Newbie Looking For Help [Archive] - Maxum Owners Club

MaxumNewbie

07-21-2006, 11:28 PM

Hello All

Super Excited!!! Im about to close on my first boat. It will be a 2001 Maxum 1900 SC..... I will be using the boat in the bay and some light ocean use.. I am also lookin at the 2100sc but its a few thousand more.. I am a real beginner and I was wondering if the 19 foot will be good enough for me as a beginner. I always had a love for the water and a love for boats, but living in Brooklyn NY its really a luxury since its only used a few months of the year. But I finally jumped in, after years of saying "next summer".. I will be using the boat during the day sometime for tanning and enjoying the sun, but my real enjoyment is the water at night. I want to just anchor somewhere peacefully, play some guitar, listen to music, enjoy romantic evenings with my wife, etc... I just feel so at peace in the water at night.. I also love to fish..

Basically I want to know if you think this maxum is right for me since I dont know much about boats and maintaining them, is this a good boat for a starter to learn on given what im looking to do with the boat..

I So Excited!!

seapuppy

07-22-2006, 10:04 AM

welcome to the zoo....first off.....the boat should be comfortable to you...your boat will probably handle more than you will weather wise...but...and I say this with all respect...know your limits...the water is very unforgiving and unpredictable...you can watch the weather until your blue in the face but unless you can learn to read clouds and winds...you can get hurt or caught in a bad situation.....second...take an approved boating safety course...both you and your wife .....it will give you a mountain of information from great people......either the coast guard aux or someone like that gives them out each yr......next get all the safety gear you can carry...first aid kit....some spare parts that will help get you back to the dock.......and then...get as much boat as you can afford...you will get bitten by the bug and want a bigger boat with a head/galley/berthing......etc.....finally ...my last bit of advice is to never approach the dock faster than your willing to smack it.........best of luck and welcome to the zoo.....

:D

MaxumNewbie

07-22-2006, 11:37 AM

Thanks for the reply. I got that boat recomended to me from my wifes aunt who is a broker. The only reason she wants to put me in that one is because of the price and the comndition the boat is in.... Ive only seen pictures, Im driving up to jersey to see the boat tom. Is there any advice from any maxum owners of what I should be looking for that could be problems. I was told some important things to look at, but is there anything specific with maxum boats that I should keep my eyes open for?

I am taking the Coast Guard Aux, and the Beginner Mechanics course.. Weather wise I hear you, I have been fishing for years and I understand and pretty much know how the weather in the water works, I also know that we are not invincible just cause we are in a boat..

Any info on Maxum boats of what to look for would be great!

seapuppy

07-22-2006, 01:45 PM

maxums are really good boats....built similar to all others...if your going to go and make an offer....get it surveyed...make an offer dependant on survey and seatrial....if anything needs repair..make it contingent on the price and reduce it accordingly....don't be afraid to make lowball offer and let the owner come up...meet somewhere in the middle......
for things to look at....overall cleanliness of the boat...scratches..divits in the gel coat..etc..
...take a compression check on the engine....take a plastic head hammer with you and tap all around the hull....if you get a thud sound..that is a possible delamination or water intrusion....need to check all electrical items....light switches..nav lights...anchor...etc....what does the boat come with......lines..coast guard package...any safety items.....take across some wakes...I mean big boat wakes...how does it slice thru them...always come off plane with that one when crossing the wake ...but see how well it handles swell....does it have trim tabs.....operate them to make sure they are ok....check the oil in the drive...look for water..how much time on the engine/drive...any service records.......just to name a few......

racer2c

07-22-2006, 10:08 PM

Boats are like big screen HDTV'S, as soon as you get your new 55" home, you want a 65".

I started with a 16 foot runabout with an 85hp outboard and "learned the ropes" in a small lake and nearby rivers. I just moved up to a 2006 1800SR3 with a 4.3 V6 I/O and it's like starting all over agian. Luckily I've found the good folks here on the board to answer some questions. My wife and I are already looking for our next boat that we're planning to get in three years once my daughter goes off to college. Diffinitly a Sport Cruiser (galley and head), we want to do weekend getaways on bigger water and that again will be like starting over. I look at it as baby steps. Don't run before you can walk and maybe when I'm time to retire I'll be in a big ol' yacht and know everything there is to know. (yeah right).

