Recent content by cfelle2

3M 5200 is for permanent installations and 3M 4200 is a bedding compound for installations which might need to be removed. 5200 does not cure hard like fiberglass it is very flexible more like rubber when it cures. I have used the fast and slow cure 5200. Once cured you can't tell the...

Anti fowling paint usage is very dependent upon the water where you keep your boat. In many northern lakes many people don't use bottom paint at all. I am sure there are places in the south where people re-coat at once a year or more. Your best bet is to ask the locals about how they handle...

All of these motors use more gasoline the faster you run them. It will make a significant difference in fuel consumption depending upon the throttle setting you use. You will get the best range by going the lowest speed you can comfortably plane. I have heard this can be lowered by using a Wale...

Your skeg has the same kind of damage mine did except mine had two chunks taken out. I had the dealer repair this. They did it by cutting the skeg off and weld a new one on. I was told the cost of the repair was $150.00. I can't tell there was a repair. It looks a good as new. If I did not...

Midway that's good to hear. I have benefited a lot from this group and really appreciate everyone's comments and input. I can certainly understand the frustration when someone asks a question and does not offer enough information for someone to answer. I for one will try to keep my profile...

I am not familiar with any closed system cooling for this boat however I don't have much experience with these boats. Someone else would better be able to respond. I am surprised by the response by chuck1 that he and no one else should respond due to some signature update. I only recently...

I agree I am new to this type of boating myself. I have built seven boats (mostly sail boats) over that past fifteen years and I believe the best way to be sure is to get a pre-purchase inspection. That is what I did. In fact I bought mine used from a dealer with a warranty. This really paid...

I just bought a 2006 185 this last summer. I really enjoy the larger swim platform and my wife really likes the bench seat in the back. Like Midway said it's all up to personal preference. Good luck on your search. Chris

It sounds like you are describing the skeg. This can be corrected fairly inexpensively. I just bought a 2006 Sea Ray 185 that had the same type of damage. I had the broker repair it as a condition of the sale. They told me the cost of the repair was $150.00 and I can't tell there was ever a...

Please read before using epoxy with fiberglass matt!! Epoxy is much stronger, more waterproof and has superior bonding abilities to polyester resin however be aware that if you plan on using fiberglass matt it is not designed to be used with epoxy. According to the folks at West System it will...

Thanks for the feed back. Actually the main reason I am getting trim tabs is to be able to trim the boat for different conditions. The elimination of wandering was a minor point. I am sure I will get used to the wandering. I should get a lot of practice since where I boat there are a lot of...

Hello all, I am new to the forum having just purchased a 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport 4.3. I have been reading through the archives looking for information on trim tabs and have gotten a lot of info. I have one question I have not found the answer to though. I am planning on getting...