Top Speed Of Our Boat?

[LuvBoating]

boating is one of the most expensive hobbis in the world. its more expensive than racing. (my yearly spend on maintenance and fuel exceeds many friends of mine that run late-models thru-out the midwest).

Currently own the boat in my signature, the fishing boat that dad brought down to Florida a few years ago and a kayak.

currently the fishing boat has a family of frogs under the cover and a family of wasps is in the kayak.

Actually, going on a hunting trip, taking a family vacation on a cruise line, owning/maintenance of a nice motorhome and on and on can cost as much, if not more, that having a boat. People who own a home can put a lot of money into the home for repairs and/or refurbishing it.

 

[JimS123]

People who own a home can put a lot of money into the home for repairs and/or refurbishing it.

Where we live, taxes, insurance and upkeep is still less than what it would cost to rent. With mortgage rates so low, even adding that to the bottom line makes home ownership cost effective. And in the end the home appreciates and you have equity to leave to your heirs. As an aside, I personally find mowing the lawn and tending the garden quite relaxing. Other than a new roof, I have put zero refurbishing into our 32 year old house because it has needed nothing.

We instilled that in our sons. My youngest thought about moving to an apartment with a buddy, but found that for $500 down he bought a nice cozy little house. He was 19 when he moved. In 8 short years he turned a $50,000 profit and built his dream home.

Now, if you want to talk about expensive, don't get me started about horses. Two months of board, vet and blacksmith bills for my wife's 3 horses is more than the taxes, insurance and upkeep for the house for the whole year.

 

[tpenfield]

Yup . . . the Admrial wants me to fix up the house. The deck needs to be re-done, the slider to the deck has seen better days, and our front door is rotting out along with some window frames and exterior trim. I got 48 16 foot PVC deck boards just waiting for me to rip up the old stuff and put them on. Hopefully the framing underneath is OK.

I had a contractor come and look at the house to see what he could do . . . they wanted to fix the rotted exterior boards and put on a new roof for $35K . . . I told them "yea . . . that is not going to happen . . . "

This weekend is my 'winterizing' weekend for the boat, then it will be onto home improvement work before winter sets in.

Speaking of winterizing, I got some -100 ˚F antifreeze . . . it smells like hand sanitizer . . . intoxicating to smell it

My starboard engine is acting up . . . it has not been a good year for good ol' Starby . . . first the distributor crapped out and now it does not want to crank (with the starter) . . . but some times it does. I replaced the solenoid thinking that would fix it, but it does the same thing. Probably a bad ground that is intermittent :noidea: Anyway, I finally got the engine to crank over often enough to get through the injector cleaning/de-carb and running the AF. I'm going to run a compression test just to see where things are at . . . if it will cooperate.

The other engine 'Portly' has been running fine. I will say with twin engines, identical and made within a few serials numbers of each other, they certainly have a unique personality . . . Starby will run on just about anything (when it wants to start) Gasoline, seafoam mix, 2-cycle fuel, alcohol & water, (if you can light it with a match, it will burn it) . . . Portly is very finicky, hates seafoam, not a big fan of alcohol either. . . likes gasoline, bit not fussy about the grade.

 

[GA_Boater]

Ted - Interesting names for your kids, Starby and Portly. Starby will eat anything, maybe Mikey is a more appropriate. :lol: Do I need to explain that for the youngsters?

 

[tpenfield]

Ted - Interesting names for your kids, Starby and Portly. Starby will eat anything, maybe Mikey is a more appropriate. :lol: Do I need to explain that for the youngsters?

Mikey won't eat it . . . he hates everything . . . hey he likes it !!!

 

[LuvBoating]

Where we live, taxes, insurance and upkeep is still less than what it would cost to rent. With mortgage rates so low, even adding that to the bottom line makes home ownership cost effective. And in the end the home appreciates and you have equity to leave to your heirs. As an aside, I personally find mowing the lawn and tending the garden quite relaxing. Other than a new roof, I have put zero refurbishing into our 32 year old house because it has needed nothing.

