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  1. ParallaxBill

    I'm also considering a 4 blade...

    ...but here is what I have tried so far with results. 18' 73 Glassmaster Tarpon trihull 165 HP L6 Mercruiser I/O Tested with two adults on board, fishing equipment and half a fuel load. with, 13.75" dia x 21" pitch Mercruiser SS 3 blade; WOT 43 mph (gps) at 3,900 rpm, (bottom of recommended...
  2. ParallaxBill

    Prop comparo, SS vs Alum on my boat.

    My 18' 1972 Glassmaster Tarpon 165 hp Mercruiser will run 41 mph (gps) at WOT 4,300 rpm with my new condition 14.5" x 19" pitch Mich Wheel aluminum prop. With my older but excellent condition Mercruiser SS prop of 13.75" x21" prop I am getting 43 mph at WOT 3,900 rpm. Both tested with two...
  3. ParallaxBill

    Mechanical gas gage question.

    I have two 12 gallon tanks under the seat boxes of my 72 Glassmaster and they both use Mirax mechanical float gauges. Anyone know how they work? Mine are both stuck on 5/8'ths full but the floats are working. Needles seem to be stuck. What the heck makes them work anyhow because there is no...
  4. ParallaxBill

    Operating temp for Mercruiser 165 L6?

    Guys, I got to run my boat all week while vacationing on a local lake and got to wondering what the proper operating temp for my engine should be. It idles about 140 but on a 25 mile cruise at 30 mph @ 3,000 rpm the temp steadied at a hair over 160. One thing that had me concerned after my...
  5. ParallaxBill

    Classic 70's rig ready for vacation!

    Guys, with the addition of a new prop, Eagle fish finder, wireless remote Motor Guide trolling motor and a new bimini top from right here on iboats my 72 Glassmaster Tarpon is ready for a week on the lake. I'll try to post some "on the water" pics in the next week or so. I love this old $500...
  6. ParallaxBill

    How much power does a fish finder draw?

    I'm thinking of doubling up on my trolling motor battery. Will this be wise or should I add a 3rd battery to my boat? Thanks,
  7. ParallaxBill

    Boat naming superstitions?

    When I boat my boat last July it was already named by the previous owner and I have not decided to change it. Are there any boat name superstitions I should be aware of? I'm not at all the superstitious type but was wondering.....just the same.;) BTW, her name is 'Sis' and I haven't a clue...
  8. ParallaxBill

    Bimini Top recommendations?

    Guys, I live in the south and have a very bald head so beyond a hat I think I need to equip my 18' 73 Glassmaster tri-hull with a Bimini Top. My wife and daughter would appreciate a cooler place in the boat out of the sun when it reaches the 90's here in NC/SC. Could you recommend materials...
  9. ParallaxBill

    An earlier Lake Norman boating accident of note...

    Guys and gals, This is in relation to the more recent fatal accident on Lake Norman, NC. I mentioned it in that post but thought it would be of interest in it's own post. http://www.wsoctv.com/news/2421433/detail.html See the related links.:)
  10. ParallaxBill

    Eagle 480 Fish finder questions...

    Guys, I just got a rain check at BP for one on sale but decided to check with you guys before I lay my money down. It seems to be the same unit as the Lowrance X96 but was on sale for $149 vs the regular price of $199 for both units. The price matches my budget and I already have a H20 GPS so...
  11. ParallaxBill

    Speed test today proved satisfactory.

    I got my 18' 73 Glassmaster tri-hull w/165 L6 Mercruiser up to 41 mph (gps) today on a windy choppy lake. Top indicated rpms were 4,300 with a new Mich Wheel aluminum prop (14.5"X19" pitch). Two adults on board with 2/3rd's fuel load. Seems like I've found the right combination.
  12. ParallaxBill

    Motor Guide W45 test run...finally!!

    Hi folks, it was 50 degrees @ 10 AM today in sunny south/central NC so I finally got my boat back on the lake for some GPS speed trials and a test run of my wireless W45 trolling motor. We had been at Bass Pro Shops yesterday so my daughter caught the fever to go boating and talked me into...
  13. ParallaxBill

    Not a question, just a comment about stern drives.

    I just love the sound of my L6 165 Mercruiser at cruising speed. Nice and deep, but not loud at all. Could it be better with an outboard?? I doubt it. ;);)
  14. ParallaxBill

    Correct gas tank wiring?

    Guys, my gas gauges are wired but not connected to the battery. My boat is a 73 Glassmaster Tarpon, 165 Mercruiser with twin 12 gal tanks in the seat boxes. Both have gauges mounted on the tanks with two wires each coming off the tanks. How do I wire them to the battery without blowing...
  15. ParallaxBill

    A neat feature of the Lowrance H20 GPS...

    Guys, some of the fine folks tried to help me come up with a lost special screen I accidentally found the other day on my GPS. It's an analog style 80 mph speedometer with odometer. I accidentally found it and couldn't find my way back to it as the manual doesn't even cover any "speed" issue...
  16. ParallaxBill

    Best economy depth finder?

    For someone like me on a limited budget? Less than $200-250 or so if possible. I will be using it mostly on lakes 35,000 acres and smaller and inshore along the Hatteras and in the Pamlico sound. I love to watch "Ship Shape TV" but my budget range of modifications and additions is far from...
  17. ParallaxBill

    Lowrance H2O user question

    Well guys, I did get the Lowrance H2O for Christmas and have already used it for deer hunting yesterday. Nice unit, very useful. When I got in my truck with it early yesterday morning I somehow managed to bring up an speedometer in an analog type display. I lost it shortly after and have not...
  18. ParallaxBill

    Discarded and unused boats everywhere!

    Hi folks, during this seasons travels to my hunting land I have started noticing more discarded, abandoned or unused boats almost everywhere I look. It seems that 1 in 10 homes have one or more sitting behind their houses or in run down barns or garages. It seems to me that anyone seeking a...
  19. ParallaxBill

    Hand held GPS question

    I think I'm getting a Lowrance H2O hand held GPS for Christmas and was wondering if it will be sufficient for casual boating on inland lakes and occasionally some inshore fishing. I'm on a tight budget and will also use the unit for hunting. Does anyone have any experience with this or a...
  20. ParallaxBill

    Thinking of a seating rearrangement for my boat.

    Guys, I have been thinking of replacing my back to back original seating arrangement with one where I install the folding back type single seats on swivels, still back to back if I have room. I'm approaching 50 years of age and at 6'4" 250 Lbs I find it a little uncomfortable getting in and out...
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