<![CDATA[Offshoreonly.com - General Q & A]]> https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/ NO CLASSIFIEDS PLEASE!! en Fri, 22 May 2026 05:28:40 GMT vBulletin 120 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Offshoreonly.com - General Q & A]]> https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/ Can Anyone Identify these Sea Strainers https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388078-can-anyone-identify-these-sea-strainers.html Thu, 21 May 2026 14:52:30 GMT Emailed latham and hardin....not their product. Any ideas? Image: Emailed latham and hardin....not their product. Any ideas?
]]> Atpsr22 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388078-can-anyone-identify-these-sea-strainers.html Merc Racing 85-90 gear lube lack of availability https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388062-merc-racing-85-90-gear-lube-lack-availability.html Mon, 18 May 2026 23:12:43 GMT What is going on with the lack of Merc racing 85-90 gear lube? Or the same product under the Quicksilver label 85-90 extreme?

Yes, you can still order it at some places, but it's very limited in availability. Unlike the High Performance 90. That stuff is everywhere.

Cannot get it at West Marine. https://www.westmarine.com/search?q=...s_retail=99999

Very limited on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mercury+racing+gear+lube&crid=57B4HJ35DPOH&spr efix=mercury+racing+gear+lube%2Caps%2C147&ref=nb_s b_noss_1


Haven't been able to walk into a store and walk out with it. Have to order it.

Is the 85-90 what everyone is still running as far as Merc gear lube in their Bravos? ]]> xlint89 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388062-merc-racing-85-90-gear-lube-lack-availability.html Worth the effort? https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388058-worth-effort.html Sun, 17 May 2026 17:59:51 GMT Was finally getting around to reinstalling my exhaust and was getting the gasket oriented properly and noticed that there is a lot of material that could be removed for a better "Gasket Match" to the AFR 265 heads. They are EMI Thunder cast exhaust and not true headers so I'm not sure that it's worth the effort. Lets set aside for this conversation that I have never ported anything, just want to know your opinion on whether this might be worth the effort or not.
Thanks for your input.

]]> PQ290Enticer https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388058-worth-effort.html Emi thunder exhaust. https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388055-emi-thunder-exhaust.html Sun, 17 May 2026 04:34:45 GMT Have a set of emi thunders with standard risers on my 21 laveycraft 454 with a 177. Have some edelbrock heads waiting but curious if anyone has input on how much cam is to much for these manifolds. I have a 01#456-8 comp cam but Im pretty sure ill get reversion. Any input would be great. Thanks. Have a set of emi thunders with standard risers on my 21 laveycraft 454 with a 177. Have some edelbrock heads waiting but curious if anyone has input on how much cam is to much for these manifolds. I have a 01#456-8 comp cam but Im pretty sure ill get reversion. Any input would be great. Thanks. ]]> Blownlavey https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388055-emi-thunder-exhaust.html SBC sticking valves https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388048-sbc-sticking-valves.html Sat, 16 May 2026 18:42:35 GMT Guys, I have a fresh 383 that keep sticking exhaust valves...The heads are Summit vortec units with SS valves. It stuck 4 &8 and bent two valves and nicked the pistons...Reamed the guides and replaced the valves...Now #2 has done it...Is this a clearance issue in the guide or SS valve? ...I ran SS exhaust valves all last season with no issue...Thank you ]]> Mariah212 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388048-sbc-sticking-valves.html remanufactured bravo 1 out drives https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388037-remanufactured-bravo-1-out-drives.html Thu, 14 May 2026 16:26:49 GMT any reputable companies selling remanufactured bravo 1 out drives ? any reputable companies selling remanufactured bravo 1 out drives ? ]]> 26sonic https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388037-remanufactured-bravo-1-out-drives.html Merc 496 Fuel Line Connection https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388025-merc-496-fuel-line-connection.html Wed, 13 May 2026 19:36:21 GMT Guys,

Anybody have any info on the fuel line connecter to the OEM fuel rail? I know it's pushlock, and I can measure the rail I have on hand, but I wonder if there's a spec for it.

