Questions for the boaters out there....

[Code54]

We just got a 04 Fisher 1600 16' bass boat with a 9.9 Mercury outboard on it. Over all it is in EXCELLENT shape except for 2 things. The plastic console that holds gauges has a crack in it and the "throttle" handle (thing on the right for forward/reverse - sorry just started this whole boating thing so I don't know the terms) is scrapped up. Got hit in the barn and luckily that is the extent of the damage. Could really leave it alone but to make it as close to perfect I wouldn't mind fixing it. So where is a good place to get the parts and what the heck is the right terms to even search for on the net.
The boat has extremely low hours on it but is there anything I should check. Threw a new water pump in it just in case since it has been sitting, the bilge pumps works and it taken on NO water.
Batteries tested excellent, steering and linkages are all perfect. Changing the oil and such is covered.. any other thoughts?
THANKS

 

[MotorSeven]

Well, if your cheap like me, take off the console, fill the crack in with JB Weld, sand it all down, wipe it down with Windex(ammonia preps the surface for paint)then paint with Kyrlon Fusion( designed for plastics /wallyworld has it) in your choice of colors. Same thing for the throttle handle if plastic or even aluminium. Park it out of the sun and it will last a long time. Paint & JB will run you under $10...........Now Go Fish!

 

[Buppies]

Make sure lower gear case oil is changed and shows no signs of water new spark plugs prop is in good shape seal around prop is in good shape and not torn

 

[Western]

Your arm "thing", is a top or side mount control, depending how your set up. Look here Controls by Discount Marine Supplies

If you plan on keeping the boat, you may want to invest in a service/parts manual for your motor.

What the guys said is great info.
A few things I dont want to happen on the water...Dead battery, low oil, (unless your 2 cycle) and loss of water PSI due to pump or other failure. You can cheaply add a water PSI gauge , the kits come with the gauge, and everything else you need, then you can always monitor the water pressure in the motor (will help warn you of impending problems or a weakening pump) not fool proof, just some insurance.

 

[Pete Judd]

Please take a boating coarse. Learn the Marine "Rules of the Road". You may find several in you area, for about 20 bucks, and 2 days. I hold a 100 ton coastguard master ticket and have a 46 ft sail boat, and see people out there that have no Idea of what they are doing on the water.

 

[tractchores]

Look at the manufacturer or dealer for the plastic part, its probably custom. The throttle control is usually paired with the engine and available via the engine dealer.

 

[Depmandog]

You might want to start saving your pennies (quarters, fives, tens and twenties....and hundreds)....I suspect you will quickly decide that 9.9 horses feels like turtle power and you will be at the boat dealer looking at motors. And oh, by the way - boat motors are EXPENSIVE!!

At least you can upgrade your motor - your boat can handle more. Mine has a 150 Yamaha, and I am at my HP limit. So when I get that urge, I am looking at boats and motors :-/

Just giving you a hard time! Enjoy!

 

[ultrarunner]

Can you guys still use 2-stroke outboards?

Most places here in California have banned them for years... especially any freshwater lakes.

 

[sailfast]

Regarding motor size.

Don't rush out and make a bunch of new purchases. Some lakes have a horse power limit. Use what you have before you waste money uselessly.

 

[mostly_gas]

Please take a boating coarse. Learn the Marine "Rules of the Road". You may find several in you area, for about 20 bucks, and 2 days. I hold a 100 ton coastguard master ticket and have a 46 ft sail boat, and see people out there that have no Idea of what they are doing on the water.

Lake of the Ozarks will make you cringe or angry, with the free for all attitude there. :shocked::thumbdown: