Search found 760 matches

by dtmackey
Tue May 17, 2022 9:04 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2022 Fuel Prices at Marina Fuel Docks
Replies: 11
Views: 2835

Re: 2022 Fuel Prices at Marina Fuel Docks

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 2022 price Diesel at more than...
by dtmackey
Fri May 13, 2022 4:13 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Why Evinrude Stopped Making Outboard Engines
Replies: 2
Views: 712

Why Evinrude Stopped Making Outboard Engines

The failure of Evinrude (now out of business) had many contributing factors, of which the shift of consumers to four-stroke outboard engines was one factor, but not the deciding factor. Management of the business was not executed with any logic. The pricing of engines at premium prices didn't bode w...
by dtmackey
Thu May 12, 2022 10:58 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Bennett Trim Tab Customer Service
Replies: 4
Views: 863

Re: Bennett Trim Tab Customer Service

Bennett trim tab customer service is an example of what other companies should be doing, and for as long as I've known Bennet has always been one of the best companies to deal with. There was a gentleman who went by the name Tabman that would participate in many of the boating forum looking for prob...
by dtmackey
Thu May 12, 2022 5:31 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Affect on Performance of Reducing Power and Power Stroke Design
Replies: 5
Views: 3386

Re: Affect on Performance of Reducing Power and Power Stroke Design

I doubt there are any two-stroke-power-cycle engines with power ratings above 75-HP available in other countries, and, even if there were, exactly how you'd get one back to the USA is problematic. Yamaha is still building and selling them with power ratings of 3-HP to 200-HP in some areas of the wo...
by dtmackey
Thu May 12, 2022 4:39 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Affect on Performance of Reducing Power and Power Stroke Design
Replies: 5
Views: 3386

Re: Affect on Performance of Reducing Power and Power Stroke Design

The reality of the present new outboard engine market is that four-stroke-power-cycle engine completely dominate the new engine market, and there are no longer any new two-stroke-power-cycle engines available to buy. You are speaking of the U.S. market as two strokes are still manufactured today an...
by dtmackey
Wed May 11, 2022 10:10 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 15 Whaler Super Sport Project - Baystar Steering
Replies: 127
Views: 145315

Re: 15 Whaler Super Sport Project - Baystar Steering

POW wrote:I want to say thanks for this thread....
I am glad to hear this. My posting is to show what can be done and provide some how-to along the way.
by dtmackey
Wed May 11, 2022 2:46 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1998 GUARDIAN 22 Engine Shaft Length
Replies: 4
Views: 772

Re: 1998 GUARDIAN 22 Engine Shaft Length

Are you re-powering with twin engines or a single engine? If the GUARDIAN 22 has a notched transom, the proper shaft length would be 25-inches for single engine, and 20-inches for twin engines. Some GUARDIAN boats may have a straight transom--no notch--and they would use a 30-inch shaft engine for ...
by dtmackey
Wed May 11, 2022 10:54 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1998 GUARDIAN 22 Engine Shaft Length
Replies: 4
Views: 772

Re: 1998 GUARDIAN 22 Engine Shaft Length

Engine Shaft length in inches and name protocol Short = 15 Long = 20 XLong = 25 XXLong = 30 If your manual is telling you to purchase a specific length shaft, I'm not sure whey you'd consider purchasing a different length. Why don't you measure the transom to validate the shaft length needed? https:...
by dtmackey
Fri May 06, 2022 11:49 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: MONTAUK 17 Handling in Seas
Replies: 6
Views: 1270

Re: MONTAUK 17 Handling in Seas

I have heard a 1998 MONTAUK 17 boat has "squirrelly" handling compared to older classic hulls. While [a MONTAUK 17] is a capable boat, the rounded bottom does not allow it to track like a V-bottom hull. The "squirrelliness" would be exaggerated in a following sea, especially sur...
by dtmackey
Fri May 06, 2022 8:51 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Federal Regulations for Engine Shut Off Switch Use
Replies: 9
Views: 2301

