So... What have you done to your floater so far this winter??

Tacklebuster · 12-12-2006, 04:51 AM

Seems every summer that goes by, you end up with a couple more learning experiences and more ideas to add to your boat. This winter I have put in another bilge pump. I have one situated in my offshore bracket on a manual switch and a couple more on an auto/manual a bit higher. I also added a couple more rod holders in places that would fit the bill for trolling multiple rods when chasing Charlie. I made two 6 foot gaffs with three inch hooks with some nice grippers. Cut my leaders on all my tuna feathers back to about 24 inches and re did the hydraulic steering in my boat. Ordered a live bait well and fit it into my floor fish box, can't wait to use that baby. Finally found where my offshore bracket was leaking a bit of water (welds in the top) and now all I am waiting for is the winter months to fade to black.

C'mon summer

SeaBeast · 12-12-2006, 07:08 AM

Did you fix the leaks yourself or did you take it to a dealer.

fyshndad · 12-12-2006, 07:47 AM

So far all I have done is found out from Ted (Stickfish) that my VHF Antennea is not good for anything but a flag pole
So I need to replace that
I bought a GPS Chartplotter but have not mounted it yet
Can't bring myself to put the boat away for winter YET
I am still hoping for good calm seas just before Christmas so I can go get some bottom fish and fresh crab for the feast

exgamey · 12-12-2006, 08:03 AM

After fighting a poorly running engine most of last season sent her to the shop a couple of months ago. Got the boat back last week after a complete engine overhaul including new pistons, valves and bearings. Also had the engine balanced. While we were at it replaced the starter, water pump and fuel pump as well as the distributer. Now have electronic ignition. Also overhauled the carb. It sure runs smooth at the moment!

Last year we completely went thru the outdrive. We should now have a "new" 28 year old boat.

Hope now to replace the 15 year old fish finder and may replace the trailer.

Something Good · 12-12-2006, 08:53 AM

Boat is in storage for the winter. I ordered a live bait tank that will go on in the spring.

Bait O' Eggs · 12-12-2006, 09:01 AM

So far I have stripped the boat down to the bare hull and just left the wiring. Had some deck supports in the cabin welded up that broke loose, nothing structural just little stuff that needed fixed.

I repainted the deck boards in the cabin. The bottom side was never painted and I put a couple heavy coats of paint on all sides of the plywood.

The supports for the wires in the cabin to the dash fans, wipers, cabin light were those plastic wire holders with double sided tape. They last about 6 months and fall off, so I welded some tabs and zip tied all wires in place, they shouldnt be falling off anymore.

I reinstalled everything in the cabin and its fully funtional.

I cut off all the rocket launchers this weekend

and am about to improve that design with more and at a better angle.

I still want to non skid paint the deck of the boat, and modify the outriggers so they can be deployed and retracted quicker.

garyk · 12-12-2006, 10:17 AM

Thus far and through December at least, the ol' Hewes is still on a weekly regime of wear & tear, some tear & wear, and a little occassional 'op error' thrown in to lengthen the repair list <ouch!>

Pilar · 12-12-2006, 12:09 PM

Bait o Eggs .. just curious are you redoing the Ed Wing factory wiring stuff?

I paid my dues already. The new engine is broke in and happy. I experienced no major failures last summer. And the wiring project from two winters ago is solid .. no issues there. So those of you working hard this winter .. it does pay off.

A new radar arch is in the works. And some canvas repair. Other than that, just some nuisance things to do this winter. Cetol is really good on teak. Touch up is easy .. just smooth it out a little with fine sandpaper and add more over the bare spot.

Oh and there is the rod holder gap to overcome. I'm waiting on BOE's final design so I can get 2 or 4 more than he has.

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as anchovy resistant engine paint?

Bait O' Eggs · 12-12-2006, 12:21 PM

John
Ed didnt wire my boat,

I learned from those ahead of me

When the welding was done, Ed was done.

I have had no wiring issues with my own wiring so far. I would have done it a little different if I was doing it over, but nothing has failed yet electrical wise. No crimps, everything is soldered, liquid insulation and shrink tube, on tinned wire. Wish I would have put in a bigger fuse panel to start with. I have had to add a second one,

.....who woulda thunk I would have that many electronic gizmos in the boat :grin:

At lunch time today I was looking at different ways to mount rocket launchers. I can assure you I will have 20 across the top of the boat at a minimum.

