And another thing

[foreverstrung]

That other thing is, I would very much appreciate any hard won experience with these boats. Especially the Mercury 200. That is, lubing, oil, gas, pump, electrical issues that might be 2nd nature to y'all, but like I said, this is my 1st and I'd hate to have to learn anything the hard way.

It's a 2 stroke, so I've got to mix my own gas. Advice here. premium gas? Should I mix thoroughly, pre-pour? any fuel additives? Certainly to fight moisture.

That anti-fouling paint. How can I tell weather or not my Dad had this applied. In California he had one of those liners that you would throw bleach tabs into to keep the barnacles off. When I pulled it out of the slip and put it on the trailer it was beautiful. I've had it here in Texas for the last 2 weeks and it's been in the water. I'll put on the trailer this weekend and see how it looks.

[pete]

it should have an oil tank that holds the oil  and it automaticly mixes it,look for a approx 2 gal plastic tank somewhere in the stern.
the boat doesnt look like it has bottom paint on it,it would be a diff color than the white gel coat bottom,if you are going to keep it in the water it needs bottom paint,

Mercury maintainance   http://www.mercurymarine.com/media/merc ... Stroke.pdf
would also suggest you purchase a manual for the motor,check ebay  

[Blue Agave]

If you can find ethanol free gas, run ethanol free gas. Replace the fuel water separator, should be replaced once a year. Does the Mercury have carbs or is it an EFI?  If its an EFI the fuel water separator will be under the cowling, if not it should be in the stern of the boat somewhere. As far as anti- fouling paint, I'm with Pete, it doesn't appear to have any based on the photos you posted.  If the boat is going to live in the water then anti-fouling paint is a must. If its going to be on the trailer the majority of the time do not put anti-fouling paint on her. This paint loses its anti-fouling abilities if it's out of the water for any period of time, plus it looks like crap.  You should flush the motor with fresh water after every use, you can pick up a flusher from any marine supply store, or Walmart.

[foreverstrung]

Thanks guys. I've found the oil tank. I didn't know it was the mix oil. It is a carburated motor. I'll get that fuel water separator replaced.

I know when the boat was in the waters of the pacific that it was of major importance. When I got it here to the Gulf, (I'm actually in what's called Clear Lake, which opens up to Galveston Bay, Which then opens up to the Gulf), I asked my neighbor about flushing. He himself has 2 boats and assured me that flushing in these waters is not as imperative. He said at least once a month is well enough.

The slip I have her in now does not have running water, so initially I brought about 8 gallons of water and did a gravity like flush. I've got the quick connects for flushing the Mercury and I have a bucket with a hose bib on it. So with a short length of hose, I've flushed it this way.

Is this gravity flush well enough.

[Capt. Bob]

So you know Dave,
I moved your post with pics to the Intro thread in this forum.

Back to flushing. If your in a fresh water lake, that will help clear the salt out but when you get a chance, try and get to a water supply for a hose rinse.

Her's another great thread on a product JJ (aka John Jones) recommends with photo backup. The best kind!
viewtopic.php?p=49452#p49452

Good luck