YOUR OUTBOARD BOATS FORUM
This is the best Outboard Boats Forum on the web, it's yours! Are you looking for good advice about Outboard Boats and boating equipment and systems? Why not invest in one of my books? It will save you money and valuable time. All you need to know about your outboard motor boat, trawler yacht and motor yacht systems.
From marine electrical and electronics systems to plumbing and sail handling, this is the place to find it. If you are purchasing a used boat, or have boat for sale, or plan to take a yacht charter, all the information you will need is here at the boat forum.
So where do you start? There is a lot to know. I get asked regularly about what is the problem, and more importantly and how to fix a problem. I am a yacht owner and that’s why I have published a dozen books to tell you all that you need to know about how to take care of your sailboats and yacht systems.
My name is JOHN C PAYNE, and many of you may already have one of my books on marine electrical and electronics systems (The recently published Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible now in it’s 4th Edition) or perhaps one of the many other books on sailboats and yacht systems.
THE OUTBOARD BOATS FORUM
I am not an armchair expert, but a qualified and practising marine electrician and engineer, and a marine surveyor. I do this for a living, and also I sail and cruise my own yacht for fun! I have built, lived aboard and cruised several yachts and the chances are that your problems have been my own. Let this website help you with the boat forum! Thousands of people input with answers to problems.
What is your boat problem? If you know what the problem is then you are halfway towards finding the right solution. Why not choose from one of my many books to help you fix your problems. Here are some hot topics for the outboard boats forum:
Battery Charging. How to keep the power on and solve battery charging problems
Lighting Systems. How to keep things well illuminated even on the darkest night
Boat Wiring. How to keep all your electrical powered systems operational and how to locate faults when it does not
Engines. How to make sure your engine starts every time and how to fix it when it doesn’t
This is just a fraction of the 3000 plus questions that were posted, and it is hoped that this NEW forum and bulletin board does the same.
The Outboard Boats Forum is also a great place to look for spare parts that are hard to find, share your problems and experience with others, ask questions, share stories and more about my books and related topics and a lot more. Create your own web page every time you submit an article and include great low resolution images as well.
HOW TO POST MESSAGES TO THE OUTBOARD BOATS FORUM
Forum Editors Forum Rules! Yes there are a few basics when posting!
1. DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPITALS as it will not be posted. Don't use any HTML code as it will be deleted, so many people still try and add in a link to somewhere, or add HTML code for line breaks or bold, do not do it please!
2. Don't use bad language or profanity as it will not be posted.
3. Please at least use a first name and location with your email address in the notification page, so you will get a message when someone leaves a comment.
4. You need to insert a couple of sentences describing you problem and add an image if possible as it helps others. If you insert just a couple of words using SMS messaging speak the system will reject it. Give a detailed description and get someone to read it.
5. Don't Spam the site with multiple submissions, if you post 2-3 times I will not waste my time with it, posts get moderated and reviewed so don't expect an instant post.
6. We receive dozens of posts a day and it is quite impossible to reply to more than just a few given this is a free site and I don't have enough time given I have a day job.
7. It helps if you start the headline with your boat make/model number. Save the problem description to the text, more detail means better answers.
8. If you have an outboard engine issue then use the Forum page for your specific engine make. Same applies for marine electronics or marine electrics issues. It's far easier to answer questions and easier for other boaters to respond
So post your message and if you describe your problem, add an image or two and you have a chance to get a useful response. More great outboard boat motors information. Always great information on fishing and boats.
Have a Boat problem to share?
Boat problems and issues? need someone to try and help resolve them? Then use this forum and maybe someone can help. If you have outboard issues or electrics or electronics issues then use the forum for those on this site. This is for general boat issues only
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
pontoon 7m with honda bf90 
Hi, situation is; bought a boat with 3200rpm at WOT. Idle 450 so thought must be the gauge, replaced it and now idle 1200 rpm and at WOT 4800 rpm.s Is …
1998 Carver 260 SE
I backed my boat into the dock and the mud was too high, first it got stuck then it died. I tried restarting but the starter wont engage. Is there a …
2005 18ft sea ray out board
I want to put my 5.7 liter chevy engine and make boat inboard is this possible and how much money am i looking at
15 foot 1974 Fiberform Bowrider boat problems
Can anyone tell me what make and size of outboard motor this boat normally was outfitted with from the showroom floor? Right now it has an 85hp, 1975 Mercury …
Canal Boat diesel engine stops !
