Search found 48 matches

by MillieTheBoat
Tue Aug 20, 2019 10:44 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: EPIRB or PLB
Replies: 3
Views: 9119

EPIRB or PLB

I want to invest in an EPIRB in addition to my handheld VHF radio with GPS and MMSI. I rarely go out 10-15 miles offshore.

This series of [articles on EPIRB and PLB actual use] confirms I need a PLB and EPIRB. Thanks.

I am ordering a ACR PLB-350c Aqualink View.
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm
Replies: 5
Views: 5720

Re: Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm

At the steering wheel. I used a paint masking tape and marked the middle of the steering wheel and then turned left and right. Give and take about 1/2 inch on both sides before I see the hydraulic actuator move the outboard engine tiller. I pushed the engine tiller back and forth and there is no pla...
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 09, 2019 1:29 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 2003 DAUNTLESS 160 Sea Trial
Replies: 7
Views: 11105

Re: Sea trial on 2003 dauntless 160

I have a used 2003 Dauntless 160 with 115 HP I bought in 2015. I use it primarily for cruising, and fishing between Dana Point and Newport Beach Harbor, CA with the family. I take her out only when the wave is between 2-5 foot. I am still new with boating and this is my first boat and it is a solid ...
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:54 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: SeaStar Hydraulic Bleeding
Replies: 4
Views: 6356

Re: SeaStar Hydraulic bleeding

This is an admirable design. You could market this and sell it for $50 and I would buy it. Thanks!
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:49 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm
Replies: 5
Views: 5720

Re: Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm

Thank you both for your replies.

Dtmackey,

I saw your bleeding solution after I finished working on mine but I did not read it thoroughly. I will study your method and will try to bleed the system again. I need to take her out to the water first after working on this thing for 2 days.

Thank you!
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 09, 2019 12:36 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm
Replies: 5
Views: 5720

Steering play in Baystar Hydraulic helm

I finally replaced the original Teleflex steering system for my 2003 Boston Whaler 160 Dauntless. The new steering is very smooth but I noticed a small steering play 1/2 half of an inch both left and right turn before the the steering engages the hydraulic system. Is this normal? I made sure there w...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jul 08, 2019 11:40 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console
Replies: 9
Views: 11765

Re: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console

Thanks everyone. The last time I had a smoke when I was 11-years-old. Some older kid gave me a puff and I choked on it. I don't smoke and don't drink when I am on the boat. In the garage, I open the center console door and the back sump area. Turn the batteries switch to Off position. Charge the bat...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jul 08, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console
Replies: 9
Views: 11765

Re: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console

Thanks Jim. I'm new to boating and still learning stuff.
by MillieTheBoat
Sun Jul 07, 2019 9:12 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console
Replies: 9
Views: 11765

Re: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console

Thank you everyone. I'm glad to hear this is normal.

Jim, ["middle" console] is the center console that has an access door to the battery and steering helm assembly.
by MillieTheBoat
Sat Jul 06, 2019 7:26 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console
Replies: 9
Views: 11765

2003 160 DAUNTLESS Has Gasoline Odor in Middle Console

On my 2003 160 DAUNTLESS I always smell gasoline in the middle console where the battery compartment. I put the 2003 160 DAUNTLESS in the garage. Sometimes I can smell gasoline. Q: Is [an odor of gasoline from a 2003 160 DAUNTLESS in a garage] normal? There is no sign of fuel leakage. My next big pr...
by MillieTheBoat
Sat Jul 06, 2019 7:17 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering
Replies: 7
Views: 10862

Re: 160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering

It bothered me that I could not get the support rod out [from its stuck position in the tilt tube] while I was able to rotate it freely. I remembered I looked through the [tilt] tube and cleaned out [the tilt tube] before I inserted the [support] rod [into the tilt tube]. I used a hammer and tried t...
by MillieTheBoat
Sat Jul 06, 2019 10:31 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering
Replies: 7
Views: 10862

