Search found 760 matches

by dtmackey
Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:45 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3626

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

The design of classic center console open boats usually includes a strong railing around the center console windshield and extending downward on the side of the center console, and side railings on the gunwales. All those railings are often used as "something to grab when needed." On that...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 01, 2022 11:29 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3626

Re: Who Really Wants A T-Top

My lack of affection for a T-Top is based on the location in which most of my boating is done: north of Latitude 45-degrees. The water and air temperatures are generally cooler than when boating in the Tropic of Cancer, so being able to enclose the helm with weather canvas, consisting of a Flying T...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 01, 2022 9:15 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Customer Reviews of Boston Whaler Parts Reseller
Replies: 3
Views: 1404

Re: Customer Reviews of Boston Whaler Parts Reseller

JackC wrote:They have a compelling price for a rubrail ...
What are you seeing for rub rail pricing from Boston Whaler? Try Sue at Twin Cities Marine. I paid $225 for a rub rail from them.
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:32 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Who Really Wants A T-Top
Replies: 20
Views: 3626

Who Really Wants A T-Top

[Moderator's note: separated from another discussion seeking a mechanical solution to a problem created by a T-Top being too tall .] A T-Top is really an affectation for boaters who think they need to have complete walk-around access to the entire boat deck while holding a large fishing rod and atte...
by dtmackey
Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:08 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Caulks: BoatLife, OSI, SIKAFLEX
Replies: 2
Views: 1357

Re: Caulks: BoatLife, OSI, SIKAFLEX

Thirty-years-ago I'd have told you to seek out 3M 101 bedding compound, but I haven't seen it on the market in a long time. I've since switched to SIKAFLEX [291 FAST CURE MARINE SEALANT] since it's recommended by many boat builders. It's available on Amazon (as low as $16.50 for a large tube) and if...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: North Carolina to Florida Service Provider to Modify T-Top
Replies: 9
Views: 1969

Re: North Carolina to Florida Service Provider to Modify T-Top

There are many boat builders in North Carolina that do amazing work. Their supply base for large boat parts is also in the same area, so finding notch aluminum fabricator should be easy. What you want: disconnects welded into the T-top aluminum upright tubes. It's a straightforward process and not d...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:34 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: c.2016 Mercury 150 FOURSTROKE Battery Charging Problem
Replies: 5
Views: 4643

Re: c.2016 Mercury 150 FOURSTROKE Battery Charging Problem

Leave your worry about ultimate top speed of the boat until you figure out the cause of the battery and no-start and "low voltage" alert. Jim is right: work on the problem at hand and then go back and figure out the discrepancy in top speed of your boat compared to similar boats. So many ...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 29, 2022 3:42 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: c.2016 Mercury 150 FOURSTROKE Battery Charging Problem
Replies: 5
Views: 4643

Re: c.2016 Mercury 150 FOURSTROKE Battery Charging Problem

I've found that when batteries suddenly has low voltage like described, the cause sometimes can be a short within one of the cells causing the plates to short together.

Check the simple things first: power connections on the battery and on the engine.

D-
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 29, 2022 3:34 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Refinishing Boston Whaler brightwork with Cetol products
Replies: 5
Views: 1609

Re: Refinishing Boston Whaler brightwork with Cetol products

The wood finish looks very nice. Do these finishing products tolerate sunlight well? I used this finish on the ladder steps on my Nordic Tug and I'm on season-three without touching them. The finish holds up great, but does not have the same depth and clarity of varnish. Since these are teak steps,...
by dtmackey
Mon Jun 27, 2022 2:26 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Overall Length with Engine Trimmed Up: 190 or 170 MONTAUK
Replies: 12
Views: 1961

Re: Overall Length with Engine Trimmed Up: 190 or 170 MONTAUK

In determining LOA for trailer sizing, we use the length over all (LOA) of the hull plus two-feet for the motor in the horizontal position. For the engine tilted out of the water, I would add two-feet more. Two-feet more doesn't sound like enough to me. The distance may also vary slightly for diffe...
by dtmackey
Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:20 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: How "older" and "newer" Boston Whaler Boats are Made
Replies: 4
Views: 2659

Re: How "older" and "newer" Boston Whaler Boats are Made

The foam in Whalers isn't unique to Whaler, it's the process in how the foam is injected that's unique. Plenty of other boats out there with the same closed cell foam as Whaler that's absorbed water. Most boats the foam is injected (or dumped) into cavities in the hull, which over time, those areas ...
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 24, 2022 1:27 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Bottom Painting 15-footer
Replies: 12
Views: 2790

