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CudjoeDon

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Posts posted by CudjoeDon

  6. suzuki 2007 four stroke 90 hp motor

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    Excellent motors overall, only issue is a design defect that can lead to a exhaust corrosion hole in the engine holder. Easy to check by taking off the left side [from rear] mid-section cover and looking all around the screw-in plug. To replace the engine holder is around $1500 [$800-$900 parts, 4-5 hours labor], so not something you want to miss on your inspection.

    They can turn larger props than most, but the 2.50 gear ratio means you have to be more selective to get the right prop.

    CudjoeDon

  10. Cape Coral

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    Be careful in your selection around Cape Coral. There are bridges and locks that seriously affect boating. Also, too far up the river and the no-wake zones are a hassle. Much of Cape Coral is made up of filled in land so homes can have serious settling cracks and structural issues. Generally the best long-term value is in the older "yacht-club" area of town. Closer to open water and unrestricted access. Homes and lots are often smaller, but hold their value because of the more desirable boating. Look for "sailboat" access -- deeper water and no low bridges.

    CudjoeDon

  11. Need Some Help.................................Please

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    1bandit, normally I agree with the separate units -- but this is a 17' skiff. Not likely that there will be trolling spreaders over secret waypoints, etc. Even with the split screen, the screen is a little bigger, more importantly, it's brighter and the controls can be used while moving compared to a handheld. I find I rarely need both on screen at the same time -- chartplotter while going to a spot, then sounder when there. No problem if he has the space for a separate chartplotter-only, still better than a handheld unit.

    CudjoeDon

  12. Need Some Help.................................Please

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    I have a Garmin 440S with the G2 card [same rebate deal which is why I did it]. This replaced a Garmin 72 handheld and Garmin 120 fishfinder, then I replaced the 72 with a Lowrance H2Oc color handheld. I found the handheld screens too small and not really bright enough to use on a moving boat in daytime -- plus none really seem to have enough marine chartplotter features. I would not go back to the separate units unless you would use the handheld a lot for other things.

    The G2 card covering the Keys seems to be very accurate. Much of the other stuff it has is largely "fluff" [photo's, marina/restaurant/services info, etc.] for most people who are not cruisers. Looks like the only things the 441s has different from the 440s is more waypoints/routes and NMEA 2000 support. For your purposes the transducer change isn't necessary unless you want dual-frequency and temperature [if your current one doesn't have these].

    CudjoeDon

  13. House rental in the Keys

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    Cudjoe Bay generally has 3+ feet at normal low tide. Biggest issue is the transition from canals to the bay. Canals usually 5-10 feet deep but the "intersections" of them to the open bay often have a "hump" of 6inches to a foot. Usually this is only an issue at lowest tide -- depends on your draft and whether you can be patient for a 1/4-mile or so at slow speed until reaching deep enough water. Other side where I am [Venture Out/Spanish Main Dr] is somewhat better [and has always 6+ feet the back way along the US1 bridge channel] even though we have a "hump" just after our channel markers. Lower Sugarloaf, Ramrod, and Summerland canals farther from the open water have long idle-speed runs to deep water.

    HTH,

    CudjoeDon

  18. OB Winterization

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    1. Penetrating oil, then very gently tap the screw with non-marking hammer, mallet, whatever -- just to vibrate the area and flex the o-ring to allow more lubricant deeper inside.

    2. Next level of seriousness: heat. Start with blow-dryer or heat gun, not as reliable since the aluminum often expands first. But if it doesn't work while still hot, let cool since the expansion-then-contraction does work.

    3. Cooling. If you have a store that sells dry ice, cooling can work. But you have to be very careful both for you and for the finish working with dry ice.

    CudjoeDon

  19. Fla Keys in March?

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted · Edited by CudjoeDon

    Yep, depends on what is important to you. If primarily fishing and kicking back, anywhere in the Keys will do. If you want the Key West experience in addition to fishing/snorkeling/diving best is in the city but will be expensive at that time [snowbird season]. From Big Pine Key to Key West is good -- both easy back country and deep sea fishing, great snorkeling at Looe Key, decent access to Key West. Depending on number of people, how far to drive, etc., look at these on Cudjoe Key:

    www.waterfrontkeys.com and www.dolberryrealty.com

    CudjoeDon

  22. New Suzuki 140 / Break In Period Question(s)

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    DF140 10-Hour Break-In [from Suzuki Service Manual]

    Avoid maintaining a constant engine speed for an extended period at any time during the engine break-in by varying the throttle position occasionally.

    1. FIRST 2 HOURS

    For first 15 minutes, operate the engine in-gear at idling speed. During the remaining 1 hour and 45 minutes operate the engine in-gear at less than half throttle [3000RPM].

    Note: The throttle may be briefly opened beyond the recommended setting to plane the boat, but must be reduced to the recommended setting after planing.

    2. NEXT 1 HOUR

    Operate the engine in-gear at less than three-quarter throttle [4000 RPM].

    3. LAST 7 HOURS

    Operate the engine in-gear at desired engine speed. However, do not operate at full throttle for more than 5 minutes.

    CudjoeDon

  23. 2003 Jonsuki F140 RPM Question

    in Boating and Fishing Discussion

    Posted

    Not enough info. You get 5700RPM, but is that full-load, light-load, or between? Is that trimmed up just before it loses grip? What speed? What are you trying to improve -- top speed, acceleration because of shallow water, MPG at cruise? Are you happy with how the prop performs now with regards to grip, handling, acceleration and so on?

    And most importantly -- what prop do you have?

    I have several props for sale because I'm still searching for the best all-around prop for my boat -- since it is a single-engine cat my case is trickier:

    Solas Amita4 13.75 x 17pitch 4-blade aluminum

    Power Tech SF115PTR4R15P 13.75x15pitch 4-blade stainless

    Power Tech SF115PFO4R18P 14x16pitch 4-blade stainless [re-pitched from 18 to 16 and about half the cupping removed]

    Best prop so far is a pretty basic Evinrude 14x17pitch 3-blade aluminum, but I have a Power Tech 3-blade stainless 14x16pitch on order from Prop Gods.

    CudjoeDon

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