[Kdubsc]

A few weeks ago I made my first ever boat purchase on a 2005 SX18. She seemed to good looking for the age, but apparently the owners at least kept up with the cosmetics and proper storage. I was certain seats were redone, but found the 2004 fabrication tags still on all seats. I've only had her out once and it was a blast, but unfortunately found a few gremlins. Well, one gremlin in the form of excessive water making it's way into the bilge. I have already researched this forum extensively for answers, and attempted my own repair.

I settled on installing new bellows, bearing and drive cable, and purchased OEM parts to do it. I got to the final step of driving the metal retaining seal into the drive bellows housing and had to throw the towel in. There was, however, water in that bellows. Mystery was there were no tears in the actual bellows, so not sure if wasn't secure and was leaking at either connection. Anyways, she is at a shop now with someone more qualified to finish the job. Also having new trim senders installed, along with a water impeller kit and reseal of the outdrive (oil leaked out while I had that on its side for a couple of days). I'm hoping that fixes my water problem and it isn't something more concerning like the y-pipe or engine block, but I will say I never had water run out of the plug after 10+ minutes on muffs.

Enough about my boat's problems. I'm hoping my first boat isn't a 100% money pit and understand there will be issues. All that matters is my kids love it.

[mikeyt]

One thing you might want to consider adding to that boat is a pair of Nauticus 'Smart Tabs SX' with 60 lb actuators. They make a world of difference in the planing ability.

[Kdubsc]

Those tabs do look like they'd help. Being a smaller boat, it does ride pretty hard on rougher water. My wife didn't appreciate the porpoise motion.