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  1. tpenfield

    Chap Quality Control is gone

    AD - I will say, it is hard owning another brand of boat once you've owned a Formula :LOL:
  2. tpenfield

    Chap Quality Control is gone

    Yes, and it's not like you can just go out and buy something else. Buying a new/new(er) boat tends to be a long term commitment due to the financial aspects.
  3. tpenfield

    No air filters?

    No air filters . . . same thing with snow blowers. :oops:
  4. tpenfield

    Chap Quality Control is gone

    AD - sorry to hear about the quality issues with your new boat. Not sure what can be done. :(
  5. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I am wondering if the BMS will eventually be modified so they don't do a hard shut off. Something more gradual would probably work for the alternators. :unsure:
  6. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I just replaced the Alternator on my Ford Explorer . . . $600 for the part + $200-ish in labor :oops: So, not taking any chances with the boat engines. I figure that I can go with more minimal lead-acid batteries, and as needed, there is a 'parallel solenoid' with a helm switch to combine...
  7. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I was thinking about that. . . Wondering if it will work :unsure:
  8. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    That's the part that I was not quite understanding about the LFP batteries . . . that the LFP batteries actually shut off. So, the 5,10, 20 or even 40 amps of charging current coming from the alternator instantaneously has to find a place to go when the battery shuts off.
  9. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Or . . . My boat is being a computer :LOL:
  10. tpenfield

    1968? Mercury 350 2 stroke.

    I have a 1969 Mercury 7.5 . . . still runs. Love it :love: If you use the boat/engine in salt water, be aware that the driveshafts are carbon steel, not stainless steel and may form pits in the area of the water pump, which tends to lead to a leaking seal of the lower unit. About 1979 or so...
  11. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    After some discussion with an electrical engineering buddy of mine, I am getting closer to a final design of the electrical system. One important aspect with LiFePo (LFP) conversions is the protection of the alternators. The LFP batteries have an electronic management system 'BMS' that...
  12. tpenfield

    Best Boat Style for The Great South Bay off Long Island?

    Older gets you a bigger boat within a fixed budget. You might want to consider boats up to about 26 feet. Bowriders do have more seating, but not as practical (safe) in choppy waters. Center consoles are more fishing machines and don't offer much in comfort, but you probably know that. A...
  13. tpenfield

    Beginner Buying Used Question Re. Sea Trials

    Greetings and welcome to iBoats . . . Many of us have been where you are, in getting into boats and boat ownership. The 'standard' practice varies a little bit depending on budget. Generally, sellers of boats under $10K may not offer to do much, but it does not hurt to ask. If you are...
  14. tpenfield

    how does one flush out rust from block?

    I have only used Evapo-rust on surface rust . . . automotive body panels, etc. It is not very aggressive (IMO), so maybe it would be OK in an engine block.
  15. tpenfield

    Life Jackets

    You will want to make sure you have enough for your boat capacity. PFD's can cost quite a bit, so decide on what you might want for frequent usage and what may be needed if you have a full crew onboard. I usually shop Walmart in the late summer or Fall, went they discount their PFD's. For...
  16. tpenfield

    Damage During Winter Storage

    So, the shrink wrap was also ripped/opened? Did anyone (marina) or others disturb the shrinkwrap? It sounds like you need to read up on both the storage contract with marina and your boat insurance policy. Perhaps the boat was vandalized :unsure:
  17. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Quick Update . . . Reaching out to my friend who has the same boat as I; it turns out that he swapped out to the LiFePO batteries and then installed a seakeeper system, which negated any weight savings. So, no good comparisons on the weight reduction. I have the wiring diagram from the...
  18. tpenfield

    1996 Century Boats 1800 Center Console Refit and Modernization

    I hope all is well with your health . . . your boats need you :)
  19. tpenfield

    how does one flush out rust from block?

    IIRC, baking soda neutralizes the oxalic acid. I flushed my 7.4L engines with it about 7-8 years ago to purge some internal rust.
  20. tpenfield

    5.7 MPI Misfires Under Load

    I have the recordings and can forward them to you @muc . PM me your email, if you would like. I tried to post some Diacom files last year and it wouldn't take them either in a post or a PM.
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