Search found 11673 matches

by jimh
Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Replies: 10
Views: 6878

Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console

Another method to approach the wiring and rigging of a center console which will present a problem for access is to pre-assembly the system before mounting them in the center console. Take some measurements and make a temporary rigging fixture. Mount the components on the temporary fixture and run t...
by jimh
Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:21 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console
Replies: 10
Views: 6878

Re: 1989 Outrage 18: Access Inside the Console

I noticed when on a tour of the Boston Whaler factory that rigging and electrical wiring of the center console was usually accomplished by having the center console elevated above the installer. The installer worked on the center console from underneath it, and the installer could still stand up nor...
by jimh
Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:32 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Wire Size For High Current Load
Replies: 2
Views: 3398

Re: Wire Size For High Current Load

If 12-Volt DC is converted to 120-VAC at 88-percent efficiency, and 1,500-Watts of AC current it provided, then the DC input must be 1500/0.88 = 1700-Watts. If the input voltage is 12.0-Volts, then the current needed for 1,700-Watts would be 1700/12 = 142-Ampere. Copper wire of 4-AWG has a resistanc...
by jimh
Thu Apr 27, 2017 6:19 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Battery Loses Charge
Replies: 8
Views: 6414

Re: Battery Loses Charge Overnight

To better understand how a 12-Volt battery's terminal voltage correlates to state of charge, see the table at Battery Charge http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/chargeBattery.html To understand how state of charge correlates to consumed energy, you have to know the Ampere-hour capacity of the...
by jimh
Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:27 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

If replacement of the fuel tank is contemplated, one might consider changing the size of the fuel tank to the smaller 77-gallon tank option. With modern engines like twin F115 Yamaha four-stroke-power-cycle engines, I would expect that a tank capacity of 129-gallons would give very great range. The ...
by jimh
Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:50 am
Forum: EVINRUDE I-COMMAND, ICON Pro, ICON Touch
Topic: I-Command Gauge Power-On Self Test
Replies: 0
Views: 12695

I-Command Gauge Power-On Self Test

The Evinrude I-Command 3.5-inch gauges have a hidden option for a power-on self test (or POST) mode. POST mode is invoked at initial power on by holding down the DOWN button before applying power to the gauge. When the DOWN button is held as power is applied, the I-Command gauge will first show an E...
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:27 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: E-TEC v. Yamaha: Non-Evinrude Testing
Replies: 9
Views: 7346

E-TEC v. Yamaha: Non-Evinrude Testing

I remember the howling and complaining when Evinrude demonstrated a single E-TEC engines could get a twin-engine boat on plane when the paired four-stroke engine of the same horsepower could not. The E-TEC haters went wild with claims of cheating. This test method was revived recently when an indepe...
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:05 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price
Replies: 18
Views: 11011

Re: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price

The crack might be just in a small cover plate, which might be plastic. Ask a proper OptiMax mechanic for advice.
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:04 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: When Unsinkable Comes In Handy
Replies: 4
Views: 4157

Re: When Unsinkable Comes In Handy

The boat looks like an old Trumpy-style motor yacht. All-wood boats in fresh water are at risk to dry rot. Maybe there are some nice pieces of old-growth mahogany on that beach that could be recycled into something for a classic small boat.
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:12 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Standard-Horizon GX6000, GX6500
Replies: 55
Views: 112600

Re: Standard-Horizon GX6000, GX6500

Jason Kennedy, Exec. V.P. of Standard-Horizon, appears on-camera in this recorded presentation from the Miami International Boat Show 2017, presenting information on the GX6000 and GX6500 radios:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6RKrcmAYTw
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:01 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Battery Loses Charge
Replies: 8
Views: 6414

Re: Battery Loses Charge Overnight

On the somewhat corollary topic of sump pump wiring and how it relates to battery charge management: on my boat I have the aft livewell sump pump circuit wired directly to the battery so that the circuit can remain energized even when the primary DC power switch has been moved to the OFF position an...
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:52 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: VHF Digital Short Message Service or VDSMS
Replies: 1
Views: 9651