Re: 160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering

Hi Jim--Thank you for clarifying post and for the link. I read that manual page by page before the work. Prior to inserting the support rods, I cleaned the [tilt] tube with WD-40, then put some Quicksilver marine grease 2-4-C in both ends of the tilt tube. Then greased the support rods with the same...
by MillieTheBoat
Fri Jul 05, 2019 11:55 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering
Replies: 7
Views: 10862

160 DAUNTLESS: Problems Installng BAYSTAR Steering

Bob (and others)--I have installed a hydraulic steering kit [possibly a BAYSTAR kit that is being discussed in this thread--jimh]. 1a.jpg I experienced a problem when I tried to insert the [support] rod into the port side [of the engine tilt tube]. After some twisting and shoving, the [support] rod ...
by MillieTheBoat
Thu Jul 04, 2019 10:06 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Intervals Which Engine Manufacturers Recommend Oil Changes
Replies: 6
Views: 10470

Re: Oil Change

Thanks Clay, Jim and Butch for your replies. Sorry about the unclear question. I was referring to the engine oil of my 2001 4-stroke Mercury 115HP outboard. I must have read it either in the manual or on the internet discussions somewhere. Also, read something about acid build up in oil. I did not k...
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jul 02, 2019 9:24 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless
Replies: 20
Views: 21758

Re: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless

Thank you very much Bob! I am trying to understanding your comment: I had previously pulled a +12V supply from the gauge cluster, but now I ran a dedicated wire from the main 30A breaker to power the trim tabs, GPS/fishfinder and VHF. Q6: did you wire the trim tab switch into the on/off switch for t...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless
Replies: 20
Views: 21758

Re: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless

Thanks Bob.

I think I can manage this after seeing a few YouTube presentations.

Q4: where do you run the cables from the console to the back?

Q5: do you run the cables through the same path as the hydraulic steering hoses?
by MillieTheBoat
Sun Jun 30, 2019 9:40 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless
Replies: 20
Views: 21758

Re: Installing trim tabs on a 160 Dauntless

Hi Bob, Thank you for writing this upgrade. I've been wondering why my 160 Dauntless seems like an elephant and bow high when getting on plane. I'm not going to do this myself and will have someone do this for me. Q1: can you list out all the parts requires for this upgrade? Q2: is the switch includ...
by MillieTheBoat
Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:59 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Intervals Which Engine Manufacturers Recommend Oil Changes
Replies: 6
Views: 10470

Intervals Which Engine Manufacturers Recommend Oil Changes

I've read regular oil change for outboard is once a year or 100 hours. I maybe used 20 hours in the last two years. The oil always looks amber color. I skipped one year and it is a bit darker color now. Going to change the oil soon. Why do you need to do oil change yearly when running less than 100 ...
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Jun 26, 2019 9:31 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Portable RADAR
Replies: 7
Views: 11398

Re: Portable RADAR

Hi fno. You made me laugh. Thank you. Yes, I have a small 2015 Raymarine Dragonfly Pro. I don't remember it is 4 or 5. I also have a portable handheld VHF with Standard-Horizon HX870. I just ordered a fixed one GX2200 to replace the old West Marine VHF radio on the boat. I only go when I can see the...
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jun 25, 2019 11:44 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Portable RADAR
Replies: 7
Views: 11398

Re: Portable RADAR

Thanks everyone for your replies and JimH for the RADAR 101. I didn't know how it works until you explained. I have a 2003 Dauntless 160. I was thinking with all the latest technologies out there, RADAR should be cheaper and portable for smaller boat. The primary reason is to use the boat occasional...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:49 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Portable RADAR
Replies: 7
Views: 11398

Portable RADAR

Is there a portable mount or wireless RADAR for a small boat? A RADAR that you take out [of some storage container], unfold, setup, [use], and take down for storage.
by MillieTheBoat
Tue May 30, 2017 4:01 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: c.2003 160 DAUNTLESS: Oil Pressure Gauge Not Working
Replies: 9
Views: 6147

Re: Oil Pressure Gauge Not Working

Hey Todd--check out this thread. I have the same problem with my gauge and it is water pressure. Not oil. I have not had a chance to fix it yet.

