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  1. JimS123

    My turn for a "New to me boat"

    I've been a boater for 60 years. Other than an old tinny and an antique I always bought new. I have NEVER needed a tow. Always had a kicker on board for the one single time I needed it. One year after buying my last new boat, It wouldn't start. My BoatUS insurance got me a $300 tow for...
  2. JimS123

    Merc prop selector

    Step 1: Old OEM aluminum prop gave xxx rpm. To hit max spec I figured 1" pitch change would change the rpm by about 200, so I calculated what I would need for a "perfect" aluminum prop. Step 2: I figured going from aluminum to SS I would have to drop pitch by about 1", so I entered that into...
  3. JimS123

    Merc prop selector

    The Merc engineers have files of data that they draw from. What they publish is what they consider optimum. That's not to say that others won't work just as good. My list did not include an Enertia. But after using one, that will be my go-to forever. It's just that good.
  4. JimS123

    XR 4 Hydrofoil

    No experience with xr4. I prefer a DoelFin. I put one on in 1985 and have had one on every boat ever since. Over 50 boat years experience. I even have a brand new spare for when I buy my next boat. Best invention ever made. All of the problems are because the engine is overpowered for...
  5. JimS123

    Rkl-29e wont go forward

    Same thing happened to me. TWICE. The wires burn out. I got it fixed back in the day, but nobody will touch it these days. Some say it was an awesome setup - I don't agree. OMC is out of business. Not many mechanics left. Try googling a local dealer than used to be OMC. Glad I got rid of...
  6. JimS123

    Problems with oversized boat motor

    A local guy owned a small marina and gas dock. He was the local guru that went faster than anyone else. His boats all had HP wayyyy higher than the plate. All the kids adored him. One day he was going so fast that he started to chine walk, lost control and he hit a bridge abutment. He's...
  7. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    cheaper and less maintenance. launching is of no concern when price matters. or, set in their ways. or, lives with lousy ramps.
  8. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    My current 2 Karavans were available either way. The height on the trailer was EXACTLY the same. Of course, the price difference was hard to take. But the results made it worth it.
  9. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    Maybe. My last tinny had dozens of rollers on the bunks, plus 4 self-centering keel rollers. No dents and the best solo launching boat I ever owned.
  10. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    Wow, sounds like me. My awesome ramp is 6 miles up the Erie Canal. I love boat rides, so it is a pleasure, not a problem.
  11. JimS123

    Fuel efficiency for long-ish trip

    My current boats are relatively new and I have access to performance data. I can simply look at the graphs and the info is right there. If I were you I would do a search for your boat. and see what info is available. At the very least, find a similar size boat with the same engine. If I...
  12. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    Put EZSlides on the bunks. You won't believe how much better they work vs. even if the bunks are wet.
  13. JimS123

    Easier time putting on the trailer

    I have a ss eye bolt on top of the fender. I pull out the winch strap and attach the hook to the eye. Then, back in. Untie the dock lines and manually pull the boat into the back of the trailer so the stem is just touching the last self-centering keel roller. Now it can't drift sideways...
  14. JimS123

    Arcadia/Traverse Suitability?

    Glad you told me. I guess we sold the old 2017 just in time. I certainly won't put the wife's 2023 in joepardy. I guess I'll have to bring my old Bonneville back out of the Cruise Night circuit and make him a dedicated towcar once again. They sure built cars right back in the day.
  15. JimS123

    My poor old Buick took a hit

    My '80 Bonneville got bumped a few years ago. No problem fixing fenders and such, but the huge rear taillight assembly was shattered. After they received the new part (junkyard from an internet search) the shop called me and said you better come in. It was intact, but completely faded and...
  16. JimS123

    Arcadia/Traverse Suitability?

    Our 2017 Traverse AWD V6 LT1 with towing package was rated for 5200 pounds. It pulled a 4000 pound boat with single axle trailer effortlessly. It also came with a trailering mode that apparently made changes to the drive train. Truthfully, I never noticed a difference on or off. The 2023...
  17. JimS123

    Marine hand held radio

    The Govmt has changed the way we boat. Back in the day the USCG would help lost souls. Not any more. If you have a breakdown, or stupidly run out of gas, your outta luck. Of you blow up and are sinking and in danger of lost life, they will come. No mater where you are, the best bet is to...
  18. JimS123

    Gas and fuel mix recommendations for JW-10

    If you have replaced the fuel lines and the float in your gas tank E10 will be OK. If you by non-ethanol, take your chances. It ain't all true. Some stations lie. Best to be prepared.
  19. JimS123

    raising motor on jon boat

    Yes it would help. Regardless, if it won't plane you need a proper prop matched to the engine and motor. If it is nose high the angle is wrong.
  20. JimS123

    How to tow a 9.9 Johnson

    The picture shows us nothing became it is at the wrong angle. You need at least 8" of road clearance. If not, get a transom saver. If yes, follow post #10. Regardless, get rid of that nasty green strap.
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