[ATTACH=CONFIG]528732[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]528733[/ATTACH]Sam's Skater really looks great and does handle rough water exceptionally. Ru and I had a great time riding in it over to Captain Ron's and back Friday Afternoon
Here are a couple of Sam heading out Monday morning

David thanks for the photos. They should be captioned "The Party is Over"

Likewise it was great to see you and Ru again. That was a fun run to Captain Ron's.

I'm working on Kim for KW.

It was cylinder no. 5. Mercury won't let my shop open up the motor, so I'll have to wait to find out what happened in a report from Merc. A 2" hole in the cases and a lot of steel (rod) metal found in the lower pan, by me including the piston pin clip as well as SMALL pieces of piston and case material. Looks like to me, that the rod let loose. Evidence of the pin hitting the prop as well as small fragments at the root of the blades. Ron, How much did your extended warranties cost? I have another year on my motor warranties. Can a XS powerhead even be purchased from Mercury without warranty replacement? If all goes well, I should be back by next weekend.

David I would check with your dealer. I think I paid around $9k or so for both but it was 2yrs ago. If you are planning on keeping the boat I would do it if money is not an issue. I got my money's worth from my extended warranty. You can buy short block assembled but not sure about a fully dressed powerhead. I can get you a price if you want from TNT here in Miami.
After putting together the X motors it is not a big deal for the swap over and to dress it out. Personally I like turning my own wrenches.

Thanks, Ron. Yes, I would like to know the cost of replacement Short Block vs. extended warranty. As I understand it, the gear cases are also covered. True? I also like to do my own work. I guess it comes from the years racing motorcycles and Porsches.

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if I had to choose a non-outboard Skater
(FYI for sale in OSO classifieds already)

this is the flush mount 426? I think you could modify the bussel and get all four 280' on it

Everyone seems to like this specific boat and the truth is I don't care for it at all from the bussel, to the paint job. The bussel IMO takes away the slickness of the boat. The only thing I like is that it's a Skater. But who cares what I think, I didn't pay for it.

I think its an age thing

Well brotha between you and your old lady by the looks at LOTO are aging great. You reminded me of Don Johnson from the 80's with your hair style