Be careful out on big water with lots of chop in a 19 or even 21 foot boat. My 18 foot gets bounced around pretty good even on the lake we boat on with lots of traffic (wakes) and windy days (like today, man it takes a lot out of you!)

As for specifics on what to look for, others here would help more than I can, but of course see how many hours are on the engine, compression test the engine, take it for a ride OR TWO.

Good luck and congrats! Post pics if/when you get it.

MaxumNewbie

07-26-2006, 05:52 PM

Well, I have one concern with the boat im looking at to buy. I saw all this white corrosion like substance all around the propellor area and the belt area was rusty. Is that anything to worry about?

Here are 3 pics of what im talking about..

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... Motor2.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/BeltsMotor2.jpg)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/prop.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/prop3.jpg

racer2c

07-26-2006, 06:19 PM

Looks like it's been sitting for awhile. It's a 2001? Looks kinda neglected for only being five/six years old, at least from those pics.

Is it currenlty winterized for storage? If not did they throw some ear muffs on it and fire it up for you?

3388sam

07-26-2006, 06:34 PM

It looks like it's been in the water for awhile, how many hours on the boat? Ours is a 2000 and sits in fresh water all summer every year - looks nothing like that.
The real area of concern is the pulleys on the engine. Must have been slinging some water from some where in there at some time.
Looks like the zincs on the O/D are still there, pistons and trim fin behind the prop. Check the front of the O/D, there should be a big one there as well.

MaxumNewbie

07-26-2006, 06:56 PM

We didnt fire it up. The owner wasnt there. It was at the marina where the dealer on location showed it to me. It was up on a trailer so I couldnt take it for a spin. The boat itself was very very clean with no rips, tears, spider cracks. But obviously thats just the shell, Im just concerned about the motor. We didnt have the key when we went to see it so I couldnt check the hour meter. He claims its around 100 - 150 since this was the owners second boat. I could probably get into this boat for 11 - 12k. The boat hasent been in the water since last summer.

Here are some more pics of the prop area.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/prop5.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/prop4.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/prop2.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... pArea2.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/PropArea2.jpg)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... opArea.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/PropArea.jpg)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... C02067.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/DSC02067.jpg)

Thanks for all your input. I am shopping for my first boat and all the feedback is really great.

My debate is between this boat and the 2004 Bayliner 192 classic cuddy (still has 2 years on waranty)... Bayliner is obviously my last resort.

3388sam

07-26-2006, 08:17 PM

Well it sure is a nice looking boat!
BTW -the bottom paint should not be touching the out drive. You should remove the paint, tape off an inch around the OD and leave it exposed next time it needs paint.
If it runs and checks out OK you'll have to spend some time cleaning up the OD, repainting, might as well replace the zincs, and there is an anti-fouling paint available for the ODs to help keep the marine growth in check.

racer2c

07-26-2006, 11:45 PM

What did you think of the interior? Do you like the boat? You're correct to be concerned about the engine. If you persue it, of course have him throw some ear muffs on it to start it at least. I personally woud have him drop it in the water for a drive. to be honest with you man, I still have my first boat, an '84 Glassmaster with a '74 Mercury outboard that's never been painted that looks better than the corrosion that boats outdrive has and it's done freash and salt water time.

100 hours on the engine in five years means it's been sitting a lot IMO. Which is worse than if it's out cranking up hours. A sitting engine is a rotting engine.

Again, to be perfectly honest, I've done a hell of a lot of boat shopping before I decided to go with my new Maxum and 11/12 K seems high based on you pictures. Of course I haven't see the interior or now the history of the engine etc, but I have a marina just down the street from me that has a 2002 21' Bayliner with the carbed 5.0 V8 with 400+ hours for 14K in excellent condition.

Is that a 5.0 or 4.3 engine?

MaxumNewbie

07-27-2006, 02:26 PM

Hey Racer

I love the interior!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... C02050.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/DSC02050.jpg)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... C02045.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/DSC02045.jpg)

But I based on all the feedback ive been getting on the pics of the engine is that I should move along from this one.. So Im going this weekend to look at a 2002 2300SC and a 2000 2100SC. Hopefully those will have nice clean motors. I just dont want to get into a problem. I know problems happen, but why buy a boat that alreay has trouble.

