Recent content by 53hatt

Anyone know a good source for the 8 volt main batteries here in San Diego? The main bank was replaced in 2004 and is ready to be replaced, won't hold enough charge to start engines. Also advice on best model/manufacturer would be helpful.

I have done a lot of searches but can't seem to find the exact cause for my problem. In the past, after running the boat, the master head would fill with water but not evacuate the bowl. Usually after several attempts, or manually emptying the head a few times, it would get suction and work...

My question is about a new bottom paint job and the harm of a haulout for a survey. I put my boat on the market a few months ago. It is badly overdue for bottom paint, and the divers are having difficulty with the monthly cleaning. If I paint now, and then get an offer down the road and need a...

Does anyone have recommendations on a good broker in the San Diego area? Thanks

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I am ready to put Sea-Esta up for sale (1980-53 Convertible) and debating the sales strategy. I know this isn't a good market and I am not in a desperate rush, but I am just not using the boat enough to justify keeping it. I see "for sale"...

What is the best paint to use for the older detroits? I called the dealer and they do not have an engine paint available. I see a lot of posts with pictures of newly painted engines. I know the auto stores sell engine paint, but not sure if white is available.

Getting ready to change the oil this weekend in 1271's. What is the recommended temp or warm up before draining and changing the oil. Should the engines be brought up to operating temp or just ran for a while to circulate oil prior to draining. The engines/engine room get pretty warm on a full...

I noticed on a short criuse yesterday that the port alternator was only showing about 30 volts (still in the green area) while the starboard gauge was showing around 36 volts indicating charging. What are some simple things I should be looking for. I checked the belts and wiring to alternator...

Due to travel schedules, there are times when a few months lapse in between available trips to get to the boat (53 Sportfish- 1271TI's). There are also times when I can only go over to check it briefly in the evening, or I am alone and too much of a hassle to take it out for a run. My question...

I thought I had my problem figured out the last time the engine alarm went off- I had just drained and flushed the coolant and had an air pocket and the level was low, so I filled it up to the top of the tank after running it the last time. Same thing happened again today- idling out of the...

Started to go out today for a short cruise and after about 10 minutes into the channel in the 5 mph no wake zone, the port engine alarm went off. Temp gauge was still low (less than 120). I checked the oil pressure gauge in the engine room and it was OK and same as starboard engine. Shut it down...

In the process of draining and flushing the coolant system on my 1271's, the fist engine went well. Drained all of the old coolent through all engine draincocks (surprised to get almost 25 gals out!- not what the manual said), refilled with water, started and ran to temp, drained, and filled...

I finished draining and flushing the starboard engine and filled with distilled water and Narcool 2000. I got the port engine about 80% drained and something came up unexpectedly and I had to leave the project for a week. Is there any harm in leaving the motor almost empty, or should I rush...

While working on the forward bilge pump, I noticed that one of the thru-hull valves has been off since I purchased the boat- never noticed that one forward. In tracing the hose, it goes to the galley maid head pump. There are two raw water hoeses going to my pump- one at the end of the pump...

I am planning a trip to North Carolina (Wilmington) in mid Feb. It looks like New Bern is about two hours away. Does Hatteras offer any type of factory tours?