Well said Scott, but Are you a Good tipper??

LOL

I Like It!

Scott, I Love It! I think the Graphics looks Great, especially the Sea Horse skeleton! Go For it!

That Looks Great! I would definitely use this!! Thumbs Up!!

Sorry buddy. Other than being told that it is a relly good idea to install it on the system, while I was at it, and how much the install would COST$$$$ me, I do not have a clue about the technical side of it. My Job was to say Yes, and write the check out! Instead I said "Not Right Now", and saved my self a bunch of money! I figured I would just have to get used to sitting around at the dock waiting for up to 2 hours for the water to come back in, while I was relaxing with a cold brew and good cigar! It's a rough life, but somebody's gotta do it! Cheers!

The ones I was looking at do not mount on the trim tabs but rather are mounted directly to the transom at the water line and when you lower them the motor is just below the waterline. With a 36Volt system, you can calculate it, but I seem to remember that you get a fair amount of range. Also, I had the install set up so that the dedicated bank of 3 12V batteries was all set up with an isolater and a charger, and would charge up just like my other batteries off the alternator. IT involved a much larger alternator and a separate shore power connection so that I could have charged them up either while running or from the shorepower. These are mainly targeted for single engine Outboard, or I/O boats whether they are center console fishing boats or small express cruisers like mine. I was interested in them mainly because I have only 2 feet of water at low tide, and I need 3' to get out with my boat. The boat itself only draws 21" but with the drive lowered enough to safely maeuver I need 3'. Also I have a single I/O. Instead of having to wait for the tide to come in, I thought I could use these to easily maneuver out of my slip at low tide, especially with the independently operated twin motor setup, and at least get out to deeper water. The problem is that with the tide coming in, I really would be struggling to get out there, so it would defeat my purpose. Other than that, I though it would be Great for fishing, especially getting into shallow coves, and might also work fine for those long State Boat Channels on the South Shore of LI where the speed limit is 5MPH! With my 8.1 Volvo Duoprop, my boat does not know 5MPH. Anyway like I said, for the potential benefit, I thought that the $3Grand was just not worth it. However, I still really like the concept, and for Non tidal waters for the right boat, I think these would be of Great benefit! Just my 2 cents!

CommentAuthorBrendan Butler said.... "seadoo's...i think we can all agree that seadooers are a cancer on the water??"

Brenden, I'd have to agree! I have to relay a short story here! This past Season (It seems so long ago...) we had an outstanding day and evening on the boat at one of our local anchorages, with 5 guests on board, and rafted up with some friends. After a fabulous dinner on the grille, and some good wine, we all just watched a beautiful sunset and mellowed out to somewhre just before midnight. We reluctantly decide to head back, about 13 miles to our marina, when about half way in the middle of the Hudson River going just fast enough to make headway, as we were all singing and having a Great time, I see the lights of a police boat coming out of Tarrytown and heading directly for my boat probably about 3 miles out! I say Whoa, and take off all headway, till I assess the situation, and out of the corner of my eye, I see out of nowhere it seemed a Jet Ski with 2 people on it, and NO LIGHTS, skirt right in front of my bow and proceed NW so as to obscure themselves from the police boat with my boat! I could not believe it. HAd I not taken off all way, I may have hit the bastards! MEanwhile the police boat wasn't fooled, and raced past my boat definietly gaining on the jet ski. We did not stick around to see what happened next, but like someone said above, "Jeez Louise"!! THis is not to mention, that they also love to tear up the water in otherwise serene anchorages.

CommentAuthorBrendan Butler said.... "tipping-i'm a canadian in australia that used to live in the US...i run around here in australia and when i don't tip i just tell them i'm american ;)"

ROFMLOL!!!! I'll have to try that sometime, saying in my defense that "I'm a Canadian Sailor"!!!

Cheers! Jim.

I seriously considerded installing the Lecno trolling tabs last year on my 26' express cruiser. I do think they would work on boats up to approx 30', but in the end what held me up was the installed cost with the 36Volt electrical system and all of close to 3K! The other thing that held mu up from going forward was exactly what Bruce mentioned above about pushing against a tide! I had an engineer and a naval architect run some calculations for me, and they came up with the capacity for these to propell my boat at approx 3 knots. I was happy with that, but against the tide I would be going nowhere fast, so I decided against it. I love the product though! In non tidal waters I think these would be great. I especially love the remote control, and that you can operate each of the motors independantly. You can even operate one in forward and one in reverse, and have the manueverability of twins. Check it out below:

http://www.lencomarine.com/dualdigitaldrives/dualdigitaldetai.html

ROFMLOA!

