In Love once more

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well,its been a long wait since we lost our first Go Aweigh 6 July 2006...

But we picked up our new "Go Aweigh To" yesterday evening and despite re-engining her, she is a beaut! 2001 2452 with 79 hours on the hull. More goodies than I have pills at home. Interior is virtually brand new. Electric range was never used as well as the microwave still had the packing material around the glass plate, two Cannon magna10 downriggers have not seen water along with lots of other stuff.

I have a line on a new power plant and will hopefully be able to order it today. It will be a MX 6.2 MPI Horizon (320 hp)... this url tells about the type of engine Go Aweigh To will get... http://www.bullockmarine.com/mercury/gas_sterndrive_320hp_mx_62_mpi_horizon.html

Until then, I will be dinking with her, putting in storage bins under the dinette, cockpit seats, learning the new Raymarine radar and GPS displays, installing an LCD in the cabin, filling her up with "indespensible gear" the Admiral thinks she needs, etc.

Bad news is it looks like she is 2-3 inches too tall to be put in the garage ;{ and yes, I have thought of rasing the door, notching it and even dropping the tire pressure so I can put her away in the winter. Fortunately, it comes with a full cover so she will stay at least realtively clean...

But I don't care that much since I now have a boat... ;} ;} ;}

My boat buying days are over and no more depression on sunny days!

[Kuredu]

Congrats Doug. From the pics you posted earlier she sure is a looker and with that motor you will just zoom along!

Hope you have a very boatyfull summer.

[gpspowell]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
May you have half as much fun getting her ready as you do splashing her.

[voyager]

Congratulations, just think of all those fish just waiting out there for you.

[SomeSailor]

VERY COOL!

We need pics! :)

[Randygh]

Congrats Doug--I bet you feel like a kid with a new toy!!! Who will install the new engine? Any idea when you'll "splash" her?? Any official christening? What does Cooper think of his new marine doghouse?

[bradvo]

Won't be long now before we here" fish on" :-)

[dumluck53]

Veeryyyy nice boat, Doug! Congratulations!

Nice motor, too...damn...you'll be flying!

P.S. Have a nice visit with your son...

[Webjammin]

Doug Congrats on the "new and improved" Go Aweigh !

[tolly28]

Looks like a nice boat, Doug! Hope you get her ready for cruising soon!!! You deserve it!!!

[Go Aweigh2452]

New engine arrived last evening at Kitsap Marina :eek:. Will drop Go Aweigh To off this afternoon and they will start the switch out of the old 5.7 for a brand new MX6.2 MPI Horizon engine!!! I could have this boat on the water by 1 July!!! 8) http://northamerica.mercurymarine.com/engines/inboards/sterndrives/mpi6-2mxhorizon_features.php. A 320 hp go fast...

:argh2

[dumluck53]

Getting your waterski's ready, Doug???!!!!

That baby will screammmmmmm.........

[Randygh]

Doug-- Is the 6.2 a 460 Ford block, 454 GMC block or some other? Is it much heavier than the 5.7?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Randy, the 6.2 is actually a 5.7 with a longer stroke and bored out to 377 from a 350. Same weight and footprint... More power and roller cams, etc. They are made by a company in the Midwest somewhere for Mercruiser.

[bradvo]

drooling yet?

Hope all goes well and your target date is met,
the water looks like glass today.

[SomeSailor]

There are a couple of ways to make one:

If you start with a .030" overbored 350 (3.48" Stroke) and stroke it to 3.37" you get a 383 CID motor. Stroke it further to 3.875: and you get a 395 CID. Stroke it even further to 4" and you've got a 408 CID motor.

The other direction is to take a 400 (3.75" stroke) and increase the stroke to 3.75" and get a 420 CID motor... take it a step further (4" stroke) and you get a whopping 434 cubic inches.

All from what started as a 350 chevy :)

Awesome horsepower in a small lightweight motor.

