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Looking for some advice on tying up a 44' trawler style boat in preparation for hurricane. We're in a floating dock system within a fairly well protected marina. I've heard some folks recommend tying very tight to dock, but my sense is that it will fair better tied in the dead center of slip...

Transmission Problem on Volvo D4 -300 Hello, I have a problem with my port side transmission on my 2016 Volvo D4 300 HP, 350 hours. Not sure of make/model of transmission. Description: 1) Weeks ago, while cruising, experienced no thrust port engine forward or reverse. Discovered fairly major...

The teak flooring on my 2012 ST44 is wearing down, exposing the black rubber caulking between the teak slats. The rubber is now above the level of the teak and is getting kicked out by normal shoe traffic. It's going to be a pain to remove and replace this caulking. Any ideas?

Hello, Our 2012 ST44 has a problem with both side windows at lower helm and galley. As you can see from the photo, the aluminum frames are deteriorating rather quickly. Even leaves a small piles of white, powdered, oxidation inside. Anyone else have this problem? (Sorry for the photo turned...

My 2012 ST44 has a rubber-based dashboard, supporting all of the switches, controls, MFD, etc..., at the lower station. The entire (similar) dashboard on the upper helm was replaced under warranty in 2014. I sure wish I'd have asked about the lower one back then! Anyway, the lower dashboard...

Wow! This week I was maneuvering, killing time in deep water, waiting for the fuel dock to clear when I hear this very loud THUMP! Suddenly, I realize that the steering on by twin-screw boat is quite odd and quickly realize I have no starboard thrust. Got her fueled and headed back to home...

Hello, I previously posted this on the recent thread about the Jungle Cruise boat taking on water, but thought that this may be a better place to post: We're regular visitors to WDW and here are a few observations regarding the operation of the launches that run between the Magic Kingdom and...

Hello, My 2012 ST44 has a soft, Black/Grey rubber-like dashboard on the lower station. This raised-panel, to which all gauges and switched are attached, is deteriorating into what I call "sticky rubber", which attracts dust and dirt and is actually un-cleanable! Interestingly, our upper...

I have read about adding some grease to the rubbers seals where the drive shafts exit the stern. Has anyone actually done this on their Swift? All I've ever done is to try and burp the air out (by squeezing) after periods of non-use. After 6 years still no trouble. I don't want to mess up a...

I've had issues with with the condensate pumps and drain lines on the 4 A/C units on my 2012 ST44. Here are my comments: 1) Keep these lines clean by adding a water/bleach solution to the pan every 6 (?) months. 2) Plugged lines can be blown out with a simple bike pump w/ nozzle. 3) I've had...

We just had new bottom paint applied, which seems necessary every 2 years. The yard applied Pettit Trinidad Pro, #1088. Question: How soon should my diver resume the monthly cleaning? Thank you.

The black rubber caulk between the teak strips has become loose in a few areas. Any idea on a good replacement caulk?

I'm always trying to learn so can someone please answer these 2 basic question about my Lewmar Windlass: 1) The top "spool", which I believe is called the gypsy, right? Ok, I've never understood why or how I'd need it for anchoring. The steel teeth on the main gear grab the chain and line rode...

OK, another vessel (40' Searay(?)) missed hitting me by less than 2' last week. I was really shook up but relieved he missed me. Close calls are great learning experiences and I've given a lot of thought on avoiding similar situations. Here's what happened: In an urban no-wake zone, Naples...

After years of intermittent readings from the stock 2012 "through-the-hull" transducer, I finally switched over to the Raymarine "hockey puck" type. This one beams directly through the bottom of the boat. Here in SW Florida, where we often cruise in waters less than 25', the original equipment...

Our teak cap rails were finished by the dealer when she was a new stock boat. Since then we've had them refinished twice, and most recently with an Awlgrip 3-part acrylic on top of 12 coats of varnish, and they look great! My question is, is there any type of wax or other protectant that I can...

My Raymarine depth sounder seems to lose the bottom from time to time (5-10% of the time), often in shallowish water. Seems to occur when trimming bow down, or changing speed but it's really quite intermittent and annoying. I've had my diver focus on keeping it clean but it still happens...

What can be done about teak that's starting to look old? I prefer the original "reddish brown" color but now it's turning grey. As always, thanks for you help!

Hello, We strive to keep our gelcoat looking like new. That "chalky" look and feel makes me cringe! Nearly 3 years in, so far so good. We've been washing every 2 weeks and having it waxed every 6-8 months. Wondering what you all think are the best products and techniques? Wax? Polymers...

OK, a really broad question: What are the 1 or 2 little "tricks" you've discovered to make your boating safer or easier? I'll lead off with these: 1) Here is a pretty simple way to keep us reminded of where the ATONs belong. See the red and green "snack bag" clips on the windshield? When...

You may remember me as the guy who couldn´t figure out why his new D4´s were "using" oil. This “oil consumption” issue has been tough for me to understand, mainly because the dipstick readings have varied wildly depending on how long I waited before checking. I have come to learn that the range...

New boater here. Pretty handy with tools and easy maintenance but by no means a mechanic. I'd like to perform any maintenance items that are within my capabilities, such as: Air Filters Crankcase Breather filters Fuel Filters Impellars Zincs Belts Hoses Suggested other items? One day I'd...

In my posts I want to add photos. I go to "manage attachments", "choose file" list appears, I do and select "choose existing", I click on one of my photos, and upload it. When I repeat the process only the last photo uploaded appears in my post. How do I put more than 1 photo in my posts? Thank you.

Diesel 1) Sept. 13. Alligator River Marina mm 83, $3.60 2) Sept. 16, Southport Marina NC., mm 309, $3.75 3) Sept. 19, Harbourtown Marina, SC., mm 564, $3.78 4) Sept. 23, Telemar Bay Marina, mm 914, $4.25

Got a new Lehr 9.9, long shaft, with a new AB 9' aluminum hull RIB. Planes fine with just me but won't with 2nd passenger. Dealer has been notified. Thinking about a different prop and a few other adjustments to the engine, like a slight tilt (bringing prop up slightly) or perhaps putting a...