I'd be concerned about the gas fumes. I'm not a mechanic and my
troubleshooting would be limited to checking the hoses, too. But if you
don't find any trace of fuel on either the fill or vent hoses...is the spark
arrestor clean, how clean is the engine? Mine's clean, so I always check to
make sure everything's clean and dry. After five years of heavey service, I
now have to wipe clean some oil residue around the breather on top of the
engine.
I have drillled many holes in the boat. The first were to mount a fire
extinguisher bracket, and I used screws that were 1/16th too long--still
haven't removed them and patched the hull.
I added cleats and used metal backing plates. BoatUS has several sizes in
stock from less than $5. I also added Perko fender clips, using just screws.
OK for normal use, but I'll be adding backing plates to them since I had one
screw pull out when someone crashed into the dock instead of going in very
slowly.
I also added a wakeboard tower from Joystick Pylon. It comes with very think
mounting blocks and backup plates to distribute the stress. After several
years, it's still secure. It also serves as my radar arch: radar, VHF
antenna, all around light are all mounted to it. I think budget towers are
available for less than $1000. and you might be able to use that to carry
kayaks, or take a picture to a metal shop and ask them to create a kayak
rack based on that design.

wrote in message
om...
"Bill Andersen" wrote in message
news:B48Ib.40984$J77.20540@fed1read07...
As for drains...

Thanks for the valueable info... will do the same I'm sure.

We have very similar boats. A few things about mine (which I just
purchased used).. also I/O. When I first the lift the cover on it, the
smell of Gas fumes is overwheling - while running and with the top off
no issue. I've checked for leakes and the lines and all appears to be
okay. My boat has a cuddy and was hoping to stay the night in it one
day, but did not anticipate such a strong Gasoline odor.

Also, by any chance, have you ever drilled into the upper lips of the
hull? Do you think these boats could support a 1.5" t-top(like) pipes
on the outer lip. I'm looking for a way to carry two 12" kayaks on
top. I've never seen this, just have the crazy idea it might work.

Thanks again for the info.