Questions for Boat Handling Guru's....

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Do what the old engine shops used to do. Tweak the spring so it reads higher.

[Ratickle]

Do what the old engine shops used to do. Tweak the spring so it reads higher.

[Offshore Ginger]

Paul not that i dont already know............. but who did the set up on your drive , and Paul loose the trailer because down the road you just might experience some more problems $$$$$$

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Yea I agree, replace the hook' her trailer rollers with bunks. That hook you talked about fixing was likely caused by the trailer and will come back if you fix it and set it back on the same trailer.
Hook'her trailers are for fishing boats not speed boats.

[Ratickle]

Paul not that i dont already know............. but who did the set up on your drive , and Paul loose the trailer because down the road you just might experience some more problems $$$$$$

Drive setup was basically made by the manufacturer in 1988, Marlin Boats, Tigard, Oregon. I have the original Hot Boat test on the 89 model somehere.

When Dan, down at Gun Lake, made the switch from the 260/Alpha to the 502/BravoI we got the template from Mercury for the original boat, (it was offered with either the 330 Bravo, the King Cobra, or the way this one came with the Alpha), and lined it up over the Alpha holes as recommended by Merc. That was in 1994, so the drive heights were still fairly low.

This time I puked an engine, so Ben did the rebuild with a new block etc. We decided to go with an XR for the strength, the one I bought had a bad set of lower bearings, so I found the 2" shorty Imco and put that on with all XR inners. I was originally concerned about raising the prop 2" for coming on plane etc., but Ben said the drive was so low 3" short would not be an issue. He was obviously right, and now everyone is still saying higher.

I don't know if I'll make any changes currently to the X, but who knows. I'd rather get the BT completely done first. (Or buy a race boat and finish it), before I put a lot more time and $ into this one.......

It runs pretty strong for a fuel injected 502, and it actually handles well as long as you are very careful on excessive trim up or down. It wants to run with the drive up maybe 1 or 2 degrees, 3500 RPM to WOT, and that's it.

And yeah, I'm careful with that trailer, I've replaced all the bearings, brakes, surge actuator, etc., and still stop every 20 miles or so and feel the hubs to make sure the bearings aren't overheating.

[Ratickle]

Yea I agree, replace the hook' her trailer rollers with bunks. That hook you talked about fixing was likely caused by the trailer and will come back if you fix it and set it back on the same trailer.
Hook'her trailers are for fishing boats not speed boats.

I'm trying to decide if buying a different trailer or putting bunks and a second axle on this one, is the way to go. The boat was a lot lighter when it came with this trailer with the small block/Alpha setup.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Keep it simple just add bunks.

[Ratickle]

I sure feel a lot more comfy towing with a tandem, or triple, axle trailer than this single. A friggin blowout, or wheel falling off, is really interesting with a single.....

And this would be a lot easier boat to tow to LOTO, or Texas, than the BT........

[Offshore Ginger]

Keep it simple just add bunks.

Paul , to tell you the truth my only concern about the trailer was the same as Jim's and Paul i have that same Mag .

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Either way Paul you are going to have to stop and fix it single or tandem.

If you want a tandem buy a tandem.

If you come to Texas will you take the easy way or the hard way?

[Bradz]

I would add hydraulic steering first. Those drives can move around and cause problems at 80 mph.

[Ratickle]

Paul , to tell you the truth my only concern about the trailer was the same as Jim's and Paul i have that same Mag .

You have the original mag? I just have a reprint of the article in Black and White before they went out of business......


I may have to beat you up and scan yours......

[Ratickle]

Either way Paul you are going to have to stop and fix it single or tandem.

If you want a tandem buy a tandem.

If you come to Texas will you take the easy way or the hard way?

The easy way is to fly, stay with you, and run around with you and Griswold while drinking margaritas and not drive a boat or car.....