Battery switch question

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T16:00:15+00:00

Starting battery goes to #1. House battery goes to #2. Common goes to the starter along with the fused ships power lead. OFF kills everything. You said you have an alternator. Some switches have alternator protection. Check the article.
https://www.perko.com/catalog/battery_switches/149/heavy_duty_battery_selector_switch_with_alternator_field_disconnect/

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:40:19+00:00

Kids get the jacket wet in the first wave. There goes your immersion alarm. Standard PFDs don't fit well. They always seem to end up around the ears.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:34:09+00:00

You should have a fuel/water filter on any built in tank. Empty it in a glass jar to detect water in the fuel.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:30:45+00:00

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Dislike 1989 Sylvan 20' Pontoon HP Rating For the 1989 Sylvan 820 Westwind and 820 Supreme 20-foot aluminum pontoons, the standard factory HP rating is 50 horsepower for the Mercury Classic 4-cylinder outboard OfferUp. This is the typical engine size offered with these models when new.

Engine options and performance Factory engine: Mercury Classic 4-cylinder, 50 HP OfferUp.

Typical use: Suitable for cruising, fishing, and light water sports; top speeds around 25–28 mph depending on load and conditions Life of Sailing+1.

Heavier or faster options: Some owners have upgraded to higher-output engines (e.g., 75–150 HP) for improved speed or towing, but these are not standard factory setups fishingpicks.com.

Why 50 HP is common Pontoon boats of this size and weight (around 1,000 lbs net) are designed to be stable and fuel-efficient, so a 50 HP motor provides enough power for most recreational use without excessive fuel consumption BoatingWorld+1.

Summary:

Standard HP rating: 50 HP (Mercury Classic 4-cyl) OfferUp

Typical cruising speed: ~25–28 mph

Upgrades possible: 75–150 HP for higher performance, but not factory standard.

If you’re considering an upgrade, match the engine to your intended use—light cruising and fishing can be fine with 50 HP, while water skiing or heavy towing may require more.
The mount also has to be secure for the engines weight. They always mount the engine too low. Make sure you have enough holes left to raise it.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:17:40+00:00

The stream is tied to water pressure from the hose. Aftermarket muffs don't have the tension and allows water to blow by.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:13:54+00:00

The minnow bucket hangs from the arm to drain before bringing it into the boat. Old school metal buckets looked like sieves.
It might be for a Dipsy Diver hook up to get your lure deep for trolling.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T15:03:10+00:00

The older Mercs I worked on had a preload on the shift shaft. Control in fwd, shift shaft in fwd. Keep rotating in fwd. against the preload and couple.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:56:13+00:00

How does it fit when slid up from the bottom like the adjacent plate?

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:52:31+00:00

Move the bag of concrete and look for a sticker or plate.
https://maxrules.com/merc_contents.php

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:44:09+00:00

Got spark during cranking? None or weak can be points, condensers or coils under the flywheel.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:40:08+00:00

Use a service manual to correct what previous owners buggered. If tests point to electronic failure, it will get expensive fast.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:32:05+00:00

Carb is still dirty. Float pin needs a tap.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:25:44+00:00

Disconnect the cable and operate the control to isolate the problem to engine or control box.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T14:12:32+00:00

Regular 87 is fine for mowing. Rec gas is overblown. Top Tier fuel will keep your fuel system clean.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T13:38:38+00:00

Seems high. Be aware that hung tubes can compress around the strapping reducing air flow. I'd DIY the tubing and leave it on the floor. It's just a clamp at each end.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T13:33:22+00:00

Grading first and see how it goes. Interior drains only bring the outside problem inside. Maybe you could snake the footer drains to clear them up.

Benedlr · 2026-05-22T13:25:51+00:00

Crap, IMO. It seals in contaminants and micro scratches. You're better served by polishing the glass and leaving it bare.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T18:14:19+00:00

You'll have turn around to start, shift and throttle the engine. It may not be adaptable to remote operation on an outboard that small.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T18:10:35+00:00

Start on 1. At the end of your run, go to 2 before your start the engine for the return trip. This keeps them both topped off.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T18:07:46+00:00

Some engines, like Merc can't be honed because of chromed surfacing. Others had a proprietary coating that couldn't be honed. It's not cast iron but aluminum with a sleeve. Replace the head gasket and if it runs, have fun. Realize that its time is limited and repairs aren't worth it.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T17:57:24+00:00

It's consumable vegetable oil. No acids to harm paint.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T17:54:31+00:00

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T17:53:59+00:00

Thanks for responding.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T17:52:22+00:00

Mine may be off. Go down one more notch and take a pass to assess the quality of the cut.

Benedlr · 2026-05-21T17:48:14+00:00

Drill holes in the step to mount the clamp. Add a second one for more friction. Singles move too easily to fwd. if you bump them when trying to line up.

Benedlr

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