Recent content by TomS

Sorry to hear this, what a pain. Another factor to consider that was mentioned by a top flight Merc mechanic I know. When dealing with voltage fluctuation, it's actually more important for the array of microcomputers on the boat (mostly low current loads - engine, plotter/nav, drive by wire...

This site is produced by Rod Collins, arguably one of the most knowledgeable men anywhere regarding marine batteries and systems. Everything you might want to know on batteries in boats is there somewhere. Marine How To - Rod Collins Be aware also that Mercury has special requirements for their...

Beautiful boat and sorry to hear of the problems you're having. I went through several dealerships here trying to get service for our Axopar/Mercs, which was kept at Sanibel Harbor Yacht Club near Punta Rassa. I used a terrific mobile mechanic for all routine maintenance, Josh Roy at Royal...

We were fortunate that our dry stack had a "no tipping" policy. There are quite a few $1mm+ go fast boats here, so more than a fair share of "fat cats" who expect ultimate service. You could get kicked out for violations. The custom was that once a year they had a "holiday collection" for the...

I've had 2 AT's and found it works very well for cruising, especially stop and go where you're planing off a lot and turning. I probably used it 90% of the time, found it very convenient. It quits adjusting after ~50mph, so if your boat is capable (mine was), it is all manual trim after that for...

Finally starting to see a fair amount of inventory on the lots down here. Grady, Robalo, Sea Hunt, etc. Ian destroyed a lot of boats, so people are waiting for settlements that will absorb the inventory at some point.

I sure hope you're right. Stay safe!

Sorry to hear this. Our house in Sanibel and a rental condo next door are in bad shape, uninhabitable, and access to the island cut off for at least a year or two with the causeway breached in 5 places.

We kept our Axopar 28c in a high and dry indoor storage and it was a great experience. The pro's are kind of obvious, concierge service in and out, washed our boat each time, etc. One thing we did that was a bit expensive, but with the value of the boat, worth it to me, was an aluminum storage...

I used to hang old cd's from the boat lift, cheap and seemed to help, especially rap and hip-hop selections.

Bennington has offered twin ellipticals for quite some time (e.g. your 2011). It is a great configuration, certainly the fastest of the 2 toon boats they've ever offered and handles rough water very well. It won't turn like a 3 toon boat with strakes, but is very stable, maximum buoyancy. Bunk...

I've been told by a very wise and experienced on water first responder that fire extinguishers and such on a boat are more often a hindrance. People are harmed more by trying to find and use them, rather than getting everyone into life jackets and off the boat as quickly as possible. There is...

My Mercury warranties were getting to the 3 year mark, asked my mechanic about getting the extended. Because of the hot market for outboards, he said he just orders new engines ahead, rather than buy the extended warranty for them because they're so crazy expensive. When the new engines come in...

Very nice, 4th is a charm!

Sorry to hear of the continued (and new) problems. We built our dream home in 2000, custom designed it ourselves, beautiful waterfront, the works, moved there full time for a few years, and always assumed we'd retire there. Then we had a few life things happen, as well as a new set of neighbors...