Where are you located racer. I would take a look at the Bayliner if its close by. 400+ hours is something I would also be wary of but still worth a look. It also seems like I can get 12-24 month waranties for $1500 - $2500 depending on the year and engine type.

Man, I just want a boat already But I guess its better not to jump into aynthing that ill regret. My deadline is the end of next week. I want to have a boat in the water by the first week of August.

3388sam

07-27-2006, 02:41 PM

The 21' has much more room in the cuddy then the 19'.
Also both the 21' and 23' have a 8 1/2 ft. beam. A foot here and there really makes the boat more comfortable :D

IMHO - Try and find a boat with either a 5.0 FI or a 5.7 carb.
Both are about the same Hp 250/260 and the extra weight on the 21/23 need the extra HP.
I have a buddy with the 21' and the 5.7 tops out at about 52 MPH.
Ours has the 350mag 300hp, tops out about 60 mph fully loaded.

MaxumNewbie

07-27-2006, 02:45 PM

The 19 has the 8 foot beam. I was surprised, but thats what the maxum site says. http://www.maxumboats.com/brochure.asp?modelid=109

The Bayliners 19 footers are 7.6 feet.

3388sam

07-27-2006, 03:04 PM

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/media/14/DSC00263.JPG

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/thumbnails/14/DSC00261.JPG

http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/data/thumbnails/14/DSC00260.JPG

2100scz z=Sport Seating, 350mag option!

racer2c

07-27-2006, 03:15 PM

I'm in the northern Virginia area.

The interior on that 19 looks really nice, but I think you are smart to be a little hesitant on the engine. Don't be too concerened however with looks on boat engines though as there is a lot of heat in the compartment and I've seen a heck of a lot of boat engines look rough but run great. Heat discolors things.

It's obvious that you want a water ready boat, drop it in and go.

The dealer I bought my Maxum from also sold Bayliners and he had brand new 06' 19 foot bowriders for $15K (but as you probably know, there are a lot of things dealers do or try to tack on to the price. Is the trailer included? If not that's another $1000. Destination charges, misc lot charges, taxes, rigging charges (those can run thousands) so your $15K ends up being $18.5K out the door. that's why you have to talk them down to balance it all out. )
He also had trade in's (mostly 04's and '05's, there are a couple of local boat clubs where they mandate that you trade your boat in when it hits 400 hours.) Have you looked at dealer lots? You might find a deal on a cuddy trade in at one of them and the dealers usually will at least look at the engine to verify that it runs, unlike a private seller, but you'll get a better deal from a private seller of course.

Or apply the cash you have and finance the rest on a brand new '06. You eat the depreciation as soon as you drive it off the lot but just like a car it's nice to be the first owner and know everything will last.

MaxumNewbie

07-27-2006, 04:39 PM

3388SAM..... You got what I neeeeeeeeeeeeeed.

Yah, I ended up going to a dealer, it was near a marina where that 23 foot maxum i mentioned was.

He showed me a trade in for a 2004 Bayliner 192 Classic Cuddy. Still had 3 years on waranty and the boat looked like it was never used. However I dont like the exterior of the boat, The back and sides are like a boxy type of shape. The front did have a pretty deep V shape. I also dont like the fact that its a 130hp engine. Sounds like if I have 4 people on the boat it would barely move. I also dont want to have problems getting through the waves. The dealer claims its a 40 - 45 mph boat. Hard to believe though. I would guess its a 25 - 30 mph boat. No dealers that I called have any maxum trade-ins. Bayliners there are plenty. Im probably also shopping in the wrong time but I dont want to wait till next summer to start enjoying the water.

I also dont want a Bowrider, which seems like there are more of those than Cuddies. I need the Cabin more for storage space (guitar, rods, a nap maybe if im docked or anchored, the porta-potti, etc...)....

Having a real hard time finding the right boat (which will probably be the wrong boat) but I know ill be trading in, in 2 years or so for a bigger badder vessel.

I just dont want to be pissed with my purchase, and im a very easy customer. I just want a 19 - 23 foot cuddy cabin for up to $18,000 and pref. not a Bayliner.

This is the 2004 bayliner Classic from bayliner.com

The one I saw had this black rubber bottom going about quarter way up.

http://www.bayliner.com/showroom_archiv ... ype=1,9,23 (http://www.bayliner.com/showroom_archives.asp?modelid=34882&year=2004&reqtype=1,9,23)

racer2c

07-27-2006, 05:19 PM

I don't like the Classic bayliner either, or Bayliners in general. But they are affordable and essentially just base model Maxums.

