(M6) Lockwasher 13-400256

Problem fixed: general repair and service

I have owned larger power boats for most of my life. This past summer my 12 year old son expressed interest in getting a boat he could use and navigate on his own. We searched around and found an old aluminum skiff with what we were told was a 15hp Mercury outboard. All the original decals and id plates were missing from the motor. With the help of Crowley Marines website we were able to determine the year, make and hp of the motor. At the end of the season we winterized the engine and gave it a good overall inspection. We found a few missing bolts, a damaged intake screen and the anode was all but disintegrated. All small things, but necessary. For myself it is a 10-15 minute job to repair, but for a 12 year old it is a great learning experience and intro into mechanical repair, problem solving and maintenance. I am trying to teach him that even though its an old boat and motor, if you take the time to care for and maintain something than it will be reliable and very well may last a lifetime. Now for reality and not exactly the result I was shooting for as a father, he has figured out already that if he takes good care of it, he can sell it and get a bigger boat!