Boat Update - Ready for the Water!
So, I can't remember if I blogged my boating issues a few weeks ago but we took the boat out for an initial test run 4-5 weeks ago and it failed miserably. We had to get towed back in! Engine overheated.
Now, she's finally ready for the water after quite a bit of work. I did most of this work myself with the help of my dad and Laurie's boyfriend Charles. Charles is an auto mechanic and boat enthusiast. He runs an automotive service center in Cary called Techni-Quest.
Anyway, here's a list of all the stuff we did this spring:
- replaced the running boards on the trailer - new plywood and carpet
- replaced the stern drive water intake pump
- installed a new thermostat - for some reason the boat didn't have one
- replaced the engine water circulation pump
- replaced faulty tach and fuel gauges
- replaced faulty cigarette lighter with a power outlet (for plugging in cell phones, ipods, etc)
- Installed new stereo
Had I paid other people to do all this it probably would've been really expensive, but since I only had to buy the parts, it wasn't bad at all. The most expensive part was the engine circulation pump at something like $60. The stern drive water pump kit was like $25. Probably spent maybe $300 if you include the stereo.
I also learned a LOT of boat engines, how stern drives work, etc.
Can't wait to get out on the lake!!