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    Duoprop first service questions

    Looking at a 2014 Chaparral with 8.1 GiC engine and Duoprop drive, 100hrs. Seller says drive is ready for its first service. I don't own VP manuals, I'm a Merc guy, so what does "first service" entail on a late model Duoprop? Approx cost? Thanks.
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    Bottom Paint Removal: what am I getting into?

    Looking at a very low hour fiberglass hull boat with Interlux Micron applied 4 years ago. I don't do any boating that requires bottom paint. In fact, some places I trailer to prohibit TBT bottom paint (which this is not), which suggests that I could get flagged at an inspection station by a...
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    8.1 GiC 400hp

    Looking at a 2012 boat with this engine. Seems pretty rare. Big blocks either are 375 or 420/430hp HO rated from Volvo and Merc. Why did Merc never have a 400hp version of this big block? Even their 8.2 standard output is 375? Just trying to understand how oddball this engine is. Are...
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    Interlux Micron bottom paint removal

    Anyone use this stuff to remove Interlux Micron bottom paint? Recommended by Interlux: Interstrip Semi-Paste Looking at a like-new fiberglass hull boat, very low hours, stored inside, with Micron bottom paint applied about 4 years ago. I'm not a fan of bottom paint, as I only boat in fresh...
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    Hard starting, 350MAG MPI

    07 Chaparral 254 Sunesta. My random hard start continues, even after replacing the IAC with a brand new OE unit. In fact, it may be a tad worse. I have to crank the starter a few seconds to get the engine to fully fire. If I release the key early, on the next turn the engine will crank and...
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    Broken bolt gimbal housing, engine side...

    Replacing the water pipe on my 350 MAG, I was able to finally get to the junction on the engine side of the gimbal housing. Being as careful as possible, I still managed to break one of the studs holding the plastic outlet to the housing. I have about a quarter inch still sticking out but I have...
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    Water pipe replacement challenges

    While I had my drive off to refinish some corrosion spots, I decided to overhaul the wear items at the transom. 8 year old boat with no previous service history, so it seemed like the prudent thing to do. I watched every video I could find out there on the procedures, and read the repair manual...
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    deckboat which one is best

    Re: deckboat which one is best Your comment about the Chap deadrise is half right. The newer pickle fork style Sunesta hull has a 20 degree deadrise, but the construction is such that the bow is just as beamy as the stern. However, the older pre-2008 hull is 16 degrees, and the bow is...
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    Safe to run drive fully trimmed up?

    Low tide on the Chesapeake can get very skinny, and even with GPS I have been caught out a couple times. How trimmed up on the drive is safe at fast idle speed to move the boat out of a jam? Is fully trimmed up a no-no for the u-joints at that speed? If so, then what trim is safe at that...
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    Tarp Techniques

    Not only are my snap on mooring covers not 100% effective in keeping rainwater out of my interior, I've also grown tired of spending an hour first washing the pollen and tree crap off everytime I want to go boating. I bought a 20x30ft tarp to cover the boat when on the trailer in my side yard...
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    Water in the transom...

    Previous owner dry stacked my boat and someone installed the GPS transducer inline with the stern strap path on the starboard side. I decided to move the transducer, which required drilling new holes. When drilling, I noticed the material coming out on the bit was damp. Uh oh. No water came...
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    Risers and seawater impeller, 350 MAG MPI

    Previous owners used the boat exclusively in salt water, 83 hrs logged. To be safe, I pulled a riser to get a state-of-the-union assessment. To my surprise, and possibly untrained eye, the side I pulled looks almost new. Yes? Any reason to pull the other side when this one looks so...
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    3M 5200 shelf life?

    Instructions on tube says that once opened, it must be used within 48 hrs. What happens beyond 48 hrs? Something so horrible it must not be mentioned? Seriously, if it has not begun to harden, is it still safe to use, or is some unseen chemical transformation happening that makes it bad to...
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    This the place to talk tubes?

    If not, mods please move to the proper forum. For those with little ones, what's your tow toy of choice? We have a pretty gregarious 5 year old who I am sure would get the hang of a hang-on inflatable, but not so sure about her relative age friends we'll be taking out this summer. Is a "sit...
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    Riser gaskets, 350 MPI

    Previous owners used the boat in salt and brackish water, but dry stacked between uses. 94 original hours currently on the clock, verified by ECU scan. Manifolds and risers look to be original. Before splashing for the season this year, I plan to pull the risers to inspect for corrosion...
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    Retrieval approach angle?

    I have a bunk trailer. Is there a recommended minimum approach angle when retrieving at the ramp? Under the stress of trying to hit my target with beginner skills, I've come in with my stern at least 30 degrees off center, but noticed that the bunks and guide posts "caught" the bow and...
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    Proper boat cover when trailering?

    My first season of boating consisted of short 30-40 minute trips with mixed road and hiway. I kept my snap-on bow and cockpit covers on to keep out road debris, and fully lowered my bimini. Next season I plan on longer trips, some 6-7 hours long to upstate NY via hiway. What is the best way...
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    Pennsylvania Boating Legalities

    Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but it looks like members cannot start threads in the Boating Safety forum. I am new to boating, about to purchase my first power boat with a 300hp engine. I am a PA resident. From what I can tell, there is no such thing as a "boating license" in this state...
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    Bravo 3 corrosion: What is normal? Help...

    I have a marine survey on a 2007 Chaparral Sunesta 256 in progress, 10 hrs away. Inspector just called me up expressing concern over corrosion he sees on the outdrive. Thinks that it is excessive for a boat that has 83 hours on it. Boat has seen mostly salt water use, hauled out and dry...
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    Looking for surveyor recommendation in Myrtle Beach, SC area.

    Need a reputable surveyor to inspect and sea trial a Chaparral Sunesta in the Myrtle Beach area. Any personal recommendations? I've been to marinesurvey.org. Thanks in advance. Todd
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