I'm back...and other tales of woe

[Y.B.Normal]

Gyroplanes are also called autogyros; they have a non-powered rotary wing that uses its forward speed to turn the rotor and provide lift. It's sort of like a helicopter, but the rotor isn't powered by the engine. Developed back in the 20's and 30's.

[BOAT]

NO ENGINE! What if you fly faster than the rotor is turning? Will you tip over on your side?

[Highlander]

NO ENGINE! What if you fly faster than the rotor is turning? Will you tip over on your side?

Tip Top Flip Flop

J

[Y.B.Normal]

You can't fly faster than the rotor, the air just flows through it. However, if the "Jesus nut"
comes off, all you can say is "Jesus, it's going to hurt when I crash." (The "Jesus nut" holds the rotor onto the rotor shaft.)

[Bilgemaster]

[...Snip!]

I was tipped that Walmart Marine batteries are a great value and a good battery. Series 27 deep cycle was just under $100. Any experience with them?

I would be curious to learn exactly which Walmart deep cycle battery you are describing, as my own 26X's two batteries are getting a bit long in the tooth. My searches of Walmart's offerings turn up no likely candidates in that C-Note price neighborhood except perhaps this EverStart Marine Battery, Group Size 27DC, which is apparently no longer available. The similar or perhaps even identical EverStart Lead Acid Marine/RV Battery, Group 27DC seems also to be out of stock, but cost $81.67 when it was available. Reviews were mixed, to say the least, with some perfectly satisfied and others utterly not, with little middle ground. One reviewer claimed, "What alot of ppl dont realize.. there was a battery plant in mexico that went out of business many years ago. These batteries set in a warehouse on a shelf for a zillion years. Walmart acquired these batteries for nothing and put their lable on them..NEVER START. These batteries are OLD. This is the reason they dont last. [sic]" Although that commenter's grammar and spelling don't exactly lead one to believe he or she may be on the faculty of M.I.T., that Mexican overstock source thing could well explain why they're no longer available.
.
Anyhow, I am eager to hear folks' comments and suggestions. My ancient Exide Deep Cycle is still hanging in there remarkably well, but there's no escaping the fact that it's as old as my daughter, who we'll be packing off to college next year.

[Brian]

Hi Bilge,

The last two EverStart Marine Batteries I purchased from Walmart only lasted three years.

I have since switched to these batteries from Batteries + Bulbs: https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/m ... g_cycling)

They have pretty good reviews.

It's too early to tell if they will last, but I find purchasing from Batteries + Bulbs to be a much more pleasant experience, and no more expensive than Walmart. There is even a location in your city. You get a 10% discount when you purchase online. When you go to the store to pick up the batteries you park right in front of the door and the guys there will load them in your vehicle for you.

I went with two 24M Dual Purpose (Starting/Cycling) Marine Batteries because I did not have enough room in the 26M battery compartment under the ladder for two 27M batteries.

If you have access to shore power a good battery charger will make the batteries last much longer. I use one of these, and have had batteries last up to seven years: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1168

[gyroplanes]

N.E. Wisc, good gyroplane description. They do have a motor (Rotax usually) and a prop to push them through the air. The rotor (above) acts like a wing that's flying 300 mph) making them easy, fun and safe to fly. I have been dreaming, building, and flying them since 1963.

Walmart batteries? My local Walmart has Marine batteries in stock. As a former service station owner, I have heard all manner of battery stories. My son will tell me all day long about "Never start" batteries, I used to sell Interstate, my last batteries were interstate deep cycle mariner and lasted, without ANY problems for 8 years. I am probably going to pick up 3 of them, 2 "coach" batteries for the V birth, and one motor battery under the port mini seat.