Search results

There are many discussion about main engine hours but I don't recall any generator hour discussions They run in pretty ideal conditions so I am wondering who has the record for hours on a boat genny?

A simple way to locate a slow leak of water or oil is using a piece of toilet paper. Hold the paper against any suspected fitting and if the smallest leak will be quickly apparent.

Rather that using a hard to disconnect shackle or such in the chain locker at the bitter end of the anchor chain consider using some method that is not too hard to undo in an emergency. Instead of a shackle etc. consider using a short piece of rope to tie the chain end to the boat. The rope...

After repeated anchoring the anchor rode can become twisted. The twist can cause stowage problems as it goes into the locker. When you find yourself in deep reasonably calm water try dropping the anchor to just above the bottom and let it untwist the rode. See if that helps make the rode lay...

I have never had a day tank. What is their purpose?

Over many decades spent boating I have seen people enjoying boats of many different, brands, designs and construction. I don't think there is a perfect boat but I also don't think there are any really bad boats. Some have known flaws but they all seem to work ok when used as intended.

The fire in So Cal. reminds me to suggest that anyone buying a larger boat insist that it have two exits from the sleeping area. IMO the main passage from an aft or mid cabin is not sufficient. There needs to be a second exit not requiring using the main passage. Forward berths often have a...

These words should not be in the vocabulary of experienced boaters. I think we do new people a disservice by using incorrect terminology. Isinglass is an historic gelatin produce made from fish bladders. The stuff we use today is sheet vinyl. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isinglass The...

It has been my observation that people new to twin engine operation sometimes have trouble visualizing the effects of the props. Because they cant see the props learning the twisting effects is difficult for some A simple way to help them understand what happens with different forward or...

When docking in a strange marina we always call ahead and ask where we will be docking and what the tie up situation is. We also ask about wind and current. We do this well before getting near the dock so there is plenty of time to get lines and fenders prepared. A little advanced information...

Often things change when docking especially when not in your home dock. If you get headset radios any changes can be easily communicated to deck crew without yelling.

I often see comments that people avoid larger boats because of concern that they are not strong enough to handle the docking of a larger boat. IMO if you need strength you are not doing it right. A single engine boat is more problematic but a twin engine boat should be able to dance around...

I have read claims that people's diesel lube oil stays cler for quite a while but after owning three diesels I have never seen oil stay clean looking very long at all. What are your experiences?

Over many decades of boating on both coasts I have concluded that from a usability standpoint most modern plastic boats are equivalent. Regardless of brand their owners use them similarly in similar conditions and on similar cruises. N.B. I am not talking passagemaking or crossing the Columbia...

Cen Tech digital photo tachometer. Like new in case. DT-838 Are your boats tachometers accurate?? A photo tach is used to calibrate your boats tachometers before assuming something else is wrong. Also used to measure the RPNs of anything. No wires to hook up. $ 30 Pick up, only, in St...

Silver chloride half cell. Used to Check ships zinc protection system. Like new. Located St. pete, FL $75 Pick up only

IMO the only thing worse looking that a rusty engine is one covered with over spray. Masking engines can be difficult because of all the odd shaped stuff to cover. My solution is to use aluminum foil. I crush the foil over all the shapes I don't want painted and then use tape at the edge of...

I have been anchoring in many boats, sail and power for a long time and always considered it the most pleasant way to stop for the night. Put it down, back down on it to make sure it holds then your are done. If it doesn't set move to a different place or use a different anchor if you have one...

There must be a timeout function on this forum that deletes posts if I take too long to hit the submit button. Being thoughtful and helpful may take some time yet the forum deletes posts before posting without any recourse. No other forum I uses does this and it limits usability of...

The zincs on my Cummins often unscrewed from the brass plug when removing them. Pliers etc didn't work very well to get the old zinc out in awkward locations. To remove the zinc I used an all thread coupler sized to fit the zinc thread. Simply screw the coupler on the stuck zinc and wiggle it...

I got a new computer and want to load some free chartware. I am not the best at obscure pc instruction, just a heavy user. Last time I loaded open captain it was a real PITA to download and link all the charts I want. Is there anything newer or better today?

I read about people installing several connected smaller tanks when the original large tank fails. How to several smaller tanks get connected? Where does fuel pick up tube go? Are they both filled from one inlet?

Been stored in a barn for 5 years. Properly oiled, flushed and emptied of gas when put away. It pulls over properly with good compression feel. Located in st. Pete. Offers???

Often zincs get hard to remove. The brass plug comes out but the zinc is stuck inside the cooler. I use an all thread coupling nut of the thread size as the zinc. Screw it in onto the zinc and wiggle it around with pliers and soon enough you can pull the old zinc. Grinding off the points on the...

Recently several new people have asked questions as they start their search for a boat. In many cases they seem to be new boaters unfamiliar with everything and ripe for fleecing. I wish we could do something general to help them get into a suitable boat. Often their price expectations take...