Search results

  1. ajgraz

    Higher battery cranking amps, less voltage drop?

    Here’s a question I can’t seem to find a straight answer to: Assuming full charge, same battery age and condition, temperature, etc., etc., will a battery with higher cranking amps experience less voltage drop when starting the same motor than a battery with lower cranking amps?
  2. ajgraz

    Surge brakes for <3000# single-axle rig; do I want drum or disc?

    17' CC on a galvanized single axle LoadRite trailer (believe to be model year 2000), total loaded weight of entire rig (hull, motor, trailer, gas, batteries, gear, etc.) is ~2800# Recently replaced the springs because the originals were shot; went ahead and upgraded to a new Dexter EZ Lube...
  3. ajgraz

    Does anyone recognize make/model/year of this (suspected) 13' Whaler clone?

    Buddy is looking at a boat. Seller claims it's a 1970 13' Boston Whaler, but I think it's a clone. There is no identifying info on it that can be found. So, anyone got some insight into possible make / model / approx year on this boat? Is it a Whaler?
  4. ajgraz

    Looking for a quick and easy way to stow dock lines after shoving off

    I'm looking for a quick and easy way to stow my dock lines after shoving off, and to be able to quickly and easily access them when coming in to the dock. For example, in the attached pic (not my boat, but same model), say I've got the forward dockline attached to the port cleat (green arrow)...
  5. ajgraz

    Small bimini, grab rail mounted to center console; anyone do this?

    Thinking about adding some shade to my 17' center console, mostly to appease family members who are more into hanging out on the boat than in fishing. A huge, gunwale-mounted bimini is just going to be too big and unwieldy for this boat, I think...especially given the headroom I'd want. And for...
  6. ajgraz

    Need new destroyer type wheel for small center console; foam or no?

    Have (had!) a 15" stainless steel "destroyer" type wheel on my 17' center console. Yesterday while offshore all 5 spokes broke off from the hub (probably most were already done, and this was the last straw for the ones remaining). I MacGyver'd a fix from some cable ties poached from the wiring...
  7. ajgraz

    Safety chains...S-hooks? S-hooks with safety clips?

    Since the recent thread about vinyl-covered safety cables hiding corrosion (and mine looking pretty tired), I've decided to go to chains. Most chains I see use S-hooks to attach to the hitch. What is the consensus on the safety and security of S-hooks? (If it matters, the whole rig (hull, OB...
  8. ajgraz

    Watch those tide tables!

    Cruised by this in the south San Diego Bay just after launching yesterday: (It was gone 4 hrs later, when the tide was back in!) Funny thing, as I was launching another guy launched his small CC right next to me...he had totally unhooked and had no bowline attached, and his boat just...
  9. ajgraz

    Safe to route transom straps this way (see pics)? Want to make room for Smart Tabs

    I am thinking of SX9510-60 Smart Tabs for my 17' Sea Hunt center console: http://nauticusinc.com/smart-tabs-sx/ (Objectives are reduced bow rise on holeshot and ability to maintain plane at lower speeds...though that's not really the point of this thread, any comments on meeting those...
  10. ajgraz

    Safe to dash-mount battery switch? And right next to electronics (VHF, GPS, Tach)?

    Due to possible interference from the device itself or the power wires running to it (or for any other reason), is there a safe minimum mounting distance between a battery switch and sensitive electronics, like: VHF radio, antenna or antenna cable? GPS receiver(s)? Fishfinder / sonar /...
  11. ajgraz

    What thickness starboard for binnacle control mounting plate? 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2"? 3/4"?

    What thickness starboard for binnacle control mounting plate? 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2"? 3/4"? I want to relocate the Mercury binnacle single control on my center console. Need to move it up and to the right a bit (i.e., away from the driver), perhaps two to three (diagonal) inches total, because...
  12. ajgraz

    (ON)-OFF-ON toggle for utility lights; any reason for the momentary on?

    Doing some re-wiring on my boat, including replacing utility lighting (a couple courtesy lights on the console that apparently light up the dash/controls area) that isn't operational. Existing wiring is set up with a (ON)-OFF-ON toggle switch (that is: momentary on, off, on). Wondering whether...
  13. ajgraz

    Fun with Fuel

    Had some fuel-related fun the last couple outings with the 17' CC / 125 Optimax that I got from my Dad a few months ago. Outing the time before last, my nephew and I had just caught full air off a rogue wake, and the motor cut out just as we hit water (hard!) again. I figured maybe some water...
  14. ajgraz

    Fixed mount VHF with built-in GPS/DSC...and mic on the right?

    Anyone know of a fixed-mount VHF radio with built-in GPS/DSC (like the Standard Horizon GX1700), but with the mic on the right-hand side of the face? (Or, I suppose, that you could plug the supplied mic--not a "special remote function extra $$$" mic--into the back of the unit). Would be more...
  15. ajgraz

    Todd swingback with the 4 rod holders in it?

    Anyone using one of these Todd swingback chairs with the rod holders in it? http://www.toddusa.com/productdetails.aspx?id=143 Do the holders hold the rods securely? Anything else to share about what you do or don't like about it?
  16. ajgraz

    Non fogging instruments / gauges (esp. SeaStar "Pro" line)--worth the premium?

    Non fogging instruments / gauges (esp. SeaStar "Pro" line)--worth the premium? Anyone here have experience stepping up to "non-fogging" instruments / gages? For example, going from SeaStar Amega to SeaStar Premier Pro: http://www.seastarsolutions.com/prod...ntation/amega/...
  17. ajgraz

    Critique my VHF antenna plan...

    17' CC in my sig, I need to install a VHF antenna. Plan is: a stainless steel ratchet mount clamped to the port side of the 7/8" stainless grab rail, then a 4' fiberglass extension mast, then a 3' whip. I figure that will put the base of the antenna about 9 to 10' above the water. (I have...
  18. ajgraz

    Onboard smart charger; advantage (besides speed) to more amps per bank?

    All else being equal, is there any advantage (other than charging speed) to an onboard smart charger with more amps per bank? Will it charge "better" (maybe reverse sulfation better, make the batteries live longer, etc.)? BTW, let's say we're comparing 10-amp vs 4 or 5 amp per bank; and on...
  19. ajgraz

    Help me name my boat! (Poll)

    Help me name my 17' Center Console. After much discussion with the family, I'm down to two finalists. (Although your ideas are also welcome, even if just for a laugh!)
  20. ajgraz

    Help avoid "egging out" through-bolt holes in fiberglass; hatch hold-open install

    Help avoid "egging out" through-bolt holes in fiberglass; hatch hold-open install 17' CC has an anchor locker in the bow with a very large triangular-shaped hatch lid that is basically almost the entire foredeck. This thing is definitely heavy enough to maim or kill if it fell on you in rough...
Top