Recent content by Waywego

And becomes quite brittle so it cracks when rolled up.

For anyone considering an InReach, Garmin also sells the Messenger, which has much of the functionality of the InReach, along with better messaging capabilities when used with a cell phone for inputs. It is also $100 cheaper.

Just to make sure I understand, you have three zippers on the flip up section: one on each side and one across the bottom? Are the bimini zippers at a support pole or just where they need to be to pull the front section tight? Thanks for the excellent photos!

@comodave, I'd be interested in seeing a photo of how you zip the front panels to the bimini if you have one.

Another Power Probe user here. With long enough leads, it is fantastic, both for troubleshooting and also as a temporary power source during installs. I bought it for use with vehicles and trailers, but have used it just as much on the boat.

After a 5 minute dip in brackish water killed my $500 Fluke, I bought one of these for the boat and later, another to leave in my garage: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DW681FQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have another Fluke 87V on my bench, but it never goes near...

@Circumnavigator our Eartech foam earpads started shedding and making a big mess, so we replaced them with these ones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TJG9Z6Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 So far, they are working great. If anyone is going the change out the earpads...

Yes, water runs off the flybridge bimini onto the cockpit cover and gets into the cockpit through the area around the ladder where there are some unavoidable holes in the canvas. Adding to that, the canvas is 15 years old and just about see through, so even 303 does little to make it waterproof...

Faced with a similar problem (no wifi and needing security) we installed a BRNKL monitoring system. It was quite easy to install and I am WAY less worried about the boat when not there. It included a security camera and is completely cellular based. I am currently monitoring bilge pump...

If you need an alternative to a cell based system like Siren, Barnacle Systems sells BRNKL. I recently installed one after comparing to Siren and am quite satisfied that I made the right choice. While many features are similar, there are advantages to each system and BRNKL was a better fit for...

Our 1975 boat was plumbed with polybutylene tubing and I often used John Guest push fittings from Home Depot to make repairs to the many leaks that developed. Getting tired of that, I am now replacing all the plumbing with PEX A and using an expanding tool rather than making crimps. FWIW, I...

We use a Turkish hand mill (set on very coarse) to grind the beans and a stainless insulated French press to make the coffee. Pretty much the same as at home except a Zassenhaus knee mill and a glass French press there. We also make Turkish coffee at home in the afternoons, but haven't done...

While not technically a rocker, Ikea's Poang chairs let you use a rocking motion that might be enough for your wife. You cannot go full tilt, but I often rock in ours when I get the notion. We replaced our sleeper sofa in the salon with a couple of them and can't be happier. Easy to move and...

If the lock is properly loosened, the valve should be fairly easy to turn. Perhaps not quite as easy as a good ball valve, but not that much harder. While in the water, there is some improvement that can be made, but disassembly while hauled is certainly better. If you can close the valve...

Another thing that I have found that helps is to periodically turn them to the position you don't normally have them in and leave them with the lock screw tightened. This seems to compress the bumps somewhat.