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Definitely go with the AGM for boat use. I have yet to find a "flooded" lead acid battery that does not leak a little in heavy seas. My first electric boat (29 years ago) had 12 flooded golf cart batteries, and I tried all kinds of tops/plugs. All of them ended up leaking to some degree, and...

I have two bow lines permanently attached to the forward cleat, one for each side, so I don't have to go forward every time I want to dock. I bring the lines back and hold them tight with a cam cleat just before the cockpit. The extra line is coiled and hung on a hook that hangs from the...

Here are my thoughts, though this is a topic where everyone has their strong opinion: 1) I prefer my dock lines to be about 35 ft for my 22ft cruiser since some marinas have longer finger piers and cleats are further apart. 2) Also the longer length means the extra can be used as a spring...

There is one issue with using Li batteries for starting that has not been mentioned. If you are using them for starting I assume that they are also being charged by an alternator on the motor. This is where it gets tricky. Most alternators are designed to charge lead batteries at a certain...

I Have now posted a picture on the rudders I added to my electric outboards to improve slow speed steering. (ALBUM - WATT NOW) [img]http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=WATT-NOW&id=rudders&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

rudders

My two electric outboards have a fairly narrow shaft so I was able to "create" a rudder to put on each one for slow speed maneuvering. I took a 10" x 20" piece of 1/8" HDPE and formed it around a 1.5 inch pipe with a heat gun. I then rivetted the plastic around the motor shaft in a balanced...

We have a nice canopy from King Marine Canvas but find it impossible to snap it to the sides while in the boat. Does anyone have any tricks to attaching snaps from inside the cockpit?

Don, You also mentioned the cost of some of these products. Actually Lanocote is the least expensive. A 4 oz tub costs about $14 and lasts forever. I put on rubber gloves and warm the item with a heat gun, then rub some lanocote on the item. My tub is now 20 years old and I am only half way...

Here is part of the material safety data sheet for Boeshield. Looks pretty hazardous. · 2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture · Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 GHS02 flame Flam. Aerosol 2 H223-H229 Flammable aerosol. Pressurised container: May burst if...

Don, I looked up salt-away and all it does is dissolve different kinds of salt deposits, especially those that build up in hot engines. It does not protect against oxidation (rusting). Yes, the lanolin based protectants use the same stuff found in the high end hand creams. But, joking...

As a marine ecologist I like to use products that are not toxic or environmentally hazardous. Many of the corrosion inhibiting products are toxic and made from petroleum. Luckily there is a line of marine corrosion inhibitors that really work, have been around for almost a century, and are...

I agree with Dr. Bob. Attaching the strap to the towing eye could create a real emergency if you are out on the water and need to take the top down fast. Leaning over the stern to unhook the strap would be difficult in a heavy sea. If you are uncomfortable drilling holes in the top in case...

I would suggest attaching a large carabiner or clip on the end and then clip the straps to the end of the handrail on the boat top. That way the strap will not be in the way of getting in and out. That is what I did on my earlier boats (26' St Pierre Dories). As you probably know, the custom...

Yes it was my wife, Sherri, and we also had a friend on board. It was great to meet Colby and his brother (and his wife). We like to go out just for the day - launch at Swantown Marina, cruise around the Bay, and go have lunch at the Farmer's Market; all for about 24 cents worth of electricity.

Don Yes they used the countersink only to drill through the gel coat. To drill through the fiberglass however it is best to use the hardest bit you have. The glass is abrasive and can easily dull a standard bit.

To drill through gel coat without causing cracks I saw the folks at NMI start the hole with a countersink bit and then followed by a drill bit of the needed size. I watched them do it, and it really works.

As some folks have said, the chlorine found in cleaning solutions toxic, and I know from experience that cleaning plastic bottles with chlorine will leave a residual chlorine taste to the water for a long time. I would suggest using hydrogen peroxide. It is also an effective biocide. A 3%...

In addition to a heat gun I suggest using DeBond Marine Formula to remove cured polyurethane (e.g. 5200 or others). I found that it really works. Heat the item so you can remove it and then used DeBond to clean up the stuff stuck on. Follow instruction and score the caulk to allow the solvent...