tmh
07-11-2013, 05:29 PM
I haven't used my 2003 18 Classic for nearly 3 years, since my son wrecked the SUV tow vehicle January 1, 2011. Thank goodness the boat had only been used on the upper Caloosahatchee River, east of Ft Myers, for the previous 2.5 years, which is basically freshwater. I drained all the gas and finally got it running today after getting someone to service the lower unit (Alpha) including putting in a new water pump and rebuilding/resealing the trim cylinders. I have always been apprehensive to split the lower unit myself, and I still am. The lower unit wouldn't go down all the way and it turned out that one trim cylinder had water in it but no corrosion; thank goodness for fresh water. With fresh oil, gear lube, numerous seals and filters, rotor/cap, etc., it fired up immediately with great oil, fuel, and water pressure and runs great on the hose. I expected to run into more issues than the trim cylinders but I was lucky. The spark plugs looked great and I had changed them in the summer of 2010. I was truly amazed how easy it started and how well it runs.
I want to take the boat for a long weekend and get a place on a lake for some boating and skiing with my 2 sons, who are home from college, and I am looking for recommendations and advice. I live in Naples. This would depend on being able to rent an SUV or pickup truck capable of towing the boat and its aluminum single axle trailer. I know I could rig some lights for the trailer but I don't know if putting a trailer ball on a bumper of a rental vehicle is practical. I know there are some lake chains around George Carter's neck of the woods, East of Bradenton, that are supposed to be nice. I also realize there are lots of nice lakes throughout Florida and I am looking for nice destinations where the boat can be handy to jump in and go for a spin. I have no problem driving some distance or to multiple locations to experience nice places here in Florida.
I would appreciate your thoughts, comments, and recommendations and whether I am foolishly dreaming this is something I can realistically pursue and accomplish as to finding a rental vehicle.
T.M. Hayes
I want to take the boat for a long weekend and get a place on a lake for some boating and skiing with my 2 sons, who are home from college, and I am looking for recommendations and advice. I live in Naples. This would depend on being able to rent an SUV or pickup truck capable of towing the boat and its aluminum single axle trailer. I know I could rig some lights for the trailer but I don't know if putting a trailer ball on a bumper of a rental vehicle is practical. I know there are some lake chains around George Carter's neck of the woods, East of Bradenton, that are supposed to be nice. I also realize there are lots of nice lakes throughout Florida and I am looking for nice destinations where the boat can be handy to jump in and go for a spin. I have no problem driving some distance or to multiple locations to experience nice places here in Florida.
I would appreciate your thoughts, comments, and recommendations and whether I am foolishly dreaming this is something I can realistically pursue and accomplish as to finding a rental vehicle.
T.M. Hayes