Yeah, the four cylinder 130hp engine is a dog, although my bro-in-law has one in a 19' Stingray bowrider that does 45 with two people on glass. It depends on the pitch of the prop and how smooth the water is.

Our next boat once my daughter goes off to college is going to be a 24 to 27' sport cruiser (head and galley) but right now we chose the bow rider because we load it up with people practically every time we go out. I've had seven adults comfortably in my little 18' and it will do 45mph easily in smooth water trimmed up a bit (I have the 4.3v6). Cuddy's limit the amount of friends you take out, but it's all in your needs. Small Cuddy's without AC get hot.

Good luck, let us know what you end up with. Just like a horse, buy with your head, not your heart.

3388sam

07-27-2006, 08:39 PM

You can pick up those classic Bays pretty cheap around here- 15K new with a trailer. They don't hold their resale much because the are ton of them around, but for the price they are hard to beat.
I don't know why they just have the stuck on swim platform - it just looks like an after thought.
Just hold out for the boat you want - it's out there some where and more of them will be for sale at the end of the season as well!

BTW- everything I own is "FOR SALE" - you just have to want it more then I do! :D

Franco_2100SC

07-28-2006, 08:17 AM

My friend had the 19 and I spent time on it before deciding to go with the 2100SC. However having said that, I'm not as happy with Maxum as some.

See the following link:
http://www.maxumowners.org/Smaller2100SC.html

My beef is that the company really doesn't make much of an effort to correct design deficiencies. I had to go round and round with them to get a corrected wiring diagram. (No errata sheet yet published) However, I can attest to the basic solidness of the 2100SC. The motor is standard Merc stuff. Mine is a 5.0 carb model and its been as solid as the day is long, purchased in 2004 and annual maintenance is all that's been required.

The link I have attached shows the ankle buster drain and my correction for that curious hole. You can see how I tried to correct the poor construction of the upper seat cushion mounts, and the current deficiency I am working to correct is the leak that occurs at the windshield during a heavy downpour. The angle of the deck is such that water pours in and down towards the instrument cluster. As someone pointed out earlier in this thread, stuff happens and that's when you measure the quality of your boat. I don't go out when it looks like rain, but when a sudden storm comes up and I put up all the canvas, I really don't need to be fighting a drainage problem.

To really understand what I am saying take a trip to the 2100sc and look towards the rear. on both sides you will see access doors. Unfortunately, you will not be able to open either door without first raising the cushion that goes across the back. Now all they need to do is lower the door about an inch and you would be able to open it. This would be nice and allow access to the battery located on the port side as well as visual inspection of the fluid level in the hydraulic lift tank. They could make the door a little shorter too and correct this deficiency. Not gonna happen.

Although I like my boat, my next boat will NOT be a Maxum.

KKKKFL

racer2c

07-28-2006, 10:22 AM

When we were shopping a few months ago I didn’t know a Bayliner from a Maxum from a Sea Ray. I had heard of them of course, but didn’t know they were all part of U.S. Marine. The dealer had Bayliners and Maxums and we were able to do side by side comparisons and the difference was big. The fit and finish and overall refinement of the Maxum was apparent with the Bayliners being obvous entry level boats. Sure you can get some of the bigger Bayliners optioned out to compete but there is still a overall “basic” feel to the BL’s. Then we went to look at the Sea Rays and there was the same difference between them and the Maxums as with the Maxums and BL’s. The quality of the vender bolt ons were just ‘one up’ from the Maxums. So it came down between price versus options. So we decided on the fully optioned Maxum over the less optioned Sea Ray (which still cost more then the Maxum).

Of course what Franco is referring to are engineering design issues rather than supplier item (gauges, cleats, steering wheel, carpet etc) quality. After our first week we started to notice a few things that we could recommend an improvement on. First, when entering the boat through the transom step, the step down is about 18”. A heck of a step for anyone. It’s awkward as you have to kneel down put your foot down to the deep step below and sort of ‘fall’ into the boat. It’s easier with the cushion in place but who wants all the traffic stepping on your cushion? So we have a constant cushion on/cushion off workout when on the water which is annoying, especially with six or seven people on board.
Second, and it sounds trivial but it all adds up, are the cup holders. It was nice of them to include two deep cup holders up at the bow but they are placed behind the passengers. No one uses them due to their placement. The helm cup holder and front passenger seat holder are identical and their problem is that they are only an inch deep. Going over a wake bounces a can right out. The cup holders in the pull out tray on the engine compartment are basically just little indentations. They can’t be used when under way. People take drinks on boats, our boat isn’t drink friendly. Boo.

