Search found 760 matches

by dtmackey
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:44 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Honda BF25 Runs Poorly
Replies: 13
Views: 243

Re: Honda BF25 Runs Poorly

Thanks for the update on the spark and using the same tester as Jim mentioned. In my 40 years of engine work, I've never used a tester and rely on a sparkplug witht the metal body touching the engine block. Now that we know the cylinder is getting spark—and I'm assuming you did this [both] cold and ...
by dtmackey
Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:09 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Honda BF25 Runs Poorly
Replies: 13
Views: 243

Re: Honda BF25 Runs Poorly

Q1: Are you getting spark on all three plugs when the engine appears to dros a cylinder? While the compression is lower than what Honda states, it's not something that would cause [combustion to stop] in one cylinder. I've seen situations like this where as the motor warms up, the heat causes someth...
by dtmackey
Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Refinishing Mahogany Wood Parts
Replies: 2
Views: 253

Re: Refinishing Mahogany Wood Parts

I've used epoxy under varnish, but it changes the color of the wood (darkens), in the future I'm using a 2 part varnish from Awlgrip. I've also used Epifanes (many coats) and then topped with an automotive urethane clear coat with great results, and you can spray multiple coats in a day. If you do g...
by dtmackey
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1984 SPORT 15 Re-power
Replies: 13
Views: 739

Re: 1984 SPORT 15 Re-power

I have ordered an Atlas atlas jack plate [of unspecified model]. The Atlas Micro Jacker is the perfect combination and weighs in at 23-lbs. I mounted all the control relays under the engine cowling. The jack plate UP-DOWN control switch is mounted on the Yamaha remote throttle and shift control lev...
by dtmackey
Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:42 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1984 SPORT 15 Re-power
Replies: 13
Views: 739

Re: 1984 SPORT 15 Re-power

With the outboard engine tilted up, the draft of a SPORT 15 will probably less than one foot. Getting ashore on a sand bar will not be a problem. A jack plate, if anything, will increase the draft in the stern and make getting onto a sand bar more difficult. A jackplate will allow the motor to be r...
by dtmackey
Tue Jan 09, 2024 9:41 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Field Report: 2016 Evinrude E-TEC 90 Engine
Replies: 5
Views: 670

Re: Field Report: 2016 Evinrude E-TEC 90 Engine

I agree with Jim: you should post elsewhere with more user input on that model motor. While Jim's positive experience with his E-TEC 225 is an apple-to-oranges with your motor with almost nothing comparable to share, my suggestion would be to keep up on maintenance . I owned a couple earlier model m...
by dtmackey
Sun Oct 29, 2023 8:10 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing
Replies: 22
Views: 2561

Re: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing

The only people saying this are the CEOs of legacy US manufacturers, who have found that they cannot build profitable electric vehicles for mass markets. They are trying to sound good to their stock holders. I don't think they are particularly apostles of change toward electric vehicles. Also, I ju...
by dtmackey
Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:32 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing
Replies: 22
Views: 2561

Re: Tesla Boat Trailer Towing

As car company CEOs now admit that the general population isn't adopting electric cars as predicted and scaling back on the agressive plans they had to build new mfg facilities and launch new models. For me an electric car doesn't work since I tow and drive many places where chargers are not availab...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 05, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1989 SUPER SPORT 15 2023 Yamaha F70
Replies: 2
Views: 9778

Re: 1989 SUPER SPORT 15 2023 Yamaha F70

I have a 1989 SUPER SPORT 15 with a 2023 Yamaha F70 mounted in the 3rd hole (two open on top) and PowerTech RED 13.25 x 15-pitch propeller. At an engine speed of 6,200-RPM the GPS boat speed obtained in choppy water is 38.7-MPH. My 1989 SUPER SPORT 15 boat is a little heavier than a typical SUPER S...
by dtmackey
Thu Nov 10, 2022 12:44 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13
Replies: 4
Views: 1130