Hi, My name is Brian. I have a Liverpool Boat (7 year old) with Barrus Shire (1952) engine. My problem....the Engine stops for no apparent good reason …
96 2050 bayliner boat falls over in the corner.
I have a 96 2050 bayliner. I just bought the boat. When skiing or wakeboarding and loose a skier when you make a hard left hand turn the boat will start …
1986 regal ambassador 255 not getting up to speed
I just bought a 1986 regal ambassador 255 and have been doing work to it. I have a problem with it getting up to speed. My fishing partner is a auto mechanic …
Refrigeration and plastic
I totally rebuilt the refrigerator in my sailboat. I re insulated the inside and relined the insulation with a thermoplastic vapor barrier and then fiber …
1988 21' Larson cuddy
I own a 1988 21' larson cuddy. I do a lot of wakeboarding with it and it normally has a pretty decent hole shot. However for the past few weeks, when …
4.9m markham whaler
Hi i purchased a 4.9m markham whaler(shark cat) with under floor fuel tanks. On inspection of tanks i noticed water in the hull i lifted the front of the …
90 hp 4 stroke 1991 Not rated yet
The motor died at 2500 rpm - I know it's a electrical problem but don't know where to start - battery fine
1992 Bayliner Trophy 120HP Force exhaust fumes backing up into cowling. Not rated yet
Engine stalls at idle due to exhaust fumes flooding into the cowl. Engine runs fine under throttle and exhaust thru the prop as normal. Replaced the exhaust …
1992 Bayliner Trophy 120HP Force Not rated yet
Engine stalls at idle due to exhaust fumes flooding into the cowl. Engine runs fine under throttle and exhaust thru the prop as normal. Replaced the exhaust …
1995 evinrude 150 Not rated yet
Boat will only start and run for a minute and then stall like it is out of gas. Fuel has to be primed again to get it to start again. Replaced the VRO …
Mercury 90 hp, 2004 outboard Not rated yet
Was driving along fine and then it died down to an idle and would not excelerate anymore. Any ideas. Have never had any other problems with this motor …
2000 hydrasport 180 seahorse center console with j115vlsss outboard Not rated yet
Can i use seastar pro hydraulic steering instead of baystar.
Friend has a complete seastar pro with the Kevlar hoses new
in box never installed that …
Triton TR 17 2000 Not rated yet
I lost my white (off white...grayish) center jump seat cushion. I am looking to replace it with the original type of cushion, same color etc. Will someone …
Fourwinns, Horizon 200 1988 OMC Cobra 4.3 Not rated yet
Engine runs fine with muffs, no power on the water, unable to exceed 10mph and unable to plane. Does anyone have thoughts to point me in the right direction? …
2011 Landau Atlantis 250 with 2010 mercury optimax 200 pro xs Not rated yet
Had problem with cap on oil reservoir mounted on engine came loose which caused oil to pump out, horn went off and put air in system and now has a miss …
1996 Starcraft 1700 Bowrider Not rated yet
I just purchased this boat and it requires a 50:1 oil mix. I can't find the fuel tank capacity anywhere which makes it hard to know how much oil to mix …
2010 mercury optimax pro xs 200hp Not rated yet
Had issue with reservoir on engine with cap coming loose and pumping oil out. Had to bleed it out and every since have issue with wont run over 4000 rpms …
2000 Sun Tracker Party Deck boat 6 cylinder Chevy I/O engine Not rated yet
Engine shuts off when you let go of the key. Motor was halfway submerged in water when the drain had debris clog it up during a heavy rainstorm. Can't …
Crusader 350 inboards (2) Not rated yet
We bought our 1988 Tiara in 2019. Changed the elbows and risers, water pump on the engine with the problem. Also did a oil change.
