Recent content by GypsmJim

It was pointed out that we may be heading into another recession like in 2008. Since that would affect the stock market, it would likely have a dramatic effect on boat prices. As far as center console prices, the manufacturers will price them at what they can get. The market is changing. The...

My business was doing quite well in 2007. I was doing consulting engineering for 22 factories. Half closed in 2008 and the others could no longer afford to pay me. I converted a few IRAs into Roths and paid the piper. Then I had to go back to "work" back to my roots as a plant engineer...

Been there, done that. I check the condition of the engine oil and if it still looks golden I don't change it. However, being in a northern climate I ALWAYS run out an ounce of outdrive oil to check for water. Then put an ounce back in. If it still looks good, no need to change it. Seals...

That;s what my dealer's mechanic said. He "thought" the shaft was OK. Couldn't feel or hear any vibrations, nevertheless when the head bolts started to vibrate loose we KNEW the shaft was bent. The money spent up front was well wasted. If I was smart I would have had the shaft removed in...

Americans have the freedoms that everyone else in the world longs for. Our govt. attack on these freedoms due to covid has turned everyone into lunatics. The attitude is that I'm going to do as I please now. Driving faster like morons to get somewhere in record time, abusing the rights of...

Back in the 1960's when I first got a boat of my own, I took the "course". I learned a lot, but then again I'm respectful to others, and of course Grandpa taught me all I needed back in the 1950's. Later on, wife and kids and they all took the course as well. The surge came in the 1980's...

I have a "tool" that I bought 50 years ago. It requires a hammer and an anvil...it's not a hand squeeze tool. I buy snaps from a reputable supplier, not ebay. If a snap comes out and the hole is intact, no problemo. If the hole is ripped, the wife sews a small patch on the back, I drill a...

Conservative boaters would suggest a 460# tongue weight for your rig. A more "practical" approach would be 322#, which would work in most cases. Assuming yours is a tandem trailer you might even be able to go as low as 230#. In truth, it can be a trial and error proposition. Dimensions of...

I personally run 7% with a single axle and 5% with a tandem. But than again I don't go above 65 mph. Surely moving a boat forward or aft can change the weight. But weight is weight. No matter where the boat is. Another option is moving the axle. My current boat had the wrong distribution...

I've been in brand new boats with pedestal captain's chairs and found them to be unsatisfactory because of poor stability. My wife simply hates them. My current SPX has raised bases like you described, with a swivel captain chair on top at the helm. The passenger seat is a bunk, but a bucket...

If it's a warranty issue, the diagnostics are free. If not, I would ask why it's not under warranty. Warranty covers a certain time period. Has that been exceeded?

Google Marine Max reviews...

They tow just fine.......LOL. The old adage for us old outboarders was: " If you want to get there real fast, buy a Mercury. If you want to get back, buy an Evinrude". Electric cars have an awesome towing capacity. But if you want to use one, you better have a launch ramp 3 miles from the house.

SeaDek is an option for SPXs. They must have the pattern because they supply the parts. Contact them.

In my old age I have gotten lazy. Since there is good battery access, and with the SPX garage kept, I now leave the battery in all winter. My regimen is to charge the battery on the first day of each month. I typically lose 10-15% of charge, and that's on a 5 year old battery. I use a smart...