The 6.2L horizons are not overbored so they come in at 377 cubic inches. Sounds like a rocket Doug! No big deal hooking up the ECM huh? I figured that would be an expensive box to buy for these. What about putting that smart engine display on the dash? Will you do that as well?

[Go Aweigh2452]

No big deal hooking up the ECM huh? I figured that would be an expensive box to buy for these. What about putting that smart engine display on the dash? Will you do that as well?


The package comes with a 10 pin to 14 pin connector and an adapter so I can do the ECM stuff ($300). The dash toy will have to wait. I plan to play around with that... I understand I do not need to buy the smartcraft display but can use anything that has the ability to display engine information (Kinda like a OBD II on a car)... a simple reader can display that info or you can go high tech and get one that actually diagnosis' the engine... Smartcraft is just a reader. I will attempt to run it into one of my Raymarine displays when I get the chance to play with it... After all, it is just a two wire hook up so it can not be that tough to display the info from the engine???

Ideas are welcome on finding a suitable display however. I don't anticipate spending $600 for the smartcraft...

[SomeSailor]

They're usually pretty closed-mouthed about the way they talk back and forth to/from ECMs. The guys who reverse engineer them and build the chip re-programmers make lotsa $$$ to crack their protocols.

I tried building one for an OBDII system on my Jeep based on a PIC controller schematic I had. Worked (somewhat), but would lock up the ECM every once in awhile for no reason. Finally ave up.

It's only two wires, but there data is streaming at 500Kb/sec, so it requires some pretty decent programming to catch it as it goes past.

There are some open soure software modules out there though for a couple hundred bucks.

[II Lucky]

Wow, this is starting to sound complicated. Doug, sounds like you are going to have an awesome boat with tons of power. Better reinforce the tow rope hook. You just might be able to pull multiple tubes with that power. Good luck with the repower.

Bryan

[bradvo]

gotta like anal boaters, to many of them are not. That is why it takes so long to find a good used boat.
I got to ask a dumb question here though, what is it you are reading on the display?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Products currently integrated with SmartCraft include engines, generators, inverters, fish finders, chart plotters, switching systems and environmental sensors and instruments. Boaters on SmartCraft-equipped vessels can not only access engine running information, they can also digitally set engine trolling speeds based on the type of fish that are being displayed on the fish finder.

It will provide:
engine manifold temp
Digital throttle and shift
water pressure
troll control
water in fuel
oil pressure
engine trim
engine temperatures
battery voltages
engine alarm values (sensor readings)
fule flow level and range
complete engine diagnostics (cylinder pressures, temps, etc.)
engine hour meter
engine guardian***
RPM

***= Engine Guardian System - Monitors the critical sensors on the engine for any early indications of problems. The system will respond to a problem by reducing engine power in order to maintain a safe operating condition. The monitor display screen will show the percent of power available as well as the sensor indication.

Alarms Warnings - When a problem is detected, the warning horn sounds and the name of the offending alarm appears on the display.
If problem can cause immediate engine damage - the horn will sound continuously and the Engine Guardian System will respond to the problem by limiting engine power. Immediately reduce throttle speed to idle and refer to the warning messages on the monitor and descriptions in the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual to tell you what to do about it.
If problem will not cause immediate engine damage - The horn will sound but not continuously.

Smartcraft is adding more information to be displayed on a monthly basis...

that about sums it up...

Oh yeah, the new 6.2 has a guage on top of the engine that tells me when the grease level is low on the gimbal bearings inthe outdrive!!!

[gpspowell]

Doug, Are you running a BII or BIII on the new power plant?

[Go Aweigh2452]

I'm keeping the old outdrive.... BII.. it only has 79 hours on it... original zincs too and they look new because the boat was in fresh water most of that time. I'd prefer the BIII but expense says otherwise... Why ask?

[gpspowell]

Only curious after my BII failure. After much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth (over the price) I've become convinced of the advantages of the BIII on our heavy 242 with the 250 hp engine. The failure gave me the opportunity to indulge my outdrive concerns for less money so I went for it. I haven't seen the bill yet but am expecting around $2K + the props. I pick the boat back up today and off to Lake Powell next weekend for shake-down. I had recorded rpm/speed/fuel consumption with the BII so I'll report any differences when we return.

