Thread: Buying a new boat!!!! need some help please...

Pull the cover and put your hands on the fly wheel and turn the motor over, key off, neutral (spin prop make sure she is in neutral). If it does not turn she is locked. If she does, take the battery and have it checked out. Then clean all connections if battery is ok. My understanding is if she is locked she is toast, new powerhead.

If the starter is clicking when You turn the key, it could just be a dead battery. As far as it knocking off and not cranking back up, that could be a fuel or fire issue. Hope that is all it is. but for 300 bucks, You got a deal.CF

Trailer worth that. Could be several small items that could cause it not to crank. When turning prop in gear it's normal for it to ratchet in one direction. Like others start with good hot battery and work from there. That deal and from looks of motor on outside it would be worth the money to take to a shop and pay to get it running.

i will be bringing it home tomorrow evening.... the battery will be the first place i start. it sure would be nice if it is something simple! this also means BOTH of my other boats are now for sale if anyone is interested!!! 12ft v-hull and 14ft lowe flat bottom...

Probably 95% of all starter problems is electrical. Is the battery fully charged? Check all your connections. They must be very clean and tight. Check the lugs very closely for any signs of corrosion. They can corrode inside where you can't see it and cause the problem you are having. If you know how to do a voltage drop test you could check them that way. Another way would be to temporally substitute the cables with jumper cables. If all the cables have been confirmed good, try jumping the starter solenoid. Just because it clicks does NOT mean its good. If you are sure the solenoid is good have your battery load tested, regardless of age. This brings you to the starter itself. Remove it and have it tested by your local auto electric shop. They can rebuild it for you if needed and save you some money. Let us know how you make out.

I saw that on Craigslist, can't believe ya talked him down from 600 to 300, ya got a deal. These guys offer some good advice. My merc clicks when in forward and hand turning the prop as well. That is one clean ol motor. Buggs machine there buddy!

I'd keep one of those small boats, seriously limiting yourself as to where you fish with only a big boat. Just my 2 cents

Originally Posted by Percidae_Papermouth

I'd keep one of those small boats, seriously limiting yourself as to where you fish with only a big boat. Just my 2 cents

I was thinking the same thing. You need something with a 9.9 so you can fish the Suffolk Lakes. (and Lake Smith in Va Bch) I spend just as much time on those lakes as I do out on my Lund.

clicking when hit the switch could be a solenoid or low battery when checking it hit the switch and see if the starter is actually engaging into the flywheel.put some white lithium on it if battery hot and its not jumping all the way up..and to shut down and not refire, could be as simple as a ground the older chryslers and mercurys famous for ground issues..a quick test with meter or just use jumper cable from battery to motor for ground test... good luck 300 you aint hurt where you starting at 300 in a boaters world is equivelent to a 15 dollar Itunes card for one of my grandkids.....