Recent content by Seevee

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    Instrument Panel Materialc

    All, Looking for the material to redo my instrument panel. I believe it's and ABS plastic, wood looking material. Want to buy it in sheets, but would be interested if there's a service out there that will cut it to my template, especially if they could save the file for their CNC machine to...
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    Boating around Hudson, FL

    All, Planning to head up to Hudson, FL, from St. Pete. Looks like there's two channels that enter the Hudson area. The north one looks like it would be easy to navigate. But the south one looks like it could be difficult at lower tides. Anyone shed some light on this? Can I get in the southern...
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    Forward facing sonar

    This topic has been beaten up in the past, but would like to explore what's available for a forward facing sonar for a small cruiser today. Goal if only to avoid grounding in shallow water. Would love a unit that could look out ahead of the boat, perhaps 50 feet or even less and tell me the...
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    Thrust washer not coming off with prop removal

    All, Removed a prop, and cannot get the thrust washer off. Tried Kroil, heat and lightly tapping. No luck. What are the risks of just putting it back together that way. Doesn't seem like much. I suppose I could grind it off, but planning on new drives in the next year or so..... Mercruiser...
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    cleaning fuel injectors

    All, Recently read a lot about cleaning injectors, which I didn't know needed cleaning at all. I have a rough running engine, cylinder 8 is not firing right, and my mechanic says it's more than likely the injector. (He's tested compression and ignition). First, is this common? And how often...
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    New chartplotter and radar

    All, Shopping for some options for a new chart plotter and radar for my 31 ft boat. Garmin looks the best. However, lots of options from as low as about $2500 to well over $5000, but looks like a lot of choices below the $4000 mark. Some questions.... Is the touch screen worth the...
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    Florida West Coast Anchorage Spots

    All, I'm looking for a directory, web site, or forum that has anchorage spots for cursing on the west coast of Florida. Any good ones out there? Would also like to find reviews on good Marinas for some short overnite trips, same area. Thx. Seevee
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    Comments needed about a 5.7l or 8.1 Volvo engine

    I'm comparing two engines installed in Formula 31PC boats, one with the Volve 5.7 320hp engine and one with the Volve 8.1 8.1 osi bf engine (not sure of the HP). The 5.7 was a standard option and believe the 8.1 was a special option. Also, the 8.1 is equipped with brand new Volvo Ocean drives, a...
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    Starting to look for a weekend boat

    Re: Starting to look for a weekend boat Agreed, the Sundancer is fine. I just sold our 270 Dancer, and it was reasonably easy to trailer, but would need a good truck. We could haul it with our 350 Chevy Suburban without a problem, but it weighs 6500#, so some care is required. If you didn't...
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    Buying from Boat Dealers Problems

    All, I'm in the serious mode of buying a boat, and will probably purchase one in the next few months or so. I'll be in the bracket of 55 to 80K for a boat, in the 31 ft cruisers range. I've been in contact with several dealers, and have a HUGE issue with some of their policies. Most want a...
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    Best 31 ft Cruiser?

    All, I'm shopping for a 31 ft Cruiser, upgrading from a 270 Sundancer. Goal is a good cruising boat for intercoastal, occasional out in the gulf, and trips in the ~50 mile or less range to neighboring towns. Need genset, AC, and twin engine. Will do occasional overnights with 2 to 4 people...
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    See subscriptions

    All, I know this is probably the wrong place to post, but no forum problems categories..... How does one find their own subscriptions? Larry
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    310 Chaparral vs. Doral vs. Cruisers

    All, Well I did a sea trial on a 310 Chaparral the other day and was a bit disappointed. With 5.0 Volvos, duo prop, full fuel and 700# of people it had trouble getting on plane and only got up to 4300 rpm, with about 35 mph. A bit anemic. Besides it did not have a smooth ride and bounced a bit...
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    What to look for in a sea trial

    All, I'm doing a sea trial on a twin IO 31ft cruiser this week and would like to get opinions on what to look for. This will be with myself and another experienced boater. After this, I will have a mechanical inspection. For now, some of the stuff I'll include: A check of everything that...
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    Chaparrel 310 vs 290

    All, I was considering a 310 Signature and noticed that a lot of them only have a 5.0 engines, and wondering if that is a bit underpowered for a 31 ft (12000 lb) boat. Comments. Then I started looking at the 290, which actually looks pretty nice, and would be a lot peppier with the same 5.0...
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