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Sorry to state the obvious, but an 8.1L gas V-8 motor with a jet drive is absolutely not efficient propulsion. Not even close. In fact, I can scarcely imagine a less efficient setup. It might have other advantages, such as shallow water operation, but as a "first boat" for someone looking...

I remember a firm called Hybrid boats here in Western WA that manufactured an extremely nice looking 25' welded aluminum trailerable trawler. It was quite economical: the power choices were single 60 or 90HP Honda outboards. Well built, with traditional lines. I can't find more than an old...

Jennykatz: There are some specific preparation steps required to perform a successful epoxy coating of aluminum including abrasive prep (sanding with 80 grit alum. oxide with a thorough air-blast cleaning should be sufficient-you need to open up the surface to give it some "teeth" to hold the...

I agree with Foggy's notion that devices and gadgets should be vetted against the risk of their over-proliferation replacing the tactile act of boating. I am not by nature a "gadget" person, preferring the KISS principle where possible. But I'm not constitutionally resistant to useful...

To me, a true single inboard with a prop shaft is a great marine propulsion system. With a single keel-cooled inboard diesel and a shaft that didn't change directions a bunch of times, and with the addition of thrusters, it would be the power of choice for a larger vessel. My problems with the...

Cool-looking boat. The Mercruiser I/O ruins it for me however.

I've used CSR Marine for barrier/bottom paint jobs on a couple of boats now and have been very happy. I'm pretty picky and they have instilled confidence by explaining their specifications and product selections, which have sometimes been beyond what I had expected. They have proper facilities...

Quote from skipper, embellished for your reading pleasure: "You don’t know what happened unless you were there. (and I should know because I wasn't completely there) I am the one that got hit (though some would say I did the "hitting") I didn’t see him (I was toileting while single-handing...

Captain Nimrod was down below taking a crap at the time of impact. Doesn't seem to grasp the situation: seems to be boasting about the robustness of his boat compared to others considering the lack of damage sustained. No brain, no headache. Please keep the mighty "Nap Tyme" out of my cruising...

This isn't really that complicated a situation...a very irresponsible (moronic?) skipper essentially asleep at the switch. He could have just as easily run over a kayak or plowed into a floating log. Sadly I've seen worse than this over the years. My wife calls me "Mr. anal" due to my boating...

plastic trailer bunk wraps are as easy as you can get. They're made to fit over/wrap either 2x4 or 2x6 wood bunks.

I'm with those who suggest normal power, with the option of powering down to displacement speeds to suit. Anything under 25HP would have trouble making way and maintaining control against wind and strong current or waves of any size. The CD 25 was not designed as a displacement hull, and would...

I've owned both and recommend Garmin. Kind of like the C-Dory or a Honda accord, it tends to be simple and user friendly. I've had very good responsiveness from Garmin customer support when calling in with questions. Lowrance was not "bad", but Garmin is better IMO. Best, Mike.

I've had both setups and went back to a single/kicker setup on my current boat. I really liked the twins however and wish I had them now for the following reasons: 1. My kicker seldom gets used, almost never unless I'm fishing. Disuse is the worst thing for an outboard motor. 2. With...

Vern: good practice but maybe not the best insurance? See recent posts re: "Suzuki corrosion issues" on this site. Best, Mike

I'd suggest not worrying about it until Spring, then run some Salt-away through the motors and leave it in the motors for at least a few days. I think the more often you run the boat (up to full temp. as others have suggested) the better off you'll be. I would only worry if you're running it...

You can also gain helpful knowledge on youtube. Try this search query: How to cross a bar safely in a trailer powerboat New Zealand". Best, Mike.

I have the same main on my current boat, and went with a Honda 8HP high thrust per the dealer's recommendation. I went with electric start for convenience, and thinking that if my batteries were to die I could pull-start the kicker, then rev it and use its alternator power to get the main...

I would echo what Sunbeam said: At this time, as a more experienced boater, a proper and documented epoxy barrier/bottom paint job would be a definite plus. When I first started boating (and buying boats) I viewed it unfavorably, a likely indicator of a boat which had spent a lot of time...

Peter: I truly feel bad for you. My sense in reading your posts over the years is that you are a maintainer and should thusly have expected much more life from your motor. What I don't get is this: Huh??? Not to be combative, and definitely not to rub salt in the wounds, but why would you...