Real Boats, Real Work
Carbureted engines, early fuel injection, classic hulls — if your boat was built before the computer age, you're in the right place. No fluff, just hard-earned knowledge from decades in the water.
⚓ Formerly SS Marine Inc.
Real Boats, Real Work
Who I Am
I'm Blaine — former owner of SS Marine Inc. and a lifelong boat guy. I've spent decades diagnosing, rebuilding, and tuning the older carbureted and early fuel-injected engines that most shops don't want to touch anymore.
Whether it's a Rochester 2-barrel that won't idle, an early MerCruiser EFI that floods at start, or a classic OMC with a mysterious fuel delivery problem — this is my wheelhouse. I started this site to help everyday boat owners get real answers without paying shop rates for a Google search.
Free Guides
Step-by-step troubleshooting for the older boats the internet forgot. More articles added regularly — check back often.
Black smoke, heavy fuel smell, fouled plugs — here's exactly how to diagnose an over-rich condition on any Rochester or Holley marine carb.
Read the Guide →Pre-2001 MerCruiser fuel injection has a reputation for tough cold starts. Here's the checklist I go through every single time.
Read the Guide →A rough, uneven stumble at idle or under load? Start with mechanical compression before you touch anything else. Step-by-step guide for carbureted and early EFI engines.
Read the Guide →Before you replace the thermostat, impeller, or anything else — walk through this diagnostic order and save yourself hours of wasted work.
Read the Guide →A full walkthrough — what kit to buy, what to reuse, and the one jet trick that makes these carbs run like they did on the dealer floor.
Read the Guide →Oil fouling, carbon, lean burn, detonation, pre-ignition — every plug tells a story. Learn to read them and you'll diagnose problems most shops miss.
Read the Guide →
YouTube Channel
Every video is a real job — filmed at the dock or on the water. No scripted nonsense. If I'm diagnosing it, rebuilding it, or tracking down a weird noise, the camera's rolling.
Subscribe to stay updated when new videos drop. The more specific the problem, the better — these are the videos that help people most.
Recommended Parts & Suppliers
These are affiliate links — if you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stuff I've used on real boats.
Filters, belts, plugs, tools, and carb kits. Great for common maintenance items on older engines.
Shop Amazon →One of the best catalogs for vintage and hard-to-find marine parts. My first stop for anything pre-2000.
Shop iBoats →For discontinued carbs, fuel injection components, and NOS parts — eBay is still king. I use the partner link below.
Search eBay →For hardware, fittings, hoses, electrical supplies, and safety gear. Best for in-store pickup when you need it today.
Shop West Marine →Great pricing on quality brand-name marine gear. Excellent selection and fast shipping on engine parts.
Shop Defender →OEM-quality replacement parts for MerCruiser, OMC, Volvo Penta and more — at aftermarket prices.
Shop Sierra →* Affiliate disclosure: OldSchoolBoatGuy.com participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates, eBay Partner Network, and others. Purchases made through links on this site may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Get in Touch
No dumb questions. If your older boat is giving you grief and you can't find answers online, fill out the form and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction. I focus on carbureted and early fuel-injected stern drives and inboards, early 2000s and back.
Follow Along
Find Me on Social Media
Follow for quick tips, behind-the-scenes boat work, and updates when new guides and videos go live.
Facebook
Join the community. Post your boat problems, share wins, and see what I'm working on this week.
Follow on Facebook →Instagram
Quick clips, before & afters, and the occasional good-looking boat. Follow along for daily updates.
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