Recent content by pullin

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    Changing brakes on load rite trailer

    I have the same boat on a similar trailer. I changed my surge to electric because the surge components were rusting and applying very little braking. I bought this kit for the wheels and replaced the original hubs on the axles. Warning, you'll need to be sure of your bolt pattern, this might...
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    Installing electric brakes on trailer -- wiring question

    This is embarrassing, but it's been a long time since I worked on or installed electric brakes. There are two wires present in each brake assembly. Do I connect them as: one with power, the other ground? Or do I connect them both to power and assume the ground is provided through the brake...
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    I love my Bravo III outdrive so much that...

    I bought my boat a new one. At 620 hours, something inside gave and the original ground itself to junk before I reached the marina. I got the mechanic over to the slip to listen to the horrible noises it made while idling. I asked him: "What kind of noise is that?" He said: "An expensive...
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    Haulover (and other inlet) boat question.

    I've been watching some of the youtube videos of boats going through Haulover and other inlets. The types of boats seem to be either CC fishing boats, large (40+) cruisers and yachts, and quite a few small open-bow speed boats. I rarely see small 25 to 30 ft. express cruisers going thru these...
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    Exhaust "steam" when running on plane -- OK?

    I've noticed a slight amount of steam coming from the engine exhaust when running on plane. As far as I know, it's always been there, but I wanted to ask the experts here. I have a 7.4L Merc with a Bravo 3, and it doesn't have a full exhaust bellows. I don't know exactly what it's called, but...
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    Winter boating: What's the coldest weather you've boated in?

    This is the first winter for us with a boat slip. Because of this, we had the mechanics install a marine-grade heater for the engine compartment (Xtreme) so we no longer winterize. We're really enjoying having the lake to ourselves and in Texas we rarely see temps below freezing. I went out a...
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    How do you add a picture to your signature?

    I've searched and found older posts about this, but I think the website UI has changed somehow. The older posts mention My Profile -> Accounts, but I don't see and "Accounts" choice in my profile. There are tabs (Activities, About, Subscribed, and Media) but they don't seem to lead to the...
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    Advice requested on engine compartment heater (size/brand) for Sea Ray 270

    Does anyone have recommendations on the size of bilge heater needed for a 2000 Sea Ray 270? I bought the boat in June, and it is permanently moored in a North Texas lake. If it matters, it's a single engine, with generator and water heater. I have reliable 30Amp power in the marina, and have...
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    Abandoned/Derelict boats in the marina

    I recently became a "slip owner" after years of trailering. As newbie marina folk, my wife and I are astonished at the number of unused, mostly derelict boats occupying slips at our marina. We wandered thru other marinas and found the same thing. I'd guess at least 20% of the boats around us...
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    Generator question (regarding Air conditioning)

    As we approach retirement, we're looking for a larger more comfortable boat. One of our requirements is air conditioning, and a generator to power it while anchored. We've never had a boat with a generator and have a few questions for the experts: 1. Do you leave it running while sleeping...
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    Outdrive repair: Shop/Mechanic recommendations in Fort Worth area?

    I may need a new gimbal bearing on my Alpha 1 outdrive. Typical setup, Mercruiser 5.7L 260, Alpha 1 Gen 1. I'm hearing some slight rumbling in turns and some trim conditions. I want to check engine alignment and (possibly) replace the gimbal bearing without breaking the bank. Any...
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    Q for large trailer-boaters; Is anyone using a weight-distributing hitch?

    Does using a w-d hitch change the angle significantly at the ramp? ie. Does the trailer tongue rise noticeably when it's unloaded but the trunnion bars are still under tension? I'm curious if I'll need to release the tension on the trunnions before launching and loading. ?? I haven't put my...
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    Reccomend Upholstery Shop in DFW (TX) area?

    Title says it all. I've finally wrestled some money from the finance czar (Mizpullin) and am ready to get the seats recovered. Any experience with upholstery shops in the Dallas Fort Worth area would be appreciated. I'm finding that none of my co-workers and friends have done this, so no...
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    Need anchor-handling ideas: Ways to set and retrieve w/o going forward.

    I have a 23' Sea Ray cuddy cabin, and due to age (mine) am weary of crawling forward to set and retrieve the anchor. I operate mostly solo, and am trying to come up with a way to handle things from behind the windshield. An electric winch isn't an option now, due to lack of a pulpit (nowhere...
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    Help w Canvas issue: Snaps for canvas-to-canvas application?

    I've been looking at canvas snap kits from Defender and ********. I'm trying to find the type you'd use to snap two sections of canvas together. They all seem to be for snapping canvas to something solid (fiberglass or windshield). I guess I'd call them "female" and "male" parts, and I don't...
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