Re: Using Jet Ski Lift to Support SPORT 13

So let's see: ⋅ 340-lbs for a classic 13'-footer ⋅ 132-lbs for the largest possible (full) gas tank that fits in the boat (14-gallons);obviously less weight for smaller tanks ⋅ 50-lbs for a Group 24 battery and cables ⋅ 229-lbs for the heaviest 40-HP engine on...
by dtmackey
Tue Aug 16, 2022 10:41 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Source for Wood Components
Replies: 3
Views: 1634

Re: Source for Wood Components

Bob Latourelle in Massachusetts is a masterful woodworker in my book... I previously posted of the fine craftsmanship of Bob Latourelle and it's about as close to Whaler as you can buy. Bob buys his wood direct from the importer as many local lumberyards do as well. I met Bob and walked through his...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 15, 2022 1:48 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw
Replies: 8
Views: 2225

Re: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw

I was aboard the USCGC MAKINAW, while she was still in service as the biggest icebreaker on the Great Lakes. She was also powered by Fairbanks-Morse diesel and electric motors driving the three propeller shafts. The Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines used two opposing pistons in each cylinder. A recent...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 15, 2022 11:19 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw
Replies: 8
Views: 2225

Re: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw

Buoy ops are sometimes in tight places very close to ledges and other hazards. The year before I arrived on USCGC SPAR, it went over Moulton ledge near Bar Harbor Maine causing significant damage to the keel requiring emergency onsite repairs to prevent major flooding and also shipyard repair. In th...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:57 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw
Replies: 8
Views: 2225

Re: USCG Bouy Tender Saginaw

Some say that bouy tender duty is one of the worst duties in the Coast Guard, but I loved it. Back in 1986 and 1987 I was stationed on the USCGC SPAR (WLB-403) out of South Portland Maine, and we serviced from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Canada. We also refueled lighthouses. That duty was lots of f...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:48 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: BRP Announces the new ROTAX OUTBOARD ENGINE
Replies: 20
Views: 5033

Re: BRP Announces the new ROTAX OUTBOARD ENGINE

I noted that all the promotional pictures feature freshwater boats and environments. Given the level of submergence of the ROTAX design, it will be interesting to see what level of corrosion protection and warranty will be offered. It would give me pause to use this setup in saltwater, in the same ...
by dtmackey
Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:30 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

VANCE—I think you have the answer. Your remarks are very likely to be exactly what occurred. The engine protected itself. A beautiful mind! A beautiful answer! The sound of a rev-limiter is sometimes described as a “barking” sound because the engine suddenly cuts out, the engine speed drops below t...
by dtmackey
Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:21 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

I never hit a rev limiter or even know what the limit is set on a 90hp OMC motor from those years. Is it possible he hit the rev limit and the shutdown caused his knocking sound? 1986 Johnson 90s did not have a rev limiter, so there's no way he could hit it. Factory recommended operating RPM range ...
by dtmackey
Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:23 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: SUPER SPORT 15 with F70A
Replies: 7
Views: 6066

Re: SUPER SPORT 15 with F70A

I own a 1985 Sport 15 with a 2014 Yamaha F70LA with a PowerTech SCD3 propeller with 17-pitch. The F70LA engine is mounted two-holes up. The boat accelerates to 43-MPH at full throttle with a light load. The SPORT 15 hull will chine walk at 43-MPH, so I don’t stay there long. I contacted Ken Reeves ...
by dtmackey
Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:16 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

jimh wrote:Q19: what is the gear ratio of the 1986 Johnson 90-HP engine?


Q19 Answer - 1986 Johnson brochure shows 13:26 (.5) as the gear ratio for the 90 and 110 models.