We instilled that in our sons. My youngest thought about moving to an apartment with a buddy, but found that for $500 down he bought a nice cozy little house. He was 19 when he moved. In 8 short years he turned a $50,000 profit and built his dream home.

Now, if you want to talk about expensive, don't get me started about horses. Two months of board, vet and blacksmith bills for my wife's 3 horses is more than the taxes, insurance and upkeep for the house for the whole year.

First, what does your wife use the horses for?

Thank God, I only boarded 1 horse when I was involved with rodeo. A friend of mine bought an old trailer and I completely re-wired it and she shared it with me. Of course, that was back in 1988, when I could do things like that, including doing some work on my own vehicle.

Actually, another "Thank God" thing.........I had a full-time, descent paying job when I was in the rodeo scene. I was a weekend, little bit of travel, for me. Back then, there were numerous rodeos in So California and I went to all of them.

But, boating won over buying horses for wife and I.

 

[JimS123]

First, what does your wife use the horses for?

But, boating won over buying horses for wife and I.

The wife started riding as a teenager and all thru college. Our firstborn inherited the gene and was a rodeo rider all thru his teen years. At the same time they started breeding and selling. Two of hers now were her babies that were sold and professionally trained. Due to health problems and a car accident, the owners sold them back to us for less than what they paid. Now, she won't let her babies go again. Both are up in years now, so this won't be a long term investment.

Our son is now a LMSW and his patients keep him fully active, so his rodeo days are over.

Her best friend and horse companion recently died after a long bout with cancer. Before she passed she gave us her horse.

After retiring from teaching the wife decided barn work was not fun any more, so we board now in a full service farm. They ride on weekends when the river is overcrowded, and we boat all week long as weather permits.

My position is why do you need 3 horses? Her response is why do you need 4 boats? My reply is that they are all under cover in a free garage, they don't eat unless they are used, and they don't poop at all. To that she says maybe she needs a 4th too.

After 50 years together, all is good...

 

[sphelps]

Just a reminder to read my post #204. I just wonder how many of you will go "What??? You never once used that saltwater gear you bought?

Well, one thing for sure, saltwater gear isn't need here in Colorado!

I’ve lived in Jacksonville my whole life .. How could you not have went fishing at least once ? :lol:
Shame , we could have got together and hit some of the creeks near my place .. Could have hooked a red fish or two I’m sure ! Nothing like saltwater fish on the grill !

 

[LuvBoating]

I’ve lived in Jacksonville my whole life .. How could you not have went fishing at least once ? :lol:
Shame , we could have got together and hit some of the creeks near my place .. Could have hooked a red fish or two I’m sure ! Nothing like saltwater fish on the grill !

Even though we didn't try it, we decided we weren't fans of saltwater fishing. Now, freshwater, that's us! Heck, during the 10 1/2 years we lived in Jacksonville, we only sat on the beach twice at Jacksonville Beach. Walked down the pier a few times and celebrated St Pat's Day at a local pub there twice, but that was it. Watched the Air Show, when it was at Jacks Beach.

Bottom Line..........we should have never left Colorado in the first place! We just aren't the "Southern" or "Florida" type. 10 1/2 years was just too long.

 

[LuvBoating]

The wife started riding as a teenager and all thru college. Our firstborn inherited the gene and was a rodeo rider all thru his teen years. At the same time they started breeding and selling. Two of hers now were her babies that were sold and professionally trained. Due to health problems and a car accident, the owners sold them back to us for less than what they paid. Now, she won't let her babies go again. Both are up in years now, so this won't be a long term investment.

Our son is now a LMSW and his patients keep him fully active, so his rodeo days are over.

Her best friend and horse companion recently died after a long bout with cancer. Before she passed she gave us her horse.

