Search found 1332 matches

by Be Free
Wed Mar 27, 2024 2:58 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Seeking VHF recommendation
Replies: 5
Views: 140

Re: Seeking VHF recommendation

I have the Miltec B951. It will also take an external GPS antenna but I've had no problem using the internal GPS antenna. The unit is mounted on the back side of the head in the aft berth. I've had nothing but excellent reception. GPS signals go through fiberglass very well.
by Be Free
Wed Mar 27, 2024 12:00 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Seeking VHF recommendation
Replies: 5
Views: 140

Re: Seeking VHF recommendation

I have a VHF question as well. My original uniden um 525 will not receive, apparently it is a common failure with this radio. Currently there is a gps module, pretty sure to the garmin chart plotter, berween the antenna and radio. I would like the same configuration for AIS, But dont know if i shou...
by Be Free
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Courageous Mod 4: Electrical Upgrades!
Replies: 7
Views: 167

Re: Courageous Mod 4: Electrical Upgrades!

Nice work. Installing second (house) battery in the v-berth is probably a good place as long as it's anchored down. Lots of pounding from waves up there. My boat needs more weight forward. I've not installed AC power on a boat, however is this Romex and wire nuts? I don't think this is the recommen...
by Be Free
Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Seeking VHF recommendation
Replies: 5
Views: 140

Re: Seeking VHF recommendation

Standard Horizon has multiple models that would do just what you are looking for and well within your budget. West Marine, Amazon, even Home Depot carries them. I've never been disappointed with a Standard Horizon radio. There are other radios that could arguably be called "better" but for...
by Be Free
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:06 pm
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sound baffling for the motor
Replies: 32
Views: 1305

Re: Sound baffling for the motor

Were you looking over my shoulder? That's exactly what my test tank is! :wink:

I know there is not enough room to spin the prop because of the nice slice it put in the "tank" when I tried it. Duct tape keeps it from leaking long enough to finish my test runs.
by Be Free
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: My Title shows 26ft yet the brochure says 25ft 10inchs
Replies: 42
Views: 6967

Re: My Title shows 26ft yet the brochure says 25ft 10inchs

Bureaucracy bested by real-world facts?!?!?!

What is the world coming to? :D
by Be Free
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Lithium Battery Upgrade
Replies: 29
Views: 3719

Re: Lithium Battery Upgrade

With Node Red there is not much you can't do!
by Be Free
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:28 pm
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sound baffling for the motor
Replies: 32
Views: 1305

Re: Sound baffling for the motor

I was doing some maintenance this afternoon and had the engine running so I measured the sound level in the cockpit. It was between 35 and 42 dB at idle. My test tank does not have room to run the engine in gear with the prop on it so I did not test it at higher RPMs.
by Be Free
Sat Mar 16, 2024 1:53 pm
Forum: Performance & Tuning
Topic: Depowering procedure/schedule
Replies: 2
Views: 324

Re: Depowering procedure/schedule

Newish sailor here. Is there a best practice for depowering the Macgregors? I have a 150 genoa, 125 genoa, and stock jib in my sail plan. I usually fly the 125. I reef to the first position on the main when I start to see whitecaps, let's call that 10 knots. I reef to the second and switch out for ...
by Be Free
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:41 pm
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sound baffling for the motor
Replies: 32
Views: 1305

Re: Sound baffling for the motor

The handle on the Honda remote control is reversible so either way is "correct". I've done mine both ways and found fewer issues with it installed the way Dave's is installed (even though I have bumped the trim button by accident just as you surmised). No matter which way it is mounted, th...
by Be Free
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Performance & Tuning
Topic: engine controls
Replies: 2
Views: 165

Re: engine controls

Assuming that the outboard was designed to have remote throttle, shift, and steering cables attached it should just be a matter of connecting the right ends on the cables. The cables themselves are generic with threaded ends. There are different engine specific ends that thread onto them.
by Be Free
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Almost ready to float
Replies: 12
Views: 302

Re: Almost ready to float

The front hole is for the stay, the rearward hole is for the bottom of a hank on sail so you can pull it tight with the halyard. I have a hank-on jib. This is 100% correct. The top hole is for the fore stay. The bottom hole is for the tack of a hank-on jib. If you are using a furler you don't use t...
by Be Free
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sound baffling for the motor
Replies: 32
Views: 1305

Re: Sound baffling for the motor

I would say that a loss of around 15% in your previous top speed should count as being significantly lower. Has something else changed that would account for the loss? Even your original 13.5 knots at full throttle is lower than I would expect. As I stated earlier, I would consider my boat to be ext...
by Be Free
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Sound baffling for the motor
Replies: 32
Views: 1305

Re: Sound baffling for the motor

The BF50 is not a loud engine. At idle I can't hear it at all just a few feet away. It has a quiet hum up to about half throttle. Even at full throttle it is not uncomfortable. It does not get loud enough to begin to interfere with conversation until about 3/4 throttle. That is why I think the OP's ...
by Be Free
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Mold?
Replies: 21
Views: 569

Re: Mold?

I'm with the EPA on not using chlorine bleach on mold. That's nasty stuff and it will eat your skin if you don't wear gloves. Straight bleach is 7.5% sodium hypochlorite. Agreed. Straight bleach is a bad idea. Diluted bleach (like 1 part bleach 9 parts water) is far less dangerous. Wear gloves and ...