Recent content by DDW

Actually I'd think either of those engines would last about the same amount of time, under the same operating conditions. Of course the 400 hp version can't operate at 750 any of the time, but from 400 hp on down, they are the same engine, doing the same thing, and lasting just as long. The 750...

I think there is a much cheaper way to accomplish filling in the chine, I may pursue that one day. There are enough Nordic Tugs and American Tugs around, it could be offered as a product. I note that on the new Nordic Tug 40, they modified the hull mold to eliminate the chine.

I have ordered hundreds of thousands of dollars of stuff from McMaster, mostly in small orders. Not once have a received the wrong thing, not once have I been overcharged for shipping. Rarely when something has to be returned there is never a problem (you don't need an RMA, just ship it back)...

Risks from underpropping: Risk of hearing loss due to additional noise. Risk to pocketbook due to additional fuel consumption. Risk of additional engine wear due to more piston/bearing travel per mile. Everything in a boat is a compromise.

Nordic Tugs and American Tugs (similar hulls) all seem to do this. Several owners have filled the strake as suggested above, and report that it solves the problem. It is easy enough to fill the strake, but the finish work required to make it look good is expensive.

Still in line for one as soon as they change the rather odd deck plan. Especially for the PNW and its persistent rain, that is not a winning deck plan. My boat is stored two doors up the hill from the factory, so next time I am up there I will stop in and have a look.

Most manufacturers literature show decreasing life with increasing service temperature (above room temp). The optimum service life seems to be fairly low temps, like 40 or 50F, dropping again as you go lower. Same is basically true of lead acid cells as well - high temperature isn't good for...

I looked into this in SF Bay. There is one marina here (Emoryville) which is privately owned slips. The management have kindly posted the complete history of over 30 years now, how much the HOA dues have increase, how much each slip has sold for each time it has sold. From this one can calculate...

You can use these as snubbing winches without the handle. You always load the line clockwise around the drum (C.C. sailing winches are very rare), the drum will turn freely clockwise but the ratchet pawls will prevent it from turning the other. A self tailing winch can be used like a regular...

You cannot do better than the Andersen winches you referenced. I have 10 of them on the sailboat including 4 powered ones. For dockline tending, I wouldn't bother with electric, it won't help much and they are very pricey. I'd personally want the 28ST for a larger boat, also it is two speed but...

One possibility is there is air entraining from the bow, strakes, or other, passing over the transducer location. The fact that it is rhythmic, and in a light chop, suggests this to me. In the same location if you stop does it settle down and show the correct depth? How far aft is the transducer...

One important point: When you mix the thickened epoxy, do not 'whip' it, which will entrain air bubbles. This can cause enough porosity to allow a water path through the epoxy. The thicker you get the epoxy, the easier it is to work with, but also the more likely you have entrained bubbles. A...

Hey Long-Cours, you can't just throw those pictures up without a link to the for sale page....;)

Mine doesn't blow fuses, but doesn't work anymore either. Didn't work well even when new. I'd call the whole arrangement a nuisance.

When a bit gets out of control and starts running around it like that, the bit can quickly work its way in or out of the collet. That situation is hard on everything, not just the hole. The key to prevention is rigidity (a tight hold and control of the tool), and bit clearance (hole ~2x or more...