two or three weeks. I said “no I have an appointment”, they said I could bring it but it would sit for 2-3 weeks . I called the other guy who said he would get right on it on the 21st bring it on the 20th. He’d have it ready on the 23rd. I called on the 23rd and got no answer, I left a message . He finally called me back on the 28th and said it would be done on the 30. I called on the 30th no answer I left a message. They returned my call Aug 4th and he apologized and promised it would be done on the 7th. I called on the 7th , no answer , I left a message and he called back at 2:30 and said it would be ready when I got there. It was over an hour to get there and he was still working on it. We went to get something to eat and came back and it was done . He left black grease hand prints all over my white boat, I wanted to scream but I just paid him and got the hell out of there. I missed enjoying the boat with my family for most of the summer because people today don’t do what they say they’re going to do. My oldest son and I put it in Great Bay yesterday and ran it 5-6 miles over to the little egg inlet . The boat ran great. We shut it off and began our first drift and my line was in the water two minutes and I pulled out the first of three keeper fluke for the day , 19”, 18”, 21and a half “ . We had 7-8 fish each over 3 1/2 hrs. The grandkids go back to school in a couple of weeks. I hope to get them out a couple times before then.

I had my boat started up this spring by the same g... (show quote)

Boat mechanics just like car mechanics. You find a good one, keep it to yourself and pay him whatever he wants. And a big part of being a good one, is giving good estimates - money-wise AND time-wise.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Holy crap man, what a story. Me, I couldn't take that, I'd go Postal

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

CRKfish wrote:

I had my boat started up this spring by the same guy I had winterize it. I told him of a few issues that I was having at the end of last season, I thought they were fuel related. He said he’d fix anything that was wrong.I picked the boat up and a week later and put it in Great Bay, a South Jersey back bay leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. My oldest son and my oldest Grandson were with me. When we left the ramp area and crawled away from marina I pushed the throttle forward and she stalled , again and again, I couldn’t get going.I called the guy at the marina that supposedly fixed it and brought it back to him. Two weeks went by and he called to tell me it was ready. My wife and I went to pick it up and it was still in the water at the dock. We tried to take it for a test run and couldn’t get it started. The guy came over and played around with the control box and something in the motor. Finally it started and after he said “ya just have fool around with this here a little on these older ones”. We took it for a spin and had same problems with it stalling out. So I got it back to the marina, got it on the trailer., took it home and called three other repair shops. One couldn’t fit me in till Aug 15, another July 21 , and one July 9 so I made that appointment.When July 9 rolled around I called to ask what to do when I got there and they told me they couldn’t get to it for two or three weeks. I said “no I have an appointment”, they said I could bring it but it would sit for 2-3 weeks . I called the other guy who said he would get right on it on the 21st bring it on the 20th. He’d have it ready on the 23rd. I called on the 23rd and got no answer, I left a message . He finally called me back on the 28th and said it would be done on the 30. I called on the 30th no answer I left a message. They returned my call Aug 4th and he apologized and promised it would be done on the 7th. I called on the 7th , no answer , I left a message and he called back at 2:30 and said it would be ready when I got there. It was over an hour to get there and he was still working on it. We went to get something to eat and came back and it was done . He left black grease hand prints all over my white boat, I wanted to scream but I just paid him and got the hell out of there. I missed enjoying the boat with my family for most of the summer because people today don’t do what they say they’re going to do. My oldest son and I put it in Great Bay yesterday and ran it 5-6 miles over to the little egg inlet . The boat ran great. We shut it off and began our first drift and my line was in the water two minutes and I pulled out the first of three keeper fluke for the day , 19”, 18”, 21and a half “ . We had 7-8 fish each over 3 1/2 hrs. The grandkids go back to school in a couple of weeks. I hope to get them out a couple times before then.

I had my boat started up this spring by the same g... (show quote)

Glad you finally got her back CRK, and in good running condition. If you can't work on it yourself, you're at their mercy. With the Corn Liquor Gasoline we have now, I'm afraid we're gonna see a lot more stories like yours.
I've been using Startron Ethanol fuel treatment, and have had 0 issues. Some people don't believe in any additives or stabilizers, but in time they will pay the price, in both money, and time. If you're lucky enough to have access to ethanol free fuel, you should still stabilize it in the off season, or year round if you don't use it a lot.
Now get out there and make up for lost time.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Seems like if you want to own a boat, you just about have to BE a mechanic!

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

One of the biggest reasons that I don't own one. And why when I rode, I rode Japanese.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

Fredfish wrote:

Glad you finally got her back CRK, and in good run... (show quote)

I’m right there with ya,Fred. I’ve had my boat 5 years now and the previous owner always ran clear gas. But it’s not always available for me so ya, I’m a firm believer in additives in your fuel and I’ve never had a fuel problem…🐟on

Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS

We have a few servos that can get ethanol free fuel from. When I'm ready to fire up the motor will fill with that even being higher price. Will be more than cheaper than repairs

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

DozerDave wrote:

I’m right there with ya,Fred. I’ve had my boat 5 years now and the previous owner always ran clear gas. But it’s not always available for me so ya, I’m a firm believer in additives in your fuel and I’ve never had a fuel problem…🐟on

I look at it like food Dave. The best cut of meat, by itself, tastes like, well, meat. But the right rub, or marinade, or steak sauce, or just a slab of garlic butter, makes a world of difference.
In the case of our current fuel, its more like Spaghetti Os. But with some garlic, spices, and a couple pieces of sausage, you'd be surprised how good it can taste. I learned that in my 1st 2 apartments when I was a teenager.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

DozerDave wrote:

I’m right there with ya,Fred. I’ve had my boat 5 years now and the previous owner always ran clear gas. But it’s not always available for me so ya, I’m a firm believer in additives in your fuel and I’ve never had a fuel problem…🐟on

No, it’s not available here either. Sometimes I get gas at marina treated with valve-tech. Or I use 89 octane with stabil marine fuel stabilizer. I had several things wrong with the motor. A cracked primer hose.primer solenoid something valve, top vapor separator seal, Bad primer bulb . Bad Carb linkage. Something was bent and keeping the carbs from shutting correctly, Bad spark plug wires . Various screws and washers missing. Had throttle and ignition adjusted emergency cut off switch fixed., new water intake ports. Idle adjusted. Drained and replaced gear case lube with pro synthetic.
I’m the third owner of this boat . It has 635 hrs on it. A lot of the motor issues were from the last owner and the mechanic I had winterize it and do spring start up. I believe when you buy a used boat you have to expect fixing and maintenance will be an ongoing experience.

Whitereb Loc: Lake Guntersville Alabama

Glad it turned out alright if you knew you had issues why not have it tended to in the winter. I guess not to have to winterize it twice. I have not owned a boat where you winterized it. Just lucky me. Hope you have more fun with the grandkids.

Jeremy Loc: America

CRKfish wrote:

No, it’s not available here either. Sometimes I ge... (show quote)

If he or she winterized it you should of already known 10 or whatever months ago.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Glad you’re back on the water. Just too bad about the poor treatment you experienced in the past. Good luck!

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

Yes , usually by December temps are cold enough here to freeze any water anywhere in the motor and you risk cracking your lower unit. I trusted the wrong guy, twice. Had I known he was a hack I’d have taken it to a different mechanic for winterizing and he would have looked into it and fixed it correctly.