Recent content by Freestyle

My DD guy retired. Any recommendations for a DD service technician in the Tampa area? I am do for an annual service to change oil, filters, zinc and transmission fluid. Thanks Bruce Freestyle 1986 52 CPMY (54MY with ext) Tampa

First long voyage since servicing the stabilizers and installing new seals. The tech left behind 32w oil which looks lighter than what we have been using. We also have 64w aboard. . After about 100 hours of operation the low fluid light came on while crossing Exuma Sound in 2m beam seas...

My Onan 23kw generator has developed steamy exhaust. It is holding its thermostat temperature. The thru hull is clear and the strainer and basket are new. The new strainer is slightly smaller than the older strainer. Could this be restricting the flow and causing steamy exhaust? I saw air...

Beryl looks to have hit Grenada. I have watched Youtubes where cruisers were leaving their boats in Grenada or further south during hurricane season per insurance requirements. Is that YouTube legend or have the insurance companies been dealt a game changer with this storm? Bruce Freestyle...

Yesterday, we took delivery of Freestyle from a local yard after getting bottom paint, stabilizer service, and a new transducer. My logs indicate we arrived at the yard at 20% (about 190 gallons) in two tanks. My aft tank gage is broken. The forward had been working but was not showing...

Planning our first haul out in 7 years and only second in 13 years since I bought the boat. Stabilizer service, bottom paint, and a new thru hull transducer are on the plate. Should be a week or two on the hard unless something unexpected. Anyone have a checklist or anecdotal "don't forget...

My 12 year old Vetus bow thruster is not working. I have proper 26v across the unit but it won't turn. The prop turns the shaft freely. Prior to stopping, the unit ran with diminishing thrust for a couple of years. So the tech's conclusion is that the motor needs new brushes and windings...

We have cruised the Berry's, and Eleuthera, and are now in George Town over the last month. We have seen some antique Hatteras's in Bristol condition at marinas in Nassau and Harbour Island. But we have not seen any other Hatteras motor yachts cruising or at anchor. We used to look for the...

I am in Harbor Island Eleuthera and our new SA12000AC crane motor has arrived with assorted mounting hardware. The new unit has 50 feet of stainless cable and a hook. The old unit has relatively new stainless cable and a weighted hook I like better. Do I use the new wire and somehow detach...

My Strongman 12000AC failed to get the boat on deck today at Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. I have a new one being flown in Sunday. Can anyone recommend someone to swap the old winch for the new one in Spanish Wells next week? Until then, we will improve our towing game. Bruce Freestyle 1986 62...

We are planning to visit Harbour Island later this week. Does anyone have a pilot they would recommend for the Devils Backbone, contact info, and cost? My plan is to do the return trip using my cookies and high tide. Please let me know if this is considered a bad idea. Thanks. Bruce...

I have the Head Hunter Tank Sentry monitor system for fuel, water, and black water. One of the fuel tanks is no longer displaying a level and makes a loud "woodpecker" sound every minute maybe trying to re-set. A new unit is not inexpensive so I am looking for some things to try before...

I saw a 1300kw portable gas generator for $1k that sits on wheels and would store easily in my boat's garage under the cockpit. Plan was to use it on the deck of the cockpit as an emergency backup to charge the inverters in the event the Onan takes a break and wants me to learn more diesel...

I would like to add a third helm chair to the flybridge of a 1986 54MY. My main crew is deaf in his right ear so he needs to sit to my left to be able to hear if there is any hope for interesting conversation. What does correctly installing a pedestal helm seat on the flybridge entail? I...

We have not done a line cutter discussion in a few years. I am considering adding some version of line cutter and am looking for advice. We cruise Tampa-Key West at night a lot and crab pots are always a concern. What is the preferred brand? Is this something my divers can install or does...