With the season fast approaching, what are your projects?

DKRanger22

Member
Apr 28, 2009
135
Eastlake, OH
Boat Info
300 Weekender, 1985
Engines
Twin 350 Crusaders, 270 HP
Well, with Winter coming to a very welcomed end here by the Great Lakes, I am planning my "to-do" list for the season. This is what it looks like thus far:
  1. Bottom coat touch up. Still in good shape from last season's re-paint. Will just be touching up a few small spots.
  2. Tune the carbs. I replaced the port side carb towards the end of last season. Ran great at WOT, but noticed the idle was off between port and starboard. Ran out of season, but will accomplish upon first splash.
  3. Re-seal my canvas (bimini and aft curtain). Still in good shape with no rips/tears. Just noticed toward the end of last season that rain would occassionally trickle through.
  4. Gas gauges did not work for me last season. I think the cause is a bad ground, but I was unable to trace it. Could be the sending units, but I really don't think so. Will dig into this early this season.
  5. Sikken's Cetol Marine on the teak. I purchased the Sikken's (natural teak) and clear coat last season. I tried a small sample piece on my transom door to see if I would like it. Turned out absolutely beautiful. This will be going on all exterior teak surfaces as I have time. No hurry, as I find this job to be theraputic.
  6. Considering a re-stripe at the water line. My dock partner's brother does this as a side gig. If he's available at the price point is reasonable, I might have him take a stab at it.
  7. Keeping my eyes peeled for a 86-90 OEM radar arch. If I find one at a reasonable price, it will be going on the boat. If anyone has one, or knows of one that is available, please post or private message me!
  8. Windlass - If I accomplish 1-7, I doubt I'll have enough $$$ in my "boat fund" jar. This will probably wait until next season, but I'll be keeping my eye on Craigslist for a good deal.
What do you have lined up for yours?
 
Here's my list:

1. AGM Batteries
2. Sub-woofer and speaker upgrade
3. Cockpit TV
4. All chain rode.
5. Sun pads for the bow
6. Wax from bow to stern, arch to waterline
.
 
The list



Immediate List:
  • Replace Impeller (Got the whole kit for twin Alpha 1 Gen 1)
  • Tune up
  • Thru Hull Transducer
  • Water Proof canvas
  • Clean and Wax--I don't think it has been done for three years but it is cleaning up nicely but it is hard
  • Bottom Paint
  • Fix hanging ceiling liner (Not bad just a little)
  • Clean clean Clean
  • New Bumpers
  • New Dock Line
  • Emergency Kit
  • New Battery(s)
  • Took upholstery off all seating/bed to clean--Need Stainless staples and have to put it all back on
After launch
  • Learn how to drive it
  • New Stereo with RF remote
  • New Shower/Sink faucet
  • Finish Cleaning
  • Fix aft seat--Folding leg is busted at hing
  • Fix AC switch--AC/Heat is working but reversed
That is all I can think of now but I know there is more.

But, it is finally here--good season to all
 
Well, with Winter coming to a very welcomed end here by the Great Lakes, I am planning my "to-do" list for the season. This is what it looks like thus far:
  1. Bottom coat touch up. Still in good shape from last season's re-paint. Will just be touching up a few small spots.
  2. Tune the carbs. I replaced the port side carb towards the end of last season. Ran great at WOT, but noticed the idle was off between port and starboard. Ran out of season, but will accomplish upon first splash.
  3. Re-seal my canvas (bimini and aft curtain). Still in good shape with no rips/tears. Just noticed toward the end of last season that rain would occassionally trickle through.
  4. Gas gauges did not work for me last season. I think the cause is a bad ground, but I was unable to trace it. Could be the sending units, but I really don't think so. Will dig into this early this season.
  5. Sikken's Cetol Marine on the teak. I purchased the Sikken's (natural teak) and clear coat last season. I tried a small sample piece on my transom door to see if I would like it. Turned out absolutely beautiful. This will be going on all exterior teak surfaces as I have time. No hurry, as I find this job to be theraputic.
  6. Considering a re-stripe at the water line. My dock partner's brother does this as a side gig. If he's available at the price point is reasonable, I might have him take a stab at it.
  7. Keeping my eyes peeled for a 86-90 OEM radar arch. If I find one at a reasonable price, it will be going on the boat. If anyone has one, or knows of one that is available, please post or private message me!
  8. Windlass - If I accomplish 1-7, I doubt I'll have enough $$$ in my "boat fund" jar. This will probably wait until next season, but I'll be keeping my eye on Craigslist for a good deal.
What do you have lined up for yours?

