Shakemsam

I have the 93 and find that the maps are fine for LO. Not that detailed but they are fine. The biggest issue is the ducer that is packaged with it. As packaged, the 93sv is really geared toward structure fishing not open water trolling. 

Then go to port. Only other option is where the other ducer is or swapping positions with the kicker and platform. Where the skimmer is...is fine but just know your depth is off by about a foot. NBD

Starboard is fine. It is generally recommended to be no less than 8" from the keel.

Do you have a VHF on board? There is a splitter available allowing your antenna to work for the stereo as well. Works really well!

11 hours ago, idn713 said:

Update it def has brakes as you all pointed out, just don’t think it was pulled enough obviously to make them kick in. I like this threaded chain link idea and I’ll be putting one on my breakaway cable as well. 

The adding a link to the breakaway cable...bad idea. The length of that cable is key to when the brakes react. Adding a link delays that reaction. Don't do it!  Now, as I mentioned previously..  The metal clip on the breakaway cable is designed to be inside the actuator. When the cable is pulled with force (usually when you pull away and forget to disconnect it), the brakes are activated and the clip keeps the cable extended, keeping the brakes from releasing. Now the cable is similar to your emergency break cable in your car but different because it does not go all the way to your wheels. The cable is generally attached to a lever on the actuator that when pulled, activates the brakes. Most actuators are mounted above the tongue and all the above would be in plain view. Eagle integrated it into the tongue for appearance. You will have to remove the actuator to service it.

That S hook is tempered steel. It is tough for a reason. If it was easy to bend, it wouldn't serve it's purpose very well. Like a previous poster suggested...try some heat!

If the trailer moves without issue, then the brakes simply are not working. Considering that you didn't know you had brakes...I am sure that the actuator is dry if not full of water. Remove the black cap behind the coupler. That's where the brake fluid goes. Reg DOT fluid is fine.

Now, at the wheels...you could have disc or drum brakes. Servicing the brakes can be a chore. Disc are the easier of the two. Either way, the wheels will have to be removed. If it is drum brakes, the hubs have to come off. If disc, they resemble automotive disc brakes and are self explanatory. My guess...you will have drum brakes and the wheel cylinders are frozen. Replace the cylinders, maybe the shoes, and some hardware. With any luck, the actuator isn't froze but not likely. Rebuild kits are available but I generally just replace the whole thing. If the hoses and lines appear ok, next is bleeding the brakes and adjusting the shoes to the hubs. Sounds like a lot and it is, but it's not terrible. It's also a PITA with the boat on but it can be done. Good Luck and PM me if you have any ?

1 hour ago, Skippers Trophy 01 said:

Looks like surge brakes to me...?

Yep! That looks like either a Tiedown or Dexter actuator.  Alumacrafts are generally packaged with Eagle trailers. If that trailer doesn't have brakes, it did at one time! And if it does...they ain't workin!

BTW, that metal clip on the cable should be inside the coupler. Being outside means the emergency brake is activated.

what about installing a hatch and use the area for storage.

If the transom is all good and no other work is required, go to the lumber yard and get yourself some round hardwood stock just bigger than the holes. Drilling the holes to accommodate the size of stock might be required. Cut them so they will be flush to the outside skins. Coat them with 5200 and drive them in. Sand and paint.

I keep a ratchet on it except for when it's running.

8 hours ago, Captsmate said:

Yes ..if I put in gear in the water at trolling speed it's the same clack

Just once or constantly? Every Merc I've owned..clicked going into gear. It is quite loud when done out of the water..

On 3/16/2022 at 5:02 PM, Captsmate said:

I have a 2021 mercury outboard ..40hp with 20 hrs on it..so when boat is on trailer (not running) and I shift into forward I can spin prop and I hear a clicking sound. Is this normal?

Have you tried shifting it while running? 

Generally, a propane torch at the minimum is required when using heat. When that fails, try Mapp gas. A rubber mallet might be better and don't be shy with it.

Pugsley's would look at it if you need. They are in Ontario, NY.

Would you consider splitting them? I am running the same 115 only a little newer..2001. That 60 degree is a great motor. Why the change? More hp?

Are you referring to the Vhf's power cord plug? If so, I can't imagine that it would. 

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Nice!

Something to think about...I added a breaker between the battery and the console. Makes life easy when working on any console issues later. Also...12v at the back for riggers if you need and accessories like maybe a filet knife.

28 minutes ago, Wirenut said:

You did a great job there, lots of hours spent I'm sure. I have a 1964 MFG that needed the transom repaired but I went a diffrent route. Took all the wood out , scraped, cleaned, put new fittings thru but used a pourable transom compound. It was pretty easy,, all prep work really. I am very happy with the results. Is there a reason that you used wood or just the way you decided to do it? 

Wood is relatively cheap compared to Seacast or any of the other pourable's. Not to mention aluminum boats don't have sealed transoms like fiberglass. It could be done but the work involved wouldn't be worth it.

Lay the drain in splashwell and trace it out. Drill out the center with 1/8 bit. Then gradually step up to the same diameter as the drain, from the outside. Then finish it with a small sanding drum.

59 minutes ago, Great_Laker said:

That’s exactly right, getting access to the other bolts requires you to take the splash well apart. Taking it apart was easy but putting it back together with 1/4 close-end rivets was not. I had to buy a pneumatic rivet gun to save my forearms. Never thought about stainless to aluminum galvanization, thanks for pointing that out! The surfaces are painted on all sides and all bolts/washers are covered in 5200 sealant but rubber or plastic washers seem easy enough to add. Hopefully I won’t need to worry about network failures with two lowrances both connected to the NMEA network and 2022 modern engines have warning lights on the key switch and governors which don’t allow you to easily damage the engine, but I agree it’s something to consider. I have a stand alone volt meter as well as both lowrances give you voltage so that should be covered. Putting the splash well drains in this weekend which seems easy to screw up if they are not drilled out correctly. Any tips on that process would be appreciated.

Be sure to re-use the inserts for the transom holes or replace with new. Coat them liberally with 5200. Keep their location in mind if you are putting the kicker directly on the transom vs a bracket. If transom, mount a piece of starboard inside the splashwell so the pressure from the kicker mount is spread out. In lew of starboard, I use black poly cutting board that I buy at Walmart. I also use it for transducer plates. Cuts easy and routs nice too and lots cheaper.

Nice Rig! Running a 90 195 Sportfisherman that I picked up a few years ago. I would imagine the transom wasn't through bolted to due the lack of access without removing all the foam. The only through bolts I have access to are the motor bolts. Keep in mind that aluminum and stainless don't mix well, just like aluminum and PT wood. Unfortunately not really any other options though. Having a good painted surface on the aluminum helps. You can also add a plastic washer as a barrier between the hull and any stainless nut, bolt head, or washer. I like your use of the Lowrance for gauges but I would be concerned with the chance of a network failure. I would have a voltmeter at a min and maybe engine temp. Good Luck!

Alpha... if it was me.