D-
by dtmackey
Tue Aug 02, 2022 8:32 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

The original VRO was a unreliable system that had many failures giving VRO a bad name. VRO2 was quickly launched with improvements that resolved the failure concern, but like a Ficht, the market already soured on VRO. A VRO2 pump will make a tapping or clicking or knocking sound (call it what you wa...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 01, 2022 9:04 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

I assume the engine [speed] was in excess of 7,000-RPM... I must have missed the running speed in excess of 7000-RPM. How did this occur, wrong prop selection? Prop out of the water? Revving in neutral? I have concerns at an enginer RPM over 7000RPMs. Jim mentioned the low hours, but if the motor w...
by dtmackey
Mon Aug 01, 2022 3:55 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise
Replies: 38
Views: 6748

Re: 1986 Johnson 90 Makes Knocking Noise

"Knocking" is a very generic term that could me different things to different people. To me a knock is a pre-ignition condition, but to others "knocking" could be a mechanical noise of a bad rod bearing or a dislodged piston ring alignment pin that's backed out and made its way b...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 27, 2022 9:41 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: SIKAFLEX 291 LOT Tube Color
Replies: 4
Views: 1782

Re: SIKAFLEX 291 LOT Tube Color

This is like asking what's the difference between 2 Chevy Tahoe LT models, but one is red, the other blue.... Which is preferred? Are they the same?

D-
by dtmackey
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:10 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: SIKAFLEX 291 LOT Tube Color
Replies: 4
Views: 1782

Re: SIKAFLEX 291 LOT Tube Color

Q1: is the sealant SIKAFLEX 291 LOT different if the tube color is RED or BLUE? I've only ever seen the tubes in blue color. Q2: which tube color of SIKAFLEX 291 LOT is preferred? Q5: Color of what? Q6: The tube color? Q7: The material color? Q8: Are you trying to match something and need a specifi...
by dtmackey
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:01 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: replacement generator
Replies: 1
Views: 1246

Re: replacement generator

Kohler generators seem to have problems. 3 people in my cruising group have all had problems and each one different and expensive to fix. The engines were fine, it was the engine management and generator controls that gave them problems. We've had a Northern Lights generator in out boat since having...
by dtmackey
Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:46 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Flying Top
Replies: 2
Views: 1119

Flying Top

What does the term "Flying Top" mean with regard to boat canvas from Wm. J. Mills & Co.?
by dtmackey
Sun Jul 24, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: MONTAUK 17 Full Cover--Not Wm. J. Mills & Co
Replies: 11
Views: 3158

Re: MONTAUK 17 Full Cover--Not Wm. J. Mills & Co

What are your opinions of a price of $2365? Depending on where you're located, canvas work can be very expensive. I asked a friend of mine, who owned Canvasback Marine Canvas in Rhode Island, what he'd charge me to make a cover for my 15-foot. He told me to buy an off-the-shelf cover or buy from so...
by dtmackey
Sat Jul 23, 2022 10:26 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: STRIPER 15 Seating: Four Questions
Replies: 11
Views: 2656

Re: STRIPER 15 Seating

In general, if are looking for advice on obtaining Boston Whaler replacement parts from the OEM supplier, consult the REFERENCE article that provides that advice There's one problem with Jim's recommendation to refer to the reference section for selecting a wooden interior builder. The referenced B...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 22, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Trailer Set Up
Replies: 32
Views: 7922

Re: New Trailer Set Up Question

The roller should be touching the top of the bow eye. The strap should be pulling straight. Unwind and have the hook feed from the bottom. Slide the winch platform up. I agree with Phil, with the bow eye under the roller, it locks the boat in place in the even of a sudden stop. Every trailer I've e...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 22, 2022 8:09 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Trailer Set Up
Replies: 32
Views: 7922

Re: Trailer Set Up

We lived and boated on the Upper Potomac for ten years. Our residence was about 150 yards from the Fort Belvoir Marina on Dogue Creek. All the area ramps at the time were shallow, probably because the Potomac is a tidal river. We found it necessary to back into the water until only the first few in...
by dtmackey
Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2022 Fuel Prices at Marina Fuel Docks
Replies: 11
Views: 2801