Other than that no ‘engineering’ issues although open bow runabouts are pretty simple designs.

So, the Maxum was the perfect balance between cost and quality. We stopped by a Cobalt and Chaparral dealer and they were extremely nice boats although I could get two Maxums for the price of one of those. I told my wife, “there is no way I’m paying $42K for a 18’ runabout”. In our opinion the Maxums have a younger feel to them. The Sea Rays/Cobalts/Chaparrals are appointed to impress the retired crowd. I’m 38 years old and don’t want to drive a boat that feels and looks like my grand-dads Caddy.

We want a 24’ to 27’ sport cruiser in three years and I will definitely look at Maxums first.

MaxumNewbie

07-31-2006, 12:45 AM

My friend got the 24 maxum cruiser last summer and its really a sweet boat.

It looks like I found my maxum. After looking at about 20 boats I found the 2002 2300SC. Really nice size Cud/Cab with a head with curtains and a sink. Hes also got some toys on the boat GPS VHF Etc.. I love the size, and its only got 100 hours on it. Its super clean and ready to go. I will be putting in my offer tom. All depending how the motor checks out (Looked really super clean in my eyes) but I will still get someone to survey it. Will keep you posted!!!!!!! I really think this is the one!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/ ... 23foot.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/joemnz/23foot.jpg)

racer2c

07-31-2006, 01:30 PM

3388sam

07-31-2006, 02:54 PM

Glad you found a boat! That couple of extra feet really makes a difference!
Hope your sea trial goes great!
A know Franco has some issues with his boat, and has done a great job with some of the mods to help.
Never been a real fan of the 5.0 carbed - heck the 6cyl 4.3 MPI has the same HP 220, and weighs over 100lbs less.

MaxumNewbie

07-31-2006, 03:17 PM

I hear that, but I wont change the engine unless I can trade it. What kind of mods did franco do?

3388sam

07-31-2006, 04:23 PM

Click on his link - I know he had some problems with the wiring diagram that came with his boat- Ours was OK and matched what was in the boat.
I doubt 23' your looking at has 5.0 carb, it's the base engine on the 21'. Do you know what engine option is in it?

MaxumNewbie

07-31-2006, 04:28 PM

No link to click on...

It comes with The Merc 5.0 230hp, I dont know what carbed means.

MaxumNewbie

07-31-2006, 04:34 PM

oh, his link, sorry read that wrong..

racer2c

07-31-2006, 04:44 PM

No link to click on...

It comes with The Merc 5.0 230hp, I dont know what carbed means.

Carbed = 'Carburetor' (as opposed to 'fuel injection'.)

Fuel injection is more efficient, less emissions, less troublesome, easier starting, just all around better. Fuel injection has been govt madated on all automobiles since '86.
Carbs cost less for the manufacturer to supply and cheaper for the consumer to replace than fuel injection, althouth fuel injection is essentially problem free.

Franco_2100SC

08-04-2006, 07:39 AM

racer2c

08-05-2006, 12:11 PM

Racer,
I must have missed the thread where you dedided to buy...
What did you settle on? If you're out on the water this weekend listen to channel 16 for Sempre Veloce and just bust in on any conversation you may hear.

CINC house hasn't set forth the weekend schedule, but I'm sure she'll want to be out on the water. I prefer to get out early 9-10ish and return before the blazing heat of the afternoon and all the goof-balls at Occaquan state park. Now there's an afternoon's entertainment, just too bad they don't let you have adult beverages, or I would sit in the shade and have a good laugh after doing the wipe down of my boat.

Where abouts do you have your boat in NOVA?

KKKKFL

Hey Franco. I bought a 2006 1800SR-3 a little over a month ago from Holly Acres. that lead me to here. :D

We boat down in Lake Anna. It's only a 20 minute tow from my house. It's only 20 minutes to Fairview Beach also.

