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  1. drewm3i

    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    What is dacromat? Galvanized?
  2. drewm3i

    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    I probably should go for stainless. My existing actuator could probably be reused if I replaced the gas shock.
  3. drewm3i

    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    Trailer VIN
  4. drewm3i

    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    Hey guys, I'm sure there are folks here that know a lot more than I when it comes to boat trailers. I currently have a ~5,200 lb. Chaparral on a 1996 tandem Tow Master trailer that fits perfectly and pulls no problem behind my Durango R/T. The trailer has new bearings, tires, and is in excellent...
  5. drewm3i

    Which hull brands to avoid

    The point wasn't to compare a Mercedes and a Jetta. It was a metaphor. I have no dog in that fight and would probably never buy one no matter how much money I had. :cool: For boat's it is often very different. Better boats have better materials, wiring, design, build quality, vinyl, layout...
  6. drewm3i

    Which hull brands to avoid

    Yes, but a Jetta will never be a nice Mercedes ;)
  7. drewm3i

    Which hull brands to avoid

    This is true, but good owners are the exception not the rule sadly. I keep my boat under two covers (cockpit plus full mooring over it), as did the previous owner. :cool:
  8. drewm3i

    Which hull brands to avoid

    Most entry-level boats are absolute garbage...thin hulls, poor layups, tons of voids, rot easily due to bad build quality and materials, etc. That being said, as a marine tech/surveyor, Sea Ray (especially 2010 onward) may be my least favorite brand to work on because of how they cram in...
  9. drewm3i

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    My opinion is that the transom looks fine. I would allow it do dry out. A bilge heater and air circulation would help. I would also mist it with ethylene glycol a few times during the winter layup. I would then wipe with a solvent before glassing everything back together. The stringers look...
  10. drewm3i

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    My advice for the first step is to cut the fiberglass skin off the center of the transom and into the main stringers a bit so you can get a better look at what you're doing. You need to see what material can be saved and what needs to be removed. You can make a filler for a reasonable amount of...
  11. drewm3i

    1995 Chaparral 2550 SX Refit and Restoration

    Made this one from last year's Keys trip:
  12. drewm3i

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan

    Yep, she's back and running although I'm now doing some more long put off rubrail repairs. New or old, it never ends does it? I have not gotten any hits on the other one really. Surprising really.
  13. drewm3i

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan

    Just a beautiful place to boat!
  14. drewm3i

    1995 Chaparral 2550 SX Refit and Restoration

    Made this video from our trip to launch a new YouTube channel dedicated to boating related content.
  15. drewm3i

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    https://forums.iboats.com/threads/formula-330ss-bulkhead-replacement.612428/
  16. drewm3i

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    Share the link of your 330 SS project. I think it fits the bill here.
  17. drewm3i

    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    My advice: take the TPenfield approach over winter. Pull the engine and transom assembly. Cut the inner skin off the transom where it's wet. Once removed, inspect the wet wood. Depending on severity, dig out what's rotted and repair with either new core or epoxy mixed with milled glass...
  18. drewm3i

    2002 Chaparral 200SSE Fuel Capacity?

    Get the newer styler, plunger type sender that is a float on a vertical shaft. They're way more accurate.
  19. drewm3i

    2000 Sea Ray 190 CC Hull Soft Spot

    So it looks like the area was flexing excessively because of a broken free structural member. You are in luck and this is repairable. I second the method that Chris1956 recommended.
  20. drewm3i

    2000 Sea Ray 190 CC Hull Soft Spot

    The way I would determine if it's from an impact is to push on the hull with a lot of force. Does it give? You can also tap with a hammer. Hollow=bad.
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