Mine is the old-style non-winch version. I have no doubt that it is as old as the boat. I did notice a bit of chafing on one section last time I used it but I don't think its anywhere near ready to be replaced. 5/16 double braid should be good for something north of 3000 lbs lifting and just shy of ...

This was with full ballast at about 24mph. I agree that we must be on a plane of sorts, mostly, but in this configuration it still feels like its smashing the bow wave instead of riding over it. Something interesting happens without ballast at somewhere around 25 or 26mph: after a short time at tha...

She was just being nice.

Also note that it is clearly running ahead of its bow wave. There is no doubt that it is planing. The large amount of spray is due to the hull shape on the forward portion of the boat. I can get up on the bow wave but can't quite get fully in front of it with my 40hp. I still like the way it looks (...

The diameter matches my measurement. I did not check the length.

If no one answers first I'll dig out the micrometer and measure mine in the morning.

Great pics. Thanks.

Back to our regularly scheduled weather....

I'm in Orlando this week but I checked the security cameras at home. I had a river running down my driveway.

I have not seen that much sustained rain in a couple of years.

You are playing HOCKEY in TUCSON in JUNE? I'm going to have to think about that ....

tuxonpup, If the 130W panel is able to keep your battery charged then the alternator will probably work pretty much the same once you get everything hooked up and working. Both the panel and the alternator are putting out about the same power. That's fine if you are already using the engine to move ...

Another consideration is that any shower water that the bilge pump does not pick up (and there will be some) may find its way to the hole under the ladder (in later model "X" boats) and from there into the cabin.

I've never been on a boat in a NM thunderstorm (but I was in a NM hailstorm last week). On the other hand, I've been in more FL thunderstorms than I can count. I'm not sure if your storms start the same way so take what applies from this reply and feel free to ignore the rest. The first warning for ...

I just back from Albuquerque last night (via San Francisco). Does that count as a New Mexico story?

Pics of the ACR and all of its connections would help.

Generically, the ACR will not combine the batteries until a set voltage for a set time has been seen. It will disconnect if the voltage drops below another set point.