How long is it from Fairview Beach to Capt. Billy's? We want to try that some evening.

Franco_2100SC

08-07-2006, 07:59 AM

Its about 20 to 30 minuts past Tims II where we hung out this weekend with about 200 other boats.. The crab house at Billy's is a little hard to discern since there are two locations side by side. We have been to the establishment that is closest to the 301 bridge and tie up out at the pier end as it gets real shallow when the tide is out.

I keep my radio on ch 16 all the time and listen for folks calling "Sempre Veloce" that's the best way to hook up with others. If you don't have a marine radio installed it is really prudent to carry a hand held at a minimum. You can pick one up for less than a tank full of gas.

What's your boat's name and I will keep an ear out for you...

KKKKFL

MaxumNewbie

08-08-2006, 05:36 PM

We finally agreed on a price. Deposit sent, Sea Trial, Surey/compression check this thursday 2pm. Cross my fingers.

MaxumNewbie

08-10-2006, 06:32 PM

Just got back, Boat was mint, sea trial went awesome. The surveyor was breaking his head trying to find something wrong. The only 2 things we found wrong was it needed a powerhose to clean the bottom and the prop area, he said the reason the speedometer wasnt working was because it was alittle stuffed. The other thing was the left manifold was running a few degrees hotter which he said was also just a cleaning. Otherwise we are good to go. Hopefully I can close this weekend and be in the water begining this coming week....

3388sam

08-10-2006, 06:55 PM

Good deal!
Here is a post I did about non- working speedos, it's common for these to plug up!

Assuming that you have an Alph I/O, there is a VERY LITTLE hole on the leading edge of the drive. You might not even see it if you don’t look closely, but you can certainly feel it if you run your finger along the front edge. It’s above the “bullet”, but below the cavitation plate.

Anyway, it’s a little “V” shaped hole in the front edge. Take a small drill bit or wire and push it in the hole. If you insert the bit and it goes in about 3” and hits metal, you don’t have a clog. If it doesn’t go in 3” or you don’t hit metal, turn the bit BY HAND (don’t use a drill), and it will grab the clog. Pull the bit out, remove the debris from the bit, and do it again, until you get the bit to insert all the way and hit metal. Then you are unclogged.

If you remove the clog (or didn’t have one to begin with) and your speedo still doesn’t work, look above the front of the cavitation plate. There is a plastic connector. Take it loose by turning it (counter-clockwise, I believe), then blow thru the hole on the leading edge. You should be able to blow through. I did it with my own air, no problem.

If you don’t have a clog in the hole and are able to blow through, then you either have a clog in the line you just disconnected, or the speedo diaphragm is broken. The next step would be to disconnect the tube from the back of the speedo and blow back toward the drive, with the hose still disconnected at the drive. Don’t blow towards the speedo with the tube connected, or you will rupture the speedo diaphragm.

Franco_2100SC

08-21-2006, 09:23 AM

Wouldn't ya just know it... I read that and last weekend with all the slime in the Northern Potomac, my speedo stopped working. Pulled it out on the ramp and located the little "V" and sure enough there was a twig jammed right in the front. I pulled it out with my fingers, re-dunked the boat, but no luck the speedo was still stuck at 30 MPH.. Back on the trailer, and I pulled the air hose from the back of the speedo. Woosh I heard a rush of air. Tried blowing on the hose, but to no avail. Plugged it back into the speedo and tried going back in the water still no luck.. Gave up that night and went back to the boat the next day with some very fine Piano wire(about the size of 5lb test nylon line). The caviety behind the "V" was nowhere near 3"s deep on mine it felt more like the size and shape of a Hershy Kiss or small marble. Anyway I twisted and pulled and eventually removed some blades of seaweed/sawgrass. Then I tried a bicycle pump on the air hose from the back of the speedo towards the transom. One last test was to see if I could not gently blow on the pipe and have air move. Finally, we dragged the boat up to the house hooked up a garden hose and sent a jet of water at the "V"- - - Success at last.

I related all this to give you some ideas. Hopefully you just have a bit of dirt jammed at the front of the V and nothing else.

I would really like to know what the cavity behind that v looks like in reality. I would guess that it’s an area about the size of a dime with a pinhole at the top. Water enters the chamber and pressure builds as speed increases. The air pressure in turn registers on the Speedo... That's my guess.

KKKKFL