The Boat Fanatic Thread

[troph 24,912]

First two seasons with a boat it was dicey around the dock. Not so much anymore but wow words were said.

[LebongJames 1,815]

54 minutes ago, troph said:

First two seasons with a boat it was dicey around the dock. Not so much anymore but wow words were said.

Lol. I tried to teach my wife a few weeks ago and it was all out war. 

[utee94 15,868]

Murder Hornet strikes again.

 

[Landomatic 3,813]

Posted this on a boating forum, but thought I'd try here too...

Looking at possibly getting a used Carver C34 and curious to hear everyone's thoughts on two of the engine options.  One is a Merc 4.5L Bravo 3 DTS 250 HP and the other is a Merc 6.2L Bravo 3 DTS 300 HP.  Is the 4.5L enough to power this boat or do I need the 6.2L?  I believe the smaller one is a V6 and the larger one is a V8.  The boat is 34 foot length, 11.5 foot beam, 17,300 lb dry weight.  I'm on Lake Lewisville and not much into speed.  We really just like to cruise around and get some sun and have a few drinks a few hours a weekend.  So, the smaller engine may be enough for me.  But do I need to worry for resale?  Of course, the one that's the color and has the other options I want is the smaller engine and the color I don't want that doesn't have all the options I want is the bigger one.  Let me know your thoughts and TIA

 

[Handcruser 2,805]

Posted this on a boating forum, but thought I'd try here too...
Looking at possibly getting a used Carver C34 and curious to hear everyone's thoughts on two of the engine options.  One is a Merc 4.5L Bravo 3 DTS 250 HP and the other is a Merc 6.2L Bravo 3 DTS 300 HP.  Is the 4.5L enough to power this boat or do I need the 6.2L?  I believe the smaller one is a V6 and the larger one is a V8.  The boat is 34 foot length, 11.5 foot beam, 17,300 lb dry weight.  I'm on Lake Lewisville and not much into speed.  We really just like to cruise around and get some sun and have a few drinks a few hours a weekend.  So, the smaller engine may be enough for me.  But do I need to worry for resale?  Of course, the one that's the color and has the other options I want is the smaller engine and the color I don't want that doesn't have all the options I want is the bigger one.  Let me know your thoughts and TIA
 

Bigger engine. Every single time. For multiple reasons.

Smaller engine works harder to do the same thing. Also, if you ever need to go fast (someone is hurt, weather, etc) your going to want the capability.

That 4.5 is a v6 Btw.


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[BabaYaga 15,328]

6 hours ago, Landomatic said:

V6

[Pescado_Rojo 19,431]

2 hours ago, Handcruser said:

Bigger engine. Every single time. For multiple reasons.

Smaller engine works harder to do the same thing. Also, if you ever need to go fast (someone is hurt, weather, etc) your going to want the capability.

That 4.5 is a v6 Btw.


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It's a great boat, I just wish I'd gotten the smaller engine....said no one, ever. 

[fattyflattie 4,638]

2 hours ago, Handcruser said:

Bigger engine. Every single time. For multiple reasons.

I’ll take a merc 450 before a 627, but, overall this is the correct answer.  Also, the 6.2 is a really really great platform.  Personally I wouldn’t consider a boat that wasn’t optioned for the max. 
 

No such thing as spare change or too much horsepower.  

[Brew 3,049]

6 hours ago, fattyflattie said:

I’ll take a merc 450 before a 627, but, overall this is the correct answer.  Also, the 6.2 is a really really great platform.  Personally I wouldn’t consider a boat that wasn’t optioned for the max. 
 

No such thing as spare change or too much horsepower.  

Seven Marine is ending production after the New Year, so you may able to get you a good deal on a 627.

[Cajun 11,750]

On 11/10/2020 at 8:50 PM, utee94 said:

Murder Hornet strikes again.

 

Fueled with Rage and Aggression.

But no fucking Ethonol!!!

[fattyflattie 4,638]

2 hours ago, Brew said:

Seven Marine is ending production after the New Year, so you may able to get you a good deal on a 627.

Damn that sucks. Not that I would be in the market. My statement was absolutely and completely due to the fact my rig couldn’t float it. I can handle the weight of the 450 tho...

eta: the new 300 would the be ticket if I had to grab something today. I’m hoping they can get up to 325-350 on that platform before it’s time tho.  

Edited November 12, 2020 by fattyflattie

[Bob Lives! 931]

$700 to fix that damn ding.


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[conVINCEd 21,469]

3 minutes ago, Bob Lives! said:

$700 to fix that damn ding.


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Bust out another thousand. 

[Cajun 11,750]

1 hour ago, Bob Lives! said:

$700 to fix that damn ding.


