Boat Forum / Cruising / October 2003

When i bought my boat, it was 10 yrs old and even then the fuel
sending unit didn't work.  Over the years, I have replaced it 4 times
and it has NEVER worked right.  Those damned sending units are such
crappy technology...electrical/resistive/ mechanical/floating going to

thanks for reading.  I am seeking some feedback on a problem I have had twice
this year on my Volvo Penta MD17C diesel.   the engine is in good shape with
under 1500 total hours.  it has been overhauled and serviced etc.  well this
year In early june I had a pushrod (on the intake ...

I once read (Mencken probably said it, it sounds like him):
"For every complicated problem, there is a simple solution.........and its wrong"

Well, actually, they don't. The float switch sicks (not just mine but 2 other
captains I know also) drain your battery , which of course, can sink your boat.
Even though they are cheaper,, DO NOT BUY ONE!
Sterling

  Warning to all the West Coasters going out these days (Chuck, are you
listening?): There is a LOT of flotsam in the water these days! The last
week or so of floods have brought branches, logs, trees, etc. down to the
sea, and they're floating around out there - be careful!

Sorry guys, no bad ideas today, x-rays are giving me fits.

I once read (Mencken probably said it, it sounds like him):
"For every complicated problem, there is a simple solution.........and its wrong"

Anyone in the South San Francisco Area that is a free lance marine mechanic
if you could please mail me off the board I may have a job for you. Free
lance meaning that you could do the work at where the boat is at right now.
Just so you know I will ask for references and check them.

I came home, yesterday, around noonish.  I live on the waterfront of
the Ashley River in Charleston, SC, about 9.5 miles up from the
harbor.  The Ashley River, combined with the Cooper River, join
together in downtown Charleston to form the Atlantic Ocean.

DSK's talk of repairing old sails has inspired me.  SO.....Useless
idea #3436
Dye your old sails grey so that when you use duct tape to repair them
you wont get kicked outa yur Yacht club.

  After the "What prop should I use", I've done some research and thougth
I'd post what I've learned about various props.
Fixed-blade prop:
This is the simplest and least expensive option. The blades are fixed

My posts havent been gittin through fer some reason so I'm gonna
repost this one.
For ppl who really want to stay connected while afloat ( I dunno why
but they do).  Useless Idea #3734

Inspired useless idea #3437
For ppl who want a wood boat but cannot give up synthetic resins.
Make a hull from "oriented wood strands" held together with polyester
resin.  Not only could it rot, it'd get blisters too.

That little ad to the right of the Google groups reminds me of one day
when I ran aground and was asleep waiting for the tide to rise.  My
friend had been talking to a powerboater who volunteered to pull us
off.  I came out of the cabin just in time to see the powerboat get a

To Peggie and the head heads:
I am intrigued by the vacuum method of Lavac heads: they seem simple
and efficient compared to the frankly sub-par (pun intended) majority
of marine heads I've seen. Peggie, I know you vend and prefer Raritan,