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Choosing To Repower
by
Steve Horsfall
I have just
purchased a 1987 Century ULTRA II. It needs two engines, 350 Magnums
with complete outdrives plus lower and upper units. I believe Alpha
One drives were on there before. The gimbals are on the boat and
I also need a steering cable.
I would like to get in contact with the manufacturer
for information on the boat. I do not mind getting the parts from
the United States, but are they available in Canada? Who should
I contact?
R. Berthiaume (e-mail)
You can get just about anything you need for your
boat by contacting any servicing MerCruiser dealer in Canada. They
can supply replacement parts, engines, drives, steering cables,
gauges, controls, etc.
However, it will likely be cheaper to buy a complete
new MerCruiser power package than purchasing just the replacement
parts. Economically, you are really replacing everything but the
gimbal housings. The cost of the bobtail engines and drives will
likely be a lot more expensive than a complete OEM unit. You will
also be getting the latest technology and a full warranty!
(Top)
CIRCUIT BREAKER
I have a small problem with a 135 hp MerCruiser. When the ignition
key is turned it "clicks" and does not turn over on the first try.
If I try repeatedly, the engine finally kicks over. The battery
is relatively new and the starter has been recently rebuilt. Also,
the trim control does the same thing. It will "click" the first
time then eventually go up or down. Could this be a bad slave-solenoid?
I don't know that much about them and was wondering if they were
on the same circuit as the ignition and the trim?
J. P. Hoffman (e-mail)
The most likely problem is
a corroded connection on either the positive or negative battery
terminals. Both ends of both cables should be removed and scraped
clean with a wire brush or a knife until the shiny metal is exposed.
Make sure the battery posts are clean and the clamps
have been scraped out. If your clamps have wing nuts on the top,
be sure the lugs on the end of the cables get the same treatment.
If your boat is equipped with a master battery shut-off switch or
a dual battery crossover switch, these terminals should be disassembled
and also cleaned.
The slave-solenoid will not usually affect both
the trim and the starter unless the positive lead connection is
corroded here.
A HULL OF A COAT
I currently own a 1986 25' Doral Citation with Interlux Blue
Bottomkote on the hull that is flaking and coming off. Can you give
me advice on the application of VC-17 or Interlux Fibreglass Bottomkote
ACT to my hull? I understand there is a product that can be applied
directly over top of the existing coating. Also I would like to
know if there is a supplier in the Niagara Falls, ON area.
D. Bowman. (e-mail)
For information on compatibility of Interlux finishes
you can visit www.yachtpaint.com or phone (705) 721-4431. They should
help you find a dealer in your area.
Most marinas that store larger boats carry anti-fouling
paint. Interlux is one of the more popular brands. Some marinas
may be low on stock in the late summer or early fall, but they usually
have large inventories in the spring, when most bottom painting
is done.
WOODEN BOAT SEARCH
I am looking for boatyards that specialize in wooden boats. Are
there any in Ontario? Could you point me in the right direction,
please?
M. H. Howes (e-mail)
The best resource I have for wooden boat service
is Millar-Potter Boat Restoration in Manotick, ON. Jimmy Potter
specializes in all kinds of work on wooden boats and has many years
of experience. He is tremendously knowledgeable in this field with
several contacts and will most likely be able to point you in the
right direction. His shop is located just off old Highway #16. You
can contact him at (613) 692-3455. Also, The Manotick Antique and
Classic Boat Club may be able to help you get in touch with someone
in your area that provides similar expertise. The Address is: Box
948, Manotick, ON K0A 2N0
(Got a question,
a problem, or do you need some info on elusive engine or boating
equipment? Drop me a line c/o Power Boating Canada, fax me at (613)
236-0700 or e-mail:
stephen.horsfall@sympatico.ca) (Top)
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