We are able to start …
1987 Bayliner 2.3 ford engine Not rated yet
Boat sat for a while got it running.... hook water up in shop sounds great ... took it to lake and it ran fine for 20 mins then was at idle went to go …
Larson, Cabrio 260, 2006 Not rated yet
My 2006 Larson Cabrio 260 had smoke coming from behind the dash. The 15amp circuit breaker by the ignition switch also tripped. I traced the problem to …
1995 searay 185 bowrider Not rated yet
started off by crossing battery cables for a few seconds, was getting clicking from starter, replaced both, started right away,but began to smoke, shut …
1991 Sunbird OMC 302 ford Not rated yet
Boat will turn over. it will cough start briefly with starting fluid. but wont stay running. put new ignition springs in. replace the shift interrupter …
2014 ElectraCraft 14 LSR Not rated yet
I recently discovered that my boat will not go in reverse. It is operating fine going forward but does nothing when I shift into reverse. (On a couple …
1995 Proline 150 Sport 50hp Force. Not rated yet
Motor runs fine but boat will not run over 10mph. I’m guessing the floor drains have come loose and the styrofoam is water logged. Anyone have this problem. …
2012 bayliner 185 Not rated yet
Im in Saskatchewan and my boat hasn't been used in 2 years, sits outside in the winter. I pulled the cover off to put the batteries in and get it running …
2012 Sea Ray Sundeck Not rated yet
Digital throttle is struggling to come out of neutral. Only a problem after boat is off and then turned back on. Will move to reverse fine but won’t …
1998 Regal Commodore 280 Not rated yet
Twin motors and both volt meters drop voltage when hitting wake at the same time. The motors also bog down while the voltage drops. I removed the battery …
1989 4 Winns 150 Freedom Not rated yet
Just took the boat out of storage and started for the first time this season. Motor (60 H.P. Evinrude 2 stroke) turned over fine, blue smoke for a while …
Sea ray 240 2008 Not rated yet
Last week i took out the boat in the gulf to one of the islands. On my way back the boat was running without any issues. When I went to slow down to make …
VIP vision 1989 OMC Cobra Ford ranger 2.3L 4 cyclinder Not rated yet
water leaks at the place where the stern (?) bolts onto the engine. Is there a gasket to replace? I replaced the impeller and the hose to the water pump. …
well craft 210 classic Not rated yet
Port plexi glass panel to cabin fell out. No screws or fasteners holding it in just adhesive. Wondering what type of adhesive should I use to replace it. …
Ranger Z21 Commanche 2005 Not rated yet
The boat will not engage into Forward; it has no problem with Reverse or Neutral, but when Forward is selected, the actuator (???; it's a black box that …
Sea Ray Model 900 from 1964 Not rated yet
The boat was abandoned on property in a hedgerow that I purchased and I am trying to get a title for it. I need to have a 'value' of the boat because …
2000 javlin renegade 19 with Johnson 175 Not rated yet
My problem is when first take off this thing wants to ride low on passenger side until on pad. Then it is level. If I am by myself it does fine. Also when …
1994 bayliner jazz 190 jetboat Not rated yet
water coming in center hole next too bilge pump in engine compartment . what is this hole for?
1978 Seaswirl engine model 99D24411, serial W592112 Outdrive model 981110, serial W153007, Stingray hydrofoil stablizer 14 OMC Ster Dr, 110 Not rated yet
My power tilt and trim isn't working. It make a click noise when I push it up or down
166 phantom forester 1986 Not rated yet
Water is coming in thru the manifold. The bolt to winterize it was not put back in. Trying to figure out what bolt is the right one...cant find manual …
1988 Bayliner Capri Not rated yet
My boat has the 3.0 omc and cobra outdrive, when put into forward gear the whole boat jerks about every 2 seconds , i have found that when the jerk occurs …
1999 wellcraft 186S Not rated yet
Excessive loss or use of outdrive oil. Sorry for the I/o question but didn’t know where else to go for help. Had the boat out for the first time this …
2000 Nitro nx 882 Not rated yet
Fixing to buy this boat. It has a Mercury 150 EFI nitro series engine. The boat started with no hesitation and absolutely ran like a top. There was no …
GS202 Lowe Suncruiser Pontoon boat Not rated yet
I just got a new battery for this boat, but neglected to see how the original cables were hooked up. There are four cables, one is marked positive, but …
Crownline E2 XS Not rated yet
I have a 2017 Crownline outboard. My steering wheel suddenly stopped working. It turns clockwise very easily but with a slight clicking noise. It is …
2016 dauntless 21’ low hours Not rated yet
Boat works fine on low speed but when you accelerate motor shakes like something is caught in the prop. Any ideas? Thank you!