Re: Federal Regulations for Engine Shut Off Switch Use

The law (available easily for free) references a kill switch meeting ABYC standards. You need to pay $50 to get the ABYC standard. shall equip such vessel with an engine cut-off switch and engine cut-off switch link that meet American Boat and Yacht Council Standard A–33, I think I'm missing your p...
by dtmackey
Thu May 05, 2022 1:42 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Federal Regulations for Engine Shut Off Switch Use
Replies: 9
Views: 2301

Re: Federal Regulations for Engine Shut Off Switch Use

https://webstore.ansi.org/preview-pages/ABYC/preview_A-33-2018.pdf Here is ABYC A-33 EDIT: Its just a preview. Nice that they want to charge you $50 to see what you need to do to follow the law! What costs $50 to view the law? ABYC does not make the law or regulate, they are an organization that cr...
by dtmackey
Wed May 04, 2022 10:34 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Wood Care
Replies: 5
Views: 916

Re: Wood Care

It's teak. The varnish on it is most likely the original. Thank you. Chris For teak let me break it out to Exterior and interior. For exterior teak I prefer to use a 2 part cleaner (Snappy Teak Nu) and when done I apply several coats of Tip Top Teak Oil, It more oil than sealants and maintains the ...
by dtmackey
Wed May 04, 2022 8:51 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Wood Care
Replies: 5
Views: 916

Re: Wood Care

Q1: what is the best varnish for wood? Q2: what is the best treatment for wood? ASIDE: I recently purchased 1971 21 Outrage stencil number 00172 that had been in storage for about 15 years. I will be refinishing wood as soon as I have time. This is like a paper or plastic bag question - lots of opi...
by dtmackey
Wed May 04, 2022 8:43 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Selling Used Outboard
Replies: 7
Views: 1704

Re: Selling Used Outboard

What is the best way to sell a used outboard engine, in particular a 2003 Suzuki DT225TCXK3 with 43 hours that is very clean--you could eat off it--and starts and runs like a new engine and has new water pump and the fuel pump? To be honest with you, the Suzuki 2 stroke models are tough to sell sin...
by dtmackey
Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:09 pm
Forum: GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS
Topic: Russia Using GPS Jamming In Attack on Ukraine
Replies: 2
Views: 3381

Re: Russia Using GPS Jamming In Attack on Ukraine

The gov't has been looking into e-LORAN for this exact reason. There's a company here in MA that is one of the leaders in that field. I'm also connected to a group of prior LORAN-C techs since I served in the Coast Guard on LORAN chains 5970 and 9970 in the Far East back in 1987-90.

D-
by dtmackey
Thu Apr 28, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Removal of Water-soaked Foam and Repair
Replies: 2
Views: 741

Re: Removal of Water-soaked Foam and Repair

After the foam was cured and trimmed, did you re-fit the original hull laminate piece that was cut out? Or, did you just create a new laminated layer into that rectangular cut-out? Since the inner glass skin was damanged (wrinkled) from the expansion of the foam when it froze, a new skin was glasse...
by dtmackey
Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:42 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Removal of Water-soaked Foam and Repair
Replies: 2
Views: 741

Removal of Water-soaked Foam and Repair

While many will debate this, Whalers do absorb water if the foam comes in contact with water over time. While the foam is closed cell, it still absorbs water. I've worked on enough Whalers to see this many times above and below the waterline. Years ago, the local Whaler dealer joked with me and said...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:05 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle
Replies: 19
Views: 3771

Re: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle

I've had the anti-siphon valve checked 3 different times and the mechanics have been reluctant to just remove it. I'm not surprised they have been reluctant to remove it, it's a federally mandated item in the boat, so the liability on them is huge if something were to happen. They are inexpensive a...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:49 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1985 SPORT 11 Engine Shaft Length
Replies: 4
Views: 668

Re: 1985 SPORT 11 Engine Shaft Length

I have heard of some people using jack plates, but I'm not sure if one would actually mount securely on this boat. Jack plates are designed to increase performance on boats that have correctly sized outboard shafts. I run one on my 15' Whaler, which is designed for a 20" motor and that's what ...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:46 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Coast Guard Boating Statistics on Accidents and Injuries
Replies: 0
Views: 2098

