I just bought my first boat, a '78 vip ski boat converted for fishing. its got a '78 johnson 70hp outboard.

I need some suggestions on where to take it for work. the seller said it would be a good idea to get a new water pump.

I live between lake lavon and ray hubbard near firewheel.

Also, i apparently need 2 batteries to power the trolling motor, any suggestions on where to get those would be helpful too.

Thanks!

welcome to the forum & congrats on the new boat. That's about the most reliable outboard ever built, all you have to do is take care of it, new water pump is an excellent idea. Sitting around on the trailer is hard on a boat motor - you have to take it out & run it hard every 2 or 3 weeks. Use only TCW3 certified oil mixed 50:1 with 87 octane gasoline, and champion QL77JC4 spark plugs gapped at .030. It needs to turn 5000-5500 RPM at WOT.

Sam's has good prices on batteries. You want the biggest heaviest marine deepcycles you can afford. Also get yourself a good quality battery charger; charge 'em soon as you get home, and top 'em off every 3 weeks or so if you don't use 'em.

thank you, great advice!

any suggestions as to what a good quality battery charger would be?

Rockwall Marine is close to you.

If you ever need any of the expensive parts for it, I have a complete engine in storage that was sunk and retrieved. Complete with controls. The only thing missing is the cowling, but I found some on ebay for like $25 I think.