Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Funny how that works out. I actually feel slightly less nervous about being out in bad conditions (different from saying i will look to go out in them, but the more I go out the more I realize the boat can handle the conditions even if I can't. That is comforting to know. I can power through the lighter stuff and just slow down and run over the heavier stuff. Slow going.. but I will likely be a=OK in anything I would go out in. I still give you the brass bells award for having the gumption to "be the first". I would definitely cross the bays in the right conditions. The sucky part is the time it takes under less than ideal conditions. Glad you got to go out again the next day. I'm on the sidelines for a little bit while I figure out my floor. If you remember I told you it was getting a little soft by trips end, well the last time I took it out it fully deflate within about 3 hrs!! Not good at all. Have to give it a look over to see if it got punctured (don't think so. I am very cautious about the floor and I have that thick vinyl mat. The quicksilver didn't have the mat and never got a leak in over 6 years. I'm hoping it is a leaky valve. The fact that it was worse the second time makes me hopeful.

Btw, we tried fishing in the opposite direction.. further into the bay and found some life. Mostly spots, but some small sea bass and a weakfish to at least give us action on the day. My sister loves the spots so hopefully there is some eating there. Once I get the floor sorted out, i'm itching to go out again and will consider one of your ramps in your neck of the woods for variety sake.

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Yes, I know I can go out in such conditions and be safe, as long as I stay in, say, the Jamaica bay, which is narrow. I just don't know how bad it can get in the bay between Sandy Hook and Jamaica bay. It is too open. Those high waves near Breezy point got me a little concerned and if they were to dump water in the boat, it could get nasty. It is just not a pleasure to go out in such conditions, and the weather and wind forecast is the only thing that I rely on when deciding whether to go boating or not. And if they are wrong....

I hope you can get the floor issue sorted out. I don't think the material is so easy to glue as the PVC. It may be that the floor was defective. Would be good if you could negotiate something with BoatsToGO and organize its replacement.

I am ready for the next outing whenever you guys decide, I am free on the weekends. Unfortunately, I have a problem with my outboard motor loosing power. It is performing worse than it was a week ago. It can't reach the RPM it did before. Have to check compression first and go from there. Sucks. Seemed like it was almost new...
Until we sort the issues I suggest we stick to your NY and nearby ramps, as the one on the river I used last time turned out to be too far from the fishing spots at the nose of Sandy hook. I wish I could find a closer free ramp. And I have to try to reach your ramp by road, not water, haven't done so yet

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Yes, I know I can go out in such conditions and be safe, as long as I stay in, say, the Jamaica bay, which is narrow. I just don't know how bad it can get in the bay between Sandy Hook and Jamaica bay. It is too open. Those high waves near Breezy point got me a little concerned and if they were to dump water in the boat, it could get nasty. It is just not a pleasure to go out in such conditions, and the weather and wind forecast is the only thing that I rely on when deciding whether to go boating or not. And if they are wrong....

I hope you can get the floor issue sorted out. I don't think the material is so easy to glue as the PVC. It may be that the floor was defective. Would be good if you could negotiate something with BoatsToGO and organize its replacement.

I am ready for the next outing whenever you guys decide, I am free on the weekends. Unfortunately, I have a problem with my outboard motor loosing power. It is performing worse than it was a week ago. It can't reach the RPM it was. Have to check compression first and go from there. Sucks. Seemed like it was almost new...
Until we sort the issues I suggest we stick to your NY and nearby ramps, as the one on the river I used last time turned out to be too far from the fishing spots at the nose of Sandy hook. I wish I could find a closer free ramp. And I have to try to reach your ramp by road, not water, haven't done so yet

I think sin is going out tomorrow, looks to get to 72 degrees. I wish I could make it damn work. I plan to go out on Monday but hesitating. I'm not a solo type of guy. Would not want to be stuck in the bay with a failed motor and nobody to help. last time I tried rowing in the nasty current of Jamaica bay I was tired and cramped in 5 seconds (shows how out of shape I am).

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I think sin is going out tomorrow, looks to get to 72 degrees. I wish I could make it damn work. I plan to go out on Monday but hesitating. I'm not a solo type of guy. Would not want to be stuck in the bay with a failed motor and nobody to help. last time I tried rowing in the nasty current of Jamaica bay I was tired and cramped in 5 seconds (shows how out of shape I am).

I am planing to go to the Delaware river early in the morning as there will be stronger winds tomorrow.
For when my motor breaks-situations I attach my trolling motor just in case, but with strong head winds I don't think it will do much in the bay, especially against the current. Rowing is not an option with the 14', it has the canoe paddles, so will be much slower.

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I was going to go on a fishing boat today (I got my compressed day off, but have to work tomorrow and am going out to a party late tomorrow nite so Sunday looks doubtful) but I overslept. I just brought the floor upstairs to inflate and see if I can figure out what is going on. Already gave Boatstogo the heads up that the floor may be coming there way.. especially if it is a defect. They are on standby. Can't do any boating til that is sorted out and if I have to send it to them, I may be done for weeks (Def hope not). May wind up with an Aluminum floor as well and then I have options.

