Customizing our new Bayliner 242

[gpspowell]

I intend to negotiate coverage limits with my insurance co. and figured that recording additions to the new boat somehow would help facilitate that process so I built this web site within my other. I think this is an ok way to post these projects here. This has been a fun winter of projects, now to be followed by the fun of using the fruits of my labors. To view the projects go to http://www.gpspowell.info/242.html

[bradvo]

Good Job , enjoyed reading about your projects along with the pictures.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, it's been almost a month Mike... what did you do since then? She sure looks great! Can't wait to see her up close!!!

[gpspowell]

About the time you posted the above we headed to Lake Powell for two weeks. BEAUTIFUL!! All the systems worked well. It was especially nice having the water maker. Two weeks of 90º+ days was a lot of water. Very nice to just fill up whenever needed. One week into the trip, while returning to our camping/fishing area after a fuel run, cruising along at 24 mph, on plane, the drive shaft in the lower unit snapped. After much discussion, and a phone call to our Mercruiser mechanic, we decided to finish out the trip using the Honda kicker. We trolled, fished, hiked, etc. for a few more days then took a leisurely three days to motor the 60 miles back to the marina. No explanation as to why a 1 1/4" shaft would snap like that at 41 hours. The mechanic feels it was either a misaligned bore in the case that stressed the shaft, or a faulty shaft (chrystalized?). At any rate, Mercruiser sent out a new lower unit under warranty and we'll have it back soon. Meanwhile I'm replacing all the plastic thru-hulls with SS and bonding them in preparation for our August trip to Barkley Sound. The fuel burn of the 5.7L in the 242 is higher than we anticipated so we're rethinking our methods. When fully loaded (Anne believes in LOADING UP for long trips) we're seeing 1.44 mpg at most economical plane (24 mph), and 1.95 mpg at 8.4 mph. Fuel was $4.38 per gallon at the lake and running the trip to the San Juan arm on plane requires an extra 65 mile trip for fuel before returning so we're planning on towing our 14' aluminum to fish with and run around on. We actually enjoyed the three days at 5 mph instead of one day on plane. I guess we're to become "cruisers" instead of "hurriers".

I've been following your boat search saga (as posted here). You are unbelievably patient. I hope something comes your way soon. Maybe the gasoline prices will encourage some sales that fit your need.

By the way, I updated that web page with more pictures etc. just before I left.

[SomeSailor]

Sorry to hear about the problems on the new Bay, but I guess it would be much worse had it happen way up in the middle of nowhere. How long are you gonna be in this neck of the woods this time around?

Should be a good fishing year, the pinks will be back and they're talking that the Silvers might be a pretty decent harvest.

[gpspowell]

We will arrive in Ucluelet on August 28 and stay until September 10. Hope to cash in on the Kings up there that time of year, as well as some halibut and sightseeing.

[SomeSailor]

We will arrive in Ucluelet on August 28 and stay until September 10. Hope to cash in on the Kings up there that time of year, as well as some halibut and sightseeing.

Should be some nice Chinook running by then. Hopefully you'll get some real hogs aboard.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, we hope to hear today or tomorrow about the boat we "lost" and "refound"... The other bidder has bowed out of the process as of today... On the sea trial, the engine would not run up to full power. Pulling the head found a broken ring and scored cylinder. So have called the seller and re-negoiated a price that we (and the seller) have agreed upon on Sunday and presented this to the broker that afternoon to give back to the seller. Broker does not know we negoiated the new price without him and so it will be a hoot to find out that the offer is acceptable to the seller. Broker thought the seller would not go that low... LOL... anyway, looking better all the time now...

The "plan" is to .030 over the bad cylinder, sell the 5.7 and replace the powerplant with a 5.7 MAG MPI, but this time make it a Horizon model instead of straight MAG MPI... So have contacted the wholesaler in Monroe that I did the last re-engine with and waiting for a response now... to be continued... keeping our fingers, toes and other anatomical parts crossed...

[Tedster]

Niceeeee! I hope it all goes well for you!

[SomeSailor]

Great news Doug. I knew you'd be itching for the MPI anyhow. What does that swap cost ya (ballpark)? I'm guessing ECM and associated wiring is not in the existing harness? I'm betting the current owner is much more prone to negotiate now the first offer has fallen through. This puts you in a enviable positon. Hope it works out for ya.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Mike said "I'm guessing ECM and associated wiring is not in the existing harness?"