Dixie Boats 1985, 521 Bluefin Gas Tank Size Not rated yet
Hi, I have been trying to get specs on my Dixie Boats 1985, 521 Bluefin, fuel tank size. I recently had a new engine put into the boat and there were …
2000 Doral 270 SC anchor problem Not rated yet
I have a small problem with my boat, the rope pulley for the anchor seems to be getting tangled when I try to reel it up. The motor runs, but the rope …
Javelin 85 outboard Not rated yet
Hi. First time here. I have a Javilin 85 outboard on my Savage runabout. Because it’s a ski boat and at the extreme end of the highest power motor for …
1999 Trojan 360 express cruiser Waste Valve Isolation Problem Not rated yet
I bought a 1999 Trojan 360 express cruiser. After buying the boat I discovered that in addition to the waste water tank she also has an alternative system …
Location of fuses on a Chris Craft 1999 320 Express Not rated yet
Refrigerator failed to keep items cold after our slip lost power for 24 hours. Our batteries checked out good. Wondering where the fuse is for the 12 volt …
98 Bayliner Capri SS won't start Not rated yet
Boat started right up at marina now won't start. When key is turned all I hear is 1 click at cylinoid. Battery is good. I did pull life jackets out and …
96 Bayliner 2655, Engine won’t start Not rated yet
We have a 96 Bayliner 2655, my husband replace the fuel pump (not furl injected) it started right after. But wasn’t idling quite right. It stalled, now …
1980 Uniflite two engines one starter battery Not rated yet
I have a 1980 uniflite twin engines and one starting battery. After I start one engine the second engine is hard to start, acts like a low battery but …
2000 cobalt 226 5.7 alpha intermittent won't run Not rated yet
# times now we whave been driving boat, everything fine, for hours or minutes. shut it off for any amount of time and when it tries to start it struggles …
1987 Thundercraft 4.3 OMC Not rated yet
I just got a 87 Thundercraft on trade, the guy said it ran fine and then it would just click. I figured out the ground to the back of the motor had came …
Oil pressure gauge problem 1959 Chris craft Not rated yet
I have a 1959 Chris craft sea skiff, twin flathead 6 cyl, each total rebuilds at same time, now 140 hrs. This problem developed last season and persists …
1991 Four Winns Horizon 190 Slow In Reverse Not rated yet
I have a 1991 Four Winns Horizon 190 that recently had a shift cable installed and a carb job done. The carb job fixed the flooding issue but my reverse …
2016 Crestliner 18.5 foot Superhawk front-end heavy Not rated yet
I bought a 2016 Crestliner 18.5 foot Superhawk with a 115-horsepower engine (the Crestliner book says the boat is rated for a 115 to 175 engine), but this …
1998 Tracker Fun Deck steering wheel adjustment Not rated yet
Hello All, I recently purchased a 1998 Tracker 21 foot Fun Deck, obviously someone used the steering wheel as an assist to get up from the Captains seat …
1999 Seaswirl Striper 2100. loose anchor rest bolts Not rated yet
I have a 1999 Seaswirl Striper 2100. The bolts that hold the anchor rest to the pulpit are loose and I can't see any way to tighten them. The nuts are …
1993 Celebrity with a 454 Not rated yet
I’m writing about my boyfriends boat. (By the way,..I’m a land surveyor!) We just got it ready to take out for the first time in 2 years. It has a brand …
1996 seadoo spi starts by itself Not rated yet
Hello I ha e a huge issue bought the ski started it up ran fine did a compression test all was good took it to the lake it tried to start by itself without …
Water leaking into galley from fly brdg. Not rated yet
I have a rain water leak coming in at my wiring conduit at the aft of f-bridge and coming in behind tally bulkhead. I have interior stripped out at the …
1962 Johnson 18hp 14ft 1962 Reinell Not rated yet
I got this boat for free and started fixing it up. The title says 1962 14ft Reinell.It currently has a 1962 Johnson 18hp motor, I'm just wondering the …
99 playcraft triton - replaced fuel filter but still wont start Not rated yet
I have a '99 playcraft triton with I/O 4cyl. It was missing when running. and one day wouldn't start. tried new battery. but guys said the fuel filter …
Mercruiser 3.0 stalls 2007 Bayliner Not rated yet
When I pump the throttle I see gas shooting into to carb. The engine cranks over and starts. It runs for 3 mins then stalls. It seems related to the …
2005 Basstracker High pitched noise from the ignition Not rated yet
Took my 2005 Basstracker out for the first time this year. Started the motor, a 40 HP outboard, at home before leaving for the lake. No problems.