Coast Guard Boating Statistics on Accidents and Injuries

I found this USCG data on boating accidents and injuries to be interesting. I feel the data falls short of all accidents, as many are unreported unless severe. I was looking for accidents caused by lack of engine tether use, but unable to find statistics on them. https://uscgboating.org/library/acci...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:07 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch
Replies: 8
Views: 2763

Re: 1985 Yamaha 40 Replacement Key for Ignition Key Switch

Could a locksmith help in this situation? You've revived a two-year-old thread. It's possible a locksmith could be of assistance, but that's probably the last option I'd use. Different outboard engine ignition key switches have different possibilities. First off, the remote control and the outboard...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:00 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle
Replies: 19
Views: 3771

Re: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle

A check-valve fitting on the fuel tank could be restricting fuel flow. I beleive you are referring to the anti-siphon valve. I've seen a nunber of them go bad over the years. Stay away from the aluminum ones as many use a steel spring and ball that can rust if your fuel picks up water, which is ver...
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:35 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle
Replies: 19
Views: 3771

Re: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle

I'll get an auxiliary tank....Everything else fuel-wise has already been replaced... I'm very sorry that you've spent money with mechanics that didn't follow the logic steps in diagnosing the defect. You have many new parts installed that were never needed due to their lack of troubleshooting. D-
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:08 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1985 SPORT 11 Engine Shaft Length
Replies: 4
Views: 668

Re: 1985 SPORT 11 Engine Shaft Length

The extra drag of an additional 5-inches of shaft in the water will reduce speed and affect the overall handling of the boat.

It can be done, but it's not a desirable thing in the long term.
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 25, 2022 1:34 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle
Replies: 19
Views: 3771

Re: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle

Most Mercury engines with fuel injection will have trouble running if the battery voltage is not close to full-charge, and they definitely won't start without a good battery. A couple things to point out. While Jim is referring to a Mercury outboard, this engine is actually a Yamaha in Mercury pain...
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 25, 2022 10:36 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 2005 Yamaha 90 Fuel Induction
Replies: 1
Views: 519

Re: 2005 Yamaha 90 Fuel Induction

According to Yamaha, 2005 is the first year they offered fuel injection on the 90-HP model. You should have an intake manifold that looks like the pic in this link. https://www.boats.net/catalog/yamaha/outboard/90hp/f90tjr-2005/intake-1 Item #5 is the throttle body and it's easy to spot looking unde...
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 25, 2022 10:29 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle
Replies: 19
Views: 3771

Re: 2006 Mercury 115 EFI Stalling at Full-throttle

When the 2006 Mercury 115-HP FOURSTROKE EFI engine stalls, I’ve found that if I immediately put it into neutral and go back and re-pump the primer bulb (which invariably is deflated and requires a lot of manual pumping to fully inflate), I can keep it running. At the time it also smells strongly of...
by dtmackey
Sun Apr 24, 2022 10:35 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors
Replies: 16
Views: 1984

Re: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors

In a prior article I created a poll to ask about use of a lanyard-operated engine cut off switch . In that poll, 60-percent of the respondents said they used a safety lanyard "always" or "often." The poll is great, but the poll takes into account such a small portion of the toal...
by dtmackey
Fri Apr 22, 2022 4:06 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors
Replies: 16
Views: 1984

Re: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors

The resting state of the relay in the FELL MARINE MOB+ is to be normally closed. That means that the engine won't be able to start until the FELL MARINE MOB+ has detected the presence of a fob signal. It is important to note that the system has an override feature, should the fob be misplaced or fo...
by dtmackey
Fri Apr 22, 2022 2:10 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors
Replies: 16
Views: 1984

Re: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors

The system is a good looking dash mounted set-up that splices into your wiring for the engine shut off. I provided a link to the company website was provided in my original posting. Here's a link to their shopping page. https://buy.fellmarine.com/ Q1: Any views on pricing? PRICING from FELL MARINE s...
by dtmackey
Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:58 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Replacement Fuel Hose
Replies: 15
Views: 2397

Re: Replacement Fuel Hose

In some older Boston Whaler boats I have observed that metallic fuel line was used to bring the fuel from the below-deck fuel tank up above-deck level. I assume that Nickel-Copper tubing was used. I also assume that flare-fittings were used. This practice seems to have been abandoned in favor of al...
by dtmackey
Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:40 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors
Replies: 16
Views: 1984

