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  1. harringtondav

    Depth finder

    In hull transducers must be installed correctly. My previous transducer's instructions stated embedding it in epoxy, and not to use silicone sealant....which is exactly what the dealer did, and it didn't work correctly. The transducer was a clothes iron shape designed for external transom...
  2. harringtondav

    Winterizing: Fuel in tank options?

    I've followed @Scott Danforth 's method for the last 26 yrs. Final ride I run the tank down as far as I dare. Partially to reduce the towing load on our 110 mi trip home. I add enough Stabil for the estimated fuel left over. Winterization fogging runs it through the system. I put a kit in the...
  3. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    We lucked out. Ford was offering very nice rebates and dealer incentives late in 2019 when we bought ours. Story was Ford had overbuilt and needed to move them. $7200 in total incentives. My dealer transferred one with my must haves, plus a few more gizmos and features. All in $29K plus a few...
  4. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    I bought our 2019 Ranger to replace our 21 yr old Durango which had a 5.2L V8 and topped a serious hill at 20 mph floored and seemed ready to die from COPD. The 2.3L I4 turbo Ranger w/10 spd trans tops it at 45 mph (speed limit 40) in 6th gear/2300 rpm with a 1000# heavier rig behind it. I only...
  5. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    If one knows what they are doing they can push things. If they don't they may find themselves in deep do-do.
  6. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    My theory is you can push rated towing capacity a bit if you're careful. Engine and drivetrain capacity are based on daily towing at max load through the warranty period. (From my 30+ yrs with Deere working with the drivetrain reliability group). GVRW and related braking capacity and handling...
  7. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    ...only if the 4H is full time...with an interaxle differential. Else you're putting a strain on the entire driveline and tires, especially on curves and turns. Our old Durango 5.2 would top a long steep paved hill doing the "I think I can" wheezing. Thinking I was smart I started pulling over...
  8. harringtondav

    Electric Engine Conversion?

    Same as above. State of art EV battery technology weighs about 10 lb per kWh. 13.4 lb per hp. Do the math. 100 hp battery capacity weight exceeds my 250 hp boat's rated weight capacity.
  9. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    We trailered 200+ miles round trip every boating weekend for 14 yrs. I started with a '94 Dodge Caravan 3.3L FWD. After loosing traction on a steep dry concrete ramp I installed a weight distributing hitch to give the front tires extra traction weight, as well as the electric brakes I put on the...
  10. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Assuming you have an Alpha drive, both FWD and REV gears are turning when the engine is running. Between them is a sliding dog clutch which couples either gear to the prop shaft depending on your choice of FWD or REV. Shifting into either gear with the engine off doesn't hurt a thing. The shift...
  11. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    My salty boating pal taught me the maneuver. His Toyota AWD Highlander 6 cyl doesn't have the stones to get his 202 Captiva started up the marina's steep ramp. It just grunts like the park brake is on. So he went through the process with his wife who took the helm. Same story as yours. She got...
  12. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Not understanding your question. Is what happening in the outdrive?
  13. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    We've boated on the upper Mississippi for 26 yrs. Plenty of concrete grooved ramps. Slime isn't the problem. Erosion at the foot of the ramps occurs causing a drop off, and is a big problem in low water. I've watched two rigs stuck. One tore the axle off one leaf spring pulling out. When things...
  14. harringtondav

    RWD Tow Vehicle Launch Issues?

    This maneuver requires a copilot who knows what they're doing: Copilot drives the boat on the trailer and leaves the motor/engine running. Once the winch is tight the copilot gets back to the helm, trims down as far as safe and waits for the tow driver to start moving. Copilot gives meaningful...
  15. harringtondav

    IO steering

    Exactly. Shops charge the same hourly rate for diagnostics as they do for repairs. You can save yourself significant money by isolating the problem and tell the mechanic "fix this" vs. "find the problem and fix it". Part costs will be the same either way, but if you control things getting 'sell...
  16. harringtondav

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    I'm not familiar with salt water fouling. Will this growth come off with a pressure washer, or will it take chemicals?
  17. harringtondav

    IO steering

    Assuming Mercruiser, remove the actuator clevis from the steering arm/tiller and crank the steering wheel full port/left to get the clevis out of the way. Go the the stern and manually push the outdrive full travel left to right. It should swing 'easily' ...without much effort. It would have...
  18. harringtondav

    IO steering

    ^^^Yes, which outdrive do you have, and which year? If it is a Mercruiser +-1990 on with "new style" steering valve it could be your steering cable. New style doesn't have the valve at the steering wheel, but connected to the steering cable sheath at the transom. Mine seemed to be loose and...
  19. harringtondav

    Can't get wheel off

    You've got serious rust between the hub and wheel rim bore. Start by jacking up the wheel and removing the six lug nuts and see if the wheel loosens. If not spray between the spindle hub and rim with a penetrating chemical. Take a wood block and a large hammer and whack the rim close to the tire...
  20. harringtondav

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    Wow! That is a LOT of boat. ....and I thought the trailer was huge. There are boats this size in our Dubuque IA pool. Most are closed bow cruisers. And nearly all rely on the marina's travel hoist or crane. Approx $1000/yr for take out - put in, and winter blocking. There is a wait list for...
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