The official "Stray Current II" thread. '07 260DA

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Update pump kit for bronze pumps
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Progress!

Hydronic hoses, belt and coolant left
 
I like how you mark the parts you changed. It looks a little funny to most I'm sure, but being the motor is hidden and the maintenance is more important, I think it's a good idea. Do you think the ink/paint will hold up throughout the life of the parts? White paint pen I'm assuming?
 
I like how you mark the parts you changed. It looks a little funny to most I'm sure, but being the motor is hidden and the maintenance is more important, I think it's a good idea. Do you think the ink/paint will hold up throughout the life of the parts? White paint pen I'm assuming?


I’m a generator field tech, old habits die hard I guess.

that’s a Milwaukee white paint pen. It seems to hold up on generators ok but they have a lot less humidity factor. Still looks new on the elbows and raw hoses from 2019 and early 2020
 
I just read this thread from start to finish! Great job illustrating & explaining your repairs & mods! It honestly made me feel quite lazy watching how much you've accomplished compared to how little I have! Hopefully it motivates me to tackle a few of these projects as well. Thanks for all the posts & keep 'em coming! Also interested in your FL move if it happens. I've started looking for my future retirement spot down there as well!
 
I just read this thread from start to finish! Great job illustrating & explaining your repairs & mods! It honestly made me feel quite lazy watching how much you've accomplished compared to how little I have! Hopefully it motivates me to tackle a few of these projects as well. Thanks for all the posts & keep 'em coming! Also interested in your FL move if it happens. I've started looking for my future retirement spot down there as well!


Unfortunately I have 29 years to go if I want to retire at 62, but every metric says buy waterfront in Florida now if you can so I'm gonna shoot for it! Supply and demand for a good electrician with a specialty in generators is strongly in my favor.

Any idea where you want to go?
 
Unfortunately I have 29 years to go if I want to retire at 62, but every metric says buy waterfront in Florida now if you can so I'm gonna shoot for it! Supply and demand for a good electrician with a specialty in generators is strongly in my favor.

Any idea where you want to go?
My brother just bought a place in Cape Coral. I'm a bit older than you so closer to the finish line. I have a buddy that lived in Cape Coral for about 20 years so I have become familiar with the area over the years. I have also looked in Ft. Lauderdale too. Totally different lifestyles but, neither is bad! Lol
I'm still researching trying to find some of the less popular places that offer similar amenities but, possibly at a little better price point.
 
My brother just bought a place in Cape Coral. I'm a bit older than you so closer to the finish line. I have a buddy that lived in Cape Coral for about 20 years so I have become familiar with the area over the years. I have also looked in Ft. Lauderdale too. Totally different lifestyles but, neither is bad! Lol
I'm still researching trying to find some of the less popular places that offer similar amenities but, possibly at a little better price point.

I'm going to be looking in cape coral as well as punta, englewood and port charlotte.

I have 3 job interviews down that way in a few weeks, trying to squeeze a few more in.

If they're any good it's game on
 
I'm going to be looking in cape coral as well as punta, englewood and port charlotte.

I have 3 job interviews down that way in a few weeks, trying to squeeze a few more in.

If they're any good it's game on
I got a buddy that works in Englewood & lives in Placida. Another that lives in Punta Gorda Isles, originally from NJ & I have a small piece of property in North Port Charlotte! Lol
 
I got a buddy that works in Englewood & lives in Placida. Another that lives in Punta Gorda Isles, originally from NJ & I have a small piece of property in North Port Charlotte! Lol

seems like like-minded people are all trying to escape the same brand of stupidity. 2020 just proved how far it’s gone

also, shrink wrap is evil. Nothing like working on a boat in 20-35 degree weather when I could be using it in the middle 70s
 
seems like like-minded people are all trying to escape the same brand of stupidity. 2020 just proved how far it’s gone

also, shrink wrap is evil. Nothing like working on a boat in 20-35 degree weather when I could be using it in the middle 70s
Amen brother!
 
also, shrink wrap is evil. Nothing like working on a boat in 20-35 degree weather when I could be using it in the middle 70s
Gotta get yourself a heater for in there, George! When I rebuilt the floor/stringer system in my Grady, I did it over the winter. I built a frame to be able to shrink wrap in a big box over the cockpit, then hung a 4' shoplight and used one of those electric heaters that are filled with oil and look like a radiator. It was amazing how comfortable it got in there.