…
1991 33 searay air conditioner shuts down Not rated yet
Air conditioner sea cock opened, loosened cap on strainer. When turned on, air blows from vents, then it shuts down Is it something with that pump? When …
1982 Chrysler Sea King 15hp Not rated yet
Model number VWB 52119C. Serial number 28X 25557. I'm trying to remove the lower unit to replace gaskets and replace the water pump. The lower unit will …
2002 Ficht ocean pro 150 water leaking from top and head Not rated yet
I am working on a ocean pro 150 that has water leaking from starboard head and from the top of the head unit. It has a miss and surges, I'm pretty sure …
High speed trim/sterndrive issue with 210 sea ray Not rated yet
1997 sea ray 210 bow rider. Toward the end of the season last year I started having an issue with the trim/sterndrive partially raising up at high speeds …
1986 trophy bass boat motor repair Not rated yet
I just got my grandpa's 1986 trophy bass boat from my mom. The only promblem is she left it out in her yard for quite a few years and the weather has taken …
2001 Glastron SX 175 Hard shifting Not rated yet
I have a 2001 Glastron SX 175. I got it from my brother who had it outside for 2 years. It shifts easy when at home. Took it to the river today and it …
85 Ebbtide Cuddy cabin - Gas shut off valve??? Not rated yet
I've had a 85 ebbtide cuddy cabin 190 Catalina Cuddy given to me it's been setting up for a good while changed the starter getting fire but no fuel unless …
4.3l mpi guardian alarm constant beep Not rated yet
Boat runs great! But at 4600-4700 rpm (manual shows 4400-4800 max rpm) the guardian alarm goes off at constant beep till I throttle down to 1000 rpm then …
1989 Stratos Boat won't shut off Not rated yet
My boat a 1989 stratos ran fine for a half mile run. We started to leave but it won't start we trolled back to ramp. Got home I took my kill switch out, …
89 Ranger 374V 150hp Not rated yet
I was headed down the lake like any normal day I was probably only running like 40 not dogging it or anything and all of a sudden it lost a little power. …
1989 OMC Sea drive was running then lost power? Not rated yet
Center console 1989 Sportcraft w/OMC 140hp seadrive O/B running 3/4 throttle for about 20 minutes when I throttled back to 10mph then engine started to …
1992 9.9 Tohatsu struggles to get on the plane Not rated yet
Hi I have a 9.9 Tohatsu that has been sitting in the shed for 3 to 4 years.I recently got it out and put on the boat,it started 2nd or 3rd pull and idles …
Engine turns over, but won't start. Not rated yet
This boat was given to me by my father who took very good care of it. The last time he ran it a couple years ago it cut off while idling and he was unable …
OMC Sterndrive 400 with 4 cylinder inboard. Not rated yet
I have a 1979 Marlin hardtop with a 4 cyl. motor. It has trim tab buttons, out-drive tilt and trim button that actually moves the angle of the motor. When …
High pitch alarm went off on my Riviera Not rated yet
2 weeks ago an alarm went off from the starboard cluster of gauges on my 35 ft Riviera. I shut both 454 petrol motors down to be safe.
