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  1. ajgraz

    (ON)-OFF-ON toggle for utility lights; any reason for the momentary on?

    Doing some re-wiring on my boat, including replacing utility lighting (a couple courtesy lights on the console that apparently light up the dash/controls area) that isn't operational. Existing wiring is set up with a (ON)-OFF-ON toggle switch (that is: momentary on, off, on). Wondering whether...
  2. ajgraz

    Fun with Fuel

    Had some fuel-related fun the last couple outings with the 17' CC / 125 Optimax that I got from my Dad a few months ago. Outing the time before last, my nephew and I had just caught full air off a rogue wake, and the motor cut out just as we hit water (hard!) again. I figured maybe some water...
  3. ajgraz

    Fixed mount VHF with built-in GPS/DSC...and mic on the right?

    Anyone know of a fixed-mount VHF radio with built-in GPS/DSC (like the Standard Horizon GX1700), but with the mic on the right-hand side of the face? (Or, I suppose, that you could plug the supplied mic--not a "special remote function extra $$$" mic--into the back of the unit). Would be more...
  4. ajgraz

    Todd swingback with the 4 rod holders in it?

    Anyone using one of these Todd swingback chairs with the rod holders in it? http://www.toddusa.com/productdetails.aspx?id=143 Do the holders hold the rods securely? Anything else to share about what you do or don't like about it?
  5. ajgraz

    Non fogging instruments / gauges (esp. SeaStar "Pro" line)--worth the premium?

    Non fogging instruments / gauges (esp. SeaStar "Pro" line)--worth the premium? Anyone here have experience stepping up to "non-fogging" instruments / gages? For example, going from SeaStar Amega to SeaStar Premier Pro: http://www.seastarsolutions.com/prod...ntation/amega/...
  6. ajgraz

    Critique my VHF antenna plan...

    17' CC in my sig, I need to install a VHF antenna. Plan is: a stainless steel ratchet mount clamped to the port side of the 7/8" stainless grab rail, then a 4' fiberglass extension mast, then a 3' whip. I figure that will put the base of the antenna about 9 to 10' above the water. (I have...
  7. ajgraz

    Onboard smart charger; advantage (besides speed) to more amps per bank?

    All else being equal, is there any advantage (other than charging speed) to an onboard smart charger with more amps per bank? Will it charge "better" (maybe reverse sulfation better, make the batteries live longer, etc.)? BTW, let's say we're comparing 10-amp vs 4 or 5 amp per bank; and on...
  8. ajgraz

    Help me name my boat! (Poll)

    Help me name my 17' Center Console. After much discussion with the family, I'm down to two finalists. (Although your ideas are also welcome, even if just for a laugh!)
  9. ajgraz

    Help avoid "egging out" through-bolt holes in fiberglass; hatch hold-open install

    Help avoid "egging out" through-bolt holes in fiberglass; hatch hold-open install 17' CC has an anchor locker in the bow with a very large triangular-shaped hatch lid that is basically almost the entire foredeck. This thing is definitely heavy enough to maim or kill if it fell on you in rough...
  10. ajgraz

    Loop outboard control cables on my small center console?

    Working on cleaning up the rigging on my 17' center console. I've always been told that the control cables should loop at the motor end, for freest movement. But, on this new-to-me center console (and on any CC I've seen) they do NOT loop, they use the most direct connection possible. On my...
  11. ajgraz

    Water sloshes from built-in livewell into bilge; seal, or let bilge pump handle it?

    I found that the way my small built-in livewell is constructed, water sloshes over the upper "lip" of it (under the hull "cap") into the bilge. (I actually found a thread almost exactly describing my issue on another boating forum, but I don't know if I'm allowed to link that, plus I was not...
  12. ajgraz

    Shakespeare Lift N Lay 495 VHF antenna mount; any good?

    Anyone using the Shakespeare 495 lift n lay VHF antenna mount? http://www.iboats.com/Shakespeare-495B-Lift-and-Lay-Mount/dm/cart_id.802763847--session_id.544928206--view_id.64399 I can find remarkably few reviews here or anywhere online. Is it tough? Easy to deploy / stow?
  13. ajgraz

    J30R9 fuel hoses under outboard cowling, is this OK?

    Went through all the fuel feed lines on my (new to me) model year 2000 boat, to make sure everything was up to snuff: 1) Fuel line from tank to water separating filter (below deck) is Shields SAE J1527-A1, OK. 2) Fuel line from separating filter to motor (above deck) is Quicksilver (4000?) SAE...
  14. ajgraz

    Crazy idea: replace front seatback on small CC with soft horseshoe buoy?

    Cushions on my 17' CC are not exactly trashed yet, but will need eventual replacing. Wise swingback cushions and the Igloo cooler-top front seat cushion look easily enough replaceable...but the front cooler seat back, attached to the front of the console with snaps and a vinyl/plastic "rail"...
  15. ajgraz

    NEWB-ish Q: uploading .GPX files? How do I know if Fish Finder model can do it?

    Pardon the ignorance, I haven't shopped for a fishfinder / sonar in almost 20 yrs. How do I know if a particular model of FF can upload .GPX files? Or is that going to be standard these days? (We have these no-fishing protected areas here on the CA coast, and folks have plotted them out in...
  16. ajgraz

    Shurhold (telescoping or fixed) pole / attachments system?

    Anyone using Shurhold poles? http://shurhold.com/?gclid=CM60odG0v9ECFQxXDQodj3gNNw Do you find them to work well? Sturdy? Do they float? If so, will they float when there's an attachment affixed? I am specifically interested in the 4'-6' telescoping "fishing series" pole (833FS) and the...
  17. ajgraz

    Battery in stern, charger in console; connect through wiring from batt to fuse panel?

    17' Center Console. Battery in the stern, with a 10-12' (one way) run of 10AWG wire (with 40amp inline fuse near battery) to the fuse panel (with ground bus) in the console. I'd like to add a small onboard smart charger, 4 or 5 amps, mounted in the console. Chargers typically come with 4 to 6...
  18. ajgraz

    Quick Fist Mini clamps?

    Quick Fist Mini clamps: http://www.endroad.com/index.php/quick-fist-mounts/mini-quick-fist-5-8-to-1-3-8.html Anyone using them to secure things on your boat? How well do they hold things? How are they holding up?
  19. ajgraz

    1 Bank Or 2 Bank charger?

    I have a (possibly dumb) question: if you had a setup like this Blue Sea Systems 7650 (or perhaps the 7649 max 65amp outboard version), what do you do about an onboard charger? Is there a place in bruceb58's post #5 diagram where you can hook up a one-bank charger that charges both batteries...
  20. ajgraz

    1986 Sukuki 140 oil-injected; desirable motor?

    Can anyone tell me if a 1986 Suzuki 140 oil-injected 4cyl 2-stroke is a good / desirable / dependable motor? Any watchouts / known issues to look for? Any issues with parts availability, prop selection, etc.? Is it a "clone" motor? (i.e., same as Force or Merc or whatever of same vintage)...
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