Re: Bottom Painting 15-footer

Thanks, that's what I've done. But being chicken, I removed the seats, the outboard and the console... If you are flipping from upright to upside down, this can be done by one person, now that you've removed all the weight from the boat. I've done several 13-footers over the years. I place pads on ...
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 24, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers
Replies: 10
Views: 2253

Re: Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers

Most dealers for loose engine sales sell (or include) the cheapest and lowest-quality propeller possible. Explaining to an owner who just spent $12,000 that be ought to spend $500 on a prop is difficult. Convincing them a stainless steel propeller is better overall than an aluminum propeller like p...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 23, 2022 1:33 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Off-Center Mounting of Outboard
Replies: 3
Views: 1205

Re: Outboard off center: normal?

The simple answer is NO. Off center mounting sounds like an error when the boat was powered. It should be on the centerline of the boat.

D-
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 22, 2022 5:24 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: The Evinrude Legacy
Replies: 11
Views: 2839

Re: The Evinrude Legacy

ROTAX was acquired by Bombardier in 1970. Bombardier acquired Evinrude in 2001 from the ashes of the OMC bankruptcy. On that basis, there is a lot more history with ROTAX than there was with Evinrude. Looking at these two subsidiary companies from the perspective of the senior acquiring company, RO...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:46 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: The Evinrude Legacy
Replies: 11
Views: 2839

Re: The Evinrude Legacy

Perhaps the goal for BRP with the Ghost project was to move to four-stroke-power-cycle designs, which would explain the ending of the Evinrude brand, which had a 100-year history of making two-stroke-power-cycle engines. A four-stroke-power-cycle engine would make more sense with the market demand ...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:54 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: The Evinrude Legacy
Replies: 11
Views: 2839

Re: The Evinrude Legacy

For those of you interested in an actual pic of the Evinrude Ghost motor. I'm guessing this is a 2 stroke with the saddlebag style oil tank.

Image


D-
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 21, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers
Replies: 10
Views: 2253

Re: Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers

I do not consider most of the people on CW "average". Seems many of us are over 50, have owned our boats a long period of time and possess many years of experience and know more than what the "pointy end" of the boat is called.
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 21, 2022 11:58 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers
Replies: 10
Views: 2253

Yamaha and Sharrow Reach Agreement on Propellers

To see a large company [like Yamaha Marine Precision Propeller] partner with Sharrow to get their propeller technology into mass production is nice. I hope the outcome will be to bring down the price of Sharrow propeller technology to the common person. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/yamaha-marine-p...
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:12 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Alaskan Squall still drying out
Replies: 8
Views: 2022

Re: Alaskan Squall still drying out

And I've had people argue that Whalers don't absorb water.

There are plenty of 13 and 17 Whalers around me that are very heavy with significant water absorbed into the foam. The most common fail point is the brass drain tube that corrodes out in salt water.

D-
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1979 SPORT 15 Raising Engine
Replies: 12
Views: 3982

Re: 1979 SPORT 15 Raising Engine

When Phil reached out to me, I wasn't aware of the 3 water pickups on the Honda lower unit, especially one under the cavitation plate, which is a very unusual place to have a water intake. Very strange that they would do that. Is this motor a 15-inch or 20-inch shaft? If a 20-inch shaft, I don't for...
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 21, 2022 9:30 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: The Evinrude Legacy
Replies: 11
Views: 2839

Re: The Evinrude Legacy

As a saltwater boater, I cringe at the thought of a GHOST outboard propulsion device that stays tilted down and in the saltwater while stored on the mooring or boat slip.

D-
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 17, 2022 2:26 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Tips on Applying Paint
Replies: 5
Views: 1524

Re: Tips on Applying Pain

A two-part polyurethane will provide a glass like surface. With paint, the work is all in the preparation; the better the prep work, the better the outcome. Catalyzed paints are always more robust than moisture cure options. Look at Imron, Awlgrip and Alexseal. I've sprayed all three; they comparabl...
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 17, 2022 2:18 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Alternatives to SeaDeck flooring?
Replies: 1
Views: 1151

Re: Alternatives to SeaDeck flooring?

