Two things: Point taken on the size of the sides interfering with kayak paddling style. The boat does have a seat for rowing with the provided paddles. https://i.postimg.cc/GHD320Y9/2015-05-26-0137.jpg But I think it is a mute issue. My nephew is coming by tomorrow who is interested in buying my din...

That does look like some pretty tough current. I would have waited for the the other pier on the other side of the ramp to open up. Failing to do that, I would at least have a nice long boat hook ready to deploy from the cockpit. Same up on the bow but also with a bow spring line ready to deploy by ...

My Bimini tech is still working on my new Bimini, so lets keep talking kayaks and such. I watched some Sea Eagle YouTube videos tonight. It got me wondering what my Achilles would paddle like if I had two West Marine beanbag seats facing forward, two kayak paddles, and a make shift skeg of some sort...

Herschel posted: Does anyone have any experience with inflatables after the 10-year period? Are there any time related issues regardless of use such as seams and seals? My Achilles (9.5’ with inflatable floor) is twenty-one years old. Except for the inflatable keel, I have never had a problem. You ...

Heard from Achilles Boats today, "A Hypalon boat that is well taken care of can last 20year or more easily. We have boat from the early 80's out there in perfect working condition."

Hi Herschel! Does the Mermaid come with the dinghy? :) :) I don’t know specifically by brand or model but I think “hyerlyon “ (sp?) handles age and UV exposure better than other inflatable fabrics. Sunlight UV exposure is the big aging factor of elastomers closely followed by ozone exposure. Both b...

Been busy "managing stuff." Boat still at the Bimini tech. I am pleased he wants to make sure it fits the cockpit enclosure and sits properly to minimize any leakage or gaps between pieces/sections. And eliminate any little gaps that mosquitos seem to find so easily. I have another tech wa...

Heartily agree that a chlorine based cleaner is the way to go. That was what I was using to wipe down the surfaces. As I review my stowage plan and make mods to it, I am also replacing the rudder ropes. In the past I found it a challenge to get the 3/8" ropes through the 3/8" holes in the ...

Kudos for using conduit in the bilge. That's one that a lot of folks skip. I'll agree that 16 AWG is a good choice for anything that the factory installed. ABYC (last I checked) allowed you to go down to 18 AWG but that's marginal even for our boats as they were originally wired. It was not so much...

Over Easy, that was an amazing tutorial. And what is a little scary---I understood about 90% of that. You have me curious about giving it a go. I am curious what gauge wiring you found in the "spaghetti?" And what you recommend for replacement if necessary? When I had my macerator wiring r...

Hershel that paint job looks nice. We did a complete rewire on our boat and found a bucket full of wire that went no where. We were unable to rewire the running lights, the red, green and the rear white light. Never figured out where the wires ran except it is behind the interior liner somewhere. T...

Hi Herschel! Your way ahead on the Christmas present score card…even through 2028! :D The boat looks gorgeous! Again Congratulations! BTW: Did I detect a ‘Gold’ stripe above the waterline? Best Regards, Over Easy 8) 8) Yes, I did get a gold stripe that runs above the black waterline strip. I was as...

That looks great. Now you own the nicest looking X in the world. I replaced my fuse panel with a breaker panel. Many claim fuses are better and they are probably right. But I've blown fuses and when underway it's really hard to replace one. Interesting. Yes, my 110 shore power has a breaker, but th...

I got her home a few days before Christmas. The Admiral says this is my Christmas present...for 2025, 2026, 2027, and possibly 2028! :D I'll take it. 8) Next we go for a new Bimini to fit the cockpit enclosure I already have which is in good shape. And I think it is time to replace the 6 circuit 12 ...

Russ wrote: ↑Sat Dec 13, 2025 6:26 am That looks AMAZING!

Did they paint the black stripe or did it just clean up? Looks better than new.

Painted it. 3 coats of paint. Thanks.