Re: 2022 Fuel Prices at Marina Fuel Docks

[quote="dtmackey"]Fuel dock gas prices are all over the map and are expected to go higher. Mystic River Marina, Connecticut $5.79 gasoline $7.24 diesel Mill Wharf, Scituate, Massachusetts $ 6.19 89-Octane ValvTect $ 7.34 diesel Hyannis, Massachusetts $9 diesel Nantucket estimated Summer 20...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:17 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Specialty Marine Reviews
Replies: 4
Views: 1984

Re: STRIPER 15 Seating: Four Questions

If you're happy with Specialy Marine products, the bar is set pretty low. Their suppliers are overseas and passed off wood interiors that: - Weren't a true mahogany, wood species unknown - Plywood on parts where Whaler used solid wood. The plywood used wasn't marine grade and used glue that failed i...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:57 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Specialty Marine Reviews
Replies: 4
Views: 1984

Re: STRIPER 15 Seating: Four Questions

Specialty Marine sells many interior wood kits for older Boston Whalers that come prefinished. Stay far aware from Specialty Marine wood products. For a while they were using laminates and as I understand they now use a cheap "mahogany" where the pieces come unglued. There are hundreds of...
by dtmackey
Mon Jul 18, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Mercury 60-HP BIGFOOT FOURSTROKE EFI: Remove Engine from Swivel Tube
Replies: 5
Views: 2145

Re: Mercury 60-HP BIGFOOT FOURSTROKE EFI: Remove engine from Swivel Tube

While I have not worked on a Mercury 60 Bigfoot, it does use a similar design to Yamaha, Evinrude, and others where the bottom steering tube mounts are fairly easy to remove, but the top mounts are only accessible from inside the midsection to put a wrench on the nuts on the top mounts. Powerhead re...
by dtmackey
Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:53 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1986 SUPER SPORT 15, 70-HP
Replies: 13
Views: 4472

Re: 1986 SUPER SPORT 15, 70-HP

Trying to resolve your concern is getting more confusing with each new detail. I think you first need to know if your motor is running properly. Second, you need to validate each piece of information you've provided: Prop pitch Engine RPM Gear ratio - Evinrude used 2.42 on the 70 for many years, whi...
by dtmackey
Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:18 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: SPORT 15: Adding Cleats
Replies: 3
Views: 1764

Re: SPORT 15: Adding Cleats

Your method is quite crafty and certainly will be strong. An aversion to drilling holes in the hull of a Boston Whaler boat is a good credo to follow in most cases. On the other hand, when I had a 1976 SPORT 15, I also added two cleats near the transom. I installed them using conventional screw fas...
by dtmackey
Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:15 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Alaskan Squall still drying out
Replies: 8
Views: 2011

Re: Alaskan Squall still drying out

Your Boston Whaler Squall is rapidly approaching the desired original dry weight of 125 pounds. It reminds me of a friend that said that she was trying to get back to her original weight of 6 pounds 3 ounces. Good luck Bill "Rapidly"? Maybe relative to the age of the universe, but 22 year...
by dtmackey
Thu Jul 14, 2022 9:19 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1986 SUPER SPORT 15, 70-HP
Replies: 13
Views: 4472

Re: 1986 SUPER SPORT 15, 70-HP

My 1986 SUPER SPORT 15 has an Evinrude 70-HP engine with a stainless steel propeller [of unspecified number of blades] of 13.5-inch diameter and 18-pitch. [The engine can accelerate to a speed of] 6,000-RPM, but I seldom operate at that throttle because "the book" recommends (I think) to ...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 13, 2022 9:56 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Expected Cost for Steering Repair
Replies: 5
Views: 1952

Re: Expected Cost for Steering Repair

If you shop around, you can get the Baystar kit for under $800. https://boatstore.com/seastar-hk4200a-3-baystar-hyd-steering-kit.html?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cse I've run the NFB cable steering on many Whalers over the past 37 years and it's OK. On my current 15' Whaler, I upgraded ...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 13, 2022 8:35 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1987 Outrage 18 Soft Spots in Aft Cockpit Deck
Replies: 5
Views: 1780