Re: VHF Digital Short Message Service or VDSMS

Another FCC document mentions more about VDSMS and the RTCM standard. This information is reproduced below: --begin excerpts---- 29. RTCM developed a technical standard for VDSMS that enables transmission of short digital messages without interfering with other communications on the same channel.[Se...
by jimh
Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:35 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: VHF Digital Short Message Service or VDSMS
Replies: 1
Views: 9651

VHF Digital Short Message Service or VDSMS

Recent changes to the Maritime Radio Service (Part 80) by the FCC for incorporation of a VHF DIgital Short Message Service (VDSMS) were described in a notice in the Federal Register on December 15, 2016 . Below are some excerpts from that notice: --begin excerpts-- SUMMARY: In this document, the Fed...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:36 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

Maybe the place you fueled up had bad gas? If the fuel that was added to the tank on April 16 contained 12-gallons of water, why did the boat operate normally on April 18 when 35-gallons of that fuel was consumed? This is an apparent conflict in the causation theory that suggests the water came int...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:25 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Cabela's Sale to Bass Pro Shops Moving Ahead
Replies: 2
Views: 3421

Re: Cabela's Sale to Bass Pro Shops Moving Ahead

jimh wrote:...Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska,...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 3:48 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

I calculated the water content using ethanol-blended fuel. The figures should be applicable. I used to have a mystery water accumulation in one of the sumps of my boat. I could never figure out where the water came from. I was going to test it by using some sort of water-tinting. Get a bucket of wat...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 3:35 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1988 SUPER SPORT 15 Re-power
Replies: 3
Views: 3852

Re: 1988 SUPER SPORT 15 Re-power

I also had this thought a few minutes later: there is also recent discussion about re-power of 15-foot hulls; see

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1976
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:38 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1988 SUPER SPORT 15 Re-power
Replies: 3
Views: 3852

Re: 1988 SUPER SPORT 15 Re-power

My thoughts: get an E-TEC 60-HP.

Another thought: you just missed a great promotion on the E-TEC, which offered a 10-year-warranty, or subsidized rigging, or free-rigging, or some combinations of those three. Check with the Evinrude dealer to see what incentives are still being offered.
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:31 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price
Replies: 18
Views: 11011

Re: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price

Re the OptiMax: these older engine can be quite reliable and can give good service, but they have to be properly cared for. You need to have a mechanic that knows all the little tricks and quirks for the OptiMax. There are lots of hoses under that cowling, conducting pressurized air and pressurized ...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:22 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price
Replies: 18
Views: 11011

Re: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price

A new tandem-axle boat trailer for a big 21-footer, made by a national brand-name producer, will probably cost at least $4,000. You can make the new trailer more expensive by upgrades to the brake system, such as using electric over hydraulic brakes, all stainless steel everything, add-on keel rolle...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:51 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1988 Montauk 17 Re-power
Replies: 6
Views: 6142

Re: 1988 Montauk 17 Re-power

If 90-HP is the criterion for re-power, give very careful consideration to the E-TEC 90-HP three-cylinder engine. It has often been the choice for re-powering a MONTAUK, perhaps more than any other engine. The E-TEC's modest weight is a very good match for the hull. I would expect the performance fr...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:43 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

...I removed excess foam and sealed with a polyurethane sealant...Time will tell if this is a good solution to having exposed foam where water can soak in. Thanks for the description and images of your modification and repair to the fuel tank cavity and installation of a new tank. Please keep us po...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:35 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

[The boat has] 129 gallon tank. You can re-work my calculations that were based on a 100-gallon tank with the new data that the tank has 129-gallons. The outcome should be that the possible amount of water already in solution in the fuel would increase by 1.29, or to about 0.26-gallons of water fro...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

The [mystery] that I am having: how did that much water get in the tank in a week? It rained but not that much. Let us consider how much rainfall in terms of inches of rain must fall over a particular area to accumulate 1-gallon of water. If rain falls at rate of 1-inch-per-hour, we can find surfac...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:15 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

What is the fuel tank capacity of the boat under discussion?

