Recent content by family affair

That makes more sense. :) I was wondering if I had missed something. We've all been there. With 10k+ posts, you're bound to have one go sideways once in a while!

I think you are the 1st person that I have ever heard make this comment. :) You must have some very well maintained mechanical controls. My experience was very different. I'm 100% in the digital camp. Also, what maintenance is there for Yamaha digital? My Zukes require a little spray lube and a...

Maintenance will be virtual zero. Resale would likely be a little better but tough to quantify. If I had a used boat, was budget driven, and repowering with a single, it would be mechanical. However, if you are already looking to drop big coin on a new boat, the difference in cost overall is...

I watched the rebuild last week. The original rebuild was criminally poor. The 2nd is ridiculous overkill IMO. I would say Grady's choice to poorly seal a transom is haunting them, but obviously it isn't hurting their new sales much.

Without more info, I'll take a guess. You are looking at an older model that was designed for 2 strokes, or someone repowered with a different brand or HP engine that is too heavy. I wouldn't buy a boat that sits with scuppers under water. It's a sinker waiting to happen.

Glad you got yours fixed. Please share photos to help others in the future.

If all of the above doesn't help, check your engine alignment.

3.3 are the top engines. 4.2 at the bottom. Typo :)

My guess is it is typo in the add. The 3.3 hasn't been made in a long time. I wouldn't buy a 218 with a 3.3 due to the weight alone. The 218 was designed for the lighter 4.2. Serviceability will be better on the 4.2 also. I wouldn't pay the Yamaha mark up for digital on a single engine set-up...

Bigger in what way? I'm 6'1". I can stand up in the 270 with room to spare. I can lay down on the berth and just fit. Otherwise it is cramped unless you are 5'7" and under 170 lbs. I have not been a 265, but the added beam appears to provide more room below deck. Layout opinion is certainly...

I didn't go quite that big, but went from a 248 to a 270. Most of the time I don't regret it, but I think it depends on how you use the boat and how it hits you financially. If you can easily afford it and you will realistically use it, you won't regret it. However, if the move causes you to...

Anyone know if there is a way to lube the pivot/u-joint on the tilt mechanism? Even after taking off the old one, I couldn't see any way to lube anything. Probably not a big deal, but I was shocked how badly worn that part of the assembly was.

Well, I finally got around to this project on the 2005 270. I thought I'd include a couple details that might avoid a headache: If you have the steering wheel shown below, you will need an 1⅝" 6 point socket. No one had one locally, but Amazon had one for $12. Put electrical tape over the nut...

Using the step bit to "chew" out a larger hole?

Same helm, just a new tilt mechanism. The old one moves with the precision and refinement of a well used vintage tractor.