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  1. harringtondav

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    I've seen edgewise bunks on pontoon trailers. Makes sense for a big heavy boat. Looks like the long span between supports provide flex to follow the hull's contour. I spent much time this summer learning with my new boat that having the bunk trailer, and my bunk rail boat lift, a little shallow...
  2. harringtondav

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    Interesting bunk arrangement. Custom I assume. Chines rest on the bunk edges?
  3. harringtondav

    OMG - I got an oversized load permit !!!

    My 2019 Ranger's factory is nothing special, but it works great. It has moving line of travel indicators plus a center one directly over the hitch ball which I can see. I nail the hitch on center every time, but I still have to get out to tweak the distance.
  4. harringtondav

    How much trim?

    There are two U joints coupled with a cardan. Unlike automotive unis, your driveshaft unis stay submerged in a leaking bellows. Worse is what the water does to your gimbal bearing and outdrive gear yoke seal surfaces. Recommendation is to pull the drive annually to verify a dry bellows. ....I'll...
  5. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    Best to get it as dry as possible before beginning the work outside. Homemade pigs from pillow cases and cat liter/oil dry. Heat gun. Maybe a dose of "Heat" methanol gas line deicer to help move the water out. You'll know when you start sanding the keel down if moisture is still oozing. You'll...
  6. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    When you get to the gel coat sand it and buff it as if it on the most visible part of the boat. ....good practice for when you get an ugly guff or dock rash. You'll be ready.
  7. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    I patch repaired several areas on a previous boat using epoxy with fairing filler. No issues with Spectrum gel coat adhesion, but it is polyester. More on the subject below. https://www.epoxyworks.com/index.php/applying-polyester-gelcoat-over-epoxy/
  8. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    You could get by with a quart of resin if you start slow and learn how much to mix for each course of the glass mat to reduce waste. ...too much and it will set (kick) in the mixing container before you can apply it. I had good luck with West System epoxy and hardeners. iBoat carries these...
  9. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    I figured about the same price, Iowa prices. Per my earlier comments this is a good area of the boat to learn with. The function will end up great. If the looks are a little iffy, who cares? Few people crawl under the trailer for a look.
  10. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    I assume you have a Mercruiser control. They publish parts catalogues for most of these. ...availability on a 1979 controller is likely to be iffy. Ref my comment on purchasing a replacement. Yes The lower is normally the problem. You can test it similar to what you did with the upper. (I'm...
  11. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    It is doable at home on your trailer. My first boat wasn't this bad, but I made the repair. Per @Scott Danforth this forum will walk you through it. My key points. Do the work when it is warm. Depending on where you live it may be best to wait until spring. Epoxy and gel coat components need at...
  12. harringtondav

    Upper shift control cable Mercruiser 228

    Your starting problem could be the neutral switch in the controller, or the shift interrupt switch on the shift plate. If it starts and immediately dies it's likely the interrupt switch. The interrupt switch can be verified by disconnecting the leads which will allow a start, if the switch is...
  13. harringtondav

    Fix gel coat or use keel guard

    I agree. Keel repair is a good place to learn gel coat patch repair since it is almost invisible. ....completely invisible after you install the keel guard.
  14. harringtondav

    Store under tarp ?

    These are fairly inexpensive and work well for under cover/tarp ventilation. The snap in installation works fine in a dock or lift. For towing I drilled holes in the vent and stitched it into the cover. https://www.airlette.com/snapinvent
  15. harringtondav

    Store under tarp ?

    I winter stored my previous boat with a vented cover and a tarp. I fabbed a pair of "J" pipes from PVC, and hung them over the rear gunnels to provide extra ventilation. The boat stayed dry from rain etc, but there was some condensation that resulted in mild mold on the upholstery which cleaned...
  16. harringtondav

    oil leak on 3.0

    Heed the advice about alignment, adjuster height, etc. Alignment bars are fairly inexpensive and a good investment if you're into boating long term.
  17. harringtondav

    Wandering heading at slow speed

    Same response as several others above. Vee hull wander is common. My previous and current boat do it, as well as others I've driven. I'll adjust the steering a bit to get an average heading where I want to go. ....you'll wear your arms out trying to correct. I've read here that duo prop drives...
  18. harringtondav

    Need advice for getting boat on plane

    Knowledgeable replies above point to low power. Weight distribution will help. Also the boat could have waterlogged flotation foam. Weigh your boat, trailer, tow vehicle, launch the boat and weigh again for the boat's weight. Compare this to the dry weight spec, minus fuel, batteries and gear...
  19. harringtondav

    ATV and moving boat around on stone

    Handling the tongue weight is key in my mind. Towing capacity assumes pulling the load at higher speeds over hills and rough terrain. I wouldn't consider this a limitation moving your trailer around at slow speeds. Also I'd consider fitting a hitch ball on the front for better maneuverability...
  20. harringtondav

    Carter fuel pump for OMC 3.0 L

    I replaced the pricey Mercruiser electric pump on my 4.3LX. With a Carter pump. I had to purchase fittings to adapt it, then it fit perfectly. The key is getting a pump with enough, but not too much pressure. If I recall around 7 psi worked fine for my Weber 4 bbl carb, sustaining WOT for the...
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