What was the approximate volume of fuel in the tank on April 13?
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:04 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

Based on the most recent additional information, I understand the time line as follows: --April 13: put boat in the water (after long storage period); tank level was 1/8-FULL or lower --April 16: add 40-gallons fuel --April 18: ran boat and burned 35 gallons; afterward tank level was 1/4-FULL --Apri...
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:26 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

matt22c wrote:The boat is in Dundalk, MD...
Thanks for confirming the location of the boat. This will make it easier for readers to recommend someone who can test the fuel tank in the boat.
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:25 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

quickenberger wrote:Looks like Dundalk is in the Baltimore area.
Thanks for deducing the location of a port where the boat "lives in the water."
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:56 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

To be able to recommend someone local to you that could test the boat's fuel tank, you have to tell us where the boat is located.
by jimh
Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:50 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

--put boat in the water on April 13. Tank level was 1/8-FULL or lower --add 40-gallons fuel April 16 --fished April 18. Burned 35 gallons. Tank level was 1/4-FULL --boat sat from 18 to 23 without running. --checked boat [April 21] after work; did not start engine --pulled boat April 23 and pumped o...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:12 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

The events in the timeline are presented in a very confusing manner. I believe this is the time line in the narrative: --Tuesday the boat ran all day burning 35-gallons of gasoline. --boat sat until Sunday --[on] Sunday, 40-gallons of gasoline were added, on top of 20 gallons of treated gasoline fro...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel
Replies: 41
Views: 30898

Re: Recommend Fuel Tank Tester; Finding Source of Water in Fuel

There is no way that 12-gallons of water could have been condensed in your fuel tank due to diurnal temperature variation. That is just not even remotely possible. Even if you allow that the impossible happened, and there were 12-gallons of water in the fuel tank from condensation over the winter, h...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:54 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Outrage 25 Baitwell plumbing and wiring
Replies: 4
Views: 3546

Re: Outrage 25 Baitwell plumbing and wiring

Regarding running electrical conductors for powering a pump by passing them through an area which is partly enclosed and contains the fuel tank: I would give this very careful thought. Gasoline vapor should not be leaking from the fuel tank, but there is always the possibility for that to occur, par...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 2:22 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price
Replies: 18
Views: 11011

Re: 2001 21 OUTRAGE: Fair Price

I am a big fan of the c.2001 21 OUTRAGE. I think it is a nice, big, beefy boat--much more than you'd think for a 21-footer. So a big plus for the model. If the T-top is an OEM option, that is a big plus. I would be wary of non-factory added T-tops. The Mercury OptiMax c.2001, that's not a plus. That...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:54 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: NMEA-0183 Interface Data Collection
Replies: 26
Views: 172994

Re: GARMIN echoMAP 702/902, 742/942

The Garmin echoMAP 702/742/902/942 series appears to improve the NMEA-0183 interface by providing the recommended differential signals, but a non-standard wire color code is still used: DEVICE: GARMIN echoMap 702/742/902/942 TALKER A = Blue TALKER B = Gray LISTENER B = Violet LISTENER A = Brown Sour...
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Battery Loses Charge
Replies: 8
Views: 6414

Re: Battery Loses Charge Overnight

Buoy wrote:...replacing the battery with another battery yields the same result.


