Hey J, it does not appear I have that editing option. I would appreciate it if you added that to the header. Thanks!

Fair is fair, supercat!

Follow up for anyone with the same/similar motor or problem – I have probably ran it for 5-6 hours this summer and no oil/sheen on the water

I really do not think you can go wrong with any of the cordless augers on the market. I am already back on the ice. Eskimo’s customer service is top notch.

Nailed it. With every boat there is always something at sometime.

Turns out the remaining excessive sheen was caused by motor oil leaking from the cylinder block and oil pan gasket. I was finally able to see oil leaking down the lower unit while on the trailer after burning a few gallons of gas. While I was in there I also replaced the oil pump O-rings. I think the gaskets dried out over the years as the previous owner did not use the boat much. Found out the motor only had 82 hours on it when I first brought it in to the shop this summer. I assume it had around 50 when I bought it last summer. Oh the joys of being a boat owner! I only wish I had more time to get it out as this fall was a bust. Thank you to those who replied.

I do have a question, does the motor smell like its running extra rich or is there heavy gasoline odor present after you shut it off??
[/quote]

iowaboy1 – I have thought about it running rich but I do not smell excessive gasoline. I’ll check this again when I have it out next. What are your thoughts here? Thermostat stuck open? injectors?

I own a 2004 SmokerCraft Pro Angler 172, have kids, and use it for all purposes. It handles rough waters fine (within reason given the size) and as long as the navigator knows what they are doing, you’ll remain fairly dry and in one piece, this includes Leech, Mille Lacs and Rainy. That goes for any boat. It’s a nice, wide beam, open and your typical deep-v layout. An bigger Ultima would be all this and more. A lot of nice aluminum deep-v’s out there, riveted and welded. If you are not brand-biased you will read that SmokerCraft designs a solid hull. I do not think you would be disappointed with an Ultima, especially if it is an 18′. I would not hesitate on buying another Smoker.
Enjoy your boat!