Re: 1987 Outrage 18 Soft Spots in Aft Cockpit Deck

Q1: does the restoration need to be completed immediately? …there was a T top put onto the boat that is slightly loose… I would address the repair when you have the time, but don't push it too far off as it will continue to get softer as the plywodd core rots away. During the repair process it is h...
by dtmackey
Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Assess Integrity of Brass Drain Tube from Images
Replies: 4
Views: 1713

Re: Assess Integrity of Brass Drain Tube from Images

I run a bead of Life Caulk to seal the flared tube to the fiberglass ensuring a seal on all the tubes till they can be replaced. I would do that to allow you to use the boat this season. Replace the tubes and O rings in the winter/spring. Also it is important to use sealant (not adhesive) in every ...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 08, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Fuel Tank Fastening System Retrospective
Replies: 10
Views: 3001

Re: Fuel Tank Fastening System Retrospective

I had heard that about rubber and aluminum before. My old tank was corroded horribly everywhere but was corroded the least where it was protected by rubber. Apparently the rubber wasn't as corrosive as the salt water. Myself, on my install under the tank I used a solid coat of 3M5200 adhesive betwe...
by dtmackey
Thu Jul 07, 2022 2:13 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Navigation Pole Lamp Bend Angle
Replies: 16
Views: 2868

Re: Navigation Pole Lamp Bend Angle

I also think a straight pole could be bent as needed with a tubing bender, as long as it was thin-wall steel. I would not recommend using steel as Jim has suggested, I would use 304 or 316 stainless tubing, depending on the level of corrosion resistance desired. Thin-wall used for railings, is rath...
by dtmackey
Thu Jul 07, 2022 1:48 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Fuel Tank Fastening System Retrospective
Replies: 10
Views: 3001

Re: Fuel Tank Fastening System Retrospective

When I've replaced tanks, I always foam them in. Foam locks the tank in place and also support the bottom and sides, foam also removes any space where gas vapors can collect. Water will eventually get into a tank cavity (cavity where the tank is placed). However, on the Whaler outrage models, the de...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:28 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Navigation Pole Lamp Bend Angle
Replies: 16
Views: 2868

Re: Navigation Pole Lamp Bend Angle

The biggest problem with that upper holder is the plastic collar fails over time and is not available for purchase.

Sue said I needed to buy the entire expensive mount to get that $0.25 cent collar. So I had to make my own collar.
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: MARKETPLACE
Topic: APPRAISAL: 1984 Montauk 17 E-TEC 90 Trailer
Replies: 2
Views: 1897

Re: APPRAISAL: 1984 Montauk 17 E-TEC 90 Trailer

You're in Alabama so the market may be different in your region. Up here in New England in this market, I'd say $17,000. I'm seeing old, beat-up Boston Whaler boats transact north of $10,000.

D-
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3595

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

A good friend of mine built his own hardtop and it was quite the process. First he had to make a mold so he could make a plug to cast the inner and outer portions of the hardtop. Making the molds https://i.imgur.com/ZogWUy9l.jpg Mold plug built https://i.imgur.com/9bG9hKBl.jpg Laying up the inner sk...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 11:43 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3595

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

Also, the boat pictured is not really a center console with a T-Top. It has a somewhat open pilot house that has been designed to be enclosed with weather canvas. The "T-Top" is a much larger structure than found on most center console boats Around here on the ocean that's called a t-top ...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3595

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

...I do not agree with points first, second, or fourth claimed advantage of a T-Top compared to a canvas top... Everyone seeks different things out of their boats. What works for me, may not work for you. I owned several boats with canvas bimini covers (both Whaler and other boat makes) and will ne...
by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:06 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3595

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

As for angling, I do agree that on Northern waters the fish don't grow as large as in tropical water, and there is really never any reason to need to be able to walk around the boat with rod and reel while doing battle with a panfish. I need to keep you honest Jim. Fish in the north do get quite la...