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I was scared to find out the number on this.  Put a 3 inch scratch on mine a few weekends ago at the gas pumps.  

Looks like I've got some YouTube DIYs to watch!

[Cajun 11,750]

My daughter is pretty impressed with Surly's adoption of the moniker "Murder Hornet".

Of course, she was the mascot at Kealing Middle School, so there's bias present.

That team certainly didn't play up to the image (full disclosure).  They identified as Honey Bees I'm guessing.  No judgement.  I crapped myself the first time she came home in that garb -

Edited November 12, 2020 by Cajun

[Bob Lives! 931]

1 hour ago, Cajun said:

I was scared to find out the number on this.  Put a 3 inch scratch on mine a few weekends ago at the gas pumps.  

Looks like I've got some YouTube DIYs to watch!

I already hired this guy to come out to the Marina and repair a 3" scratch on the white portion of my gel coat.  That was only $250.  I can send you his info if you're interested.  That was a lot easier to swallow since it was my fault and not too expensive.  You can't tell it ever happened. 

[Cajun 11,750]

21 hours ago, Bob Lives! said:

I already hired this guy to come out to the Marina and repair a 3" scratch on the white portion of my gel coat.  That was only $250.  I can send you his info if you're interested.  That was a lot easier to swallow since it was my fault and not too expensive.  You can't tell it ever happened. 

Well, I'm down at Canyon Lake and live in SA.  If he travels that far then, yeah, PM me his digits.  I'll put him on my short list.

[Cajun 11,750]

Took the boat out on Canyon last Saturday.  First time after sunset and first time after hitting the "I wonder what that is for?" switch...

 

 

Edited November 15, 2020 by Cajun
Buddy's camera work juuuuuuuuust a bit lacking. Acknowledged.

[LebongJames 1,815]

28 minutes ago, Cajun said:

Took the boat out on Canyon last Saturday.  First time after sunset and first time after hitting the "I wonder what that is for?" switch...

 

 

 

Cool lights questionable jams.

[Armybrat 40,920]

A far cry from the two little red lights on my 1959 15’ Glasspar.

[utee94 15,868]

Zero questions about those jams, that's a fantastic tune.

[Cajun 11,750]

6 hours ago, LebongJames said:

Cool lights questionable jams.

Fuck that.  Love me some 5150.  Good "go fast" tune.

Not to mention the EVH tribute.

[troph 24,912]

first year without winter service from the marina.  girlfriend is gonna take this on as one of her honey-do responsibilities, I didn't even have to withhold sex to convince her.  yay me.  she did ask me to ask my "boy board" what y'all do.  so what do you all do to winterize or protect for the winter?  we theoretically could start it once a month to make sure it's not gumming up and whatever.  anyway, options?  what say the mechanically inclined of you?

[Cajun 11,750]

One thing I'll say is make sure you've got plenty of fuel treatent in there and run it for a bit before letting it sit for awhile, assuming you're running on 10% or more ethanol fuel.

Just the first thing that came to mind

 

[troph 24,912]

One thing I'll say is make sure you've got plenty of fuel treatent in there and run it for a bit before letting it sit for awhile, assuming you're running on 10% or more ethanol fuel.
Just the first thing that came to mind
 

We run premium no ethanol. Not sure what that means for winterizing really.

[davidg 4,038]

Winterizing a boat generally means removing any water in the cooling system that might freeze and getting conditioned/stabilized fuel in in the carbs/vst tank/fuel injection system, etc to prevent ethanol gumming and fuel breakdown.  You could also change lower unit/transmission/engine oil so the drivetrain parts are sitting in new lube.  Last, you could disconnect the battery or put on a battery maintainer to keep it charged. 

For a wake boat you probably want to purge any water from the ballast system.

[Cajun 11,750]

Quote

Not sure what that means for winterizing really.

 

It just means that while your boat sits there with fuel in the system that there is no worry of goddamned ethanol eating away at all sorts of shit within the fuel system.  Longer it sits, more it eats.  

Winter is a time when the boat sits without use, hence, in my view it's an aspect of "winterization".

For you, though, it's one less thing to worry about because you chose well when filling up.

Edited November 16, 2020 by Cajun

[fattyflattie 4,638]

41 minutes ago, Cajun said:

For you, though, it's one less thing to worry about because you chose well when filling up.

