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    Engine hours

    My previous boat had the hour meter die at a little over 750. The replacement hour meter died at just over 500. It probably had over 3000 when I gave the boat away, still running well, but without an hour meter. At some point the meter matters not. My current boat has 720 but computers do a...
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    Hull speed.

    Sorry, there is a formula but it depends on many things. Primarily wetted hull length. A 20' v planing hull might have a displacement hull speed of 5.5mph, or less. It's easy to exceed the hull speed on a planing hull as you get into a partial planing condition with enough power. That's why...
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    Thought better of it

    Well, another Easter will arrive next year. ;)
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    Small and light boat for 5+ people?

    When they rate boats the test for people and the test for maximum load are structured differently. People move around and a load should not is why the tests are different. Ratings for boats are often ignored by many who should know better as they have 'done it before'. Just think it through...
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    Duel battery troubleshooting

    Not sure how the charger is set up but it needs to go to both batteries. If it goes through the selector switch it would only go to one unless the switch is set to both. If it bypasses the switch and goes directly to the batteries it may provide a circuit that stops the selector switch from...
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    Trailblazer for Tow Vehicle?

    I had an '06 with the 4.2 for towing my 22' inboard. It would go over mountain passes on cruise control without issue. Good brakes. Never overheated. Loved the very tight turn radius for maneuverability
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    Staying warm on boat in the winter

    Perhaps you have to little time for this, but installing a Heater Craft system is very effective. Not as good at idle in a sterndrive as they are in an inboard due to plumbing possibilities. I've got two 40,000 BTU units hooked up in series on my boat. For an immediate and cheap heater, get a...
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    Engine fogging

    If you do it through the carb it should not matter. Basically it's a light oil. To avoid this completely try just removing the plugs one at a time and spraying fogging oil through the hole. This avoids any oil on the plugs. Either way should be good.
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    how does one flush out rust from block?

    Well, you could change your engine to a closed cooling system with a heat exchanger. But if you use your boat in a fresh water environment the block is not going to rust our from the raw water cooling system. I think the suggested antirust treatment was to use on shore and would not...
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    Ignition switch does not shut engine off.

    Not sure of the specifics on your alternator. Usually it's red in the plug that is getting ignition power. It's a separate plug and not the output wire.
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    Ignition switch does not shut engine off.

    Sounds a bit like the alternator field wire is not cancelling when you shut the switch off. If the field wire still has power then the alternator can keep feeding the ignition circuit. Test this by unplugging the field wire plugs from the alternators and then see if the engine shuts off with...
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    Tritoon speed verses rpm

    In your case lowering the pitch would allow you a faster takeoff AND likely raise your top speed. Top speed is limited by horsepower being produced and at 3500 rpm you are probably a long way below your peak horsepower so you can't push the boat faster through the water. Getting your engine...
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    can someone let me know what fuse sizes?

    Two factors on fuse sizes. First, never use a fuse that is above the amp rating of the wire gauge going to it. Melted wires are dangerous. Second, don't use a fuse higher than the expected load justifies. You want the fuse to blow before a fire starts on a blower motor, for example. Search...
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    Do docking whips work on 15 ft bowrider

    Yes. They are best when set up with a spring system. (4 lines holding the boat) and are easiest if they are hinged to go vertical if your boat has a tower or is tall. Although I normally don't store the boat on the dock for any length of time I often use them when docked for part of the day...
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    Budget Wake Boarding Tow Options

    The order in which to spend money on wake boarding is: -A good non stretch tow rope with a wide handle. Not a ski rope. -A wakeboard with a constant rocker that is big enough. Used is great and if it's too big it just makes it easier to get up. -Some ballast bags to add weight to the boat...
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    Boat trailer brakes

    More brake capacity is easy to reduce if you need too. Less brake capacity does not get fixed easily. If you can afford the extra brakes, I don't know why you would not put them on. Easier on tires and better brake traction if all four are used.
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    Must Have items!!!

    I explained to my wife it was useful as an emergency bailer. But the kids seem to like it as much as me. Also useful when your friend in the next boat is catching more than you.
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    What size

    Usually a 3.5 is a lot lighter than a 4. Check the weights and which have attached fuel tanks, if that matters. Not much difference from a 3.5 to 4 in performance. A 6 often weighs close to a 4 and that would give you more get up and go, especially if loaded with two people. A 3.5 will...
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    Buying a US boat and bringing back to Canada

    The Homemade idea won't work. The process is not hard to import the trailer, it just requires following the specific rules and timeframes they require. It's viewed as a vehicle while the boat is not a vehicle for import. The website is RIV You might want to check to see if you need to export...
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    Which States/Provinces Enforce Registration Numbers Requirements

    3" in Canada, contrasting, block lettering. National law. Enforcement is a local thing.
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