Engine Safety Shut Off with Wireless Sensors

I never remember to wear [the engine safety shut-off lanyard] tether, and that comes from more than 45-years of never wearing one. If I were to wear the tether, I'm sure I would move far enough from the helm and unintentionally shut off the engine. Now that enforcement of use of the safety lanyard s...
by dtmackey
Sun Apr 17, 2022 10:18 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: OMC Electric Shift
Replies: 4
Views: 1052

Re: OMC Electric Shift

Wow, electric shift, those are from the 1970's. In an electric shift lower unit, the shift solenoids are in the lower unit bath of lower unit fluid, much like the shift solenoids of an automatic transmission. There are 2 reasons for using Type C or equivalent fluids in those lower units: 1. The addi...
by dtmackey
Thu Apr 14, 2022 5:56 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Stainless Steel Hose Clamps on Fuel Lines
Replies: 8
Views: 2047

Re: Stainless Steel Hose Clamps on Fuel Lines

Thank you for the very useful replies. To answer Old Slow's question, the tank is the new type EPA approved six gallon tank. I have decided to use the Oeticker clamp. Now I need to make sure I get the right size clamps. While I am repairing the leak I'll replace the other three stainless steel worm...
by dtmackey
Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:15 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1967 13-footer Bow Eye Repair
Replies: 12
Views: 1769

Re: 1967 13-footer Bow Eye Repair

...for filling the bulk of the hole, would a higher density pour foam work in addition to the epoxy repair? Foam for structural integrity on something like hardware where forces are isolated to a small area is not the direction I'd go. Even a dense poured foam is only foam, if the boat is towed, th...
by dtmackey
Wed Apr 13, 2022 1:58 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Stainless Steel Hose Clamps on Fuel Lines
Replies: 8
Views: 2047

Re: Stainless Steel Hose Clamps on Fuel Lines

Over the years I've repaired plenty of engines where owners have used worm drive hose clamps and the biggest concern I've seen is the wrong size being used and/or over tightening. Either of these can cause hose failure and/or leaks. The code for clamps on boats: § 183.532 Clips, straps, and hose cla...
by dtmackey
Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:27 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1967 13-footer Bow Eye Repair
Replies: 12
Views: 1769

Re: 1967 13-footer Bow Eye Repair

IMPORTANT in this repair. When filling in the void made by the methods described above, it is a good idea to place a plastic drinking straw to provide a pilot hole to follow when re-drilling the hole for the bow eye. Without a guide, the slightest angle of the drill could have you exit the other sid...
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:07 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Engine Position When Trailering; Alternative Transom Savers
Replies: 8
Views: 1403

Re: Engine Position When Trailering; Alternative Transom Savers

Twelve inches of clearance may not be enough when launching or retrieving your boat on a steep ramp incline or when entering or leaving a roadway with at a steep angle. I trim our outboard when using a launch ramp to the point that the lowest part of the engine is approximately level with the keel....
by dtmackey
Tue Apr 05, 2022 10:32 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Repair of 1996 OMC 48 SPL Engine
Replies: 14
Views: 1685

Re: OEM Quality

ASIDE: It'd be nice if outboard manufacturers weren't so cheap, and they would have spent a couple extra bucks for quality metal pieces that lasted. The cost impact to the engine's price would be minimal.
by dtmackey
Mon Apr 04, 2022 2:45 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Replacement Wood for 1986 SUPER SPORT 13
Replies: 3
Views: 965

Re: Replacement Wood for 1986 SUPER SPORT 13

As a general rule, hiring artisans to create bespoke wooden products can require considerable patience and considerable money. A very good friend of mine who had a long career in custom carpentry used to have a sign on the shop door that said: GOOD--CHEAP--FAST Pick Two That is very true Jim. Bob i...
by dtmackey
Sun Apr 03, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Replacement Wood for 1986 SUPER SPORT 13
Replies: 3
Views: 965