For those that don’t though, or don’t have it readily available. Filling the tank up to the hilt keeps it from absorbing much water.  I mean all the way up the filler tube full.  I drain my tank down to dry every other year or so last few years to make sure, but a bit more humid here too.   That’s all I have to offer wrt to “winterizing”; bay boat=duck boat in the winter  

[Brew 3,049]

10 hours ago, troph said:

first year without winter service from the marina.  girlfriend is gonna take this on as one of her honey-do responsibilities, I didn't even have to withhold sex to convince her.  yay me.  she did ask me to ask my "boy board" what y'all do.  so what do you all do to winterize or protect for the winter?  we theoretically could start it once a month to make sure it's not gumming up and whatever.  anyway, options?  what say the mechanically inclined of you?

Your manual should give you a rundown of everything. On mine I change the oil and run fuel conditioner through first. Then I disconnect all cooling hoses and drain the water, pull the drain plugs on the block and manifolds and drain all water, partially fill ballast with RV antifreeze, fog the engine, and disconnect and charge batteries. Others will just run antifreeze through the entire cooling system and then do the other steps. There are other things like plugs, impeller, change all fluids, etc that are on other rotations.

I’m in a colder winter environment so some steps may not be necessary.

[Brew 3,049]

9 hours ago, Cajun said:

 

It just means that while your boat sits there with fuel in the system that there is no worry of goddamned ethanol eating away at all sorts of shit within the fuel system.  Longer it sits, more it eats.  

Winter is a time when the boat sits without use, hence, in my view it's an aspect of "winterization".

For you, though, it's one less thing to worry about because you chose well when filling up.

You still need to run a stabilizer in the winter I believe. There is still an issue with condensation and evaporation in the fuel system. Running nonethanol fuel can actually compound the water issue because ethanol combines with water and burns the water off whereas gas will stay separate and water can build up.

[Cajun 11,750]

Excellent point Brew.

Much grass!

[Cajun 11,750]

1 hour ago, Brew said:

 

I’m in a colder winter environment so some steps may not be necessary.

This is where I’m really happy with having my rig in a heated, enclosed storage space.

[Pescado_Rojo 19,431]

[Brew 3,049]

12 minutes ago, Cajun said:

This is where I’m really happy with having my rig in a heated, enclosed storage space.

I keep mine in a shop I keep heated, but I still winterize it just in case something happens to the heat. I don’t check on it very often unless I’m out at the farm for some reason.

[Cajun 11,750]

Yeah, every situation is different.  I don't even heat unless we're looking at sub 32 temps, which is 2 or 3 times a year tops (sometimes never).  It's 40 minutes from my front door.  I'll do some basic stuff like change oil and other fluids and I'll drain whatever's easy, but the rest is just not a worry.

It's also nice that when I pull that sucker out in the Spring, it is as clean as a hospital OR for that first spin of the new year.

[Cajun 11,750]

53 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

And, yes.

[davidg 4,038]

3 hours ago, Brew said:

You still need to run a stabilizer in the winter I believe. There is still an issue with condensation and evaporation in the fuel system. Running nonethanol fuel can actually compound the water issue because ethanol combines with water and burns the water off whereas gas will stay separate and water can build up.

Yes and a full tank reduces the volume of air that breathes into and out of the tank with temperature expansion and contraction.

[fattyflattie 4,638]

24 minutes ago, davidg said:

Yes and a full tank reduces the volume of air that breathes into and out of the tank with temperature expansion and contraction.

Yep.  I fill it to the hilt after every trip. Just makes it easier on the water separators, makes it easier on mixing the additive, makes it easy knowing it’s ready to go when you hook up to it.  And can do the math on the trip mileage. 
 

[utee94 15,868]

Fuel stabilizer, drain water from the block and manifold, at the very least.

[Horns99 166]

Fuel stabilizer, drain water from the block and manifold, at the very least.

Troph, above is all you really need to & since your boat is sitting right above the water, that keeps it warmer also, has to get really freaking cold to do any freeze damage.

[dlatin 328]

We’ve had this place on the lake for 16 years, we moved out here full time 5 years ago. Originally it was 100% fishing, then kids came along and it was toobing, then skiing, then wakeboarding. Last year we were introduced to wakesurfing and we were hooked. I sold my fish and ski and got a boat we could wakesurf behind. I found an ‘06 Supra. It also meant we had to tear down the old dock and build a new one. We got the new boathouse done in July and had a blast this summer. Our lake is often like glass so it makes for great surfing. We’re loving the née dock, wish we would have done it years ago.

[Brew 3,049]

49 minutes ago, Horns99 said:

 

 

Troph, above is all you really need to & since your boat is sitting right above the water, that keeps it warmer also, has to get really freaking cold to do any freeze damage.

 

 

When you buy new ballast pumps next year, you’ll decide to winterize the ballast system going forward. Any system with water needs to be winterized and make sure it’s cleared out.

[Dbeasy 15,095]

Does wake surfing put twisting pressure on knees? I have a knee with a permanently torn ligament and have to be careful of lateral movement.

