Recent content by socalrider

Does that year have fasteners, or would it be glued/bonded directly to the fiberglass? Hopefully the latter!

I think your best bet is going to be looking at what's available rather than trying to find a specific model that you'd want. In that price range (as with sailboats) you'd rather have an impeccably maintained boat than a poorly maintained boat with a good brand name. And as a 6'2" former...

No first hand knowledge but a lot of second hand from asking the same question (I'm in San Diego) - I'm sure more knowledgable folks will chime in. As (it sounds like) you know, the passage north from SD to Seattle is one of the more serious coastal passages out there given the paucity of safe...

What a gorgeous boat - I share in your excitement! Looks like a simple, honest, efficient & reliable cruiser. Electrical panel looks well done and easy to access. Don't have anything to add but enthusiasm. Good luck!

This one is also impressive for similar money: https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1976-stephens-pilothouse-9324568/ What do the experts think about a 48 year old aluminum hull with teak decking? Nightmare or manageable? Imagine you'd want a very good survey from someone who knew what they were...

I think the consensus is that GBs were indeed built well and do age well if meticulously maintained. But that's a big "if". Lots and lots of exterior teak to keep up with. Also, as with most boats that age, make sure to check the steel fuel tanks for corrosion/leaks. Twin engined GB's aren't...

Sure thing! Here's their website: Advanced Diesel Injection | San Diego, CA I'm not sure you'll save time versus a local shop though. Still haven't gotten it fully plumbed in... hopefully this week.

How terrifying! So lucky that it happened in a marina close to help, but not while the boat was tied up & could have destroyed neighboring vessels. It would be great to know any of the details regarding the electric installation & the issues he was having prior. Yikes.

Congrats on figuring it out, and bonus points for no harm done! Great that you were able to figure it out on your own as well - will give greater confidence the next time something mysterious happens. I had lots of mysterious things happen for the first six months or so I owned my boat. Now...

Very cool & congrats! 33kW generator??? Or is that a wing engine? What's the total anticipated weight (frame and panels)? Any concern with adding it up high? Please keep us posted on the project.

Cool boat! I've seen several around here & the islands but never been aboard one. How do you run it, and what kind of fuel burn do you get?

As a MechE I feel your pain... I spent a good amount of time pulling old unused wire on our old trawler. I love those 53's and am continuing to look hard at a 51 POC myself actually. I'd start at the sources - battery chargers, house banks, and start banks. Figuring out where current was...

I hadn't heard that figure from you, it was from another forum I believe. Thanks for the corrective - I'd conclude that there is a parts & maintenance (and space) premium for the larger engines in addition to the marginal efficiency loss at 8-9kts. Overall I can certainly appreciate the case...

Do you have separate start batteries? Any sort of combiner switch (1 - 2 - both - off)? Battery charger is a good path to follow as well. Almost certainly this is not a big problem, you've most likely blown a breaker or a fuse. It's a good opportunity to learn more about your DC system...

Good discussion! We also have a boat where the decision was made for us in the design phase. 2x120hp Lehmans don't get our CHB41 up on a plane, so it's either 2nmpg at 8.5kts or some number much less than that and a tremendous racket at 10kts. One thing missing (maybe) in the discussion: I...