We just completed replacing the Mercruiser 260 RH with an Indmar 310
hp 350 LH in our Concorde 27′. At the same time we had the Velvet
Drive 71C 1.53:1 rebuilt and the pump reversed. The rebuilder said
there was nothing wrong and just replace the relevant clutches, etc.,
reversed the pump (for $800). During the sea trials, we noticed that
the transmission now makes a wining noise in reverse that wasn’t there
before. The enginge / tranny / packing box / strut appear to be in
alignment. In addition, we noticed a vibration at 4000 rpm although
that could be the result of a gross mismatch in prop by one of the
local "experts" that allow the engine to get to more than 4800 rpm in
less than a second. (Only once by mistake — we’re still breaking in
the engine.)

Both the mechanic who did the final electrical connection and the
transmission rebuild house said that was normal. Of late however, my
faith in the veracity and knowledge of marine mechanics / supply
houses has been shaken to the point that I think if my boat was under
20 feet of water they would tell me "that’s normal".

Is the reverse whine normal? Should I be worried that the vibration
will make a big hole in the bottom of the boat?

Is there a publication revealing the algorithms so that a programmer can
avoid having to buy almanacs,etc. and instead generate his own tables
and annual almanac ?

Thank you.
—
Courtney Thomas
s/v Mutiny
lying Oriental, NC

My boat has a 5.7 Volvo Penta engine.  It is 2 years old and has about 240
hours on it.  I figure it is time to change the impeller.  I have had some
people tell me that the impeller on their boat was in the outdrive and some
said it was on the front of the engine.  I do not know where mine is.

Does anyone know where it is and how difficult it is to replace it.

Thanks

Frank

I’m looking for advice on laptop computers/configurations that seem to
work for folks. We will be doing some blue water cruising and want to
use it for weatherfax and charting as well as email. Any help
experiences would be appreciated! Also any web sites that deal with the
subject would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Best Regards, John

S/V Lionheart

Where can I buy a 12v microwave?

Now that I’m back from Alaska, I’m planning the next one, a trip to the
Bahamas in March of 2004. We plan to trailer our 26′ cruiser to West
Palm Beach or Miami and cross from there.

What are the best cruising guides?

What kind of mistakes do people from far away usually make on such a
cruise?

What do newbies like me forget to bring?

Any other advice?

jeff

Hi,

I am the newest of newbees about boating. Bought a 1981 16′ tri hull
Imperial made by All season industries management corp with an 90 hp
Evinrude Motor. Came with a 17 pitch prop that is dinged, 13.25 inch.diam.
Idles and runs great. Feels like good power, but not at all impressive at
pulling skiers out of the water. Over 200 lbs, forget it! Tow rope is low,
maybe 12 inch above the water. Top end maybe 36 mph and 4800 rpm. How do I
know the right prop and pitch? Other ideas?

Thanks,

Steven

I am considering purchasing a Catalina 30  1982, atomic 4
I would appreciate any information regarding  design or old age problems to
watch out for
The boat has always been in salt water and if purchased will go to fresh and
will be sailing the great lakes

Any and all information is greatly appreciated

Hi all,
I’m an experienced sailor, as is my wife, but we’ve always sailed with
a sailing club and with charters. i’ve been getting the urge to buy a
boat (which horrifies her!). the thing i know least about is actually
keeping a boat. it seems to me the first thing i have to do (besides
more diplomacy) is find a mooring, and a place for winter storage. i’d
appreciate any advice on this, tho maybe there’s nothing to do but
survey what’s available locally – this is in  the boston area. is it
usual to buy a used boat and also take over the former owner’s mooring?

i like pearsons, cals and benneteaus and am thinking about the  30-35
foot range. P31, cal33, B31 and 32. would appreciate comments on the
desirability of these as used boats and any other suggestions.

tia
tom