Thanks Ken, now I'm educated too!

Cheers!

O/K, I must be stupid, but Terrence, what does ETA mean (besides Est time of arrival)?? IS that Sailor language for BTW, or FYI???

Go Blue!

Terrence, your input is important! Stick Around! I for one do not want to see you leave these forums! I thought you made a good point about Colregs. I just wanted to clarify the issue regarding under sail ! You obviously know the rules, but unfortunately many do not, be they Sailors or Powerboaters!

Definitely stick around, it's refreshing to see someone who actually knows the Rules of the Road!

Cheers!

Meanwhile, my daughter waitressed at the marina this past summer, and you guy's (Sailors) really do not tip too well! LOL!!!

Good Ones. A lot I haven't seen before! If I may, I'd like to add one that I saw a few years ago on a Luhrs that I thought was clever!

"Sweet Luhr-ainne"

Cool! Good One Andrea!

Hey There Bruce! No Relationship to Steve, but just as Ugly I'm afraid!

Oh, Oh! Here we go again! I knew it the minute I saw Terence's post! You went and got Dan all riled up again!

I will say this though! Terence, if you are going to go quote Colregs, keep in mind that only applies to Sail Boats actually under sail! If there is any propelling machinery in use on the sailboat (whether there is a sail up or not), then the sail boat has the exact same "Rules of the Road" priority as a powerboat and is subject to the Right of Way prescribed in Colregs for 2 powerboats in a meeting, crossing or overtaking situation! I have to say that in my own personal experience I have witnessed many a sailboat under power who still thinks they have the right of way regardless!

That's Fair Enough! Can't say I disagree with that!

David, THANK YOU! Amen to That! This thread was starting to sound an awful lot like the Boat US site!

http://www.eisboch.com/CG

Julie, sorry to hear about that! Hang in there and get well real soon! We miss you! Jim.

Forecast for Northern Westchester/Rockland Cty NY

Updated: 11:54 am EST on December 13, 2007 Winter Storm Warning in effect until 11 PM EST this evening...
This Afternoon Snow...mixing with sleet late. Total accumulation of 6 to 10 inches. Much colder with highs around 30. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.

CommentAuthorBoat28 CommentTime12 minutes ago
Jim I did not stay retired long ,I now work my dream job.I now work for a boat business.I work when I want

Now That's What I'm talking About! That is exactly where I hope to be in 5 years!!Good for you buddy!

Cap'n Connie, Welcome back! Glad you got back safely after all those mishaps! Sure sounds like they did not perform the Soooo Important Name Changing Rituals!

Cool Website! I saved your website for future reference. (That is, After I get my CapnLic)

Good Luck with you search, Peter. I do know a few semi retired Captains, and will probably see some of them tonight at our annual Marina Christmas Party! I'll pass this along to them, in case they are thinking of a change in scenery this spring!

Cheers, Jim.

Nice meeting you Boat28, if only in writing! LOL! I'll be sure to look you up if I am in the area! Retired, heh! Was the last 5 years before your retirement as tough to get thru as it seems to me right now? IT's funny, I did not think much about retirement just a few years ago, but it seems when my wife and I turned 55 this year, all we can think about now, is our plan to reite at 60! We really want to retire early enough to be in good health to allow us to do some serious extended cruising! Cheers!

I never thought about the documentation thing since my boat is not a documented vessel, but when I get into a larger boat and do more extended cruising I will probably look to document the vessel. Good Point! Thanks for mentioning that!

I think I remember reading somewhere that if you change the name back to the original, you have to buy a round for the house! Let me know, I'll be there! LOL! Cheers!

crackedconch, Thanks for the input! WE have thought about that, and that may be the way to go. WE have at least 2 more boats in our future between now and retirement, hopefully 5 yrs away! We will propably look to upgrade our current FourWinns 268Vista with something like the 318Vista this coming season, and then maybe 3 to 5 yrs down the road look to get into the MAinship 34 or 40 Trawler for more extended cruising! I guess we are looking at Andiamo II and Andiamo III!

Ahh, I see a renaming ceremony in my near future!! Cheers!!

You know what? After all is said and done, if "Knot-A-Yacht" is still your 1st choice, It get's my vote too!

Good Subject! I have no 1st hand exp, but here is what I have learned, since this is an option on the Mainship's I am interested in.

Pro's: Less susceptible (sp??) to fading than colored Gel coat Easier to touch up than colored Gel Coat

Con's: Expensive - On the Mainship 34T it is a $10,000 option, but the only option if you want a Colored Hull Awlgrip can not be waxed - Needs a special polish Awlgrip finish could be damaged from powerwashing

This is what I have been told when I asked the question. I would love to hear from someone who has had specific experience with Awlgrip for several years.