I started both …
1985 Cobia Onboard Tilt/Trim Issues Not rated yet
Have a 1985 Cobia with,a 3.0 liter and am having issues with the tilt and trim the up and down switch on the console will lift the prop but does nothing …
tach needle bouncing on my 1994 Catalina sailboat Not rated yet
i ahve a 1994 Catalina 270 sailboat with 18 Hp Perkins diesel. my tach needle has been bouncing from 300-1200 range. i have replaced my number 2 battery, …
Lister SR2 gear does not disengage in neutral Not rated yet
When in neutral the forward gear is still engaged, when the revs. are increased the speed of the prop shaft also increases. When the engine is on tick …
2001 Cobalt 246 engine idling real rough Not rated yet
Just got a 2001 Cobalt 246. Was running great when I started today but skipped a couple times and now it is idling real rough. I put high octane fuel …
Jet engine problems Not rated yet
I just bought a 96 Tracker Pro 18 boat with an inboard jet engine. I'm new to boating and do not know a lot. I believe it's like a 85 hp. When I have it …
5.7 marine chevy vortec 350 engine knocking Not rated yet
So i had my boat out on the water the other day, when i was at approx 4k rpm about open throttle the engine began to lose power followed by a rapid lose …
Low RPMs on new 4.3L install Not rated yet
I just had a rebuilt 4.3L engine installed in my 1997 19' Chaparral. I had the same outdrive reinstalled with just a rebuilt engine installed.
I …
1989 Gibson Not rated yet
Sea trailed a 1989 Gibson Std. 42 foot 12 foot beam with Crusader 305's (220 hp) tach gages erratic but I think it only achieved about 2800 rpm on port …
Glastron SX175 IO, rear seat removal Not rated yet
I am trying to remove the rear seat on my Glastron SX 175 IO to clean the rear engine compartment and replace the impellor on the Volvo Penta 3.0. I have …
02 180 Fisherman pump problems Not rated yet
I have a 2002 180 fisherman, replaced washdown pump. I can hear the pump running, but no water comes up. i reached down and checked the seacock and it …
Azimut 43 Cummins - Black smoke coming out from engine Not rated yet
I have a Azimut 43.y engine cummin. Recently, when the boat runs at 2000 rpm, it's locked and black smoke coming out from the engine (exhausted pipe) …
technodriv Not rated yet
Dear sir I do have a technodrive gearbox on my boat type TM 345A 2R TV
Serial no 145921 (NANNI ENGINE) and I am having some problems with
The …
Boat Propeller Selection Not rated yet
Recent advantages in outboard technology have made choosing the correct propeller for your boat both easier and more difficult--easier because the number …
Problem with RPM's Not rated yet
I have a boat problem. Asking for your help or suggestions. RPM's go up, speed stays the same. It feels like when an automatic transmission that is …
350 1972 V184 Glastron motor lock-up Not rated yet
I recently bought a 1972 V184 glastron from my brother. He was on the lake and the boat was running the best it ever had.(this is a jet boat with a 350 …
1983 Four Winns Electrical V6 GM Not rated yet
When I pulled the boat out this spring all accessories worked, blower pump, horn. I had troubles first starting it but finally did. The problem is after …
2002 Mastercraft Prostar 190 Not rated yet
I have a 2002 Mastercraft Prostar 190 with about 2000 hours on it. I have an overheating problem that I can't seem to figure out. I have replaced the …
Vetus Hydraulic Windlass Not rated yet
I picked up a new Vetus Hydraulic Anchor windlass from eBay. It didn't come with any instructions but I have installed a hydraulic pot hauler on my 1976 …
1990 OMC Cobra in Four Winns 195 Freedom. Not rated yet
I have a 1990 OMC Cobra in a Four Winns 195 Freedom. I just finished up putting the new engine in and had all the wires clearly marked but when i installed …
1986 Seaswirl 17' with OMC 3.0L Not rated yet
I recently bought a 1986 Seaswirl 17' with the OMC 3.0L with a two year old rebuilt motor. I've taken it to the lake twice now, but it is not running correctly. …