Smashed,

I know what you're are saying and don't get me wrong.... I have a very healthy respect for what the sea can do when she wants to show who's Boss. I wouldn't go out if I remotely thought I could get in trouble and even crossing the bay is not something that I would not take lightly (heck I never even tried on the flat days) it's just that now I know more how she'll behave in less than ideal conditions it gives me comfort knowing that if I started out in good conditions and they turned bad fast... I'd still likely be ok. And just so you know, you are always welcomed in our neck of the woods . I even called the Boro President and you are now considered an honorary Brooklynite with all full rights and privileges!!! Welcome aboard!! BTW, I pm'd you what I expected the fishing to be like on that day... we really SHOULD have wailed away on those blue dogs!! Next time for sure... and now that we know there are enough spots to keep us entertained in the back of the bay... we have options!!!

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

So... how does that saying go again... the best laid plans of mice and men... It's official. I apparently managed to hook my floor on my first trip!!!! LMAO. Funniest thing is I was extra careful AND I put on a heavy duty vinyl flooring cover!!! So, of course a hook,, or some small sharp object (hook is still most likely suspect) manages to get into the small space that the vinyl cover doesn't reach and stick the side (the entire top (actual floor walking surface)is "completely" protected.). You can't make this up. I used the quicksilver floor for 6 years with no vinyl protection and nothing! Put on extra protection and care on the new boat... Blammo!!! Lol. At least it's an easy fix. Literally a drop of glue. Could have held my finger there and stopped the leak!!! It does make me realize though that this is a chink in the floors armor/ vinyl protection and I am going to shore it up with an EXTRA patch prophylaxis, lol. Can't be too safe these days! Well at least I can't blame the boat!!!


** Left it blown up as a test. Funny how fast it is deflating. I guess the combination of much smaller volume and much higher pressure make the changes in the tube happen very fast. Looks like the floor would be damn near useless in half an hr and totally deflated in about an hr/ hr and a half (which is exactly what happened Monday!!)

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I still can't believe it happened on it's first use. Anyway, there is always enough space in my boat for a friend. And until I sort my engine problem we can have your motor on my 14'. This way we will make sure we do the buddies pictures to make the outing look like a real one. In my book though, the last one was great even without the formalities. Looking forward to the next one!
For now I at least found the compression to be OK on my motor. It is 132 and 137 in the cylinders, cold engine. Will run a warm test now.

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Would be surprised with readings like that you have anything truly serious with the motor. It's probably some small detail. I'm hoping that we all get the little kinks worked out and have all three boats on the water. I am SOOOO looking forward to our own 6th Fleet!! Or maybe just an inflatable caravan... whatever we call it... it's gonna be cool. The real problem with me is actually going to be getting time off to go out again. I really wish they would do away this mandatory OT at the office. I could def go Saturday then. We'll see. When you get a chance can you tell me how the motor is acting (specifics, ie. does it start strong and get worse as it warms up? does it seem weak from start up? whatever seems to be different than before.) Between us we'll figure it out for sure.


It's like I told Weimed. New boats (pretty much for all of us). We have to work out the kinks/ get the bad mojo out of the way and then it's smooth sailing (fingers crossed). The last few years were pretty smooth with the Quicksilver but the first few outings is where I had a lot of my mishaps. Had to work out the bugs. Pretty much had to learn the outboard AND the ins and boat since I had never owned either. And don't forget all the accessories. Still don't know all of the ins and outs of my gps!

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

yep. Sin remember I had that coffee colored stuff on my exhaust? well thank god its not in my lower unit (water in lower unit). still changing the LU gear oil

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Actually, Tuesday, Thursday and some Fridays are other possibilities for me. So this may give us some more flexibility as Weimed is busy on the weekends. Of course, you guys don't feel pushed and make sure you really have the time and the drive for a day on the water! I am driving to NY next time.

I just ran the compression test on a warm engine and saw that the numbers dropped by 10 psi. Found this to be normal, but dunno for sure. The symptoms are that every time I use the engine, I get less rpm than the previous run. And the propeller is the same. Previously alone I was getting 5300 rpm. Then it dropped to 5100 and last time I saw 4850. The speed also dropped to 15 mph instead of the 16 initially. The boat will not plane 2 people anymore - this is significant change. Other than this I don't see other symptoms. Go figure.

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Actually, Tuesday, Thursday and some Fridays are other possibilities for me. So this may give us some more flexibility as Weimed is busy on the weekends. Of course, you guys don't feel pushed and make sure you really have the time and the drive for a day on the water! I am driving to NY next time.

I just ran the compression test on a warm engine and saw that the numbers dropped by 10 psi. Found this to be normal, but dunno for sure. The symptoms are that every time I use the engine, I get less rpm than the previous run. And the propeller is the same. Previously alone I was getting 5300 rpm. Then it dropped to 5100 and last time I saw 4850. The speed also dropped to 15 mph instead of the 16 initially. The boat will not plane 2 people anymore - this is significant change. Other than this I don't see other symptoms. Go figure.