Re: Replacement Wood for 1986 SUPER SPORT 13

I would stay far away from Specialty Marine. Over the years they have used laminates and woods that were close to mahogany, but not real mahogany. The finish they use is of low quality and doesn't last. I've replaced several Specialty Marine interiors that failed after several years of use. The glue...
by dtmackey
Sun Apr 03, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Outboard Restoration Pics
Replies: 6
Views: 1046

Re: Outboard Restoration Pics

What is your secret to the incredible paint gloss? I paint a lot and can't achieve gloss anywhere near what you did. If there is good paint on the motor already, I sand with 180 and then 320 and spray Nason single stage urethane. It's easy to spray and lays down nice with a even spread of the metal...
by dtmackey
Sun Apr 03, 2022 8:52 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Rebuilding Gear Case of 48SPL-Part 3
Replies: 29
Views: 2975

Re: Rebuilding Gear Case of 48SPL-Part 3

Oldslowandugly - here is a real quick way to do prop seals. A dealer will pull the bearing carrier, requiring special tools and charge a bunch of labor. Prob several hours if he's pulling the lower off the boat. The trick I use is to put 3 drywall screws into the seals (say away from the shaft). Onc...
by dtmackey
Thu Mar 31, 2022 10:35 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Repair Shop to install Brass Hull Drain Boston Area
Replies: 6
Views: 1142

Re: Repair Shop to install Brass Hull Drain Boston Area

I'm local and would offer to do it if it wasn't a 13-footer. I've done enough of those, and the transom angle is a real pain to get it right with a flat on the inside and angle on the outside. Other Boston Whaler models are simple, but I have always struggled on the 13-foot hull to get it perfect. I...
by dtmackey
Thu Mar 31, 2022 1:09 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Outboard Restoration Pics
Replies: 6
Views: 1046

Outboard Restoration Pics

I've been watching with interest and adding content to the lower unit rebuild of Oldslowandugly and also had others message me with questions, so I figured I'd share some of my current projects. Yamaha 90 - doing this as a favor to a Chrisian kids camp in Maine. They ran bad fuel and blew a piston o...
by dtmackey
Thu Mar 31, 2022 10:10 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1985 Montauk 17 Restored
Replies: 22
Views: 5516

Re: 1985 Montauk 17 Restored

When you decide to remove the decal, the best way is to use an eraser wheel. It works like magic and does not harm the surface at all. I use one all the time on outboard cowl decals and cars and it's much safer and friendly to the finish that using a razor blade or chemicals. They are inexpensive at...
by dtmackey
Wed Mar 30, 2022 12:55 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Outboard Gear Oil: Emulsion of Water into Oil
Replies: 16
Views: 2565

Re: Outboard Gear Oil: Emulsion of Water into Oil

Personally I think this thread is overthinking things. D- Ha ha. Agreed. I do tend to overthink stuff. Let's make it simple. What is better- regular oil or synthetic oil in the lower unit? Sythetic is better, but you need to decide what is better for your use and maintenance habits. Synthetic Advan...
by dtmackey
Tue Mar 29, 2022 10:58 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 1985 Montauk 17 Restored
Replies: 22
Views: 5516

Re: 1985 Montauk 17 Restored

The boat looks great, and--while a departure from original--I can appreciate your changes. While the rub rail and color are different, I would have positioned the Whaler logo in the position is came from Whaler; that is probably the biggest eye-catching detail that says the boat isn't original. I di...
by dtmackey
Tue Mar 29, 2022 10:52 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Outboard Gear Oil: Emulsion of Water into Oil
Replies: 16
Views: 2565

Re: Outboard Gear Oil: Emulsion of Water into Oil

I find the heat topic interesting. How hot does water need to get before oil cooling becomes and concern? My guess is it's not a concern at all since the Navy operates outboards in the Middle East and is not using synthetic fluid. My understanding of the Evinrude synthetic lower unit oil is it's abi...
by dtmackey
Tue Mar 29, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Short Film: SUPER SPORT 15 Underway
Replies: 11
Views: 1745

Re: Short Film: SUPER SPORT 15 Underway

It is unfortunate that Sharrow has not demonstrated superior performance over a wide selection of boat/engine makes and models. That has led to much doubt of the propeller's efficacy in multiple applications. I suspect the company may have begun marketing before the product was ready. I'd doubt any...