Thanks. Brad. ]]> Brad Christy https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388025-merc-496-fuel-line-connection.html outdrive finish protection https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388022-outdrive-finish-protection.html Wed, 13 May 2026 16:58:29 GMT any suggestions on keeping a outdrive finish like new when leaving in fresh water for extended periods of time ? have all the necessary zincs . any products to apply ? any suggestions on keeping a outdrive finish like new when leaving in fresh water for extended periods of time ? have all the necessary zincs . any products to apply ? ]]> 26sonic https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388022-outdrive-finish-protection.html Underwater exhaust, not enough water pressure? https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388019-underwater-exhaust-not-enough-water-pressure.html Wed, 13 May 2026 13:29:30 GMT Hey guys, wondering how to approach this. I have below swim step exhaust outlets and at idle, or anything below 1800rpm, there is not enough water pressure to overcome the exhaust backpressure. Waterflow ceases and the temp will continue to rise approaching 200. Once underway or raising idle water... Hey guys, wondering how to approach this. I have below swim step exhaust outlets and at idle, or anything below 1800rpm, there is not enough water pressure to overcome the exhaust backpressure. Waterflow ceases and the temp will continue to rise approaching 200. Once underway or raising idle water will flow and temp will drop immediately. I am running a standard bravo water pump with a transom pickup, new impeller. Also have a recirculation water pump. Would a crossover solve this?

hopefully these pics help



]]> CheckmateScarab https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388019-underwater-exhaust-not-enough-water-pressure.html Shift Interrupt Switch Help https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388000-shift-interrupt-switch-help.html Sun, 10 May 2026 13:48:49 GMT Took my 26’ Firehawk cat out yesterday for the first time. I posted another thread about my steering issue. On top of my steering issue, I’ll be replacing bellows within the next week or so and my drive shifts hard. It’s a blower motor with a big cam so I tried to time my shifting when the RPMs... Took my 26’ Firehawk cat out yesterday for the first time. I posted another thread about my steering issue. On top of my steering issue, I’ll be replacing bellows within the next week or so and my drive shifts hard. It’s a blower motor with a big cam so I tried to time my shifting when the RPMs dropped the best I could. Short run to see what issues I needed to address.
So I need help with understanding the shift interrupt switch.
Should I have a switch where the shift cable engages the short drive cable in the bilge(because I do not)? Or can this switch be tied into the shifter (gaffing) at the helm?
At the helm, I looked at the wiring and was able to figure out which wires were for the trim. 3 wires remain, blue, red, and black. Are all 3 of these for the neutral safety? The neutral safety does work.

Anyways, is this as simple as buying a switch and putting it here?




It has a digital 6AL MSD ignition. Not the marine version so it does not have a timing retard wire. So will wiring this switch inline with the coil ground wire be okay? Thanks for the help. ]]> jtbooten https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/388000-shift-interrupt-switch-help.html Hydraulic Steering Help https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387997-hydraulic-steering-help.html Sun, 10 May 2026 01:09:38 GMT First time taking my 26’ Firehawk cat out today. It has dual IMCO hydraulic steering and no reservoir tank. Very hard to steer when idling. Then later I could tell it had air in the system. I’m guessing it should have a reservoir tank or is it possible for it to work correctly without one? ... First time taking my 26’ Firehawk cat out today. It has dual IMCO hydraulic steering and no reservoir tank.
Very hard to steer when idling. Then later I could tell it had air in the system.
I’m guessing it should have a reservoir tank or is it possible for it to work correctly without one?
I’m familiar with my previous Fountains Latham steering. They had tanks and were self bleeding.

When I got home i tried turning the wheel one way and it pushed air/fluid out the pump cap. Drive did not move.
Got out of the boat and moved the drive back and forth and I could feel air in the rams.

Just trying to figure out where to start. Should I crack a ram line and turn the wheel to one side? Can I get it to work without a reservoir?
I knew this boat needed work but things keep snowballing and the snowball is starting to get big lol.
Thanks for the help. ]]> jtbooten https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387997-hydraulic-steering-help.html Merc 8.2 ECT sea water pump impeller replacement https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387980-merc-8-2-ect-sea-water-pump-impeller-replacement.html Fri, 08 May 2026 14:49:37 GMT I bought another boat- Searay Sundancer 350 2018 with twin 502 8.2 ECT Seacore and Bravo 3. Getting ready to change the sea water impellers- I have the parts diagram, but are there any tricks to removing the pumps themselves? Not sure if the front half comes off and the rear half stays in place.... I bought another boat- Searay Sundancer 350 2018 with twin 502 8.2 ECT Seacore and Bravo 3. Getting ready to change the sea water impellers- I have the parts diagram, but are there any tricks to removing the pumps themselves? Not sure if the front half comes off and the rear half stays in place. The starboard engine might be a little tricky as well since its close to a wall/floor int he bilge. I also expected to see 2 wear plates but the OEM pump only has one.
Any time saving tips for an experienced DIYer would be appreciated. ]]> dogturd21 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387980-merc-8-2-ect-sea-water-pump-impeller-replacement.html 540 BBC Cam specs for water Reversion - IS it a problem? https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387979-540-bbc-cam-specs-water-reversion-problem.html Fri, 08 May 2026 14:01:09 GMT Hey Guys, I need to pick some brains. I have a 2000 Donzi 33 ZX. I am currently in the process of refreshing my 540BBC Engines. The boat has manifolds that go through the hull with no captins call/silent choice. I would like to add a Captins Call/silent choice for Idling around in small... Hey Guys, I need to pick some brains. I have a 2000 Donzi 33 ZX.