viewtopic.php?t=1002
by MillieTheBoat
Sun Mar 19, 2017 3:10 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Advice to First-time Boat Owner
Replies: 34
Views: 21883

Re: Advice to First-time Boat Owner

I would go to Youtube and check out backing up trailer techniques and so on at the ramp. Then do it on a weekday when there is no traffic. People are often offer help if you ask them. I still sometimes forget the straps when the kids rush me.
by MillieTheBoat
Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:21 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor
Replies: 22
Views: 13317

Small boat capsizes in surf at Oxnard, California

[A small boat capsized in the surf at night at] Oxnard, California. http://abc7.com/news/familys-boat-overturns-in-waters-off-oxnard;-mother-hospitalized/1573805/ [You have to sit through a long commercial to see a long report that consists mainly of interviews with responders concerning the capsize...
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Oct 26, 2016 3:11 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor
Replies: 22
Views: 13317

Re: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor

Jim, thank you for sharing your findings. If the officials knew about the recurrent problem, why [didn't they] put a sign at the break wall with navigational aids such as "do not enter" [in a] diamond shape on that side? Also, studying a never-visited harbor via Google Earth or Google Map ...
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Oct 26, 2016 12:55 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor
Replies: 22
Views: 13317

Re: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor

MILLIE'--Do you know the boat operator or his history of boating education courses? MILLIE---Have you taken any boat handling courses which provide instructions on how to handle a boat when you are trapped near shore in large breaking waves? If so, can you share the advice you received in the boati...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Oct 24, 2016 10:19 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor
Replies: 22
Views: 13317

Re: KTLA News Reports on Small Boat Capsize Entering Ventura Harbor

The family was very lucky. Not sure if the father had some basic boating education.
by MillieTheBoat
Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:36 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Highway Speed When Towing
Replies: 12
Views: 9178

Re: Highway Speed When Towing

Depending on where you live, you tow what you are comfortable with at the legal speed. I go with the current law in CA.

Autos with trailers and trucks are still limited to 55 MPH as specified in California Vehicle Code 22406.
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:14 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Highway Speed When Towing
Replies: 12
Views: 9178

Re: Highway Speed When Towing

My speed is between 55 and 60-MPH, and I always drive on the right side. People drive fast here, and I got dirty looks from them sometimes. I always smiled back at them. People want to pass me, go ahead; they have five lanes to choose from. No stress about it, and if I get a flat tire, I think it is...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Sep 26, 2016 3:10 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: PFD When Underway
Replies: 18
Views: 12349

Re: PFD When Underway

Lack of depth perception and peripheral vision are worse driving on the road at night. I can't imagine on the water with or without reflection of the stars/moon light. I tested out my Dauntless at 37 to 39-nautical-miles-per-hour on a calm sea during the day, and it still scares me thinking if I hit...
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Sep 13, 2016 4:45 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Ski Pylon and Flag pole
Replies: 5
Views: 6424

Re: Ski Pylon and Flag pole

Sorry for the late reply. This is a Swivl-Eze ski pylon. Here are some pictures. Thanks.
by MillieTheBoat
Thu Jul 07, 2016 1:27 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Ski Pylon and Flag pole
Replies: 5
Views: 6424

Re: Ski Pylon and Flag pole

Thank you Jim for the link and your advice. Those are nice pictures.
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Jul 06, 2016 3:37 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Ski Pylon and Flag pole
Replies: 5
Views: 6424

Ski Pylon and Flag pole

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July whether you were on the water or on land. I took the boat out from Dana Point to Newport Harbor and realized some boats had US flag and some didn't. I am one of those who did not have a US flag. The ones with the flag, the boat looks beautiful with the white col...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 27, 2016 4:57 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

Quality of Mercury Marine outboards goes down? Some of these engines are new. My first car is a Honda, my current one is a Honda, my generator is a Honda. Looks like my next outboard is a Honda.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/boats/mercury.html
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 27, 2016 2:34 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Catalina Island, California Boating Accident
Replies: 0
Views: 2838