After retiring from teaching the wife decided barn work was not fun any more, so we board now in a full service farm. They ride on weekends when the river is overcrowded, and we boat all week long as weather permits.

My position is why do you need 3 horses? Her response is why do you need 4 boats? My reply is that they are all under cover in a free garage, they don't eat unless they are used, and they don't poop at all. To that she says maybe she needs a 4th too.

After 50 years together, all is good...

I had no problem at all selling my rope horse. I knew my roping days were coming to a quick end. But, even though I no longer swung a loop from the saddle, I could still help out in the arena. My wife loves horses, just like she likes other livestock............and she wasn't raised around any at all. She learned what she knows from me.

Actually, our apartment looks like a "rodeo museum" of pictures we've taken at rodeos and rodeo World Champions Inductions we've been to. Old Western tv Stars, their horses and mountain wildlife adorn our walls also.

 

[JimS123]

It doesn't matter where you live.

If salt water, hurricanes and oppressive heat don't bother you, and you love the community and its amenities, then good for you.

If snow storms, cold and a 4-season climate are your bag, and you love snow skiing and running that big snowblower machine, then good for you too.

Its not about where you live, its about where you call home.

 

[LuvBoating]

It doesn't matter where you live.

If salt water, hurricanes and oppressive heat don't bother you, and you love the community and its amenities, then good for you.

If snow storms, cold and a 4-season climate are your bag, and you love snow skiing and running that big snowblower machine, then good for you too.

Its not about where you live, its about where you call home.

Funny, but definitely don't tell Seniors here that "it doesn't matter where you live".

When we arrived here, numerous people asked us about our Florida plates on our vehicle. It was pretty obvious, people here don't want anything to do with the South or Florida. When we told them we lived in Florida for 10 1/2 years, the only thing they said to us was, "why?". It took us less than two weeks to get the Florida plates off of our vehicle and Colorado plates on. A week or so later to get the boat/trailer register in Colorado.

And, we don't snow ski and the apartment complex we live in takes care of all snow removal. Actually, winters come with living here, just like hurricanes/tropical storms, heat/humidity come with the South and Florida.

Boating is much, much easier here due to no tides to contend with and don't have to flush out the engine/drive with freshwater ever time the boat went out on the St. John's River (which is "brackish" water which is 1/2 salt/1/2 fresh).

On top of that, no bull elk, mountains and very little rodeo action in northeastern Florida at all.

In fact, there is an entire thread, on a relocation forum, where folks tell why they left Florida. Almost 100% went to Tennessee.

 

[JimS123]

Funny, but definitely don't tell Seniors here that "it doesn't matter where you live".

Almost 100% went to Tennessee.

You missed my point, which was that what matters is that you LIKE where you live. It doesn't matter if you live where there is 8 feet of snow and below zero temps if you like it there. It doesn't matter if the salt water rots your engine and the hurricanes drop all the trees in your backyard if you like it there and you call it home.

A friend's daughter and her new husband moved to TN because it was the promised land. They bought a little house on the cheap and loved it. Then, they found that GOOD jobs were scarce and the wages were pitiful. That's why the real estate was so cheap. The plan to move up was stifled and they were no better than before.

Another friend moved to a state with no income tax so they could build their nest egg. The next year the state brought out an income tax. Best laid plans....

The old folks that I bought my first house from were sickly and moved to a warmer climate. The house was filthy and barely livable, but it was all I could afford. Within a year they found out that they hated it there and came back, wanting to buy the house back. I had already added 2 bedrooms and remodeled the kitchen and bath and they were not willing to pay for the new value of the house.

 

[JimS123]

Moderators, have we reached a record yet for number of posts? If not, let's get there!

What started out as controversy has developed into happy banter. When people with like interests can chew the fat, all is good.

My last boating excursions are now in doubt due to a rapid change in the weather. Good thing the gas was pre-stabiled.....LOL.

Our colors are just about peak. Need to get leaf pictures pretty soon...


