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wrote:
Well, this evening, we went to look at the trolling motor. It was
stuck, so we went to take off the propeller, it was brittle as
bakalite, and it broke, so I split the remaining plastic from the
shaft. grabbed the shaft with some vice-grips and it wobbled a little
but that was about it. Sprayed it down with some penetrant, and worked
it back and forth. got the armature to spin a round or so, but while
holding onto the motor, I felt some crunchy grinding going on inside. I
figured it was had, so I went to take out the 3/8" bolts that hold the
motor together, and even with a short handled rachet, I figure they'd
give a real fight. but no. the first one was froze in the end and was
so rusted out, that the 1/4th" bolt shank was so rusted out, it twisted
right off because it had been reduced down to about nothing.

Then out came 4 years of rusty water. No need to go any further. I
told Mike we may as well take it off. it's not going to work, and not
really repairable. and not necessary (for the moment).

We took down the lower end of the engine to inspect the impeller and
sure enough it was cracked and breaking. hopefully the new kit will be
in tomorrow.

Found out the live well isn't working. Oh well, that can be
investigated later. you turn it on and it takes out the 5a. fuse. I
believe the air pump is also junk. but that can be dealt with later.

OK, we got the impeller installed. lower end greased. I called my
insurance guy aboutt he boat and trailer and he got stuff worked out.
for the trailor -"License applied for" Boat- Water Certificate went off
with proper fees and Conservation copy in a water tight baggie and dict
taped to the inside of the boat. fire extinguisher still full and in
good order, we installed an electric horn instead of the little bottle
jobs that tend to leak off. tow rope, tie rope. trailer winch greased,
rope is in good condition. jackets. two 6 gal. tanks. two life jackets
and a couple oars. So far the boat is equiped with what is allowable
to be legal
So far so good. I'll eventually get him a small duffle bag for weather
essentials, like rain parkas and fresh socks extra warmth clothing ,I.
already got him a waterproof first aid kit and water proof flashlight
and that will go in there too!

He'll be here in about 20 minutes. His boat is already hooked up to my
car. , then it's off to the Wabash river for the "sea trials". I've
already had it on the muffs. it runs great. No leaks, and the tanks are
loaded with regular (no gasahol) and Amzoil 2 -Cycle mix.

He was wanting to take it too the lake, but I told him it would be
best to go to the river, so we can go up stream in case something
konks you can at least float back to the docks. sounded good to him.
Besides, it's different. He's been on the lake many times, but never on
the river. it's also really scenic. and you can go up stream for a good
20 some miles before you start hitting the sand bars.

He thought it was a good idea.

So, here's off for the maiden voyage of Mikes Monarch Jon Boat. Of
course I'm planning on having more fun than he is. LOL!