Oh Yeah! Divorce!

I think I'll plan for 2 Party/Rituals! One for the Exorcism of the OLD, and another for the Renaming!!

Of course you are all invited!

Thanks for the comments!

Ken, I can definitely get comfortable with changing the name and warding off any bad luck ramifications with a "Serious Name Change Celebration/Party/Ritual"!!

facebook:503535377, Not Selfish at all IMO! I like the idea of the same basic name with a slight personalized twist. "Two Flew Blue" works for me, and I think it works over the radio also, with a very slight pause after the "Two" , like: Two..Flew Blue

I personally think the "Radio Test" is important, especially if you cruise a lot.

Forecast for Rockland County, NY on the Hudson River

Updated: 11:30 am EST on December 3, 2007 Wind Advisory in effect until 7 am EST Tuesday...
This Afternoon Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain. Blustery with highs around 40. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph...increasing to 50 mph.

Jim ps. Approx 133 days and counting down till Spring Launch!

O/K, Brett posted a thread about Boat Names, and it reminded me of something that has been on my mind as far as names go since I am looking to trade up to a larger boat! I happen to really like the name of our boat, "Andiamo"! If I change boats,especially if I buy a used boat that is already named, what is the current thinking of changing the name on the boat to "Andiamo". I am not terribly superstitious, but I have heard that is Bad Luck!

Hi Brett!

I'm with "dogblues64"! Pick a name that is easy to say on the radio and easy to understand! Naming a boat is definitely a very personal thing, and it is dificult to make suggestions for someone else unless you know them very well, but I would suggest to "Think Out of the Box" (maybe look at a foreign language expression for something meaningful to you, or a take off on a popular movie that ties in your desired name like "Compute This" [don't crucify me on that one. Just wanted to illustrate my thought], maybe put KNOT on the side for now, as 1 train of thought and explore some other paths) come up with a few that are meaningful to you and your family/crew, and then say it like you were calling the CG or a Brige or lock tender, and have someone else say it like they were calling you and you were the CG or brige tender, and see if it makes the grade that dogblue mentions!

We picked "Andiamo" because growing up, whenever it was time to go anyplace my family/ mostly my Uncle would stand up and loudly proclaim "Andiamo" which means, "Let's Go"! Since we are always on the Go with our boat, we thought it appropriate, and really liked the way it sounded!

Good Luck!

One last thought. When I quit smoking some 20 years ago, I did keep an old pack of terribly stale cigarettes around, and when I absolutely had to have 1, I took a few drags of the dreadful thing, and that was enough to keep me on track.

Congratulations, Good for You! Keep up the Good Work!

Congrat's Captain Connie! I start the 6pk course January 4th, and take the CG exam mid February!

I have got to tell you, that although a Powerboater for 25 years, you have not really realized being "One with the Envorinment" in a state of total tranquility until you have gone sailing! I got into powerboating to experience waterskiiing and tubing, and rafting up with my buddies to party, and occasionally to go fishing! Well now 25 years later, our boating has changed to sightseeing and cruising and yes, still the weekend raftup's! A friend of mine who owns a Benateau dealership invited us to go sailing on a 40 something Benetau sailboat this past season. He knows I am interested in making the move to a trawler, and said I really should experience Sailing before buying a trawler. It was a moderately windy day, and we went out with an experienced crew, and got to just sit back and enjoy the ride! The feeling of slicing thru the water with a sail full of wind, and NO NOISE, NO EXHAUST FUMES, NO FUEL CONSUMPTION, NO FUEL CONSUMPTION, and did I mention NO FUEL CONSUMPTION, was exhilarating. We loved it! I was almost temped to seriously think about sailing, until the wind picked up and changed direction, and the crew was working real hard on the sails and the winches and telling everybody to shift over to the other side of th boat, and it was then that I woke up from my dream and decided to stay with powerboating. For me, switching to the Trawler style, is a compromise, but I can definitely see why "Sailors" Love Sailing!

What about the Shakespeare and Sea Watch Marine TV antennas that you see at Boaters World and West MArine for about $150? Do they work?

iboord, although the # of boats produced in St. Augustine was mentioned, I am embarrased to say that I do not remember the # and don't want to misrepresent it. They make all the Mainship and Luhrs boats here, since closing the Midway Georgia facility earlier this year.

