|
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Ok, so it's nothing special (a 14' aluminum w/ an 18hp) but it's MINE and I'm no longer shore-bound. Now I need some information. I don't have much experience so any advice would be appreciated.
1) The motor is an 18hp Evinrude. I'd like to get an owners manual, but I can't find a year or model number. From what I can tell Evinrude only made the 18hp from 1963-1973. Can I find out the model number with the serial number?
2) What gas/oil ratio? This may seem like a simple question but I really have no idea. 30/1 or 80/1 or somewhere in between?
3) Other than changing the spark plug, what other basic, preventative maintenance should I do to get her ready?
4) Until I build some confidence in the motor, I'd like to have a pair of oars for back-up locomotion. Anybody in the Oshkosh-Appleton area have a pair taking up space that you want to get rid of?
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 874
Location: Neenah, WI | Heyyyyyyy, good for you Bob. I can't help you with the owners manual but since Spellman's is right by UW-O that might be a good place to start. If you need any other assistance feel free to stop by on your way home if my green F-150 is in the driveway. If you still take A to work that is. Address is 1839. |
|
| |
|
| Viking,I think I have a set of oars for you.They are just taking up space.I'll tell you what,let me check them out to make sure they are still decent and I will let you know Wed.
Later zeke01 |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1656
| Congrats on your new boat. Despite all the peeing matches of "my boat is better than yours". The simple truth is every boat is a great boat so long as it floats and it gets you to where you want to go safely.
I suspect your fuel mixture will be 50:1 ratio. I'll second Spellman's Marina, they have some of the best Evinrude/Johnson mechanics in the area. I'm sure if you stop in they'll be able to answer all your questions regarding your engine.
Congrats once again and happy boating! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 617
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Viking -
A marina will be able to tell what year it is from the serial number. I'd set up a time with a reputable marina to take your boat in and have them give it a good look. Definitely get an owners manual (the marina should be able to help with that too).
An ounce of prevention on your outboard is worth several hours of rowing..... |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Thanks for the advice everyone. I tracked down the year/model with the serial number. It's a 1968 Fastwin model 18802. Although 27 years old, the engine is still in amazingly new condition. With the model numer I have located owner's manuals on ebay for less than $10.
Zeke, let me know if I can help take some clutter off your hands  Thanks for checking.
Edited by Viking 5/10/2005 6:39 PM
|
|
| |
|
| Hey Viking: I did not have a chance on Tues. to check for the oars,however I will tonite and respond to you Thurs.
By the way I live in Neenah so I don't know how far of a drive that is for you.I'll keep in touch. Later zeke01 |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Thanks for checking Zeke. I live in Menasha on Doty Island so anywhere in Neenah is convenient.
If you come across a pair, you can drop me a PM or an e-mail, [email protected], and we can arrange a meet-up.
Edited by Viking 5/11/2005 10:07 AM
|
|
| |
|
| I will get a hold of you Thurs.,as this is my office computer at work.
Later zeke01 |
|
| |
|
| Hey Viking: I found the set of oars for you, so when you would like to arrange something let me know.Tonite I have to do some picking up and dropping off for soccer practice but I would be around here and there.
You can e-mail me at [email protected]
Later zeke01 |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Zeke, you have mail. Thanks |
|
| |
|
| First boat is always exciting, congratulations, and safe boating! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Thanks Guest.
Here's a little update: The motor started on the second pull but ran pretty poorly until I added some gaskets on the gasline. I also found a perfect copy of an owners manual on Ebay for $8 which helped me set some adjustments. I found a small leak in the hull, but a little JB Weld has solved that problem. I've been out a few times but haven't been able to seriously fish because my four-year old likes to ride along and he prefers to cruise around-- I'm not complaining though, it is really fun spending time with the family. I hope to get out solo for a trip or two this weekend.
Thanks again zeke, it's nice to have the oars "just in case!" |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | On occasion when I'm running at higher RPM the drive loses power. For lack of a better analogy, it will suddenly "spin out" with the motor racing -- kind of like spinning your tires when your stuck in the snow. Then, I throttle down and the drive will operated just fine at lower RPM, but not enough to get me up on plane. I changed and filled the gearcase lube and it seemed to help but after it ran for a while the problem returned. I haven't had a chance to re-check the levels to see if it may be leaking -- if it is do I just replace the gaskets? Could I have some bad gears in the lower unit? Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks. |
|
| |
|
| Sounds like the rubber bushing in the prop is slipping...common problem especially on older motors. A new bushing can be pressed in or the prop replaced, either way nothing serious. Good luck |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Thanks guest. Your advice was the same I received from several others. I followed it, put on a new prop and the "spin-out" problem is resolved. I also noticed a nice difference in overall performance. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Rolling Meadows, IL | Congrats, Bob, it sure is exciting to no longer be shore-bound. Sounds like you're doing it right, checking everything out like you've done. How about an update, how's the boat been treating you since you got it? Tight lines - JB
Edited by JoyBoy 7/5/2005 3:48 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | Well, it's been treating me very well!! Thanks for asking. I've been out about 2 times a week since I bought it and have had no trouble to speak of. Besides fishing, we regularly take family cruises for picnics and sightseeing. Having a small boat has its limits on 'Bago but it's still infinately better than being stuck on shore. Of course, every time I'm out I think of something new to but to add on, i.e. a drift sock, a new trolling motor, etc... How does the saying go? "A boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into..." |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 921
Location: Manitowoc, WI | Congrats on the boat Viking! It gets better as the years go by. I bought my first boat in 1990 for $10K. 16 ft Tuffy w/50hp Mariner. Still got it today. However, I'm ready to start some serious walleye fishing and am looking for a new one. I believe that I am going to be looking at upwards of $30k for one that I would like. (I still got you in mind Jerry. Don't give up on me yet.) Have fun with the boat Viking and remember to save, save, save for your next one. Happy fishing. |
|
| |