This tends to contraindicate the original battery as the cause of the discharge.
by jimh
Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:03 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1984 MONTAUK 17: Adding Bow Platform
Replies: 5
Views: 4669

Re: 1984 MONTAUK 17: Adding Bow Platform

I like Phil's approach: modify the modification (the new deck) rather than the boat.
by jimh
Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:04 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: When Unsinkable Comes In Handy
Replies: 4
Views: 4157

When Unsinkable Comes In Handy

At the most basic level, I think every owner of a Boston Whaler is aware of, takes interest in, and appreciates the general "unsinkable" nature of the Boston Whaler double-bottom foam-filled hull. Occasionally some incident reminds me of the value of this feature, like the recent distress ...
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 2:00 pm
Forum: MARKETPLACE
Topic: c.1980 Nauset Appraisal
Replies: 1
Views: 1774

Re: c.1980 Nauset Appraisal

The last NAUSET was made in 1973. Any hull from c.1980 would be a "17" hull, with better engine splash well, the bow "smirk," and other improvements. If the hull is really a c.1980 and is sound, has no damage, is not filled with extraneous holes, has original gelcoat in excellent...
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 11:45 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Water In Hull via Drain Tube
Replies: 4
Views: 3097

Re: Water In Hull via Drain Tube

For more information about drain tubes and replacement drain tubes, see the answer in the FAQ at

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q12

If you are new to Boston Whaler boat repair, read the entire FAQ. It contains a lot of useful information.
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 11:33 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair
Replies: 9
Views: 4988

Re: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair

The wood plugs are just that, little wood plugs that cover the screw heads of the screw fasteners. Use a sharp tool like a dental pick to extract the plugs. If that won't get them out, you may have to drill a small hole in the plug, thread in a small wood screw, and yank them out. When the plug is r...
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 9:36 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair
Replies: 9
Views: 4988

Re: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair

You may find watching this presentation on youTube to be informative:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tZDBOYqdfA
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 9:19 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Water In Hull via Drain Tube
Replies: 4
Views: 3097

Re: Drain Tube Sealing

OK, I think "drain tub" was supposed to be "drain tube." Now your question makes more sense. No. When the hole is made through the hull for the drain tube to pass through, there is typically nothing applied to the exposed foam between the inner and outer hull. If the drain tube b...
by jimh
Sat Apr 22, 2017 9:12 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1984 MONTAUK 17: Adding Bow Platform
Replies: 5
Views: 4669

Re:1984 MONTAUK 17: Adding Bow Platform

Thin neoprene rubber with an adhesive backing could be used. See

https://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Rubber- ... ve+backing
by jimh
Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:32 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair
Replies: 9
Views: 4988

Re: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair

Advice on repair of cracks is found in the REFERENCE article at http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/repairInstructions.html To repair cracks, it is often recommended to widen and deepen the crack intentionally using some sort of tool or abrasive in order to give more surface area for the repa...
by jimh
Fri Apr 21, 2017 8:25 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair
Replies: 9
Views: 4988

Re: Tips On Sanding, Crack and Hole Repair

OFF-TOPIC: Yes, there is a big problem with the aspect ratio orientation for in-line images in HTML. Images which are rotated 90-degrees from the actual camera normal retain that rotated view. This seems to be an epidemic with users of the Apple iPhone devices. They seem to shoot everything in the p...
by jimh
Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:59 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Water In Hull via Drain Tube
Replies: 4
Views: 3097

Re: Water In Hull

RAGS--what is a "drain tub"? Do you mean the engine splashwell?
by jimh
Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:34 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Battery Loses Charge
Replies: 8
Views: 6414

Re: Battery Loses Charge Overnight

Lead-acid storage batteries store electrical energy, and if there is a discharge current, the stored energy will be consumed. The stored energy is measured in Ampere-hours. One Ampere discharge for one hour equals 1-Ampere-hour of energy discharged. An "overnight" is roughly 12 hours. A ty...
by jimh
Fri Apr 21, 2017 2:06 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: E-TEC G2 Remote Control Network and NMEA-2000 Network
Replies: 6
Views: 9109

Re: E-TEC G2 Remote Control Network and NMEA-2000 Network

Here is the wiring diagram for a single E-TEC G2 engine and a concealed side mount control: riggingDiagramSingleEngineCSMcontrol.png The callouts are as follows: 1 - Mode Switch 15- Foot Throttle Floor Mount 2 - Key Switch 16- Foot Throttle Harness 3 - Concealed Side Mount Controls 17- Terminator Ki...