When you are going to do the windlass, I did post changing out the original Benson windlass on my 300 last summer. If you can't find it pm me and I can send you the pictures.

Ken
 
The list is long:
1) Replace cutlass starboard side. Done
2) Scrape bottom paint off. Done
3) New swim Platform. Shipping Monday
4) Repair holes where the horn was and mount new horn. Holes fixed, horn purchased, just need to mount.
5) Bottom paint - Kids job
6) Wax boat -- Kids job
7) Pull port exhaust pipes (done), replace packing on port stuff box.
8) Fix spider cracks around the exhaust ports.
9) Splice thimble on anchor line and put 4' of chain.
10 Check and repair starboard rudder.
11) Change oil and filters in all engines and transmissions.
12) Clean all canvas. Done
13) Waterproof canvas with DCS 19.
14) Change thermostats both engines.
15) Flush anti freeze both engines

I know I forgot some stuff ......... Have a beer.
 
1- Remove the pinstripe at the water line.
2- Wet sand and polish the sides.
3- Install the new Lowrance 3000 GPS into the Lowrance Network.
4- Build 3 new boxes to replace the frame for the Euro lounger in the cockpit.
5- Install an autopilot wanted one for a long time.
6- Get the name installed on the boat. Be Happy 2 just have to pick the font and size the company that makes the name will also install it for me. Great people but my daughter does tutor their 10 year old son but time she started helping me, lol.
7- Shampoo the interior carpet in the cabin, looking a little soiled.
8- Wax the rest of the boat after the wet sanding.
9- Change the water pump in the starboard engine; put a new impeller in last year and started having over heating problems a month later; tried a new thermostat and circulating pump and the same problem. The line was not plugged at the oil cooler so the only thing left the water pump.
10- Plan the 6 week holiday on the boat. I will be going back to the north channel again. This will make it 4 years in a row, going to miss next year daughter is getting married start of August 2011.
11- Try to remember the other things I saw last year that I wanted to fix. :huh:

Ken
 
8) Fix spider cracks around the exhaust ports.

Hi James - Curious to know the fix for this, as I have them on my boat as well. Some folks have said not to spend the time or money, as the cracks will resurface next season (not sure if there is any truth to this or not). However, the spider cracks have always bothered me. Curious to know how in-depth this would be, and if a novice such as myself could handle the fix :huh:
 
When you are going to do the windlass, I did post changing out the original Benson windlass on my 300 last summer. If you can't find it pm me and I can send you the pictures.

Ken

Hi Ken - I really appreciate the offer. I did a search and found the thread you are talking about. You did a great job on the install!

Unfortunately, mine will be a little more in-depth, as I have to start from scratch (running wires to the cockpit, installing the switch, etc.). If I get a windlass, you might be getting a P.M. from me. :smt100
 
1. Replaced entire outside cockpit upholstery panels,seat bottoms and backs. three coats of epoxy, all new stainless hardware. (27 parts) its going to the upholstery shop in the morning.

2. Stripped botom to gelcoat. Epoxy barrier coat next week.

3. Removed and stretched swim platform to 115" wide and 38" deep. it still retains the stock teak vents, and will install a windline under mount lader, and four 1" stainless supports.

4. Installing a Lewmar stainless steel 700 pro windlass.

5. Installing Alpine marine head unit, four 8" Pioneer coaxials, 400w marine amp, two 12" Alpine R series subs, 600w mono sum amp, and transome mounted remote.

6. Removed every stripe on the boat. replacing boot stripes.

I will get some pics posted. They are in the camera.
 
3. Removed and stretched swim platform to 115" wide and 38" deep. it still retains the stock teak vents, and will install a windline under mount lader, and four 1" stainless supports.

