That sound you never want to hear...

[J._Bricker]

Last time I took the boat out fishing, I had a nice day catching some chunks and checking some new areas. I could see storm clouds on the horizon and decided to call it quits and head in before the rain came down like a cow releaving itself on a flat rock. So I get underway, tooling along at 5 grand for my 15 minute ride back to the marina and think to myself the ole girl is running really well...

 

As I approach the 5 mph zone and come off pad, I hear a sound from the stern that takes the wind out of my sails... The sound of a couple of metal spoons and a few quarters in a blender coming from my '04 Mercury Optimax which has 684 hours on it. I take it out of gear and the sound dissipates. Put it back into gear and the sounds return as I idle back to the marina. At the same time I was thankful I didn't need to be towed in, my thoughts were I just blew the power head or have a lower end problem, what I do, I didn't think I hit any debris and the financial situation I am going to be facing...

 

I was able to get the boat into the shop yesterday and hoped for the best, expecting the worst.  After a few hours, I get a phone call from the shop advising me out of the three possible scenarios, the least damaging and least expensive occurred... the air compressor went out. I had one go out when the motor was relatively new and under warranty, this one is definitely on me.

 

I just wanted to share this as I wait for the repairs to be completed and I can get back on the water. Continued good fishing all, JB 

 

 

[runt4561]

I don't have that kind of luck. if it were my outboard, it would have slung a piston out the top of the motor like a bottle rocket. said piston (bottle rocket) would have flown al the way back to the ramp, busted my windshield and burnt my truck to the ground. glad to hear it is not going to be a full rebuild for you.

[J._Bricker]

4 hours ago, runt4561 said:

I don't have that kind of luck. if it were my outboard, it would have slung a piston out the top of the motor like a bottle rocket. said piston (bottle rocket) would have flown al the way back to the ramp, busted my windshield and burnt my truck to the ground. glad to hear it is not going to be a full rebuild for you.

 

Thanks runt4561, appreciate it. That's kinda what I expected to see when I popped the cowling, and man was I surprised when I didn't!  Did I also mention the Mrs was also on board with making payments on a new motor as a worst case scenario. I hope nobody else has to deal with something like this 'cause it's spring and it sucks to be outta' commission... JB 

[jimf]

I actually threw a rod on an old Evinrude 50hp years ago, my wife and then 3 year old son were with me and it scared everyone a little bit.     That was not fun.

 

 

 

 

[J._Bricker]

I just picked up my boat, and aside from replacing a bad thermostat and a lighter wallet I'm good to go as far as getting back on the water. 

 

While I was in the shop, I noticed a Basscat Jaguar WITH A VERADO 400R strapped to its stern. I wished I had taken a picture because it was pretty impressive. Has anyone seen this beast before and other than being able to get to your spot, what do you think?

 

[Fisher-O-men]

Who knew an outboard had an air compressor???  Not me! 

[J._Bricker]

On 4/22/2017 at 6:01 PM, Fisher-O-men said:

Who knew an outboard had an air compressor???  Not me! 

 

And there's a compressor for the fuel as well. Technology right 

[JustinCT]

Wow, fortunate news.  Mine is in the shop going on 2 weeks now due to lower unit problems.  Not fun but have to get her fixed.  Just googled that Verado 400R, man!  What a beast.  400hp?!?  That's impressive.  Cool looking motor.

[J._Bricker]

Sorry Justin to hear about your lower unit issues. It definitely sucks to have your boat outta' commission for any length of time, it took three weeks for me to get my boat into the shop. I'm sure your shop is like mine that the backlog is they do quality work. 

 

As for the 400R, I couldn't agree with you more. A friend has a 300 Verado and when riding in his boat I have to chuckle to myself because it sounds like a jet engine compared to my Merc. I asked the mechanic how fast the rig go, and the boat owner said he's had it up to 86mph on his GPS with still more throttle to go. I had to shake my head when I heard that, cause you could prob use the boat for bracket racing after installing a four point harness.

[JustinCT]

Thanks man, I'll be back on the water soon and won't miss the best of the season here. Yeah that Verado is just nuts. Might need to get me one on my next boat.