Photos to follow in a few weeks when I am done. :blush:

Deeman · 12-12-2006, 12:58 PM

New fuel flow meter, EPIRB. Re-manufactured the mount for the power steering pump to gain clearence and adjustability. New hydrallic pump. Replaced shift cable and adjusted. Current project is a new 12' removable Tuna bar across the stern and mounting system to get handlines equal spacing and clearance of bleed can and cool down can.

Moldy45 · 12-12-2006, 02:53 PM

I havent done anything but winterize it so far.
I have a fuel flow meter and a additional bilge pump ,I just need time to do it. also new livewell plumbing.
I did put a t inline on washdown pump so i can use it as another bilge pump if called upon and it works for winterizing the pump.

My buddy has a fab shop and if he slows down we are gunna build a arch.
Gunna build another poon and a gaff.
I may stand back with my hands on my hips and look at my boat top then try to convince the boss that I need a new one haha

Tower Todd · 12-12-2006, 03:43 PM

I just had the Mr. Chips the gelcoat repair guy out for a couple of days to clean up various old holes from unused canvas snaps, a few nicks in the covering boards, and the corner of the transom that was repaired poorly prior to my purchase that didn't match perfectly. He also recoated a Scopinich Rocket Launcher that I installed this weekend. It is the kind that some boats use instead of a fighting chair and has four rod holders. That should a great feature this summer. Just ordered a rocket launcher for the hard top, should be here this week. That will bring my total rod holders to, 6 on top, 3 down each side of the hardtop supports, 6 in the covering boards and 4 in the cockpit launcher for a total of 22.
Next project is new coaming pads in the cockpit. The old ones are pretty ratty from sitting in the Florida sunshine too long. Then to the Seattle boat show in Jan. for second E80 Chartplotter and TR-1 Autopilot. Looking at adding the Sirius weather receiver. Does anybody have it yet? I'd like to know what you think of it.

Tower Todd

miike · 12-12-2006, 05:36 PM

deleted

tomictime · 12-12-2006, 06:12 PM

after winterization..I am neglecting the old girl...all my thoughts on new ride and outfitting..!@#$%$#@!, when will they start welding?

I did relocate the wallas tank and a few other tasks...

Walleyed · 12-12-2006, 06:58 PM

At least once a day I go look at her, Ok sometimes more
Everything else is big $$$$$
The boss says if we plan on moving to Newport
I got to slow down on the toys.

For some reson she has a problem with me having three boats and
one in the shop getting the outdrive rebuilt.

Tacklebuster · 12-13-2006, 04:52 AM

I had to bring her back to the dealer. I take for granted that it is fixed, I haven't really tried it yet to see. Also replaced the *** 5201-C Shakespeare ant that was as useless as a leaky weld for a better galaxy series. Now maybe I can use something other than my hand held to contact the Coasties when I am 50 miles west.

StickFish · 12-13-2006, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacklebuster

I had to bring her back to the dealer. I take for granted that it is fixed, I haven't really tried it yet to see. Also replaced the *** 5201-C Shakespeare ant that was as useless as a leaky weld for a better galaxy series. Now maybe I can use something other than my hand held to contact the Coasties when I am 50 miles west.

Thanks Chris, I was about to PM you to remind you about that thing - if you need help with the connector let me know

Pilar · 12-13-2006, 07:00 AM

Tower Todd tell me more about this 'Mr Chips'. I have a few relocation projects to cover up. Moved some antennas, it left a hole. I can probably manage the hole fill in part but gel coat has always been beyond my abilities or aptitude.

How does it work and what does it cost?

Can you buy color matched gel coat for minor DIY repairs?

Tower Todd · 12-13-2006, 08:02 AM

Pilar: I sent you a PM with his phone #.

Pilar · 12-13-2006, 08:31 AM

Got it, thanks. Maybe I can do a driveby during the next prawnzillathon.

id. painter · 12-13-2006, 10:53 AM

Washed the tuna blood off and parked her in the garage.

I did use the radar arch as a meat pole.
I hung two mule deer bucks from it after a successful deer season.

I guess I should dump a bit of fule saver in the tank. .... .

id. p.

ICHTHYDEMON · 12-13-2006, 02:55 PM

I'll be doing the following.

Adding an electric Scotty downrigger.
Finally installing my VHF and antenna
getting the VHF and GPS wired for DSC
Adding an XM stereo and speakers
Troubleshooting my fuel flow guage.

I'm also adding a handheld VHF...actually ordered yesterday
Considering an EPIRB
Wanting RADAR,but not having anyway to install it unless I save for a collapsable tower as well. That combo should burn up most of 5K.

I'm sure I'm forgetting things.

Metal Manipulator · 12-13-2006, 02:59 PM

Way to go I.D. painter.