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  1. ajgraz

    Higher battery cranking amps, less voltage drop?

    Here’s a question I can’t seem to find a straight answer to: Assuming full charge, same battery age and condition, temperature, etc., etc., will a battery with higher cranking amps experience less voltage drop when starting the same motor than a battery with lower cranking amps?
  2. ajgraz

    Building a boat around a nut......

    If you do decide to access them, a 4” hole saw and some flat cover plates is how I did it.
  3. ajgraz

    Surge brakes for <3000# single-axle rig; do I want drum or disc?

    17' CC on a galvanized single axle LoadRite trailer (believe to be model year 2000), total loaded weight of entire rig (hull, motor, trailer, gas, batteries, gear, etc.) is ~2800# Recently replaced the springs because the originals were shot; went ahead and upgraded to a new Dexter EZ Lube...
  4. ajgraz

    Does anyone recognize make/model/year of this (suspected) 13' Whaler clone?

    Buddy is looking at a boat. Seller claims it's a 1970 13' Boston Whaler, but I think it's a clone. There is no identifying info on it that can be found. So, anyone got some insight into possible make / model / approx year on this boat? Is it a Whaler?
  5. ajgraz

    Bimini top install on a round gunnel

    They do make side-mounts that could go on the vertical, inside part of the gunwale. Pictured is a heavy-duty stainless 4-hole job. They are also made in two-hole. Also in chrome-plated zinc, and in nylon. If you are planning to have it lay down on that foredeck, this might be your better way...
  6. ajgraz

    Looking for a quick and easy way to stow dock lines after shoving off

    I'm solo 90% of the time. But when I do have a crew, only one of them has telepathy and/or will do anything I say...and unfortunately he's not that good at coiling line.
  7. ajgraz

    Looking for a quick and easy way to stow dock lines after shoving off

    Thanks for all the ideas, guys. I agree that line laying loose on my deck is a trip hazard or a hazard to fly off the back and wrap the prop, that's why I've got to get them off the deck. I have been storing in the anchor locker and the baitwell...but I don't want to do that anymore, and quick...
  8. ajgraz

    Looking for a quick and easy way to stow dock lines after shoving off

    I'm looking for a quick and easy way to stow my dock lines after shoving off, and to be able to quickly and easily access them when coming in to the dock. For example, in the attached pic (not my boat, but same model), say I've got the forward dockline attached to the port cleat (green arrow)...
  9. ajgraz

    Help identify Mercury Power Trim Switch please

    Here's a link to an online manual that will help you with any and all disassembly of the control. Section 4D, starting pg 142 covers this model: http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/ma...mote.html#/142 I never liked that trim switch, not just because of failure, but also because I found that when...
  10. ajgraz

    Small bimini, grab rail mounted to center console; anyone do this?

    After taking copious measurements last night--and stealing an idea from a thread on another forum--I think I figured out a way to put a full-sized bimini on this boat that is functional, will make everyone happy, and will not break the bank. Just have to lengthen the main tubes and install it...
  11. ajgraz

    Small bimini, grab rail mounted to center console; anyone do this?

    Thinking about adding some shade to my 17' center console, mostly to appease family members who are more into hanging out on the boat than in fishing. A huge, gunwale-mounted bimini is just going to be too big and unwieldy for this boat, I think...especially given the headroom I'd want. And for...
  12. ajgraz

    Need new destroyer type wheel for small center console; foam or no?

    Have (had!) a 15" stainless steel "destroyer" type wheel on my 17' center console. Yesterday while offshore all 5 spokes broke off from the hub (probably most were already done, and this was the last straw for the ones remaining). I MacGyver'd a fix from some cable ties poached from the wiring...
  13. ajgraz

    Safety chains...S-hooks? S-hooks with safety clips?

    Since the recent thread about vinyl-covered safety cables hiding corrosion (and mine looking pretty tired), I've decided to go to chains. Most chains I see use S-hooks to attach to the hitch. What is the consensus on the safety and security of S-hooks? (If it matters, the whole rig (hull, OB...
  14. ajgraz

    Bow Stop Options

    Pic is quite dark so we can't see what might be keeping the winch arm from being able to be moved down any... But if that's true, then maybe you could try this (see attached pic)...flip the strap to the bottom of the winch as suggested earlier (red line), move the winch arm up (blue arrow)...
  15. ajgraz

    Watch those tide tables!

    Cruised by this in the south San Diego Bay just after launching yesterday: (It was gone 4 hrs later, when the tide was back in!) Funny thing, as I was launching another guy launched his small CC right next to me...he had totally unhooked and had no bowline attached, and his boat just...
  16. ajgraz

    Safe to route transom straps this way (see pics)? Want to make room for Smart Tabs

    I am thinking of SX9510-60 Smart Tabs for my 17' Sea Hunt center console: http://nauticusinc.com/smart-tabs-sx/ (Objectives are reduced bow rise on holeshot and ability to maintain plane at lower speeds...though that's not really the point of this thread, any comments on meeting those...
  17. ajgraz

    New Mercury Spitfire propeller singing

    Hub/spacer fitment is what I was getting at, too... Here's a diagram I lifted off the web so we're all using the correct part names: Just last weekend I installed a brand new 4-blade Spitfire prop on my 125 Optimax. It came with a hub kit like this (looks perhaps to be the one the OP is...
  18. ajgraz

    recommendations for boat cover with integrated outboard hood

    Nylon is terrible in the sun. I bought a 5-year semi-custom polyester ENDURAcover from iBoats for my center console with full bow rail. Fits like a glove, impressive quality, keeps the rain and dirt out, was not expensive, and came with free straps (though I had to buy more straps, too). Has...
  19. ajgraz

    Safe to dash-mount battery switch? And right next to electronics (VHF, GPS, Tach)?

    Due to possible interference from the device itself or the power wires running to it (or for any other reason), is there a safe minimum mounting distance between a battery switch and sensitive electronics, like: VHF radio, antenna or antenna cable? GPS receiver(s)? Fishfinder / sonar /...
  20. ajgraz

    What thickness starboard for binnacle control mounting plate? 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2"? 3/4"?

    What thickness starboard for binnacle control mounting plate? 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2"? 3/4"? I want to relocate the Mercury binnacle single control on my center console. Need to move it up and to the right a bit (i.e., away from the driver), perhaps two to three (diagonal) inches total, because...
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