Search found 118 matches

by dmairspotter
Tue Oct 16, 2012 2:08 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?
Replies: 4
Views: 1899

Re: Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?

Purpose is to be the automatic pump just for (hopefully) minor amounts of water that collect in the bilge. I found some pumps that can suction lift a few feet but they are quite expensive compared to the submersible ones, so maybe I'll just replace with a like pump.
by dmairspotter
Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:34 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?
Replies: 4
Views: 1899

Bilge pump NOT in Bilge?

My automatic bilge pump has always been one of those self contained units that sits in the bilge. It sort of crapped out this year so I'd like to replace it. My manual backup is a Whale mounted in the cockpit, well away and higher than the bilge. It works really well. My bilge is pretty cramped, so ...
by dmairspotter
Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:17 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Diesel oil recommendations
Replies: 7
Views: 2523

Diesel oil recommendations

Hi all

I'm winterizing my boat myself this year, which means I'll be changing the oil on my pretty new Beta diesel. Do any of you have brand recommendations for lube oil? Obviously, I will use oil that meets the engine manufacturers requirements, just wondering if there is a preferred brand?
by dmairspotter
Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:47 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Looks like fun at Casco!
Replies: 2
Views: 1759

Re: Looks like fun at Casco!

Yes, I run (ran) an SRF in SCCA.

I've cut back on racing and stepped up the sailing. Wife likes it more and it's (gasp) less expensive.

VIR is beautiful. Try to get there once a year anyway.
by dmairspotter
Mon May 03, 2010 8:56 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Use never-seize on diesel manifold?
Replies: 8
Views: 1985

Re: Use never-seize on diesel manifold?

Thanks. I was wondering about galvanic effects but I'm going with it anyway. Like your bolting philosophy too!
by dmairspotter
Sun May 02, 2010 11:33 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Use never-seize on diesel manifold?
Replies: 8
Views: 1985

Use never-seize on diesel manifold?

What is the consensus on using never-sieze (the kind with what looks like copper flakes suspended in grease/oil) on diesel parts, specifically the exhaust manifold bolts?
by dmairspotter
Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:57 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Polishing sheet aluminum?
Replies: 5
Views: 498

Polishing sheet aluminum?

Anybody have any suggestions. I don't need a mirror shine, just a nice even finish.
by dmairspotter
Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:53 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Passage 24 a-building.
Replies: 31
Views: 5357

MOST EXCELLENT. Good on yer, mate!
by dmairspotter
Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:01 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: New diesel input wanted
Replies: 25
Views: 2050

Thanks, but no interest on my end.
by dmairspotter
Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:36 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: New diesel input wanted
Replies: 25
Views: 2050

I thought (for a microsecond) about rebuilding the Volvo. I know it has (had) carbon in the exhaust because the exhaust fell apart in my hands as I was removing it to get at the raw water impeller which is located at the back of the engine behind the water injection elbow. I was trying to get at the...
by dmairspotter
Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:24 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: New diesel input wanted
Replies: 25
Views: 2050

My thinking was that IF they were all built on the same donor block then that would basically eliminate engine internals/design as a decision making element. Decision would then be based on ancillaries, such as alternator capacity, dealer network/service, price, etc. On closer inspection of my sales...
by dmairspotter
Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:37 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: New diesel input wanted
Replies: 25
Views: 2050

I may have misunderstood, but I thought the Yanmar guy said their 2 cyl block was a Kubota. I wasn't able to get up to the boat to measure my beds today, so I might put off this major purchase off until the fall. The motor probably wouldn't get in for launching this year anyway. It will give me a li...
by dmairspotter
Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:02 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: New diesel input wanted
Replies: 25
Views: 2050

New diesel input wanted

In my never ending quest to get rid of what little money AIG has left in my possession, I am considering a new diesel for my Dufour 27. The current motor is a Volvo MD6A that is long out of print, smokes, is hard to start, etc, etc. Went to the Maine boatbuilders show yesterday and talked to Yanmar,...
by dmairspotter
Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:49 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Maine Boat Builders Show ???
Replies: 5
Views: 651

Went on Friday. Good as usual. Guillemot (sp) kayaks and canoes were absolutely amazing for their design and craftsmanhip. Looked at diesels, wondering about pulling the trigger for show prices.
by dmairspotter
Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:48 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Cold Aft Kansas
Replies: 11
Views: 848

One of the prettiest boats ever designed, IMO!

