Fixing a Broken Boat & 5-Month Lake Adventure: DIY Repairs & Mods

Boat Purchase and Initial Issues

• 💡 The creator purchased a 2013 Harris Float Boat with 320 hours, despite it being the first boat he ever looked at.
• ⚠️ Upon initial inspection, the boat had issues with starting and idling, requiring the engine to be started in gear.
• 💸 The boat was purchased for $22,000, with the seller initially asking $23,500.

Lake Adventure and Summer Fun

• 🚀 The boat was used for a 5-month lake adventure with family, involving tubing and fishing.
• 🛠️ A recurring issue involved the boat's trim motor going up and down erratically, sometimes getting stuck and scratching the hull.
• 🚤 The creator learned to navigate the Fox River in Illinois, noting its connection to various lakes and amenities.

Repairs and Upgrades

• 🔊 A significant upgrade involved installing a comprehensive Kicker Marine Audio system, including six speakers, two subwoofers, and three amplifiers.
• 🔧 The engine's idle issue was resolved by re-snapping the throttle linkage into place, a simple fix that had been overlooked.
• ⚙️ Hydraulic steering was repaired by bleeding the system, resolving a significant amount of play and providing a proper end stop.
• 💡 A faulty Mercury trim switch was replaced, which was suspected to be the cause of the erratic trim motor behavior.

Winterization and Storage

• ❄️ As winter approached, the boat was prepared for storage, including running the engine with fresh water using "ear muffs" and adding fuel stabilizer.
• 🏠 The boat was transported to a storage unit using a Turbo Jeep Wrangler and later an Escalade, highlighting the challenges of maneuvering a boat trailer.
• 🚗 The storage location was a friend's property filled with classic cars, showcasing a diverse collection.

Ongoing Boat Maintenance

• 🛠️ The creator discovered that a bunk on the trailer had ripped out, requiring repositioning and re-screwing.
• 🔧 Further investigation into the engine revealed that spark plugs appeared new, suggesting a recent 300-hour service.
• 💡 The air intake system was noted to have a "turbo guard" instead of a traditional air filter.
• 🚤 The creator plans to continue making videos about the boat, including maintenance and potential winter activities on the frozen lake.