No change to the harness, it actually is a 2 wire run to the dash and I can then monitor everything on the engine with an optional control modual that monitors everything from temps to individual cylinder pressures and more...

Not sure on the cost upgrade since I have not heard back from Monroe. But from my research so far, I expect about a $6K additional cost overall and that is the high side of the switch.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Mike, I am in the process of doing the step mod for the trash can under the step. Was the step glued on? I could not find any screws. Did you just pry it off? Inquiring minds want to know.

BTW, I am adding photos as I add to the new "Go Aweigh To" so check them out when you get a chance.

My new MX 6.2 Horizon comes in about 2 weeks while I am in Hawaii and will have it installed at the dealer (factory warranty) while gone...

Invitation still open to stay over at our home... Not sure about running with you guys but defintely want to see you and Anne while up here...

[Tedster]

Nice, very very nice!

[gpspowell]

Doug, Yes it was glued (lightly) and stapled. I tapped up with a small hammer then pried it off with a flat bar. Once it started, it came right off. I simply cut off the staples with a side cutter then tapped the sharp ends back with the same small hammer. They did not push up un the tread side at all. As the trip to Ucluelet gets closer I'll try to get some coordination with you. How long from your house to Port Angeles? That's where we'll ferry over from.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Port Angeles is about 1.5 hours north of us. Thanks for the info... got a great project to work on tomorrow... The bottom step is already modified. Will post pictures soon...

[gpspowell]

It looks like you'll have trouble finding projects on the new "Go Aweigh 2". Unbelievable how tricked out that boat is already.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Trick out is the right word alright! I can't believe it was his first boat! And he took it to Lake Chelan and some other lakes... What does someone need a 48nm radar for lakes??? I do want to add a genny someday... Probably buy a Honda 2000 so I can use it for other stuff around the property... but that will have to wait until I get the new motor installed and the old one sold.

Finished the upper step today too. But I placed the hinge behind the step so only the upper edge of the brass hinge shows. Added my remote winch this afternoon and played with the windlass a bit. Have 21 feet of chain with ~200 ft of anchor line. Also added a ss fender holder to the forward rail. As soon as I get my camera back from school, I'll post pixs...

Still not sure how I want to add the rocket launchers. Might toggle bolt them on with 5200 as added security. Thinking of long ss bolts but I don't think they make the toggles out of anything but plain steel or maybe aluminum... But I also have to bend the holding plates to fit the roof contour... that'll be fun up and down the ladder until I get it just right!

[gpspowell]

Doug, Look here: http://fastenmsc.stores.yahoo.net/togglebolt.html . These come in SS and are easy to use. Some chandleries might carry these or you could order them here. Looking forward to to the pictures and to seeing her in person in Aug. We'll probably try to take you up on the offer of overnight on our way to PA.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Too late, already did the rocket launchers today along with an interior cabin light and two perko femder locks (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/50874/10001/456/11207/5) under the mid hull cleats forward. Also thinking of installing hardwood floor after I see how the carpets come clean tomorrow...

I'm not totally pleased with the results of the rocket launcher but I can probably do chin ups on it. Pain in the butt to get the toggles in the holes. Got 5200 all over me in the process... But they are done for now. WIll want to fill in under the 90 degree bend at the back so it looks better. Maybe some starboard fill for looks only. It is very functional. Dropped two toggles in the hole... Hope they don't rattle too much. I ain't going after them unless I get a strong magnet and 'walk them" over to the access hole under the radar.

The interior light was a quick addition. It sits over the berth just between the forward windows with a manual switch on the light. Had to get smaller 12v bulbs cause it got too bright in the cabin.

Ordered a new Safe T CO Alert. The one on the boat died... or I killed it...

Photos tomorrow...

[Go Aweigh2452]

Will add more as I take more pictures. Currently have photos of step storage, additional cabin light, rocket launcher, added to trailer a wider platform, remote power winch, anti-sway bar and plate over brake assembly to prevent from breaking it off with my big feet.

http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto1.htm

[Go Aweigh2452]

Added hanging hooks (plastic coated from Walmart for <$2.00) to underside of dinette storage bins under seats and an articulated arm for the LCD TV that is arriving this week.

http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto2htm.htm