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  1. JimS123

    Needing a t top

    When people sell their boat the T-top usually goes with it. I have never heard of anyone selling used parts like that. Custom made is probably the best. But there are companies that sell new ones sized to fit any particular boat.
  2. JimS123

    Convert 14ft aluminum closed bow to open

    THAT's the right answer. Plus, the deck is most assuredly a structural component. If the boat does not meet your requirements trade it for something that does. Butchered boats rarely turn out well.
  3. JimS123

    Lucky Day

    An old "engineer" that I worked under always used the phrase: "If it won't work right, get a bigger hammer". He also was big on adding new machinery on the line. If a post was in the way, he would cut a foot section out of it. measure the hole, and if the roof didn't sag more than 1/4" by the...
  4. JimS123

    Prop, or Engine Issue?

    Back in those days there was no XXX.com. BUT, the motors all came with an owner's manual which detailed everything you needed to know. PLUS, the dealers back them had been in bizness since the late 1940's, and all you had to do was ask.
  5. JimS123

    No lights on the Trailer there is but power at the Wires

    The power at the socket. If it's powered there the bulbs are no good. Also, I assume the trailer coupler was attached to the car's ball when you were testing.
  6. JimS123

    12' Aluminum V-Hull - Issues porpoising and planing

    Certainly, move needed items around, but never add extra weight. I fixed the same problems eons ago with a set of Perko "fixed" but adjustable trim tabs. About 40 bucks as I recall. But they don't make them any more. Last resort is a hydrofoil. Don't buy a whaletail, buy a Doelfin. Best 40...
  7. JimS123

    25 HP 4 stroke vs 40 HP 2 stroke???

    Over the past 6 years I traded in 2 older boats and upgraded to Mercury 4-stroke outboards. Not just the mains, but 2 new kickers as well. Never mind the capital cost penalty, I get it. Fuel economy increase, yeah. At any rate, all I can say is holly mackerel. They say, 4-strokes are dogs...
  8. JimS123

    EX Lube bearings on new to me trailer, how often to physically check bearings?

    I view these as being similar to Bearing Buddies. In the past I used to jack them up, squirt a few squirts, rotate and then it was good for another year. After about 10 years I read about all the horrors, so I pulled everything and repacked. Didn't need a thing. I was mad that I wasted the...
  9. JimS123

    Help value a Smoker Craft I’m looking at

    A 26 year old boat ain't worth much. A Mariner engine is worth even less. First do the NADA boat search and see what the reported value is. Then, stand inside and see how bad the deck is rotten. Then do a sea trial and see how it runs. Of course, a compression test on the engine is in order...
  10. JimS123

    Older Boats

    Maybe it is a regional thing. I'm in Western NY and we have at least a dozen boat dealers. Most sell Mercruiser or Mercury 4-stroke OBs. The only Yamaha dealer went out of business, we have only 1 Honda dealer and the Tohatsu dealer only sells kickers. The ONLY dealer that will work on...
  11. JimS123

    Older Boats

    An ocean capable boat is one thing. A no-gas motor lake boat is yet another. Likely impossible to find something that will do both. That's why many of us own more than one boat. Old outboards in good condition are fine. But you better buy a model where parts are still available, and you...
  12. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    Thank you so much for summarizing all of my posts. It is truly appreciated. Truth be told, ANY of the vinyl products will do the job. As I said before, don't count Lemon Pledge out. It is the cheapest and easiest approach, with documented longevity. Nevertheless, the off-the-wall...
  13. JimS123

    Identify boat trailer please, and conversion to utility trailer

    Nice job.
  14. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    Spray-9, wholly mackeral. I have it in my garage, my workshop, my boathouse and under the wife's kitchen cabinet. Best stuff ever....
  15. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    Oil threads are different. Some people are very adamant about what they perceive to be the "best". Truth is that ANY oil will do the job. In this case, the question was asked about what was good. Lots answered. No harm no foul. Use it if you like, or not. Most any advertised product will...
  16. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    Sorry for upsetting. My response was TIC. No implication that the guy deliberately made a bad suggestion. If he said a protectant on top of the windex, then it would have made sense. Bleach is another alternative, as long as its topcoated and careful on the stitches.
  17. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    LOLOLOL Windex is ammonia in water. Nice cleaner for sure, but it won't last long. Your upholsterer is a smart guy. He has a customer for life now....
  18. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    Wonderful thread. I almost upchucked my beer. WD40 is a petroleum product. It may be good for a spot cleaner for an oil spot or something, but you better wash it off and put a protectant on top. Be sure to never do bizness with the guy that told you that ever again... Back in the day we...
  19. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    3M's Maguire Natural Shine Protectant. Armorall used to be the standard, but 3m's technology beats them now.
  20. JimS123

    Vinyl protectant/conditioner

    3M Vinyl cleaner. Best in the world. 303 is sticky.
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