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Gotta get yourself a heater for in there, George! When I rebuilt the floor/stringer system in my Grady, I did it over the winter. I built a frame to be able to shrink wrap in a big box over the cockpit, then hung a 4' shoplight and used one of those electric heaters that are filled with oil and look like a radiator. It was amazing how comfortable it got in there.

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I added a 30 amp shore power outlet on the side of my garage. I keep an electric heater in the cabin set to 55 with a small fan and have a second in the cockpit I turn on while working. I can run both on the 900 watt setting.

There are snacks and the fridge may or may not be stocked with various adult beverages (it is :D)

all in it’s not too bad of a work environment, but I’d rather be running.




That’s a hell of a project. Something like that scares the hell out of me:eek:

I’m ok with anything electrical or mechanical but glass work isn’t for me
 
The Grady doesn't have a fridge... otherwise it would have been stocked with "snacks", too! Big project for sure, but once you get into it it's not all that complicated. Like anything else, you just have to plan and think ahead. After the first cut, it gets easier!
 
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Caught the red eye home from Florida and landed early this morning. It was back home by 9:30 so I figured I'd button up the engine hoses and get her running.

Fired up 3rd turn and purrs like a kitten and sits at 160. I should be out of the wrap by this weekend, hoping to paint the drive/tabs and get the generator up and then plugs and fuel filters all around.

The detailer should get to it next week, and then I'm going to take it to a marina for a blocking to paint the bottom. Hoping for a mid April splash.
 
Well, it’s official: I’m changing my port of call from “New Jersczystan” to “Cape Coral, Florida” My wife and I have both secured position in Fort Myers, and surprisingly, despite what everyone says, a decent bit more lucrative than here :eek:

Unfortunately the rental I’ve secured to live in while I wait for my home to sell is not on the water. I have several weeks left to pack up my home and move before we finish out our notice and start our new jobs.

now I’m torn.

I don’t know if I should unwrap, have it detailed, paint the drive and bottom now or if I should just leave it wrapped until it’s time to tow it south.

my wrap guy confirms I should not tow it as wrapped.

if I detail now any road grime will come off easier, bit at the same time I doubt I’ll have any extra time to prep it here or use it there in the beginning. I have not yet secured dockage.

still 50/50 on where we will actually buy whether it’s the cape or Punta Gorda. I like Punta Gorda far better but the commute from Cape Coral is much shorter for my 7am start time.

Port Charlotte would be even further.
 
Congrats!! I know it sucks, but I say leave her wrapped. Moving takes up a lot of time and the protection of the wrap while it's on the road is much better than leaving it open imo. Besides, you aren't going to have a problem finding someone in Florida to do whatever you wanted to have done locally.
 
Congrats SC! We find ourselves in FMB all the time. We love the area. Maybe we’ll see you on the water (we’ll be in a rental ;))
 
Well, it’s official: I’m changing my port of call from “New Jersczystan” to “Cape Coral, Florida” My wife and I have both secured position in Fort Myers, and surprisingly, despite what everyone says, a decent bit more lucrative than here :eek:

Congratulations! Whenever someone escapes New Jersey it gives hope to those who remain behind. :D
 
If the boat wasn't wrapped with the thought of trailering, as you said, then I wouldn't do it. If you have time to clean it, go ahead and get it wrapped again - but this time you can wrap it low and should be able to figure out a way to lay the biminis in the cockpit. If you're not going to have time to clean it, I'd still trail with the cockpit cover on. I do this all the time - sometimes 500+ miles at a shot. Biminis will be fine left in the up position. As long as the cover is taught, it will be fine. If you felt better about it, you use some 4" or 6" shrink wrap tape over the front edge - although, truthfully, the bigger stress is on the top of the cover and the back edge. Since you have bungees at the back, it's unlikely they're going to come off - but you could use that tape again.
 

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