I'm not happy with the non-skid deck (sole?) as it seems to get dirty really quickly. Starbrite works well to clean it up, but I was thinking of a SeaDeck install instead. But, that's somewhat "permanent" given the adhesive on the backing. I saw a marina-neighbor's Tiara had a mat that wa...
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 17, 2022 2:07 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Raising Engine Height
Replies: 22
Views: 5490

Re: Raising Engine Height

I hope I can provide the first-person advice being sought: When I bought my 1970 16-foot Whaler, its 90-HP Evinrude ETEC outboard was mounted at the lowest possible position, using the blind lower holes. When I decided to upgrade to a stainless steel propeller, I took the opportunity to also re-dri...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 16, 2022 4:47 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Raising Engine Height
Replies: 22
Views: 5490

Re: Raising Engine Height

With the risk of insulting Phil and Jimh, you really need to find someone that has done something similar on that model hull. Taking advice from those with an adversion to jackplates or anything non-Whaler without having personal experience to the use of a jackplate on that hull (or very similar) is...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 16, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Raising Engine Height
Replies: 22
Views: 5490

Re: Raising Engine Height

The jack plate weighs 19 pounds. The person drilling the top holes drilled them 1/4" different. If he didn't use a jig, easy to do. Motor does seat tight to top of transom on both side, so may have been intentional. For an additional 5-lbs you could have a hydraulic jack plate with lots of adj...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 16, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1999 OUTRAGE 21 Console Modification
Replies: 5
Views: 1318

Re: 1999 OUTRAGE 21 Console Modification

If it were my boat I would have a teak or mahogany stop made to stand on with non-skid so it's not slippary. Cutting the console down is not going to be cheap since you have the wiring, steering, controls and more that need to be dealt with while the console if removed for cutting and fiberglass wor...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 15, 2022 7:24 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

Highly doubt there was an F70 and it's been the F70A from the time of product launch, as noted by the Yamaha models when looking up parts, no designation for an F70. I will still refer to my F70A as an F70 since most people wouldn't be aware of the "A" suffix and start asking questions, sp...
by dtmackey
Mon Jun 13, 2022 10:19 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Making Your Own Stainless Steel Tube Railings
Replies: 6
Views: 2273

Re: Making Your Own Stainless Steel Tube Railings

Can I buy a pipe bender and the stainless tube and make my own stainless steel tube railings? Yes, if you have good attention to detail you can bend 316SS railing and achieve OEM quality. I've done this on many Whaler projects over the 25 years with great results. https://i.imgur.com/2cB6ZWAl.jpg I...
by dtmackey
Mon Jun 13, 2022 8:11 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Bottom Painting 15-footer
Replies: 12
Views: 2790

Re: Bottom Painting 13-footer

alan-bc wrote:Q2: how can a c.1980 SPORT 15 be lifted off its trailer without damage to the hull?
Just use the 3 points on the hull (bow and stern eyes)

Image
Fig. 1. Lifting with three points
by dtmackey
Sat Jun 11, 2022 8:32 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

While in the past I would jump in to learn all the intricacies of the details, I have found that "Joe Owner" does not know or care about the correct model name and often refers to a four-stroke Yamaha without the F in the model name. To be transparent, I have a 2020 Yamaha F70 on my Whale...
by dtmackey
Fri Jun 10, 2022 8:18 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Towing Boat With Cushions in Cockpit
Replies: 6
Views: 1695

Re: Towing Boat With Cushions in Cockpit

I have seat cushions in my 15 and the snaps are really secure. Unlike Jim, I was lucky enough to see my cusions fluttering around before they took flights and had time to pull over and stow them in the car on the side of a busy highway. Now I don't leave anything for chance, cushions and anything no...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:21 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

Correct, the F70 = F70A until such time a change to the motor is made that warrants an update of the model designation to F70B. But do you really think that absolutely nothing changed in 13-years? After cross checking a number of key parts on both motors, it seems to be the same right down to the d...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:04 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

I believe an F70AET would be decoded as follows F=four-stroke-power-cycle 70=HP A=first change or perhaps more clearly first version E=manual tilt with electric start T=undefined, perhaps means tiller Probably, but strange that they would have different ways of identifying across countries. I would...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 09, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

If the "F70" has always been identified more precisely as the F70A since 2009, then apparently no significant change has occurred in the production of this engine. The confusion seems to be with regard to the definition of "A" as indicating first "change." Perhaps it i...
by dtmackey
Thu Jun 09, 2022 8:19 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

The model code chart on the second page of the Hot Sheet identifies the meaning of the model designators. It appears that Yamaha has designated this engine as the F70A since its introduction in 2009, and that any changes it has made have not resulted in a change in model designator to B. There cert...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 08, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

Thanks for the feedback on F70, F70A and F70LA, but there is also a F70AET - which I believe is an overseas model. I'm sure there are even more model designators for the F70 out there.

