Recent content by Blackbird

I have the Helm Master system on my 2017 twin engine boat mainly because it was included with the boat. I really can't say enough good about it for maneuvering. The joystick makes getting in and out of fuel docks and other tight places a breeze and like paydaze77 stated, it provides great...

I have twin 2017 Yamaha 350's and they have performed very well for me. The flywheels have been replaced but it was no big deal. Done in a day at no cost to me. Like every popular engine or boat ever produced, there will be negative comments from people that either had (or heard of) other...

As you have probably noticed, we've been having some very cool (by our standards) days in Florida lately. When the ambient temp swings, condensation can form in a gas tank if the tank is near empty. Keeping the tank near full with non-ethanol gas may help or solve your issue. Good luck.

For most of the year, the boat is stored in a lift in Central Florida. No bottom paint is required or wanted. For about a month each summer, the boat is taken to the Keys and remains in the water. Even though it is taken to a sand bar about once a week and the bottom is cleaned manually, small...

Boat was just over 2 years old when the Shurflow Aqua King raw water pump failed. My service shop turned in a warranty claim which the OEM initially declined because they claimed the pump was excessively corroded. After some arguing, they recanted. There are several pumps in the bilge area of...

For the same reasons as Magicalbill, I only flush 1 engine at a time.

While fresh water flushing my 2017 Yamaha F350's, I recently noticed that the water flow out of the pee hole on the port engine is only about half the flow of the starboard engine and it takes considerably longer to establish flow. In the past they were basically equal. I use the same hose so...

My experience w/ both original and replacement horns has not been great unless you enjoy replacing them often. As an alternative, I went to a good quality whistle. It always functions properly and it is loud enough so that others can hear me. Only issue is I don't always have enough lung...

The ram is still in place, just dangling there. The 18 inch X 12 inch tab is held in by numerous screws that are ripped out of the hull. Before each new installation, the holes have been filled in and additional over sized screws have been used. This work has been done by the pros, not me...

I have a 2005 model 283 Release. In the past 3 years, I have lost 4 different trim tabs, all on the port side of the boat. My mechanic assured me the replacement was held in with extra fasteners and it still lasted only a short time. The 3rd tab stayed on for a couple years and mysteriously...

One of the 4 plastic floor drains on my 283 shattered and needs to be replaced. Naturally, it is the inboard drain which is hardest to access. The only way I can see to get at it is through the hand hole on the side and it looks like I need an arm about 2 feet longer with an extra elbow or 2...

I'm looking at the same issue for my 283. A couple years ago, I put out some informal inquiries and got quotes for the complete job (hardware, wiring, glass work) ranging from $1800 to $6K. I have the model with the low rail and the big difference was in customizing work to the hatches to...

I routinely run my 283 from north of Clearwater to the Keys and go right past Naples/Marco Island. The run to the Vaca channel in Marathon is unobstructed on a 155 T heading. However, depending on the season, the Gulf can be peppered with lobster traps. If your destination is anywhere else in...

I run a 2005 283 w/ twin Yamaha F250's in Florida. I have them serviced each fall, including tune ups. Up until this spring, neither has ever missed a beat. After light use in Jan/Feb, one of the engines shut down while at idle speed. It was clearly a fuel starvation issue and I came home...

I have a pair of 05 250's with 1275 hours each. I replaced the gears on 1 at 1050 hours after fishing line cut the seal. Otherwise, no problems of any kind. I would recommend these engines to anyone anytime.