[SomeSailor]

I think the BII is probably a more bulletproof drive when it comes to dealing with horsepower. Most of the big offshore boats not running surface drives are using Merc Bravos.

The BIII would sure be nice from a handling viewpoint and I'd bet the economy of the newer prop design would help eficiency.

It'll be interesting to see your numbers. Thanks for sharing those.

[Randygh]

When I'm fully loaded, 6000# gross, I burn 9.5 gph at 17-20 mph (1.78-2.10 mpg) depending on wind & chop with the VP 280 duo-prop conversion. This is at 3,000-3,100 rpm. I very rarely cruise at more than 3,100 rpm.

[Roel Jansen]

Doug,

I have looked at the SmartCraft for some years now. When I got the 275 with the 350 mpi, I to my surprise found a complete manual for the SmartCraft. But there wasn't a lot to find about the practical use of it. Until very recently itlooks that SmartCraft is getting more and more attention. What I figured out there are 3 ways to go. But first it is for Mercruiser mpi engines only. Northstar and Navman combo units are Smartcraft ready. The bigger ones can be plugged directly into the engine(s),for fuel controle. The others need an additional to the fuel lines like with flowscan but also display it on the screen. the third way is to go complete SmartCraft. This could be done from a rather simple SC 1000 system monitor, via the SC Tacho and speed system with two gauges to the more sophisticade bigger screen SC5000. Also a new type is to be launched very soon and they call it VesselView. I found a lot of this "wisdom" in a brochure called Quicksilver, parts and accessories 2007, issued by Marine power Benelux.
Next weekm that are gone to install a system here in a boat. Harry my sales didn't know which one but we both will monitor how it's done.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Roel, yes, I found the same information and it seems a lot of attention is going that way. The smartcraft.com site has new info monthly on what it can monitor. If I could, I'd go with the SC5000. The vesselview seems to be more oriented to multi-engine mercs. Here is a link on the vesselview: http://www.smartcraftnetworked.com/# And here is a test view of vesselview in action with other display guages: http://northamerica.mercurymarine.com/otherproducts/smartcraft/smartcraftataglance/components/information_display.php

[SomeSailor]

Looks like a pretty smart unit. It'll be neat to see as newer motors come online in automobiles, how some of the high tech stuff ports over.

OnStar and some of the maintenance tracking software would be cool. :)

[bradvo]

sounds like a nice monitoring system- nice to have on any boat.

[Roel Jansen]

Thanks Doug, for the links.

I think it's not yet the time I can make a decission what to buy. If I compare all the spec's a lot of them I have on my Magellan Chartplotter and suplied info from the gauges at the dash. Magellan is good, a lot of info but visabillty of especially the plotting is not very good in bright sun light.
I don't have much room left for seperate gauges. But one thing is for sure I think SmartCraft is the way to go. I wished other chartplotters to be also SC ready. We can't buy Northstar over here I think and I have my doubts about Navman.
Those gadgets area lot more e3xpenswive over here. A good charplotter combo goes for € 1500-2500 at least. A Honda 1000 EU generator just onder € 1000 and a 2000 the double. Yamaha is even a tid more. All due to taxes. Just filled up my gas tank for the first time. Gas about 538 liter by head I think (141 US gallons, paid € 823. 2/3 is tax! But the new junta we have has a far more social programm, so I really don't mind it very much. The total unhumanity the former one had is gone at that's great! But that's a different story.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, as of this afternoon the motor was put back on the mounts in the boat. They said, if all goes well tomorrow, it should be ready to go in about 4-5 hours of connecting stuff and making the first start up. I figure about noon... ALready have a ton of stuff to put on the boat and will load the truck tomorrow AM, pick up the boat, launch her at Port Orchard and "go aweigh to" I don't know where but it will be slow going the first few hours.