I was impressed by several things I saw. (You can see some of this on the Mainship website Factory tour video). I liked the fact that they create their own molds from foam blocks using a computer controlled 5 axis router, as well as many other computer driven machinery like the C&C router, and the cabinet joiners, etc. These are set to a zero tolerance insuring precision and minimizing human error. This was evident when we got to the assembly section and saw how perfectly the stringers, bulkheads, and decks were fitted into the hulls. Also, the hull layup process was interesting with solid fiberglass from the keel up to approx 1 foot above the water line, where they pay specific attention to the uniformity at each step of the way. All of the hand layup used precision precut sheets of woven mat which lay perfectly flat in each hull minimizing bubbles and voids. Then although this may be typical, after the hull was completely laid up, there is a final QC step that made a lot of sense. They drill out the "Thru hulls" and each core is sent to the lab to test for consistency and uniformity according to specs. All further production is stopped on the hull until the lab tests are completed and analyzed. Above the waterline they use balsa coring for added strength with minimal added weight.

There were a lot of other things I found interesting, but also it was impressive to see how dedicated the employees seemed to be at each stage of the process. This is a group that really takes pride in their work. Our tour guide said a lot of this comes from this being an "Employee Owned" company.

Anyway, as far as production boats go, I felt you get a lot of boat, produced by some pretty sophisticated production methods, getting you precision and consistency while at the same time keeping costs down. Hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

A slightly used (05' or '06) Mainship 34Trawler with twin 240Yanmars and a bowthruster! They go for about $300K new, and were introduced in 2005. Great boat, with a lot of room with a 14'2" beam, weighing 20,000lbs! I know you are thinking Trawlers are slow, but this is a semi displacement hull and with the twins top end is about 21knots and can cruise comfortably at 17knots. I actually was on vacation this past week, and spent 2 night in St. Augustine, FL, where they make the MAinship, and went on a factory tour! ALthough I am no expert on boatbuilding, I was impressed! Check it out! http://www.mainship.com/models/34trawler/34T.html

"Mid-Life" Crisis? NAh! I call it "Waking Up and Smelling the Roses"

Ideally, I always thought it would be a good idea to put the boat up for Sale towards the end of August, while the demand is starting to heat up, giving up the end of the season (Not to mention the winterization costs) and buying during the winter months looking for that "Great Winter Bargain", but I have never been able to bring myself to giving up the end of the season! What, go a month or 2 without a boat?? Between the premium on the sell side while boating activity is at it's hight point, the savings on the winterization and winter storage costs and the discounts that should be around over the winter, I am sure you can save many thousands of dollars! I don't know, I'll have to give that some serious consideration next August!

Yes. I agree!

I hear you about the friends! So True! Nice to meet you. Soon I'll be counting down to the spring launch!

Sorry to hear that, Verruijt! Where in Northern Europe are you? How long will you keep the boat in the water?

Looking Good. Thanks.

I think Iboord is correct.

I am going to the Mariners School. I came across them at the local boat shows, and then found out that several of my marina buddies got their license from the Mariners school, and they all had good things to say about the course. /my cousin's son is in the Coast Guard, and he confirmed that the MAriners school is legitimate, and that I am definitely better off taking the course than trying to take the Coast Guard Exam on my own.

Just had mine hauled, and will winterize next week!

Where's your town?

While the boat is in the water, I use Salt A Way to wash it down whenever I get back from a day out on the water. It is pretty easy to use, as it attaches to the end of the garden hose, and it mixes automatically as you hose it down.

At the beginning and end of the season, I use a product called "BoatZoap". It is biogradable and does a good job. I am not sure about the impact on the wax, but I usually put a quick coat of wax on after I wash it ant the end of the season, just to give it some protection over the winter, and then in the spring, I wash it again and give it a good couple of coats of wax before launching.

I usually check this site daily, and it does not seem anyone is posting very frequently. Is this site still active?

Dave, I agree with you 110%! Good chatting with you! Live It Now!!

Hi Dave. My wife and I are at an age that we are starting to think about "Alternative Carrers" in what I guess you can call the "Semi-Retirement" mode. We would like to be in a position 5 years from now to say goodbye to the Corporate "Rat Race"! My hope is that we can retire early, while we are still in good health, and do something we really enjoy for a living! In my case, I am a financial guy, and I plan to do some consulting, but would also like to be in a position to deliver boats for Dealers and Individuals who are not comfortable making the trip by themselves. A lot of dealers use private captains to deliver boats from the factory, wherever that may be to thier dealership or directly to the customer. There are also a fair amount of individuals that hire private captains to move the boat South for the winter, or back up North for the summer. I've been boating for over 25 years. All I need now is some dealer contacts to get my feet wet, and the credentials! That's my plan anyway!