Using the same fuel and exactly same oil mixture? Clean you carb using seafoam. Might be a little clog in the carb.

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Yes, I use Super (93), and the mixture is 45-50:1. I always add about 80-85 ml of oil per gallon and it must be 75 ml for exactly 50:1. I use Pennzoil premium 2 stroke oil (initially used Tanaka, but was expensive). I would love it if I just have to clean the carb. Do you think I should take it appart to clean it really well, though? I usually run the gas out after use.

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

Yes, I use Super (93), and the mixture is 45-50:1. I always add about 80-85 ml of oil per gallon and it must be 75 ml for exactly 50:1. I use Pennzoil premium 2 stroke oil (initially used Tanaka, but was expensive). I would love it if I just have to clean the carb. Do you think I should take it appart to clean it really well, though? I usually run the gas out after use.

would be a good idea to knock it off the list of things that might be wrong

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

True. Found a Service Manual in russian, will try to figure it out lol.

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

True. Found a Service Manual in russian, will try to figure it out lol.

I agree with weimed. Seafoam (have to do it myself at the end of this season) the engine start it up afterwards get it running well, let it cool off and change the plugs. These are all cheap "fixes" and allows you to narrow down the suspects like a good Scooby Doo mystery! As for the oil mix... I would either stay at exactly what is prescribed or if you are going to "cheat a little" go in the other direction especially since you are already at 50:1 to being with. I kind of do it by eye and the days I use too much versus too little (very small amounts). I can tell differences in the throttle response and very slighly in power. It could be my imagination but I don't think it is These are pretty small engines so little differences probably have noticeable effect. Things like waves and such adding forces to the boat may also slow it down enough to require the motor to work harder and never truly unload (I suspect). In either case, if you get those things off the list you can look elsewhere :0

Weimed.. that looks cool. May have to pick your brains on that set up. I know my engine will need a good going over this winter.

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I did some dumb stuff when changing the Lu oil. I read a thread where some guy said you need to pressurize the Lu because I don't want trapped air. So I closed the top vent "following his direction" then pumped a couple of times in the bottom hole with oil then loosened the top vent hole and the oil shot out getting oil every where my face clothes, floor. Last time I listen to that guy.

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I did some dumb stuff when changing the Lu oil. I read a thread where some guy said you need to pressurize the Lu because I don't want trapped air. So I closed the top vent "following his direction" then pumped a couple of times in the bottom hole with oil then loosened the top vent hole and the oil shot out getting oil every where my face clothes, floor. Last time I listen to that guy.

The internet CAN be a dangerous place, lol. Everyhting with a grain of salt! Besides, that might work on HIS set-up and not so much for others.

 

[smashed]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I will try the SeaFoam after I clean the carburator. And yes, I could play with the oil mix in the other direction adding a little less oil than necessary, say 55:1 mixture shouldn't hurt. I tried in flat water so the waves are off the list. I even tested it in freshwater to eliminate the density factor in saltwater (if there is such). I have new plugs, so will try new ones, that will be an easy one.

Weimed, I also changed my LU oil. I am a bit concerned that not leaving any air in the gearbox may lead to cracking it, when the oil expands at higher temperatures. A small amount of air would provide some expansion cushion. Interestingly, in the manual, I believe, they don't state that air cushion is necessary. I wonder if the gear oil ever gets too hot, as the gearbox is cooled constantly, being under water. The hydrocarbon liquids expand 2% for every 10 degrees Celsius, IIRC. So 20-30 degrees change in temperature would be over 5% expansion of the volume of the gear fluid, threatening the integrity of the box. Anyway, I followed the recommendations in the manual I found.

 

[Guest]

Re: Buying an inflatable from Defender's store. Anything wrong with that seller?

I will try the SeaFoam after I clean the carburator. And yes, I could play with the oil mix in the other direction adding a little less oil than necessary, say 55:1 mixture shouldn't hurt. I tried in flat water so the waves are off the list. I even tested it in freshwater to eliminate the density factor in saltwater (if there is such). I have new plugs, so will try new ones, that will be an easy one.

Weimed, I also changed my LU oil. I am a bit concerned that not leaving any air in the gearbox may lead to cracking it, when the oil expands at higher temperatures. A small amount of air would provide some expansion cushion. Interestingly, in the manual, I believe, they don't state that air cushion is necessary. I wonder if the gear oil ever gets too hot, as the gearbox is cooled constantly, being under water. The hydrocarbon liquids expand 2% for every 10 degrees Celsius, IIRC. So 20-30 degrees change in temperature would be over 5% expansion of the volume of the gear fluid, threatening the integrity of the box. Anyway, I followed the recommendations in the manual I found.

yea, I don't have a manual but looked it up and nobody said anything about air in the LU, I just did 1 more pump to get a solid oil flow from the top and screwed in the vent then drain hole. I was very happy not seeing any metal on the magnet of the drain screw means I shift In and out of gear properly. I am still annoyed about the air loss from my boat. I need time to take it to my dads house to blow it up and search for the holes. I am preying there is no holes. This boat has only been used like 8 times