D-
by dtmackey
Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Yamaha F70 and F70A
Replies: 21
Views: 6257

Re: Yamaha F70 and F70A

What about the F70LA since that's the current F70 model?
by dtmackey
Mon Jun 06, 2022 3:16 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Ceramic Coating Over Gel Coat
Replies: 1
Views: 1383

Re: Ceramic Coating Over Gel Coat

"Ceramic coating" means different things to different people. I started playing with ceramic coatings in 2021. The spray-on ceramic product is not the robust multi-season coating that you rub on and level with a microfiber. Real ceramic coatings cannot be sprayed since they are thicker (hi...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes
Replies: 16
Views: 4036

Re: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes

On my Mako rehab 17 years ago, I removed the double brass tubes that the factory used and enlarged the deck drains and then made my own internal fiberglass tube by lining with fiberglass and then inflating a balloon to keep in place and remove the air bubbles from the resin. This was further glassed...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:30 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Repair Shop to install Brass Hull Drain Boston Area
Replies: 6
Views: 1145

Re: Repair Shop to install Brass Hull Drain Boston Area

After repairing the transom with the Marine Tex I used the 3M 5200 to seal the tubes in place. ASIDE: I was watching my outboard guy do a Boston Whaler boat drain tube. Even though he had the flaring tool he was complaining loudly.... My own transom was chewed up all around the drain so some Marine...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:27 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes
Replies: 16
Views: 4036

Re: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes

The brass drain tubes used by Boston Whaler in the 1980's may have been economical for the factory and acceptable in the early years of the Boston Whaler boat production, but brass tubes as drain tubes have been found by some to be a major culprit leading to water intrusion into the foam core of Un...
by dtmackey
Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:17 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes
Replies: 16
Views: 4036

Re: Hull Drains: Using Fiberglass Tubes to Replace Brass Tubes

What is the permeability to water intrusion of the fiberglass tubes? ASIDE. On my 1990 REVENGE 22 all of the brass drain tubes are original, and I do not have any evidence of corrosion in them, although on one of the drain tubes there seems to be a inward kink in the tube that reduces the ID slight...
by dtmackey
Tue May 24, 2022 4:11 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 130 SUPER SPORT with 30-HP
Replies: 3
Views: 3097

Re: 130 SUPER SPORT with 30-HP

A rule of thumb is [divide the horsepower by ten]--the motor will burn that many gallons per hour at full throttle.

Using that rule I estimate the fuel consumption of a 30-HP at less than full throttle would be 2.2-GPH.

I guesstimate the boat speed would be around 20-MPH.
by dtmackey
Tue May 24, 2022 3:07 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 130 SUPER SPORT with 30-HP
Replies: 3
Views: 3097

Re: 130 SUPER SPORT with 30-HP

Can't image [a 130 SUPER SPORT with 30-HP] would be a speed demon. A 130 SUPER SPORT is a heavy boat compared to the previous generation Super Sport boat. The best fuel economy will be with the engine throttle set at two-third to three-quarter full-throttle. With only 30-HP that may vary.
by dtmackey
Tue May 24, 2022 2:27 pm
Forum: MARKETPLACE
Topic: APPRAISAL: 1993 OUTRAGE 17
Replies: 8
Views: 2835

Re: APPRAISAL: 1993 OUTRAGE 17

Phil T wrote:FWIW - The OP purchased the boat in question.


I think $12K was a great price in this market and would have expected it to be more.

D-
by dtmackey
Tue May 24, 2022 9:55 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Another Reminder: UNSINKABLE Boston Whaler
Replies: 2
Views: 786

Re: Another Reminder: UNSINKABLE Boston Whaler

If those poor fisherman had been boating in an unsinkalble boat, such as an Edgewater or Everglades this wouldn't be news.

D-
by dtmackey
Thu May 19, 2022 12:55 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Using KING StarBoard to Make Console Parts
Replies: 9
Views: 1333

Re: Using KING StarBoard to Make Console Parts

Have you priced Mahogany lately? Ouch! Mahogany has gone up a bit since I built my interior, but not nearly as bad as othering things. I'd expect Starboard to have a high price increase since it manufactured from petroleum. https://www.highlandhardwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/Exotic-Lumber-050422.p...
by dtmackey
Tue May 17, 2022 4:18 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2001 220 DAUNTLESS: Shipping Boat and Trailer via Carrier Service
Replies: 8
Views: 1480

Re: Experience shipping a boat

Don't skimp, plenty of fly by night outfits out there. It didn't end well for a friend of mine who's (new to him) boat was totaled when the hauler tried to navigate a narrow car toll lane at speed with a wide load in tow.... Take note of the reveiws, recommendations, accident and claims history of a...