I know it's getting to the end of the 2007 Boating Season, and that's a bit depressing, but it has really been an absolutely Great Boating Season!!!

IS there anybody checking in on this forum??? Can we get some discussions going??? How was your 2007 Boating Season???

Anybody thinking of going for their Captain's license over the winter?? I signed up for the Mariners school for my OUPV ("6-PAck")! Classes start in January!!

September 26, 2007

Dear BoatUS Member,

WE NEED YOU TO MAKE A PHONE CALL!

Yesterday, BoatUS Government Affairs learned about a fast-moving opportunity that could offer a potential solution to the EPA boat discharge permit issue. We need you to pick up the phone and call your Senator (who serves on the 23-member Senate Commerce Committee), and urge them to vote "Yes" for Senator Nelson's amendment to Senate Bill 1578.

This vote takes place on Thursday September 27 at 2:30 pm (Eastern time).

It is critical that you call now.

Background: As a result of a 2006 court decision, the EPA is required to develop and implement a permit system before September 30, 2008 for all normal operational discharges from every vessel in the U.S. Unfortunately, while the real focus of the court case was the ballast water and resulting aquatic nuisance species from ocean-going ships, every vessel in the U.S. was included in the EPA mandate.

BoatUS has been working with others in the boating industry to pass federal legislation (H.R. 2550 and S. 2067) to exempt recreational boats from this permit. (For more information see http://www.boatus.com/gov/dischargepermits.asp). Senator Nelson's amendment offers another opportunity to address this problem.

What is Senator Nelson's Amendment? Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) has proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 1578 (The Ballast Water Management Act of 2007). The amendment would require a study on the incidental discharges from vessels, and an exemption from federal permitting for all normal operational discharges from vessels (except aquatic nuisance species). Existing restrictions on the overboard discharge of oil/fuel, garbage, and sewage would remain.

So what do I need to do? Right now, call your federal Senator (listed below). Tell the person answering the phone you are calling in reference to Senate Bill 1578.

Ask the Senator (or their staff) to vote "Yes" for the Nelson Amendment to Senate Bill 1578 on Ballast Water. Help them know the urgent timing - the vote is at 2:30 Thursday (Eastern time) at the Commerce Committee markup in room SR 253.)

Help them understand how important boating is to you and your family.

Help them know your concern if this amendment does not pass and you are required to have a permit for each of your boats, in each state where you want to boat.

Quickly forward this email to your boating friends and club members.

(Some Senate offices close at 6 pm, and some will have answering machines. If your call doesn't go through on Wednesday night, please try again in the morning.)

Senate Commerce Committee Members:

Vice Chairman Ted Stevens Alaska (202)224-3004 Senator John McCain Arizona (202)224-2235 Senator Mark Pryor Arkansas (202)224-2353 Senator Barbara Boxer California (202)224-3553 Senator Thomas Carper Delaware (202)224-2441 Chairman Daniel Inouye Hawaii (202)224-3934 Senator David Vitter Louisiana (202)224-4623 Senator Olympia J. Snowe Maine (202)224-5344 Senator John F. Kerry Massachusetts (202)224-2742 Senator Amy Klobuchar Minnesota (202)224-3244 Senator Trent Lott Mississippi (202)224-6253 Senator Claire McCaskill Missouri (202)224-6154 Senator John Ensign Nevada (202)224-6244 Senator John Sununu New Hampshire (202)224-2841 Senator Frank Lautenberg New Jersey (202)224-3224 Senator Byron Dorgan North Dakota (202)224-2551 Senator Gordon Smith Oregon (202)224-3753 Senator Jim De Mint South Carolina (202)224-6121 Senator John Thune South Dakota (202)224-2321 Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson Texas (202)224-5922 Senator Maria Cantwell Washington (202)224-3441 Senator John D. Rockefeller West Virginia (202)224-6472

Thanks for your continued support in helping boating!

Sincerely,

Margaret Podlich

BoatUS Government Affairs GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com 703-461-2864 or 703-461-2878 x8363

Stop at the local bait shop and get whatever bait they say is working, and then go out on a pier with your gear, and talk to the locals! Nothing better than local knowledge!

Here in NY folks are already thinking of having the boat hauled out for the season, but then you get a couple of beautiful days like today, and you can just kick yourself in the head! I usually leave it in till somewhere between Oct 15th and the 31st! I launch it mid April, weather permitting. The 5 months or so in between are tough, but forums like this one help to keep me in a "Boating" frame of mind!