My rudder looked like that for years.
by dmairspotter
Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:34 am
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: seawater cooled diesel, good idea?
Replies: 15
Views: 2064

My 30 year old seawater cooled volvo still runs.

Hopefully not for long.
by dmairspotter
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:16 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: 6 Volt batt wiring
Replies: 7
Views: 588

http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv218/dmairspotter/Public%20Images/boatbatteries.jpg Ooops, thats pretty big! Anyway, that's a diagram of 6 x 6V batteries connected to provide 12V power. You WILL have voltage drop. That's physics. How much depends on 1) Resistance of the wire used 2) Current thr...
by dmairspotter
Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:32 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A few Photos from the Bahamas
Replies: 23
Views: 3623

Great posts. Thanks for the pics!

I could look at a few more, I think.
by dmairspotter
Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:33 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A few Photos from the Bahamas
Replies: 23
Views: 3623

DP.

Stupid browser!



Stupid browser!
by dmairspotter
Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:30 am
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: A few Photos from the Bahamas
Replies: 23
Views: 3623

Geez, whats all the smiling about?

Seriously, must have been a great trip. Only been to the Abacos once. We chartered there, and really loved it.
by dmairspotter
Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:01 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Wood Table Inlay
Replies: 11
Views: 1160

If you are interested in info on inlay and marquetry information, or anything else woodworking, i recommend www.sawmillcreek.org. Join and search the threads there. Amazing information and talent. As far as "gluing" a pic to the top, I think West makes a specific epoxy that is meant to mak...
by dmairspotter
Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:51 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: New sails, input wanted
Replies: 12
Views: 2018

I am not sure, but I think the 240 AP and 280 AP refer to the weights in some furrin' metric type measurement. If I am correct in this, the always reliable internet gives me a mainsail weight of 6.5 oz and a genoa weight of 5.6 oz. I think I will stop up at the sailmakers tomorrow and have him show ...
by dmairspotter
Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:14 pm
Forum: Sails, Rigging, and Systems
Topic: New sails, input wanted
Replies: 12
Views: 2018

New sails, input wanted

Hi all. In keeping with this years boat project (pouring all available money into the boat) I am getting a main and 135% genoa. The local sailmaker (who I like and trust) has offered a 280 AP Dacron crosscut main, with 2 rows of reef points and full battens. Genoa is 240AP Dacron crosscut and a new ...
by dmairspotter
Thu Dec 25, 2008 10:03 am
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Merry Christmas
Replies: 3
Views: 757

Merry Christmas

and/or Happy Holidays to all!

Fair winds, following seas in the New Year to ya!
by dmairspotter
Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:24 pm
Forum: Boat Photos
Topic: Not plastic, and not even *officially* a boat, but...
Replies: 13
Views: 2015

Very, very nice, all the way around!
by dmairspotter
Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:35 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: Islander 32 from A to Z
Replies: 22
Views: 3948

What a great thread, boat and job!

You have every right to be very proud.

Good on yer, mate!
by dmairspotter
Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:06 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Opinions sought on new countertop material
Replies: 12
Views: 935

What about a starboard type material?
by dmairspotter
Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:16 am
Forum: Projects
Topic: My new project - a Santana 22 (with pictures!)
Replies: 7
Views: 1915

The whole deal sounds like a deal!

Should be a fun boat, and fun to polish up.

Good luck
by dmairspotter
Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:20 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Winter Worklists, 2008-2009
Replies: 33
Views: 4892

1) Have Tim paint the boat. 2) Worry about whether I should have tried it myself after all. 3) Paint boom and stop worrying when I am reminded what a crappy painter I am. 4) Fabricate new stanchion bases. 5) Prep worn out old diesel. Can't afford new one. 6) New sails (if $$ hold out) 7) Fabricate n...
by dmairspotter
Tue Nov 04, 2008 2:02 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Painting the boom
Replies: 11
Views: 1071

Thanks Tim
by dmairspotter
Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:13 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Painting the boom
Replies: 11
Views: 1071

Okay, today was the day. Resanded the boom, then shot the Zinc Chromate primer out of a spray can. Instructions on the can are useless, so a few questions. The primer is translucent yellow after one coat. Is that all I need or should I shoot another coat to get more build? After it dries, do I sand ...
by dmairspotter
Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:46 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Painting the boom
Replies: 11
Views: 1071

Thanks Charlie.

Did you take off all the anodizing? Did you spray or brush?
by dmairspotter
Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:41 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Painting the boom
Replies: 11
Views: 1071

Painting the boom

I am painting my Alu boom. Its stripped of all hardware, and sanded down the the gold anodizing (some places through the anodizing).

