Salty Dog

I assume this 2002 engine is on a 2002 boat. I don't know where you live, but this sounds like a fuel (ethanol) issue. Ethanol is doing a fine job of cleaning out your tank and fuel system. If your area is new to ethanol, you will have this problem until the system cleans itself out. This problem is not only for the boater, but will also occur at some of the lesser used marine fueling stations. This is a pain, but it is not the end of the world. I had to change my VST filters twice before the system cleaned itself out. We have had ethaol in our fuel - CT - for quite some time now and it is rare that you have boats with ethaol issues, unless they are bought out of state from a location that doesn't have ethaol. It is frustrating. Good luck.

My main goal is to spend more time fishing with my kids. I was able to take my nine year old out a couple of times solo on evening trips. Taught him how to snag a bunker and then live line it for the blues and occasional striper. Nothing gives me more joy than watching my son grow and learn new things. I also had the pleasure of taking my six year old daughter out a couple of times. We caught fish, but that wasn't important. Being one on one with her and just talking about things was the reward. Last year was the first year that my three year old son caught his first fish. A porgy. He giggled and screamed the whole time. The boat doesn't get used as much for the hard core fishing that I like to do, but my kids are growing so fast, that the focus is on them and making sure that my wife and I enjoy the time we have with them. For those of you in the western sound, I have a sure fire way to have a great time with friends. Take the boat to Northport and go eat at Maroni's. It is one of the top ten restaurants I have ever visited. Enjoy your boating season

Sounds like a good reason to make a trip to Florida. I would think that as part of the survey you would want to run the boat? I would make it a couple day trip, run through the engine break in and then have him survey it both in the water (running) and out. Airfare is cheap and the weather is still cold up north. What brand of boat are you buying? Is the dealer handling all the electronics installation? Good luck.