Awesome project list! Definitely looking forward to pics of the swim platform, especially if it retains a stock look.
 
Hi Ken - I really appreciate the offer. I did a search and found the thread you are talking about. You did a great job on the install!

Unfortunately, mine will be a little more in-depth, as I have to start from scratch (running wires to the cockpit, installing the switch, etc.). If I get a windlass, you might be getting a P.M. from me. :smt100

Be glad to help I have installed 3 now and the other 2 needed wires run and switches installed.

Ken
 
I'll be hauling out in the next couple of weeks to replace the cutlass bearings:smt013:smt013:smt013. But while out, I'll be polishing the $hit out of her.:thumbsup:
 
Clean filters on AC
Two long SS bolts for front fender mounts smaller than ¼ x 20 x 2
Total service
Rubber tubing for windshield wipers
C-Map NT+ card, (not SD) M-NA-C089.02
Snaps to hold door panel up, mesh panels/Mesh panels. Snap for front storage cover.
HDMI cable/Black DVD player.
Take a quart and a half of bleach, half a gallon of white vinegar (water treatment) and a pint of lemon ammonia (rust stain) some PTFE and rewax rust.
Enable MMSI on GPS enabled VHF
Cut short 1.5" sections of clear hose and stuck them in each a/c outlet
Pull carpet and clean black from underneath. Coat back with Plastikote (Ace hardware) and a spreader. Maybe 3m rubberized undercoating?
Squeegee for windows?
Holding tank vent filter (post on CSR) http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26508&highlight=vent+filter
Replace flickering power bulb on panel
Check rudder indicator http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27343
Ultimately, repair or replace condensate pans http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25341
Overdrive unit for stereo http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/5249...ne-Driver.html
Think about spare props 21x22.5 and a 21 x23 or 2 21x23’s
For Bahamas, need a 50 star flag, 20x30, a yellow quarantine flag for port entry and a courtesy Bahamian flag.
Light cover for floor in mid-berth
wireless/wi-fi connection and Sirius satellite radio. This will be accomplished by a Ericsson W35 unit w/ ext. antenna, and a SCCS/SNY1 receiver w/ antenna.

Of primary importance-perfect the menu and adult beverage options that we hope will carry us through the summer.

Looking at this list is daunting...until I also look at the "to do" list items that are already checked off.
 
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- recharge fart filter
- install underwater lights*
- soak holding tank with Rid X to get float switches operational
- install black streak guards*
- gel coat repairs*
- impeller replacements (engines and gen set)
- change fuel filters (inline and spin ons)
- change transmission fluid and filters
- install engine flush system
- flush AC system with salt away
- clean, polish and wax hull and deck*
- clean cabin and cockpit
- clean bilge*
Most all of what I will be doing this spring both pre* and post splash will be done by myself thanks to posts I have read on CSR
 
The list:

Change Impellers
New Batteries
Change two lights in the cabin where the bulkhead TV is to LED's on a switch
Wash & Wax
Detail Bilge
 
DKRanger22, to fix the spider cracks will require different levels of work depending on what is found.

1) use a dremel tool and grind the crack down to the glass, widen the crack, and flare the edges. If the glass is not crack take some color match gel coat, mix in a little west 404 power to create a paste, fill crack.

2) if the glass cracked, you have to grind down further, add additional glass and epoxy, then cover with gel-coat.

If you get the wax in the gel coat, no need to spay with I believe PVC liquid so it hardens.

88dancer300, did you get your platform from SwimPlatforms.com? That is where I got mine.
 
Replace batteries with fresh
Install new mirror
Replace all bulbs with LED
New bellows, impeller and gimbell
Wash & wax, wax, wax
Trailer wiring, brakes and keel rollers so I can do the previous two
Re-oil teak
Replace OEM swim platform with teak one
Pay the licensing, taxes, slip rental...
 
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Windline is the manufacturer of the ladder. It is a three step sliding stainless ladder that is designed to be mounted under the swim platform, Push the red locking button and thr ladder slides out. (nothing on the platform to stub toes on) I had it on my 268 dancer that I just sold.
 

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