New (old) 17'... finally in the club!

[Seadog]

Jim - if your scuppers are covered, does the deck have no way to drain out water now?

[JimCt]

Nope.
Haven't a clue why the last owner didn't address the situation.

[Seadog]

Something I did in an old 17' Whaler with a similar problem: I sat a bilge pump in the back of the boat and ran  the discharge hose over the transom, with a switch on the console.  The pump wasn't attached to the deck it just layed there. It was meant to be a temporary thing, but I used it like that for about 3 years.  Wasn't prettty, but it worked.

[JimCt]

Hey, what works works!

While the boat's out of the water and the season hasn't started here yet, I think now's the best time for me to permanently fix the problem.  I will be installing an electric pump but don't want to rely solely on that to clear the cockpit.

I went back over Wilson's posts & pix and found the name of the supplier he got the garboard plugs from, Mahoney's in Tampa.  I sent Mike, the owner, an email with the picture of the plugs so we'll see what he comes back with.  Looks like he carries all sorts of goodies.

[Deck Daddy]

If any one wants to use my stern boxes as a mold just bring some release wax, resin, fiberglass, and beer and you to can have a set. The tops are 3/4 wood glassed over with a cut out for the hatch. Simple, but the only catch is I can not remove the boxes from the boat without it being a major job. But to get the basic shape and cast off from there should be no problem. DD

[JimCt]

How much beer are we talkin' here?

[Deck Daddy]

As much as it takes to get the job done.   I might give it a try for shits and giggles just to see how it comes out. If it ever gets warm out. More snow on the way  :evil: . Lucky me.......

[JimCt]

Just ordered the scupper plugs same as Wilson put in his Mako from Mahoney's in Tampa.  Got the big ones so when washing down they won't plug up so easily.  Apparently they're a hot item; probably a result of Wilson's pictures... Mahoney was out of them but expecting more in next week.  Around $15 ea.  Can't beat that.

[Radioshop]

I was looking at my transom boxes last night.  They're actually a pretty simple shape.  It doesn't look like making a plywood plug would be that impossible.  Hmm.....

[Argo]

When my engine blew I had no warning.  :evil:  I do have an oil alarm on it for low oil levels in my remote res and the engine reservoir.  They didnt sound off.  Right at the end my overheating alarm sounded and put me down to idle and then the motor died.    I had been 30+ miles offshore all day and right before pulling into the marina is when it went on me.  Lucky for me and my passenger I would say.  Some dude pulled right up and offered to tow within 2 minutes of motor death.  Now I am still sitting around waiting to start on my paint job.  I managed to pass the time by purchasing a couple of new vehicles and taking a few trips out of town and building a cobblestone circle driveway at the house.  Amazing how much extra cash you have when you dont go fishing every weekend.  :)  I cant wait until I can get the boat done.  The most sun I have had is 2 days back to back which is not nearly enough to do the paint/prep work I need to do.  I want 2 weeks so I will have to push it back another month or two.  Supposed to rain this weekend here and next so they say.  We have had only 1 weekend in the past 10 weeks with sunshine.  I have been trying to finish another outdoor project since christmas and everything keeps getting muddied up on my digging site.

[JimCt]

Why have an oil warning system at all if it doesn't warn?
Good argument for pre-mix.

[JimCt]

Got a few little jobs done today.  Trailer lights (still can't get the brake lights to light), wheel bearing check, battery on charge, paperwork for boat & trailer registration, list of CG required items needed, list of spares and so forth.

Still a mess outside from the snow the other day so I held off pulling the cover off today.

The Merc. manual says I should have a motor brace to hold the lower unit up while trailering.  I've looked around the net a bit and don't see any available.  Do I really need one?

[JimCt]

Coming right along with the project.  Water impeller done, t-stat done, L/U lube done, refasten rod holders done, trailer guides done.

Am going to hold off putting the transom scuppers in till I see where she floats.  The previous owner's waterline as defined by the bottom paint is way out of true.  What I'd like to do is just get all the bottom paint off and leave here bare.

Any suggestions for stripper that'll get the paint off without attacking the bottom paint?

[Wilson]

By bottom "paint" are you talking about the gelcoat underneath the antifouling paint?

If that is the case, remember the gelcoat will have been sanded with 80 grit before tha paint was applied.   It won't be an easy job.  Its FAR easier to just repaint

[JimCt]

I misspoke... I meant the bottom paint off the gelcoat.  I'm not too sure the bottom was ever sanded.  If it was however, I will repaint.  If not, I'd like to take all the paint off and leave her bare.