freebie

the steering helm could be easy or hard. I would replace the cable/s while doing the helm as they are probably worn as well. the hard part is usually getting the cable out of the motor as most of the time you need to remove the motor to do this. other than that pretty straight forward with basic tools. as for the trolling motor I can't help. I only work on gas motors. sounds like something got hot and melted then shorted out you cables.

ecu on that motor is on the front of the intake. why are you replacing the ecu? has it been tested to see if it's bad? don't really hear of those failing. probably not going to be cheap finding a replacement unit. I would say check on ebay. needs to be for the same motor that you have or it won't have the correct fuel air amounts for the injectors.

bad switch box or stator, replace them. there are two switchboxes(one on top of the other) if one is bad the other isn't far behind. if you're going that far and the rest of the motor is in good shape I would replace the trigger too. there are ohm tests you can use to check the stator and packs. not sure offhand what the values are but I'm sure it's easy enough to find on the web somewhere. it's called the merc tune-up. also...it's not good to rev up in neutral. good way to snap a crank.

good looking out. just picked up a few items

got the back of my sisters head once when we were little. pretty sure she wasnt too happy with me. we had to walk about a mile to get back to our campsite to have my dad take it out.

tate is right about plastic. they don't make anything that has enough structural value for that application. they make steel reinforced plastic bunks but the price is not very attractive. I would think that using fir planks and treating them before covering in carpet should last quite a while.

weather is looking good for this weekend. hope some you you MA guys are getting out to fish one of the days. planning on sunday and monday myself.

how was fishing today? pretty cold down here on the south shore. I'm hoping monday is better so I can try to get out for a little bit in the canoe locally.

when it's cold I steal a pair or two of my wifes little finger gloves(the real thin cheapy ones) and cut off the fingertips. I find it lets me do what I need with my line but keeps the rest of my hands warm enough that it doesn't bother me. I find I catch more fish when wearing the pink ones for what it's worth.

welcome aboard. I'm a new member myself. I am a member of several forums and this definitely seems so far to be one of the best I'm on. great bunch of guys.

impact driver. hit it till the screw starts to move. I would recommend new seals also while your in there. omc part number is 311598. bag of 5 is like $10. when you refill it make sure you pump it up from the bottom hole.

we did, it started out real tough but got better later on. learned a few things too.

I got a chance to fish with gramps today. if the rest of you guys are anything like he is then I'm looking forward to next year and getting to meet some of you. side note...had a great day of fishing today.

this is correct. outboards are designed to drain when out of the water. I would reccommend leaving it tipped down for a while before trying to trailer. the motor should stay warm long enough to get all the water out before it feezes.

dont change days on account of me. especially since I am a non boater for the time being. also if anyone isever looking for someone to fish on a monday I am off every monday. definitely don't mind chipping in for gas beer or whatever else. can also back up a trailer very well.

thanks for the tip off. posted over there. unfortunately Saturdays don't work for me.

I'd be interested in joining you guys but I work Saturdays so will have to wait until you can do a sunday trip. I don't have a boat yet but should by sometime next year. If anyone knows of a boat available that needs a motor or other work then I'd be interested in hearing about it(I'm an outboard tech at a rebuilding shop) Ryan

hi folks, I am a novice bass angler residing in MA. I've always done a lot of fishing just usually with bait. this year I got into tossing just about everything except bait. I am an avid saltwater fisherman but not so much in fresh just yet. as a marine mechanic I get to spend plenty of time on the water and hope to be picking up a bass boat over the winter. hopefully some of the knowledge that is here can help me on ym way to being a better fisherman.