Catalina Island, California Boating Accident

[A boating "accident"] happened 2 days ago [near Catalina Island, California]. I had NOAA warning on my phone [about] big waves in the area. [Conditions were] beautiful weather with 5 to 8-knots winds. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-catalina-boat-capsized-20160625-snap-story.h...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 27, 2016 2:17 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Using your Whaler for emergency situation
Replies: 4
Views: 4023

Using your Whaler for emergency situation

With all the recent natural disasters and man made, it makes me think about leveraging my Whaler as another escaping transportation in case my primary transportation method is out of the equation. I am wondering how many others are preparing their Whaler for these scenarios. Thanks!
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 27, 2016 1:37 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

Hi Pete, Thank you for taking the time writing back to my post and your advice. I am sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with your previous 90HP Saltwater Mercury. I would not want anyone to experience what you went through. Looks like your new Honda 90HP outboard serves you well. For my situ...
by MillieTheBoat
Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:16 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

Hi Bob, Thanks so much for taking the pictures and the instructions. I am thankful for that. Going to take the boat out this weekend since the weather is nice and warm here in Southern CA. I bought a grease gun and a 14oz of Quicksilver 2-4-c grease so it will keep me busy. I can't wait to find out ...
by MillieTheBoat
Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:19 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

I can't wait until this weekend to take a look at the water pressure gauge so I took a picture of the boat. I found the hoses. One is sticking out from the engine end where you described but it does not have any hole! And it has all these grooves. I am not familiar with "Sharkbite" connect...
by MillieTheBoat
Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:39 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Show Us Your Whaler
Replies: 147
Views: 151318

Re: Show Us Your Whaler

Thank you Bob! Wow, I read the article you wrote and you made it looks too easy.
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:32 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Show Us Your Whaler
Replies: 147
Views: 151318

Re: Show Us Your Whaler

It is a bow dodger. I am still trying to understand the concepts. Kids love the sun and I fish.
by MillieTheBoat
Tue Jun 14, 2016 12:12 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Show Us Your Whaler
Replies: 147
Views: 151318

Re: Show Us Your Whaler

That is a pretty Dauntless 160! What is the application for the bimini bow top? The one on the front of your boat. Thanks! Mixa
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 13, 2016 1:13 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

Jim and Bob, Thank you both very much for your time responding to my posts and gave me those advice and pictures. I am very grateful. I will make sure I print your recommendations and put in my tools box. When I got the boat in June 2015, I had a friend's mobile marine mechanic serviced the boat. I ...
by MillieTheBoat
Sun Jun 12, 2016 12:19 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: 2003 Dauntless New Owner

Jim, Thank you so much for your replies and advice. I just downloaded the Boston Whaler 160 Dauntless Owner's Manual. You are correct, the gauge I thought was oil gauge is actually an analog cooling water pressure gauge. I just found out that this is actually one of the most important indicators for...
by MillieTheBoat
Fri Jun 10, 2016 7:07 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

Re: New to boating. General advice.

Thank you Mr. Dutchman for your response. I got the Mercury Service Manual the previous owner gave me with the boat and it shows 115 FOURSTROKE EFI, but I don't see the engine decal with that logo on the side. When I was cruising at 19 to 20-nautical-miles-per-hour, the engine speed was [more than] ...
by MillieTheBoat
Fri Jun 10, 2016 10:24 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2003 Dauntless New Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 15624

2003 Dauntless New Owner

Greetings all, I've been lurking around this site since I got my first boat last year, a 2003 Dauntless 160 with a Mercury 115-HP. I'm also new to boating. The general use is taking the little ones around the harbors between Dana Point and Newport, California, and some fishing trip with buddies with...
by MillieTheBoat
Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:10 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Show Us Your Whaler
Replies: 147
Views: 151318

Re: Show Us Your Whaler

I'm new at boating and was fortunate enough to find a great 2003 Dauntless 16 last summer. It comes with Mercury 115 HP Fourstroke. I don't know how many hours the engine has but had a mobile marine guy came and did some basic services. The guy who sold us the boat also threw in a Mercury 6HP for fr...