Toes in the water,
A$$ in the sand,
Not a worry in the world,
Cold beer in my hand.
(Life is good)

 

[sphelps]

I love. Where I live ! But wouldn’t mind having the Colorado humidity sometimes LOL!
LB , hope you get all the kinks worked out this spring and enjoy the lakes and boating that the area offers!

 

[GA_Boater]

Moderators, have we reached a record yet for number of posts? If not, let's get there!

We ain't even close!

 

[Scott Danforth]

WOG's boat thread has something like 300 pages. then there is the "what have you done today thread"

 

[LuvBoating]

You missed my point, which was that what matters is that you LIKE where you live. It doesn't matter if you live where there is 8 feet of snow and below zero temps if you like it there. It doesn't matter if the salt water rots your engine and the hurricanes drop all the trees in your backyard if you like it there and you call it home.

A friend's daughter and her new husband moved to TN because it was the promised land. They bought a little house on the cheap and loved it. Then, they found that GOOD jobs were scarce and the wages were pitiful. That's why the real estate was so cheap. The plan to move up was stifled and they were no better than before.

Another friend moved to a state with no income tax so they could build their nest egg. The next year the state brought out an income tax. Best laid plans....

The old folks that I bought my first house from were sickly and moved to a warmer climate. The house was filthy and barely livable, but it was all I could afford. Within a year they found out that they hated it there and came back, wanting to buy the house back. I had already added 2 bedrooms and remodeled the kitchen and bath and they were not willing to pay for the new value of the house.

Very true. There are plenty of people whose homes are destroyed each year by tornados, hurricanes, fires and even blizzards. Many simply rebuild and stay.

Than, there are those that move to a new area, buy a house, end up selling it, due to weather and move back to where they came from. This happened to a Palm Springs couple who moved from Palm Springs to Parker, CO., where we had our old house. I talked to the Midas mechanic that worked on their vehicle. He told me the couple didn't even make thru their first winter. They told the Midas mechanic "there is no way we can handle this kind of winter weather." They moved back to Palm Springs.

There are those that will say how bad saltwater is to a marine engine. We were told, by our last Florida marine mechanic, to always put the muffs on our outdrive to rinse out any "brackish" or pure saltwater from the drive and engine. This was to be done each and every time we came in off of the water..........and we did it. From what I understand, today, new boat engines, that are used in saltwater, are conditioned so that saltwater won't hurt them.

 

[LuvBoating]

Well, fairly heavy wildfire smoke and windy yesterday. Today, just enough smoke to keep us off of the water. Before hooking up the boat, went over to the lake first. Glad we did. Will go over to the lake again tomorrow and see how the wind and smoke is.

Believe it or not, from the lake parking lot, we couldn't even see the foothills, let alone part of the Rockies behind them.

Decided, if we have to, will wear our masks in order to take the boat out in the next few days.

 

[LuvBoating]

Update (July 4th, 2023). Took the boat into marine service last month for "summerization". IOW, connecting disconnected clamps to hoses and running on muffs.
He couldn't get the engine to run on idle, so, ended up having new spark plugs, plug wires, rotor/rotor cap, ignition parts and new Rochester (not rebuilt) Q-Jet carburetor installed. Mechanic put on water and got (WOT) 45mph/4400rpm out of the gas we have in it. Some of the gas is old, but he still got that mph and rpm's out of the engine. He told us that the boat hasn't run this good since he started doing "winterization" and "summerization" to it and has taken it out on local lake (owned by marine service). He first "winterized" it in Oct 2019, before winter really set in here in Northern Colorado.
We are wondering if we could put a can of BG44K, like we put into our 2005 Dodge Durango, into the gas? Before having it transported to southern Nevada, where we are moving to, we plan on taking it out one time here. We want to use up as much of the old gas as possible, before paying to have it transported. We want to see how fast it starts and how it runs, because how the marine mechanic told us how good it now runs.