Since I have no reservations anywhere... Thinking about Lake Wash? and anchoring out for the fireworks, etc. What is better, Lake Union or Lake WA for fireworks? That will decide where we anchor...

Spent most the morning at Costco buying goodies for the boat trip to ... then layed out in the pool all afternoon sucking down cold beer and floating around dreaming of Go Aweigh To...

July 6th will be exactly one year since we lost Go Aweigh.... Will have a beer or two and then its all Go Aweigh To from then on...

Keep your fingers crossed she is ready tomorrow please... May the boat gods look favorably on the day!!! :)

[SomeSailor]

I'm sure you're anxious, but I know you really took your time finding just the right replacement and have got a great boat in the works :)

Definitely get us some pics! :)

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, the motor is in the boat but she will not be ready until Thurs or Friday. Seems the quick disconnects on the 6.2 horizon require other parts to the boat side and those have to be ordered... they had 1 1/4 hose fittings but the hoses on the 6.2 are 1 1/2 then they will water test her. (note the low tides in the PM)...

Soooo, we waited this long..we can wait a couple of days more. Just not going to be a fun 4th... and only one, maybe two days to enjoy the boat before we take off for Hawaii till 22 July... patience!!!!

I was looking forward to avoiding Friday which is exactly one year since we rolled Go Aweigh... Definitely will do the recommissioning ceremony to Neptune and the four winds before we apply the name... :eek:

[SomeSailor]

It'll get there soon Doug. If you have any questions on applying the graphics, just shout.

Hopefully next weekend is the big splash?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, hopefully the "splash" is this week (Thurs or Fri) since we take off Saturday.

As I see it, the procedure is:

I plan to "wash" the back of the boat with a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water to remove any wax or dirt, let that dry then remove the new graphic backing, spray liberally with soapy water on the graphic and the transom, float it in place and use the squeegy to remove air bubbles. Let that sit about an hour or more depending on temperature, remove the clear covering on the graphic and start again with the soapy water on the blue, then the gold is last. Wait for a really good long drying time between layers and then apply the pen around the gold edges, sealing them... then...

Mail that pen back to you... If I missed something, let me know...

I spoke to the mechanic today and he was really impressed with the 6.2 Horizon. He is almost as excited as I am. Just hope he doesn't get too carried away like Ferris Bueler and the car parking garage attendants... :eek:

[Roel Jansen]

question. Are you going to the big Island? Because than I have a rather strange request but what else can you expect from a stranger?

[SomeSailor]

Well, hopefully the "splash" is this week (Thurs or Fri) since we take off Saturday.

As I see it, the procedure is:

Yeppers... that's it. Don't use a ton of soap in the water. Just a drop in a gallon or so is enough. All it's doing is breaking the surface tension. Since your letters are all separate and I mounted on clear app tape, you could make it easy on yourself to do one letter at a time after the shadow goes on as a single piece.

It's pretty simple if you've got the transom absolutely clean and dust free. Take your time and use really light pressure until any water is out from under the graphics and you should be able to get it on bubble-free. If you mess any up, don't worry, I can just re-cut those for ya.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Roel, we will not be going to the Big Island this time. Might make a quick run to Maui however. I have a friend on the Big Island that lives in Hilo if you want something sent to you?

[Roel Jansen]

Doug,

I lost my dear beloved dark blue Hapuna links golf cap, a year ago.
We have very nice memories of Hawaii and playing that Golf course.

I came this far: http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-golf.php

but I can't find a telephone number of the shop so I can order a new one.
So what I actually need is a telephone number. Thought it might be in the yellow pages there.

Very recently I emailed the resort but not an answer yet. Stupid thing is you can order a Golfball with the logo, but I still have some.
Edit:Just found a number of the pro's to make an appointment. Maybe they reside in the shop as well as it's done a lot over here.
Number is 808 882-5400 the first 3 numbers are in a ( ) but I get a smiley if I type them in. The US entry is number 01 so do I have to phone 01- 808- 882-5400? Will give it a try.
Have a very nice holiday over there. :)

[Go Aweigh2452]

Yes, Roel, just dial the numbers and drop the ( )... If it does not work out, let me know and I'll contact my friend for the correct number...

