Thanks for all of the replies, esp. the weight and length. Found a site that show the mounting distances for various lengths of strut to open to 90 degrees. No plans to take the seat off. It serves other functions incl. holding the cabin door drop boards. That's a fine looking boat, K9. You must hav...

I'm tired of the stock helm seat on my 26 X dropping shut on my fingers. Anyone know how much it weighs? I'm planning on adding a gas strut lift to keep it up when I open it, and some type of latch or catch to keep it closed when it's down. I'd weight mine, but it's 100 miles away. Thanks, Bill Seat...

The video shows a yuloh, a traditional form of sculling oar used in Asia. A Google search will turns up lots of articles including plans and instructions on how to build one. This was more in line with what I had for the "get to the dock when the engine won't start 100 yards from shore" al...

Glad you liked it. Here's one for another kayak/mothership trip I did back in the 80's. http://getwest.ca/. The Uchuck III (aka the "Upchuck") was just a freighter then. Got on at Gold River and off at Kyuquat. Paddled north through the Bunsby Islands to the Brooks Peninsula and back. It w...

Hi Kittiwake, It is a fabulous place, isn't ? I loaded my kayak on the Lady Rose out of Port Alberni http://www.ladyrosemarine.com/ back in the 90's for a couple of weeks exploring the Broken Islands. Went back about 10 years ago with a 15' West Wight Potter. Launched from Bamfield after a towing th...

Is it just me, then? I've been in more than one boat on more than one occasion when there was no wind and the outboard wouldn't start. Usually, it's 100' feet from the dock, so something quick and easy to deploy is the goal. Towing with the dinghy works well for long distances. I know a guy who towe...

Hi Kittiwake,

Tell us more about your trip to the Broken Islands. I've been there in a kayak and a West Wight Potter, but not a Mac. Where did you launch, and how did you get to the put in? Thanks.

Bill

Hi Kittwake, Funny you should bring this up. I just stumbled across this on Craigslist: http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/3243802998.html. Saw an online reprint from a 50's Popular Mechanics about it some months ago. Someone here might be enough of an engineer to scale it up to Mac size. It woul...

Thanks!!!

That's the greatest answer I've ever heard. Do you mind if I use it sometime?

What about a dodger, instead? Lighter, quicker and probably cheaper. Took about an hour to install the one I got from Bluewater Yachts. It makes a great pilot house to block the wind, rain and spray. Adds light and headroom, so I really can stand up at the galley. I also got the zip in cabin doors a...

What you say about the primer bulb sounds like one or more of its check valves may not be working. They could be clogged with crud. Here's a link to a procedure for checking them: http://www.johnsonevinrudeoutboardmotors.com/fuel-system/primer-bulb-inspection.html. Not sure if they can be repaired. ...

If your fuel line is losing its prime every few minutes, you most likely have a small air leak somewhere. Check the connections where you installed the fuel filter. Use teflon tape or some sort of goop to seal them to the barbs and snug up the clamps. There is also a fuel filter on the engine to che...

Hi Rob, The jib on my '98 X was in the same condition when I bought it. It had been stored uncovered on the furler and UV ate it. I've always intended to repair it since only the first few inches were toast, but I haven't gotten around to it. Bought a 150% Genoa from Blue Water Yachts on their recom...

Hey Dawgfish, The reason I ask if your engine is carb or fuel injected is the alarm systems are different for the two. According to the service manual for the carb model, the horn will sound and the engine only run at 3000 RPM max if it thinks it's overheating, low on oil, or not circulating enough ...