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  1. dingbat

    Converting Roller trailer to bunks for my Starcraft 161

    The trailer structure and cross members are the same on roller and bunk Loadrites. The difference is the support structure. Just need to figure out what size u bolts fit the cross members and what size (height) vertical bunk brackets you need. Might be able to use the existing bunk support...
  2. dingbat

    Cars you should have kept.

    Ended up staring out the windshield at a creek bed in one of those. Too much partying. Went field hopping in hood height weeds at 2 am. Ended up standing it on the grill in a 4’ drop to a creek bed. A 45 minute walk back to the house and a 3 am call to a buddy with a F250 saved the day...
  3. dingbat

    How do you screw into fiberglass/gelcoat without chipping?

    Have gotten a chance to work with some interesting developmental metals over the years. Some of the UHSS steel alloys developed for automotive applications have crazy weight to strength ratios Interesting note….the original “7075 alloy” was developed by the Japanese for use in the Japanese...
  4. dingbat

    How do you screw into fiberglass/gelcoat without chipping?

    3003 is commercially pure aluminum. 1XXX series is “pure” aluminum, 99% or better. Not much above butter …lol Did a project with Kaiser Aluminum - Spokane a number of years ago. At that time, they were using 7075 for the skin of the 747. It’s my understand that 7050 is more widely used at this...
  5. dingbat

    How do you screw into fiberglass/gelcoat without chipping?

    Not necessarily. They work equally as well on non-ferrous materials.
  6. dingbat

    How do you screw into fiberglass/gelcoat without chipping?

    You have that backwards The 5XXX series aluminum are “gummy” (soft and bendable) compared to 7075 “aircraft”, or any of the 2XXX series aluminums for that matter, that are much “tougher” (74-78 Ksi). Grinding a split or brad point allows faster feeds and cleaner/faster chip removal. Split...
  7. dingbat

    How do you screw into fiberglass/gelcoat without chipping?

    They are called "brad Points"......used to grind our own for drilling sheet metal and "gummy" aluminum
  8. dingbat

    Best flooring options?

    Not sure what your looking at, but the stall mats in our barn run #75-#100 for a 4' x 6' sheet, depending on the thickness
  9. dingbat

    Best flooring options?

    SeaDek is made from UV-resistant closed-cell PE/EVA foam that will not absorb water, and provides exceptional traction when wet or dry. SeaDek’s shock absorbing qualities deliver maximum comfort on the water, and fishermen appreciate its sound-dampening properties. https://www.seadek.com/shop/
  10. dingbat

    Boat is put away for winter. What to do every day ?

    Pulled my boat out yesterday in prep for fall/winter fishing season. Fish until the fish migrate out of the area or weather turns bad, whichever comes first
  11. dingbat

    Transducer location

    What did the installation guide say about it? Most are pretty specifics about areas to avoid On mine, the number of locations that satisfied the installation requirements where limited.
  12. dingbat

    This trailer has rocking bunks

    In most cases, yes. In my case, the builder recommends the hull being supported directly under the stringers at the chines. As such, two piece, self adjusting bunks made sense. Far easier than messing around cutting angles on a one piece bunk. The rest test..........how much work to keep the...
  13. dingbat

    This trailer has rocking bunks

    The hull sits flat on the bunk increasing the surface area over which the weight is distributed More contact area equals less pressure (per unit weight) exhorted on the hull
  14. dingbat

    This trailer has rocking bunks

    Didn’t say what make of trailer. I have a Loadrite Aluminum trailer with AB (rocking) bunks. Allows the bunks to pivot for increased contact, so the hull sits flat on the bunk
  15. dingbat

    Cars you should have kept.

    1974 Super Beatle Convertible
  16. dingbat

    New Stuff on Vehicles likes/dislikes

    That is true on most new cars with smart battery management (BMS). My 2015 F150 requires a reset. Don't need a scanner to reset. Can be done by putting vehicle in “tech mode”
  17. dingbat

    Nobody fishing?

    I assume those are $NZ? I get a State issued Sport Fishing stamp for $50 USD. Not only covers everyone on my boat, also covers my individual license requirements for fish and crabs both on and off the boat. I also buy a federally issued Highly Migrational Species permit for $24 USD to harvest...
  18. dingbat

    which caulking is acceptable

    3M 4200FC
  19. dingbat

    Best flooring options?

    I would take a look at Eva foam flooring. SeaDek is nice, but expensive. Lots of competitive products now on the market
  20. dingbat

    I have a question about the marine navigation system

    “Weak signal” is an obstruction of some sort, physical/electrical, or a wiring/hardware issue unless you’re around a military installation. Then all bets are off
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