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, my nerves are shot. Boat is ready to go except no water to put her in. So we wait ANOTHER day... The mech re-routed a couple of lines for me while connecting the last of the 6.2. Added a shut off to the 9.9 which it did not have before and removed a non-coastie approved fuel filter up stream of the floscan with one that is approved. Overall, I'm impressed with the work so far... Will send pictures tonight...

[Roel Jansen]

Doug,

Nice to see that all is working out well for you. Better to wait than to be towed in. Had the same with my boat. Said them not to hurry but do the things that should be done right.

About theCap I got response with the correct phone number. So I will contact them. Thanks for the offer. Appreciate it a lot.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Went down to see the boat after hours. The engine has been tested on land, tomorrow first thing (she is currently on the ramp)... Below is a shot of the name Mike did for us... Awesome job. I don't think anyone could duplicate his workmanship from any of those "box stores" that do graphics. First two are of the name and the third is the massive strainer they put in to ensure the new hole (2 inches) draws enough water to cool the gas lines and engine + outdrive... Soooo, tomorrow we go for a ride... hopefully all day... :lol:
http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto/nameengine/DSC_0039.jpg http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto/nameengine/DSC_0030.jpg Huge water filter!!!! http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto/nameengine/DSC_0034.jpg
On the ramp.... http://www.curtisnjrotc.com/htdocs1/goaweighto/nameengine/DSC_0028.jpg

[SomeSailor]

Looks awesome Doug and thanks for the kind words. Even better to see you sitting there on the swimstep. You look like a kid with a new toy!

Nice sea strainer too. I REALLY like those a lot better than drawn through the leg exclusively. You can see water flowing and know whats going on in a hurry.

Good luck with the sea trial. I'll bet she hauls ***!

[draveling]

Doug, where did you get that sea strainer ? I like that idea, it would help the heat exchanger from plugging up.

[Roel Jansen]

Looks great! Of course he feels like a happy child! what else do you feel with swuch a new toy? :)

Question what are those two hoses for? Do they go to the outboard? Never saw it over here. is the outboard used as a "second" engine in case off? I am very curious.
But all looks very nice indeed. Nice tan too!. Wish we got some better weather heavy rain, rain again, thunder,wind up to storm, 7-8 Beaufort. Seems to be better on Sunday but after that it will be the same again.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Draveling... The strainer was part of the 6.2 install (required). Cost was discounted for me at $250 and the list was $400... doesn't even say marine..


Spent the day on the water. Hit Gig Harbor for lunch and then onto Blake Island varying the speed all the way. Lots of power and gets out of the hole really fast. Cme back around 9 this evening. nw to pack for Hawaii. Catch the 0920 flight out of Seatac... Hope everone has a great two weeks... we will. We get to teach sailing in Pearl Harbor 8-18 July then free time for us... (like sailing isn't free time)... :argh2

Roel, the two "hoses" you see coming from the 9.9 is just a covering of the electric steering and fuel lines under a protective tubing. Just a nice way to cover a few lines neatly. We would use the 9.9 as a trolling motor when looking for fish. Much better to use the 9.9 instead of shifting the 6.2 in and out of drive to keep a slow troll going. ALso makes a great emergency motor. Came in handy for us once in Georgia Straits when our sepintine belt broke and we had to drive through small craft warnings to get back to Comox Canada...

[SomeSailor]

Glad she ran well Doug. Have fun in Hawaii!

[bradvo]

Great to hear your on the water again, have fun and I will keep an eye out for you on the water in the future.

[dumluck53]

Doug,

Leave me the keys and I'll break 'er in for ya while you're in Hawaii....

(Hey, what are friends for...)

;>)

P.S. Niiiiice boat! Congratulations

[Go Aweigh2452]

Tony, think you are a funny guy??? hey, I owe ya for the use of the genny so anytime you want, I'll let you use her... well, almost anytime...:eek: