Recent content by newbster

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    Looking for some weather stripping

    Any ideas where I can find 78 inches of this stuff? It's 1 inch high by 1/2 inch wide.
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    More HP = more efficent cruise?

    Looking at 350 based SBC's, they come in common builds from 240-350+ HP depending on builds. Given that the weight is the same, would I be safe in assuming that a higher HP engine would be more efficient in the same boat at a given cruise speed?
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    Info on a 1996 Mercruiser 350 Mag?

    I bumped into a pretty good price for a 1996 Mercruiser 350 Mag. I'm still waiting on serial and compression check but at 1k including fresh water cooling, outdrive and new stainless prop I'm figuring it would be tough to go wrong. I'm googling away but am not sure about all the specs. I'm...
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    Estimating speed with HP increase.

    My current motor is a bit sick and I'm considering replacement. Is there any good estimate of top end based on HP? The current motor is rated at 170hp and the last time I ran it, WOT was 29mph at 3000 RPM. The motor was not obviously not making full power but I'm guessing 140 hp to the prop...
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    Best sonar option?

    I currently have a Garmin 4212 and am considering the GSD22 sonar unit. Is this my only path other than a separate unit? What integration can be done with other brands or stand alone units? Is there any functionality that I might be giving up? For example, my GMR18 radar overlays the...
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    Mid 70's merc 9.8 timing ?

    Someone I know posted a question regarding setting timing on a mid 70's 9.8 merc and I'm trying to help him. Simple question, how does one adjust timing? Does it have a distributor? He says no but I'm not so sure.
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    Pulling the motor, what structure?

    I'll be building a new boat garage next month and am considering building in some strength to add an engine hoist in case I need to pull the motor. The basic structure will run 12 high by 12 wide by 32 long with a 1/12 slant to the roof. I was going to use exterior rated 2x4s as we see very...
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    How to get telemarketers to stop calling!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5z4Vs26-TI
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    Best paint?

    I'm looking to repaint my 26' Islander. The boat is aluminum. Its painted above the water line and bare underneath. I intend to repaint over the original factory paint which is in good condition with just a few scratches and no corrosion. I intend to spray as I have a decent work area and...
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    Protective coatings for engine components?

    Say you had an engine whose cooling components were in excellent condition and you did not want that to change. If I was going to take it all apart for a rebuild anyway is there something I could treat the components with to prevent corrosion in the salt? Its all flushed every time but is...
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    Grinding wheels on aluminum?

    I'm using a grinding bit to enlarge some holes. The aluminum is galling up and filling the wheel in pretty short order. Is there something I can do like oil soak the bit to help release the aluminum gall or am I just going to go through them quickly?
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    Through hull fittings on an aluminum boat.

    I just had an interesting experience. While running a NMEA2k network I bumped my through hull fitting from the bilge pump which promptly snapped off. Inspection showed the plastic, I'm assuming nylon, to be brittle. There is no way in this world that I want any through hull fitting to...
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    Gas lines, clamps necessary?

    I'm running 3/8ths flex fuel lines. They are all clamped with the exception of the line to the kicker simply because the marina ran out. Ideally, I would like to put the fuel bulb and connector on with some 4200 or other permanent adhesive. Is there some accepted best practice or is...
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    Funky distributor?

    almost... almost works... Delco distributor in a 84 470 motor. History: I replaced wires, coil, cap, rotor. The ignition was upgraded to Pertronix 2, coil is flamethrower2. Distributor was disassembled and put back together at a speed shop. With timing set to 5* BTDC at idle it coughs...
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    nmea2k fuel senders?

    Any first hand experiences with nmea2k fuel senders? I have a Garmin 4212 with the GM 10 hub. What I want is a the most useful fuel flow info to include total burned, rate etc. Is any one better than another? Is there any compatibility issues? Poor interfaces? Thoughts?
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