Having experienced a forestay failure on a hobbie and seeing the mast come down in very fast slow motion . . . one of the first things I did to bellaroo was to rig a secondary forestay that attaches to a second point above the stock location. I think I have pics of my mod here, but as it's been a bi...

We're now living in Gainesville, FL and will be trailering :macm: Bellaroo some distance to the east coat sail - need to upgrade the original steel, painted trailer with a solid AL tandem trailer. Has anyone had good fortune and received a great trailer from any of the surrounding metros, JAX, Tampa...

Thanks, gents! Appreciate the quick response. I'm going crazy being so far from the shore. Jim, the JAX regatta does sound great and if all goes well, I'll have my ducks in a row and can do it with you guys. I've never sailed on the Atlantic, but having grown-up in Jersey, have spent a lot of time o...

Anyone using this little truck to tow their boat? I'll be towing 60mph or so on rough roads from Gainesville to Jacksonville or St. Augustine and wondered how this truck will do. I see pics of family sedans towing out boats, but with all my mods, I'm sure Bellaroo's way over the stock 3K pounds she ...

Hi everyone! After quite the sabbatical from working the new job, I'm getting settled into our new home in Gainesville, FL. We moved from Pensacola, FL and now our sailing opportunities have changes somewhat. On the good side, we can sail in the Atlantic or the Gulf depending on which way we drive a...

I appreciate your time and interest helping me get the merc running. This is how it happened in the first place - it's been a month and all i've been doing is traveling for work! I'll get on it soon and let you know. Time's just a flyin' by.

Hey, Divecoz; hope all's well! Interesting point of view regarding moving the fuel tanks below. I'm currently contemplating the mod myself on my M right now, which was why I found your post in the search. I'm interested in your ideas, as I've been before - particularly on this one as it's not a mino...

AKC; Having kids on board with the potential of rigging failure not likely but possible, I too pondered the no backstay feeling and modified my M. It's listed in the mods to give you some more ideas on yours. Works well and takes no time to rig. The main purpose of the mod was to tighten the foresta...

Is there a quick test of the high pressure fuel pump I could do without test gear? I can get fuel to the bowl by turning the engine over.

I'm seeing lots of money. . .

Thanks, guys - all good ideas. Don't like to think of one of the pumps going out, but now that you mentioned it, this engine was actually a year old before i bought it new from the dealer being one of those 'left overs' from the prior hear. That would make the pumps older than i considered. I'll wor...

Hello, everyone. I'm having trouble starting my Merc 60 Big Foot after having it sit for over a year (I know; way too long, sorry) I ran 'er dry before storing, or so I believe but she's not getting any fuel. Does anyone know of a magic bullet to get her started? She's not been broken into and has l...

replaced my spreaders with thick walled ss tubing. they're a little heaver, but stronger and look nicer to boot. i remove them when de-masting for trailering. so far, working out just fine.

Congratulations!!

Relationships are a lot like being at sea. . . some time for relaxation with periods of smooth sailing, all mixed in with the full range of weather from sunny days to the maelstroms.

A lot of work indeed.

Here's to many more!

Michael

Sloop, so sorry for your loss. Times we share with those we love live with us and never leave. Thank you for reminding us all that our rants and writings here are only peripheral to what's really important - our families. Having four young ladies and watching them grow, reminds me of the cycle of li...

Anyone try to mod the aft area sole? My plan is to find a polymer tank that will fit between the hull and rear berth sole. I've found one 7" tall with a 48" x 18" footprint. Running this tank centered in that rather useless space would: 1. Aid ballast - fuel weight below centered and ...