Ready to go!

[Ianfs]

Fingers crossed for everyone this year, here's hoping.

Martin,
When I decided to replace the manifolds etc on mine I looked at many different makes, including Perfprotech's Electro Deposition units. These are basically dipped and electro plated. The cost to buy in the US was cheap except that when import duty and shipping got added they became more expensive than a set of ordinary manifolds bought in the UK, with only a possibility of a longer life. Thinking about longevity I also looked at Aluminium manifolds, however mixing them with cast iron I decided against them after reading that they are prone to leaking.
Mercruiser units are basically the same as after market units, especially when I found out that they are usually made in China or Mexico. Barr were the only units I could find made in the US, however a lot of people I spoke to recommended HGE, even though they were also made in China.

Absolutely agree with you, I figured that if I was going to put sea water through new manifolds then I might as well get the best I could for a good price and eventually chose HGE. I have to say they fitted perfectly and I can't see any difference to Mercruiser units at twice the price. One of my US extended family who works at a yard in Florida said he thought they came out of the same factory.

What is the reason for a roller replacement?

[mlines]

One of the rollers is bent.

[ColinR]

Nothing serious, A blown fuse on the GPS/VHF circuit which involves dismantling the dash to get at the fuse board.

A damaged VHF aerial cable that need a new plug fitted.

Tracing the wiring for the Fusion stereo as it stopped working near the end of last season and I've not had time to get down there and get it sorted.

Oh and the annual cleaning the contacts in the nav light on the bow which needs doing several times a year Why do they use such rubbish fittings in a situation where it's bound to get soaked in salt water?

It's a good excuse to spend a day down there pottering assuming a dry and not too cold day.

We're probably spending a fair bit of time at the in-lays again this weekend so I'm hoping to grab one day for myself

[Gazjen]

I'm trying to find time to work on mine after it was abandoned for 14 months. Gave it a clean in the dark tonight after refitting the cleaned interior. Fitted some nice new speakers in the cabin (it's now a mobile disco) and fitted some new dock lights that I had to reconfigure and machine to fit. Someone had glued an old torch lens to one of them after presumably after the original lens fell out.

Hopefully it's going on the river on Thursday, but I've still got lots to do after that

[Bigplumbs]

I am in Lanzarote at the moment and only just got tinternet working

I intend to fire mine up when I get home and hopefully she will start ready for goin on the mooring in a couple of weeks

Then I have add2cart to get going and my Brothers Yam 75 which has been laid up for over a year. Mind you those old Yam 75's are quite good and simple. His prop however looks a bit pants

Dennis

[sprocker]

Just general maintenance for us this year.

Currently hauled out near Dartmouth. Hopefully I'll get the antifouling finished this coming weekend, then a final wash and wax, then just waiting for engine service and she can go back in the water.

Very much looking forward to a good season!!

[shibbs]

Currently hauled out near Dartmouth. Hopefully I'll get the antifouling finished this coming weekend,

Out of interest, what antifoul will you use?
Good results so far with whatever it is?

[Matt13]

Well I have a failed ram plus faulty trim sender and STILL waiting to get my new battery charger sorted. Hopefully all be done soon.

Must be going on nearly 2 years of starting my boat with a booster.

[sprocker]

Out of interest, what antifoul will you use?
Good results so far with whatever it is?

I'm using Hempel Hard Racing Stu.

The boat was antifouled with it when we bought her last year and it gave superb results. The only noticeable growth was around, and just below, the waterline, and 10 minutes with a brush halfway through the year was all that was needed to clean her up.

I was amazed at how clean she was underneath when she was lifted a couple of weeks ago.

I was speaking to the chap with the boat moored next to us in Torquay, and he also has superb results with Hempel Hard Racing.

This year I am experimenting with just one coat underneath, and a double coat around the waterline where she gets most sunlight.

[ColinR]

Nearly there.

One fuse replaced to fix the GPS.

Loose connection traced and fixed to get the marine vhf working.

Found a secondary fuse in an awkward place to get the Fusion stereo working.

All electrics now hunky dory.

Just need to de winterise the motor and give her a clean and polish.

No chance for the rest of this weekend.