I am currently in the process of refreshing my 540BBC Engines. The boat has manifolds that go through the hull with no captins call/silent choice. I would like to add a Captins Call/silent choice for Idling around in small congested areas. My worry is the CAM that is currently in theses engines. I would like a second opinion if it was cause water reversion with the manifolds going through the prop. It doesnt sound too choppy IMO. the RPM seems pretty stable at idle on the TACH.

These engines have 54875LUN Cams. Both engines made Peak Tq at 4500RPM on the dyno @ 683 Lbs-FT, and Max HP was at 5800RPM @ 692HP.

Cam specs are:
Advertised Duration IN/EX : 299/304
Duration @ .050" IN/EX: 240/245
GROSS Valve Lift IN/EX: .612"/.612"
Lobe Sep Angle/Intake Center Line: 112/110 Deg

Its running Stainless Marine Manifolds.

Boat ran 84-85MPH on GPS with 30P Bravo props. Pretty fast for its size and weight.

If you have any recommendations it would be great!. These motors were built by someone else, We are just refreshing them since they had a little bit of blow by. If we add Captins call and there is Reversion what would happen? Honest question. Will it hydro lock or is it just extra humidity on the valves? ]]> guimond47 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387979-540-bbc-cam-specs-water-reversion-problem.html Sunsation 288 with Bravo One X https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387968-sunsation-288-bravo-one-x.html Wed, 06 May 2026 18:04:22 GMT Hello, I am needing help with a new to me boat I just picked up. I have a 2007 Sunsation 288 with a bravo one x that utilizes a cable steering system that transitions into a steering assist cylinder/power steering. At the steering wheel, I feel like there is excessive rotation of the wheel before... Hello,
I am needing help with a new to me boat I just picked up. I have a 2007 Sunsation 288 with a bravo one x that utilizes a cable steering system that transitions into a steering assist cylinder/power steering. At the steering wheel, I feel like there is excessive rotation of the wheel before any movement at the outdrive. I have checked all linkages and they are tight, no pin wear, so it had me questioning what is “normal”. Being a performance boat, good steering control is a must and I do not like what I am feeling right now. Any ideas? I guess the cable could stretch, but it seems unlikely with this system. The steering is perfectly smooth, just unhappy with the steering wheel play. ]]> jwilliams123 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387968-sunsation-288-bravo-one-x.html Odd ball question https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387967-odd-ball-question.html Wed, 06 May 2026 17:46:16 GMT On my 1988 omc cobra 350 engines on both, in same spot on exhaust hose there is a band clamp, its almost dead center between engine and the transom I have no idea why Both ends of hose are double clamped I doubt omc said put an extra on four hose clamps on...just in case is it possible the... On my 1988 omc cobra 350 engines
on both, in same spot on exhaust hose there is a band clamp, its almost dead center between engine and the transom
I have no idea why
Both ends of hose are double clamped
I doubt omc said put an extra on four hose clamps on...just in case
is it possible the swirl exhaust things are held in the hose by pressure from these clamps??





