Working on the Boat

Trying to finish everything before I put my boat in the water -- The Bow light had to be replaced as the socket was to rusted to burn ... I built a mounting for the Driftmaster pole holders that was my door Prize at the D'Arbonne Gathering .. I greased all the fittings on the motor and changed plugs --- replaced the fuel lines --- cleaned the varnish out of the Carburetor and thought I was going to have to pull the foot and replace the water Pump Impeller but the pump was OK .. The boat was in the shop several years ago and I had the Gear lube replaced while it was in the shop.. Both batteries had to be replaced and had to put in Car Batteries temporarily.. The lower unit Screws for changing the Gear lube had been over Tightened when the lube was last changed.. I Tried soaking in penetrating Oil every day for almost Two weeks ---- I made a trip to ruston and stopped at Auto Parts stores to find an Impact Screw driver and wound up at Tool City North of town and bought the only one in the store .... I had one that was 3/8 drive and the special Holder and tool bits were missing ... the new tool was $39.95 and tax brought it to $45.00 This tool has to be hit with a hammer to Break the screw loose .... The screws both had been so over tightened I was beginning to become Worried that it would break a hole in the side of the lower unit before the screws finally loosened up to change the lube. The Screws was coated with Copper never Seize before they were put back in the lower unit. The next time I am in town I have to get two new Gaskets for those --- the old ones are stuck to the foot and have to be cut out of the recessed holes. Lesson Learned I will not let someone else do the things I need to do myself. Today the steering cables , Throttle and shifting cables were lubed .... The old Carpet has to be removed and non skid applied to the plywood floor but that can be done at a later time ---- My little tub is ready to launch.....:fish