[dlatin 328]

Does wake surfing put twisting pressure on knees? I have a knee with a permanently torn ligament and have to be careful of lateral movement.

Not at all, it’s really easy on the body because you are only going 8-10 mph, and you normally don’t have hard crashes, you normally just fall out of the wave and sink. No sore arms from holding a rope. Once you learn, it so easy to get up. There’s a lot of surface area on the board so you just stand up.

[troph 24,912]

Does wake surfing put twisting pressure on knees? I have a knee with a permanently torn ligament and have to be careful of lateral movement.

Not much but I’m sure you could hurt yourself. It’s very much a low impact sport but it is a core and balance work out. I wouldn’t trust anyone but yourself on whether your knee holds up. It is absolutely not tennis, basketball, wakeboarding or skiing but it’s not nothing for a weakened knee. You can usually bail on a position before anything happens, but freak stuff can happen. I’ve lost my balance and the board has violently slipped out from under me, it was a no big deal other than a rough fall but my knees are ok so far, so anything can happen.

[Cajun 11,750]

6 hours ago, Dbeasy said:

Does wake surfing put twisting pressure on knees? I have a knee with a permanently torn ligament and have to be careful of lateral movement.

If wakesurfing is a worry then so should be just walking to the bathroom.

 

[dlatin 328]

Not much but I’m sure you could hurt yourself. It’s very much a low impact sport but it is a core and balance work out. I wouldn’t trust anyone but yourself on whether your knee holds up. It is absolutely not tennis, basketball, wakeboarding or skiing but it’s not nothing for a weakened knee. You can usually bail on a position before anything happens, but freak stuff can happen. I’ve lost my balance and the board has violently slipped out from under me, it was a no big deal other than a rough fall but my knees are ok so far, so anything can happen.

I agree with this. A beginner without experience getting up on a wakeboard often struggles and stability can be an issue that may be difficult for someone with bad knees. If someone has done water sports in the past it is pretty easy to transfer and once you get it, wakesurfing can be very easy on the knees if you take it easy.

[Handcruser 2,805]

We’ve had this place on the lake for 16 years, we moved out here full time 5 years ago. Originally it was 100% fishing, then kids came along and it was toobing, then skiing, then wakeboarding. Last year we were introduced to wakesurfing and we were hooked. I sold my fish and ski and got a boat we could wakesurf behind. I found an ‘06 Supra. It also meant we had to tear down the old dock and build a new one. We got the new boathouse done in July and had a blast this summer. Our lake is often like glass so it makes for great surfing. We’re loving the née dock, wish we would have done it years ago.

What lake?


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[dlatin 328]

What lake?

North of Tyler, Lake Holbrook

[Landomatic 3,813]

On 11/11/2020 at 12:47 PM, Handcruser said:

Bigger engine. Every single time. For multiple reasons.

Smaller engine works harder to do the same thing. Also, if you ever need to go fast (someone is hurt, weather, etc) your going to want the capability.

That 4.5 is a v6 Btw.

 

On 11/11/2020 at 2:50 PM, Pescado_Rojo said:

It's a great boat, I just wish I'd gotten the smaller engine....said no one, ever. 

 

On 11/11/2020 at 3:40 PM, fattyflattie said:

I’ll take a merc 450 before a 627, but, overall this is the correct answer.  Also, the 6.2 is a really really great platform.  Personally I wouldn’t consider a boat that wasn’t optioned for the max.

No such thing as spare change or too much horsepower.  

Appreciate the feedback.  I know the bigger engine is obviously more desirable, but my question is more...will the smaller one handle that particular boat?  As I mentioned, the boat I want (color, options, location, etc) just happens to have the smaller engines.  If I were ordering it new, I could just get the bigger engines plus all the other shit the way I want it.  But I'm not buying new.  There are two total used ones on the market in the entire country (that aren't on a coast and in salt) and I don't like the one with the bigger engines enough to pull the trigger at that price.  So it's more, do I hold out for something else to come on the market or will the smaller engine be sufficient, even if not completely desirable?  Considering everything else is completely desirable.

I'm starting to get pretty frustrated with my boat search.  Have missed on the last three boats I was ready to buy...all already had contracts by the time I was ready to make offer.  First one I fucked around too long before I was ready to pull the trigger so that one's on me and will probably always just be the one that got away.  The other two were just gone really fast.  And there have been several before that that already had a contract when I called.  Apparently still a sellers market...fucking covid.

I've been shopping since the beginning of October.  I don't want to get desperate and do something stupid, but I'm starting to feel like no boat is going to be perfect and something's gotta give.

Edited November 17, 2020 by Landomatic