]]> powerboatr https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387967-odd-ball-question.html Need guidance on bilge ventilation, please. https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387948-need-guidance-bilge-ventilation-please.html Mon, 04 May 2026 17:31:42 GMT Can you help me correct this bilge blower ventilation situation? Blower sucks on the lower plenum box and blows into an upper plenum box which communicates with the outer vent termination…the upper plenum has 2 additional open ports which makes me believe should be plugged to prevent recirculating... Can you help me correct this bilge blower ventilation situation? Blower sucks on the lower plenum box and blows into an upper plenum box which communicates with the outer vent termination…the upper plenum has 2 additional open ports which makes me believe should be plugged to prevent recirculating the same air..there is no duct to the bottom of the bilge area. Should some of the ports be plugged and should some be left passive? I appreciate this forum immensely! Thanks!
Blower sucking from the lower plenum area. Should one of these ports be used to loop down to the bilge and the other be plugged or left passive?
Blower sucking from the lower plenum area. Should one of these ports be used to loop down to the bilge and the other be plugged or left passive?
Point A to point B view.
Point A to point B view.
Upper plenum box…Again should either of these 2 unused ports be plugged or left passive?
Upper plenum box…Again should either of these 2 unused ports be plugged or left passive?
The outside of the upper plenum box.
The outside of the upper plenum box. ]]> 92cobalt243 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387948-need-guidance-bilge-ventilation-please.html Gil replacement exhaust manifold https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387946-gil-replacement-exhaust-manifold.html Mon, 04 May 2026 13:23:05 GMT Just curious, but I may have an issue with a Gil manifold. Will know later today. Thoughts on buying a Hardin replacement set or anyone have a KNOWN good set they want to part with? Comment or PM if you have one or 2 to sell. It is a long story. Just curious, but I may have an issue with a Gil manifold. Will know later today. Thoughts on buying a Hardin replacement set or anyone have a KNOWN good set they want to part with?
Comment or PM if you have one or 2 to sell. It is a long story. ]]> Helmwurst https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387946-gil-replacement-exhaust-manifold.html 383 igntion timing https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387941-383-igntion-timing.html Sun, 03 May 2026 19:36:20 GMT Guys. I have a freshly built 383 with about 9.7 CR....Running a small cap GM distributor with the D1965 module...It's a quality one and actually advances the timing...What is a same total timing for this engine? I used ten degrees initial and it seemed like too much....thank you... ]]> Mariah212 https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387941-383-igntion-timing.html Fort Lauderdale Maintenance https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387893-fort-lauderdale-maintenance.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:37:22 GMT Seeking suggestions for quality, professional, experienced mechanics in the Boca Raton / Fort Lauderdale area, my long time mechanic is no longer available. Thanks! Seeking suggestions for quality, professional, experienced mechanics in the Boca Raton / Fort Lauderdale area, my long time mechanic is no longer available.

Thanks! ]]> BoeingPilot https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387893-fort-lauderdale-maintenance.html Power steering fittings hose Bravo https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387888-power-steering-fittings-hose-bravo.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:02:31 GMT Hi Do you know the specifications of the low and right pressure fittings on the Bravo One steering box ? Thanks in advance Hi

Do you know the specifications of the low and right pressure fittings

on the Bravo One steering box ?

Thanks in advance ]]> bajalux https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387888-power-steering-fittings-hose-bravo.html Oil Cooler Cleaning and Filter Location https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387861-oil-cooler-cleaning-filter-location.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:07:28 GMT Was looking to flush clean my oil coolers, and a lot of posts on not using oil coolers after an engine failuure or an unkown oil cooler. Is there any reason to not filter the oil after the oil cooler? Seems like a logical solution to a potential issue. One member pointed out that even new oil... Was looking to flush clean my oil coolers, and a lot of posts on not using oil coolers after an engine failuure or an unkown oil cooler.

Is there any reason to not filter the oil after the oil cooler? Seems like a logical solution to a potential issue. One member pointed out that even new oil coolers can have manufacturing slag/debris in the cooler. ]]> Tartilla https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387861-oil-cooler-cleaning-filter-location.html Closed cooling raw water side slow to drain https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387855-closed-cooling-raw-water-side-slow-drain.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:38:35 GMT Guys, Image: This started after the rebuild last winter. In days gone by, this draining finished before we were done wiping the boat down after putting it on the trailer. Now it drips for days. This was after about an hour after backing it into my shop, which was after a half hour drive... Guys,



This started after the rebuild last winter. In days gone by, this draining finished before we were done wiping the boat down after putting it on the trailer. Now it drips for days. This was after about an hour after backing it into my shop, which was after a half hour drive from the lake. My suspicion is that it’s the drains in the bottom of the exhaust manifolds; not draining like they are supposed to. Does this ever happen?

For context, we did add some plumbing and water-containing volume to the fresh water side of the closed cooling system, but nothing that would I’d think would slow down the draining of the system like this.

Cooling is fine. Engine runs 140-150°, unless I’m running it hard (which hasn’t happened so far this year). Oil runs below 140° at idle, and 170-190°, depending on lake temp, until I stand on it.

Thanks. Brad. ]]> Brad Christy https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387855-closed-cooling-raw-water-side-slow-drain.html Manifold dump + dry exhaust? https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387854-manifold-dump-dry-exhaust.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:19:41 GMT A bit confused here, why would this be set up to have both dry to the tips (water jacketed) risers and manifold dumps? Transom pickup + crossover, possibly for water pressure but I don't think the risers would be a restriction. Looking to save 2 holes in the hull


]]> CheckmateScarab https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/387854-manifold-dump-dry-exhaust.html