cause even half a summer is good enough for me.

Thanks guys, I dont know what I'd do w/o OSO!! The only part I did'nt build myself came apart! I think it was never right from the machine shop, but how can I ever prove it now. I'm not too worried about the money, but the 6 months of weekends I spent in my garage will never be replaced, now I just have to do it again (during the boating season no less!!). I dont think I'm cut out for this.

Isn't that always the truth. Thats why I'm hoping for a good year this year. Cause I've finally built/replaced everything on my boat.

No kidding,. Seriously, the short block came apart. I did not have neither the tools nor the expertise to do it myself so I took it to a highly recommended machine shop and had them do it and they f^d it up. I bet if it were their motor it would have been built right. Makes me so angry.

I felt like that Friday night.

Been working on this new boat for months to get everything right. Kept finding problem after problem and then when everything was worked out I launched it last Friday night (between storms) just to get it to my dock. Ran 30 miles across Lake Erie in 4 footers to find that I had big water in the basement when I got in calm water. Probably the bellows on the port side. Damn. Trailer was not nearby. Took it to one of the yacht clubs I belong to and yanked it out on the hoist. But the trailer had to be rescued and modified (at midnight) to let the slings for the hoist work. Now for the first time ever it's at a marine repair shop, and I went there this morning and they still haven't found the leak, but they did leave the cover off last night (outside) and they ran both of my outdrives up into my fiberglass swim platform, plus they put a scuff in the side moving the boat.

Now I have three or four new problems. Never again. I should have kept going with the D-I-Y method. I was much more careful than these monkeys.

But Friday night I felt like putting a for sale sign on it and walking away. Nobody came out to help me drop the boat on the trailer because nobody wanted to be within a mile of me. I admitted at that time that if I was that pissed, I shouldn't be a boater. Almost quit.

Just read my signature.... then start rebuilding.

in between working on it, ill give you a ride in my boat to keep your spirits up, just dont jinx it

F78, the only thing I can tell you from personal experience, is, when I get back out on the water, I completely forget about the money and hassle factor, and everything is right with the world.

Of course, I am completely out of my mind.........................

And you always have your OSO family for support, because we've all been there.

"Hi, my name is Russ, and I own a boat"............................................. ....

Man I feel for ya.....That was my worst fear......Thats why I had Jasper build my short block (custom order) I know first hand they stand behind their work/warrantys. I kept my old motor just as a backup if needed......Good luck man and keep the faith.

Randy

Stuff happens but I had my boat for 10+ years and run it good too and never a problem. It's just an older Wellcraft Nova St with T-350's and I maintain it to the tee. Everyone thinks I am nuts for all the oil changes and gear lube changes using premium synthetics but they work big time and I also put fuel stabilizer in at every fill up and change filters in between oil changes. Use engine flush every other change. It takes twice the effort and twice the money but never ever a problem. I don't let anyone but me touch the engine or drives. New NGK's seasonally; new plug wires every 3 seasons. I learned from Ferrari maintenance that fluids and routine periodic maintenance is what keeps it glued together.