While working on the boat today, I moved the bilge pump and I noticed that it makes noise. When I shake it, the pump sounds like there is something loose inside and rattling around. Almost sounds like there is a bb stuck inside. The pump is a Rule 500 GPH non-automatic. It works just fine when I turn it on.

We must of had some pretty hellish winds yesterday. The traffic cone that I had propped up in the center of my boat got seperated from the base. Luckily I had a tarp over the cover and only a small omount of water got in.

I just got my 12 point bolts the other day from Rex Marine. My boat uses 7/16"-20x1 The ones Rex sold me were a little long and needed to be shortened. I tried using allen style bolts but I did not have the clearence to torque them and that is why I want with 12 point.

I've been busy workin on the boat for the past few weekends. I finally got around to polishing out the intake and valve covers. The prior owner kinda let that stuff go and I was able to bring some shine back. The accelerator cable appeared to be the original and it was damaged so I decided to replace it. While I was at it, I replaced the foot pedal hardware with all stainless. I replaced the carpeting on both fuel tanks. Painted the jet and transom cover. Cleaned up and painted the driveline and got new gold iridite bolts for it. Even after I replaced the starter, I continued have starting issues. I went thru all of the elctrical and wound up replacing many wires. I installed a backup bilge pump and installed a new switch in a hole that was already drilled out next to the switch for the primary bilge pump. I went ahead and got some blue anodized bezels for the 2 bilge pump switches and for the ignition lock cylinder. The bilge pump switches now also have blue anodized knobs that say "pump" on them. This week the jet goes in. Boat should be ready to see water in a couple of weeks as my "to do" list is getting smaller.

You should be able to run an electric fuel pump sideways. Tapping into the oil pressure circuit isn't a bad idea and remember to wire up a relay so that way you have consistent voltage to the pump. Also, remember that there are pusher and puller pumps. Figure out what you need first before making a purchase.

Been steadily workin on the Rogers for the past 3 weeks. My "To Do List" is getting smaller by the day. Only have a few more things to get done by April. Looks like the trailer paint job and brake install will have to wait until next winter.

N2GLOCK YUP THAT IS MY BOAT (SAME AZ 494U NUMBER) I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM ROGERS IN 1978 for $7,500 with trailer out the door. I WILL EMAIL YOU A COUPLE OF PICS WHEN I OWNED IT.

Thanks so much for sending me the pics of the boat back when it was new. I really enjoyed speaking to you earlier. I hope to have it ready by April for its first test run. You're more than welcome to come along when I take it out. Now that I have spoken to you I feel even more motivated to get her done. Hope to meet you soon!

You had us all gonig there, especially when you said: "im definatly lucky to get such a nice boat for my first but he cut me such a great deal on it i had to take it" "hey guys, im new to the board and actually new to boating. This is my first boat" "i picked this thing up a little late in the season so im definatly looking forward to a full season next year"

I like Spectras, they're good boats. Looks like you got yourself a nice cruiser there. I see you're in Redlands. You wouldn't happen to live near the corner of Center and North would you?

Sweet....I've never seen headers like that before!

As long as you've gone this far.
 You might as well pull the intake, add a ride plate and shoe.

That would be nice! However, I promised the wife that I'd buy her a new dining room set. Needless to say, the ride plate and shoe are gonna have to wait until next year

Got alot done this weekend. Pulled the distributor and overhauled it. I replaced the magnetic pick-up, rotor and cap. I also replaced the advance springs and I installed a different advance stop bushing. I also installed a new set of spark plugs. After that, I decided to finally pull the jet and take it in for repairs. I'd been putting this off because I was scared of pulling the jet itself and I was also scared of what the rebuilder might find once he got the jet. It turns out that the jet was easy to remove but it's basically garbage It will need a new impeller, shaft and bowl. The rebuilder recommended I upgrade to a split bowl and have a droop snoot installed. Looks like that's the route that I'm gonna take. It looks like he can hook me up with some good used parts in order to keep the cost down which will be nice. We'll see what he says once he calls me either tomorrow or Tuesday. I cleaned up the driveshaft in the solvent tank and the universal joints appear to be in excellent shape which is pretty good news.

Once I get my boat going again I plan on making some trips out to the Laughlin area with it. I was hoping that someone could tell me what hotels offer boat/trailer parking and also where the best spots to launch are located.