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  1. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I was quoted $10K as a 'trade-in', so I'll be selling myself. I hope to get more than the $20K, but that is what budgets are for (less optimistic).
  2. tpenfield

    Cruiser comparison

    I've had surveys done on all 3 of the power boats that I bought over the years. I try to look for surveyors who have a partnership with a marine mechanic, as that makes the process easier. Basically getting it all done at once. I usually search through boating forums for surveyors who have...
  3. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    My total budget is $84K factoring in getting $20K for the sale of the Mercruiser engines. Ideally, I'd like to get a wee bit more for the engines, but it is hard to tell.
  4. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Budget check . . . Currently at $4,109 vs. my budget line of $6,000 for the engine removal and extension pod construction. More than I thought, but the bulk of the stuff is purchased.
  5. tpenfield

    7.4 GS (1998) DP Idle Fluctuation, Specific RPM range

    2 thoughts . . . 1) You really need the computer diagnostics to troubleshoot a fuel injected engine. 2) If I had to guess, I'd be looking at the throttle position sensor.
  6. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Ordered a gallon of the SmartStrip . . . It seems to work well.
  7. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    Should be 3.2 volts (nominal), which gets to the battery spec of 12.8 volts. Fully charged the cells would be around 3.6 volts each. The cell voltages are quite even, just low.
  8. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    There is a marine version of the SmartStrip. . . . In other news . . . I got the engines cleaned up . . The Coosa Board was delivered. . Maybe time to verify my measurements and think about the details of building the extension pod. :unsure: :D
  9. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    I am not hopeful for those batteries. Fully charged, the resting voltage should be in the 13.5+ range. Anything in the low 12 volt range is almost empty (about 12% charged)
  10. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I'd rather not sand toxic paint. Prefer a liquid/gel type of remover.
  11. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Another item of business . . . I need to get the anti-fouling paint off of the transom area where the extension pod will mate to it. I've been using this stuff on the outdrives . . . . It is 'non-caustic' so it does not hurt the anodized coating of the outdrives as you can see below. It...
  12. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    I ordered a bunch of stuff today . . . 6(six) 4'x8' sheets of Coosa board arriving tomorrow. Fiberglass supplies arriving later in the week. I got VE resin for $72/gallon, which I thought was not too bad.
  13. tpenfield

    Removing acrylic bezel

    This might be a question for @alldodge . . .
  14. tpenfield

    Need to remove pulpit on 1999 Chaparral 290

    Anything is possible with a demolition saw in hand . . . BUT . . . re-configuring the bow and the railing won't be cheap. If you are LOA restricted, it may be best to find a different boat. Also, keep in mind that 'cheap' boats can get very expensive.
  15. tpenfield

    Solar charging batteries

    I wouldn't be overly concerned about small deviations in the voltage readings . . . not sure how accurate or repeatable the DVM may be. It sounds like battery #2 may be working properly, given its charge rate. It would be interesting to see if Battery #1 can support a load.
  16. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Yes, just need to see if I can find the right amount of weight . . . assuming that the re-power shop wouldn't adjust the trailer tongue weight. (worst case is that I have to add some weight in the bow to bring the boat home after the engines are put on) I have ordered a new tongue jack and an...
  17. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    As far as water goes, I got to think about freezing temperatures, which is not far off. I ordered a new jack (8,000 lbs) One of these days soon, I'm going to have a good breakfast and lift the boat off the trailer and scoot the trailer forward a couple of feet. Might get a tongue weight scale...
  18. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    In the meantime I am getting the Mercruisers all situated. The Admiral and I got a garage bay cleared out so the engines (on pallets) can be there for safe keeping. Probably going to order my Coosa board and fiberglassing supplies on Monday. Later in the week it is off to CT to visit 'the...
  19. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Thanks guys . . . I did not think about using water to counter balance. Of course 2,200 lbs of water is 35 cubic feet or 4' x 4' x 2' . . . I might be able to figure something out . . . :unsure:
  20. tpenfield

    I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

    Yes, but currently the tongue weight is more than my truck can handle. Basically the trailer is not towable in its current state of balance. My thinking is to find a happy medium of weight balance that can let me tow locally to the re-power shop and then tow back home after the OB's are...
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