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    epoxy on vertical surface - to thicken or not?

    Re: epoxy on vertical surface - to thicken or not? As long as I'm posting pics, here's a before and after of the repair to the bow I did last week. It's just a peanut butter mix of epoxy, cabosil, and 1/4" chopped fiber.
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    epoxy on vertical surface - to thicken or not?

    Re: epoxy on vertical surface - to thicken or not? Before and after photos from today. I did end up with some air underneath a section of the mat, as you can possibly see in the close up photo. I'm guessing that it happened because the temps were rising outisde as the epoxy was curing, and...
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    epoxy on vertical surface - to thicken or not?

    Hi gents, I'd like to apply fiberglass mat on a vertical surface. I'll be using epoxy. On one hand, I feel I should NOT mix in any thickeners so as to have the resin as thin as possible to fully wet out the glass. On the other hand, I can picture the thin mix dripping all down the side of...
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    1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration

    Re: 1974 Penn Yan 23 Sportfish Restoration Thanks again Sasto. Here are a few more pics. I sent you a PM, but at the end of the message couldn't find a way to attach photos, so apologies to everyone here for the thread hijack.
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    Carb float setting for Tohatsu 5 hp

    Hi gents, I want to rebuild the carb on my Tohatsu M5B because it's been slowly leaking fuel out of the carb after shutdown. I ordered the rebuild kit (thanks Iboats!), but when it arrived I was disappointed to find that there was no documentation indicating the correct float setting (or...
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    Cabin heat ideas

    I'm still a long way from this aspect of my project. But I happened to be thinking about it tonight so I figured I'd post. I'd like to install some type of cabin heater in the pictured boat when I get around to doing the interior. Likely the engine coolant exchanger type. Something like this...
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    Fiberglass question - best way to go about this repair?

    Hi gents. I picked up a 1980 Penn Yan 23' sportfisher last winter, but due to a busy work schedule haven't really had time to tinker with it much beyond some little things. One of the first big things I'd like to accomplish is to repair a worn area of the keel. This boat has obviously seen...
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    DIY adjustable boat stands?

    Hi all, I need to pull my "new" project boat off the trailer for some bottom paint and keel repair. Anyone have a good idea for some DIY adjustable boat stands for lateral stability? Luckily (or unluckily) I recently had a large tree blow down in my yard which I plan to use for keel support...
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    What's your favorite fluid transfer pump?

    In my SeaRay, I've always drained the oil from below since I can access the oil pan drain plug without much difficulty. On my "new" project boat it's much harder to get access, so I'm looking for other options (through the dipstick tube I imagine). I will also be draining the velvet drive...
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    Oh boy, I'm in for it now - new project by a newbie.

    Hi gents, just wanted to post up a couple of pictures of my new project. Some background first: I've been looking for a good fishing/crabbing boat for the Puget Sound. I wanted something that had ample cockpit space for manuvering poles, traps, fish, gear, etc., a cabin to get out of the...
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    trailer tongue jack, saltwater use, longevity

    I have to replace my jack at the end of EVERY season because the internals get corroded and the gears strip out. I had been using the cheap Harbor Freight $20 ones, but "upgraded" to a $40 one from West Marine last season. The claim on the box was something to the effect of "good for 300 hours...
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    Favorite "big boat engine" forum

    Hello gents, I'd like to do a little research on inboard diesel engine and transmission installation for larger pleasure/fishing boats (think moorage vs. trailer). Any favorites? Actually, a forum just like this one (but with a different focus) would be ideal. Thanks!
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    Trailer LED lights combined with incandescent?

    Hello gents, I plan to replace the 2 rear running/brake/signal light units on my trailer. I'd like to install some LED units. My trailer has numerous "other" lights (marker, crossmember, fender, etc) that I would like to be able to keep. Can I just wire the new LEDs into the existing wiring...
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    Raw water cooled engine in saltwater

    Good evening Gents, I'm considering a used boat ('89 Regal, 19 foot cuddy, 4.3 v6 and Alpha drive). It seems to fit my needs/wants, except the engine is raw water cooled. It has over 500 hours on it, and I'll assume that it was mostly used in saltwater here in the Puget Sound area. I, too...
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    Honest opinion of OMC drives

    OK Gents, hopefully I won't start a war here. I currently have a 1985 Sea Ray 17 footer with Alpha outdrive. I've been very happy with the boat in the 4 years I've had it, but I'm considering a slightly newer and larger boat with cuddy cabin (21-23 foot range, mid 90's or newer). In surfing...
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    Alpha 1 beefy enough for 454?

    Hey guys, A buddy of mine is looking into a 1989 Sea Ray, 26 foot. It's got a 454 in it, but has an Alpha One outdrive (#OC634149). I thought I remembered reading on this forum some time ago that an Alpha drive wasn't very heavy duty and would come apart behind a 454. Any thoughts? Thanks...
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    How to use alignment bar?

    If this is as simple as it would seem, I'll feel pretty stupid for asking the question, but here goes: I don't have an alignment bar. I currently have the Merc outdrive off my 140. I plan to trailer the boat in the next few weeks to get some new trailer tires put on, and I'd like to swing by...
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    What's a surface drive?

    How does it work, and why would you want one (or two)? I've never seen these before. My buddy wants me to accompany him to look at a Formula he found on Craigslist, and it has these "surface drives". Any ideas?
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    Recommend a lube.

    Hey guys, I need to lube my u-joints, gimbal bearing, outdrive hinge pins, prop shaft, and splines for the outdrive drive shaft which goes through the hull. What do you all use for each? For the joints with grease gun fittings, do I just pump until there is a little resistance? Thanks!
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    Water where it shouldn't be in outdrive?

    Hello experts, After owning my 1985 Sea Ray with 140 Merc Alpha MR for 3 years, I decided it's time to have a look at my impeller (for the first time) and install a new one. I did this because of the opinions of many of you on this forum who say it should be changed every year or two, not...
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