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    Which hull brands to avoid

    Yeah, I'd never buy an aluminum boat over a 12' jon boat, with the exception of maybe a Marinette or a large motor yacht. They are fugly, ride loud, ding easily, corrode, and leak at the rivets. The welded structure stress cracks over time as well, especially if you use it any sea. They also...
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    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    I would love to go EoH but it isn't in the current budget. Maybe it's best I rebuild my actuator and then replace with EoH when I can swing it.
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    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    The dacromat stuff is sounding like what I need.
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    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    What is dacromat? Galvanized?
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    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.
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    Need Help Selecting New Trailer Brake Kit/Actuator

    Trailer VIN
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    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...
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    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...
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    Which hull brands to avoid

    Yes, but a Jetta will never be a nice Mercedes ;)
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    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:
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    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...
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    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...
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    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...
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    1995 Chaparral 2550 SX Refit and Restoration

    Made this one from last year's Keys trip:
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    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.
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    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan

    Just a beautiful place to boat!
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    1995 Chaparral 2550 SX Refit and Restoration

    Made this video from our trip to launch a new YouTube channel dedicated to boating related content.
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    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

    https://forums.iboats.com/threads/formula-330ss-bulkhead-replacement.612428/
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    99 Monterey 276 Transom Replacement

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