Recent content by mvweebles

Sheer pin was my first thought too since it sounded like it was working fine until very recently. However, OP says it's not spinning on the hub so maybe not. I'd pull the prop and see - should not take long. Side story - After my thruster was installed, when I went to first use it, the...

Although we've traveled a bunch in Mexico, we, like almost all newbie cruisers, over-provisioned. We tried not to but we did anyway. I think it's just a natural progression. We know people eat everywhere and of course have to buy food, but we packed too much. Like many newbie cruisers, we too...

We moved from San Francisco to Florida several years ago and only now getting around to bringing Weebles to Florida. So we're on a "lazy delivery. " Rainy season starts in the winter months so we decided to take a hiatus - originally thought we'd leave her in Costa Rica but our progress was...

We'll be in Playa in a few weeks and plan to head to Cozumel for a couple days. We haven't been there for a couple years but back then it was definitely more subdued. Beach clubs were more family oriented which while we have no kids, suits us fine. More day-clubs. BTW - there's an El Cid...

I don't know that exact area/marina, but here's the deal on the overall area. First, a bit of background. Mexico has an agency "Fonatur" that is loosly in charge of tourist-type projects (See HERE for desription). Fonatur has a checkered track record of developing tourist areas. Cancun didn't...

Looking at the chart/map is a bit deceptive. The marinas are north of Mazatlan, not in the harbor area which is where the cruise ship area and commercial docks are. There are two marinas about a mile apart: El Cid and Marina Mazatlan (see attached screenshot). El Cid is part of a resort...

We liked Ensenada a lot. Paid around $430/mo for a 40 foot slip and food/expenses were a bit more than half what we spent on the US. Access to US is good with a decent bus service to Tijuana and a short walk over the border. On the downside, Ensenada is a bit dusty and industrial feeling. And...

I can think of two reasons why boats with no AP saw more traffic. First, hand steering over long distances is very exhausting and plays havoc with the mind. They saw ships that weren't there - apparitions (anyone remember the Donald Crowhurst story?). Second possible explanation. Most people...

Steve D shows a picture of taking a temp off oil filter which is a good idea. There are a LOT of 40-50 foot boats built with twin +250hp diesels (many GB 42s built after mid 1980s for example), many with your same 3208s. Given price of diesel, if under loading at 7-kts was a problem, there...

Steve D discusses coolant temperature not reaching designed operating temp, usually around 175F-180F (he says 165F-195F which seems wider than I'd expect). He also notes this is much more common in generators which is why I caveated my response with propulsion engines. If you're chronically...

Downsides to ShaftLoc? Assuming you have plenty of shaft so it doesn't interfere with log and such, biggest one I can see is it's doubtless an expense and effort to install and secure for something you may occasionally tinker with but never actually need. Sooting is one of those myths that can...

Kevin - as you know, like yourself, I'm one of TFs most vocal proponents of going with a modest boat - most any boat can make the trip. The OP question had two pieces of information that led me to a different recommendation than my normal "mind the weather, take your time, and have a good time."...

First, San Diego is a wonderful city. But is a lousy cruising destination (as is all of SoCal). There just isn't much to do so I'd question the attraction. There are only so many times you can go to Catalina. For me, the juice wouldn't be worth the squeeze. I've done the run northbound many...

Mr. Google found the following......performance goes up marginally with temperature. Lifespan goes down dramatically. Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the capacity of a battery, which refers to the amount of energy it can store and deliver. Generally, as temperature decreases...

In my opinion, yes, you're overvaluing a side door. It will unnecessarily limit your choices in the 30-35 foot range boat. But it sounds like you've already made up your mind. Regardless, best success in finding your dream boat. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun with whatever you decide. Peter