I'll be painting by hand, and it ain't to warm up heah.

Who has had good luck with what products?

I'll be painting it white.

TIA
by dmairspotter
Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:37 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Metal tubing supply
Replies: 1
Views: 675

Metal tubing supply

Hi all. Has anyone found a good on-line supplier for metal on the interwebs? Specifically I am looking for stainless tubing, 316 preferred, about 1" ID. I need 4 feet or so.

I've looked at McMaster. Just looking for any other reliable suppliers.

TIA
by dmairspotter
Sun Apr 20, 2008 3:23 pm
Forum: Materials, Sources, and Innovations
Topic: Looking for Mahogany in So. Maine
Replies: 2
Views: 794

Looking for Mahogany in So. Maine

Can any of the northern NE folks point me to a good supplier for high quality (furniture grade) Mahogany in the area. Specifically Portland....
TIA
by dmairspotter
Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:04 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Seeking advice on replacing thin, curved trim on stern
Replies: 16
Views: 1390

McMaster has 6'lengths of 3/4" half round for about $50
by dmairspotter
Sun Nov 25, 2007 12:09 pm
Forum: Ramblings
Topic: Faces in the boat...
Replies: 73
Views: 26462

Tim, the voices in my head tell me you're losing it!
by dmairspotter
Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:47 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Any theories on this picture?
Replies: 11
Views: 1183

May have fallen off it's jackstands.

Looks fixable though.
by dmairspotter
Wed Nov 21, 2007 3:38 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Forestay Fitting Ideas
Replies: 8
Views: 627

Could just the U strap and the through the deck rusted thingy be fabbed up locally? Seems like the deck housing looks OK.
by dmairspotter
Thu Aug 09, 2007 9:39 am
Forum: Sailing and Cruising
Topic: Stuck in Islesford...
Replies: 14
Views: 2505

Must..get...boat..in...WATER!

Thanks Nathan
by dmairspotter
Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:45 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Where to buy black iron mixing elbows to build a new riser??
Replies: 6
Views: 863

McMaster has the stainless. I think the elbow you need is roll your own. That's why I went to stainless, I can weld the elbow nipple in and it will last a while. IMO the price was not bad.
by dmairspotter
Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:33 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Where to buy black iron mixing elbows to build a new riser??
Replies: 6
Views: 863

I'm replacing my Volvos custom casting with stainless steel pipe fittings. I'm going to weld a nipple into the elbow for the water injection. I did something like this on my old A4 and it worked fine.
by dmairspotter
Sun Jun 10, 2007 4:59 pm
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: Volvo MD6A Exhaust riser-HELP
Replies: 1
Views: 472

Volvo MD6A Exhaust riser-HELP

http://www.pbase.com/dmairspotter/image/80294584/original.jpg I think I need one of these. It appears from the Volvo website that parts for the MD6A (ended production 1975) are no longer available from Volvo. Tomorrow I'm going to try the local Volvo marine dealers to see if they have any NOS. On m...
by dmairspotter
Tue May 29, 2007 6:46 pm
Forum: Projects
Topic: Pinhole repair before prime/paint
Replies: 7
Views: 1752

Pinhole repair before prime/paint

http://www.pbase.com/dmairspotter/image/79643873/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/dmairspotter/image/79643874/original.jpg I'm finally getting off my duff and doing something to the boat. The boat was awlgripped sometime long ago, and the stern, particularly, is in really bad shape. Being the lazy...
by dmairspotter
Wed May 16, 2007 11:40 am
Forum: Questions and Answers
Topic: How does one cut cushion foam?
Replies: 9
Views: 1281

I have to say that I have never had good results cutting any kind of thick foam with any sort of knife. It always comes out jagged. I think the production way to do it is with a hot wire.

Might not be too hard to rig up with a 12 volt battery and a length of nichrome resistance wire.
by dmairspotter
Mon May 07, 2007 7:01 pm
Forum: Boatbuilding and Repair Techniques
Topic: Need advice before sealing ballast........
Replies: 30
Views: 8061

I believe I'd want to get to the bottom of that situation (pun intended). Seems like it would be quite a job.
by dmairspotter
Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:20 am
Forum: Tools and Techniques
Topic: Scaffolding for topside painting
Replies: 1
Views: 1061

Scaffolding for topside painting

Does anyone have any suggestions/pics/sketches for low scaffolding (2' high) to put around the boat for sanding/painting the topsides?

Thanks