Tech Net G-H

Use Never Seez or Tef Gel when placing stainless screws into aluminum.
Use zinc chromate primer.
Use nylon washers as barriers. Microfasteners stocks a good variety.
In a pinch use grease, or silicone as a last ditch fix.
THINGS THAT WORK
Plastic placemats from the dollar store are just the right thickness to create a barrier. Cut to fit your needs. (Salty Paws)

A small socket and a hammer; a metal backing. Use as tools for creating your own gaskets. (C_Language)

Old paper charts can be used for making gaskets. Manila envelopes will also work. (Salty Paws)

(also fuel tanks)

Issue: Westerbeke generator started overheating.
Comments:
Thermostat could be stuck.
Take the thermostat out to let the engine run cooler.
If heat exchanger is cool, yet the generator is hot, that means the water is not circulating.
The belt that drives the fan on the fresh water pump may be old.
Hoses may be clogged.
Check the antifreeze.

Issue: Fischer Panda generator; mesh covering on wires are melting. Manufacturer responds, "Yep, it does that."
Comment:
Try heat shrink tubing.

Issue: Generator has a 15 amp DC alternator with start battery. Start battery died. Ran cables from house bank to generator start battery to start generator. Generator alternator got very hot and smoking.   What is going on?
Comments:
If you have a dead battery, do not depend on the alternator to charge it. Alternator goes into overdrive and hurts itself. (Anania)
Recharge the battery on an independent source.
Battery may have been killed by a faulty alternator.
Put battery combiner between house battery and start battery, eliminating need for DC alternator on generator. (Salty Paws)
Hardwire charger onto the alternator. (Dyad)
Steal regulator from car alternator.(C_Language)
Modify a car alternator. (Naked Lady)
Use a clamp-on multimeter to check for current. (Zephyr)
Make sure your clamp-on multimeter reads DC as well.

Issue: The motor mount had too much movement. The rubber was still in good shape.  The bell housing was in contact with the drip basin and it rattled.
The Solution:
I used lock washers, which raised the unit for more clearance. (C_Language)

Issue: Radiator cap on Northern Lights needs replacing often. I've changed mine four times in ten years.
Comment:
It seems to be a chronic problem with Northern Lights.

Query: How often should screens on generators be cleaned?
Suggestion:
About every 400 hours.

Issue: Had water contamination in oil many years ago. Ever since then, oil pressure goes up after each oil change and then fluctuates. It's an intermittent problem. Westerbeke brand.
Comments:
Check tight fit on oil cap.
Check the oil pressure relief valve.
Use motor flush fluid: change and drain to remove any residue.
Check the gauge too.
May be an electrical problem.
Could be a blocked ventilation valve.
Oil pressure sender unit may be blocked.
Oil pressure shut down switch - check by releasing the pre-heat switch quickly after engine start.
Update: Solved. Disassembled the oil pressure sending unit and cleaned it with carb cleaner.

FYI: Northern Lights parts can be ordered from Jaz Marine in Riviera Beach, FL. (Scaramouche)

RECOMMENDED
RPM Fort Lauderdale for parts.  Good service, good prices,
fast shipping. (C_Language)

THINGS THAT WORK
I made a temporary replacement motor mount with thick rub rail cut to fit.

Some types of failing motor mounts can be inverted and reinstalled as a temporary fix to extend its life until your new part arrives. (Dyad)

On a Northern Lights unit, the high temp cut off switch is normally open. If it fails (stays closed), you can temporarily disconnect it to run the generator. (Destiny)

Elmer's Ultimate Glue is nearly the same as Gorilla Glue as far as application and use. However, Ultimate does not clog the spout. Store this type of glue in the fridge. (Dyad)

FastCap 2P-10 is superior to Super Glue and works instantaneously. (Slow Mocean)

Goop comes in a variety of household formulas and all make a very good adhesive for soft goods. After a week or so, it's very strong; more or less permanent. (Dyad)

Gorilla Glue worked well for securing velcro that holds screens on hatches. (I Wanda)
Carb cleaner will remove excess Gorilla Glue from hands. (C_Language)

JB Weld  If you ever need to remove it, apply heat then cold. (St Jude)

Marine Tex is excellent for holding stainless steel parts together. (Fooling Around)

Plexus commercial adhesive is available from marine suppliers. Its a methacrylate type of adhesive [super-glue type] found in tubes.  It cures hard like an epoxy. (Bayou)

Shoe Goo can be used to build up worn soles.  Will wear just like the original. (C_Language)
It works well on Crocks and provides extra traction. (I Wanda)

5200
Query: How to remove 5200?
Suggestions:
BoatLIFE Release removes cured and uncured 5200. It comes in a 16 ounce spray bottle.
Goo Gone dissolves 5200.
Use a small wire, like a guitar string as a garrote to remove 5200.

FYI: 5200 is still pliant in a deck fitting after 28 years. (Shining Star)

Strainer baskets can be repaired with 5200. (Dyad)

Water-thin Sealers
Zap CA and Creeping Crack Cure (Shining Star)
Make your own by diluting wood glue. (C_Language)

Creeping Crack Cure can repair hard plastic items that have shattered cleanly.  We used this successfully on a soap dispenser backed up with plumbing Goop. (Salty Paws)

THINGS THAT WORK
Use lids from Crystal Lite containers for mixing epoxy, etc. (Salty Paws)
The bottom side of a pop can is also useful for mixing epoxy. (Dyad)

Goo Gone removes 5200 residue on new work. (Mon Amie)
Comment:
WD-40 will also work. (C_Language)

Goo Gone will not damage plastics. (Valkyrie)

Preserve paint brushes overnight.  When a brush has been used with enamel or oil based paint, spray it with Goo Gone and wrap in foil. (Dyad)

Use it to remove tar from the bottom of shoes. (Mon Amie)

Removes tape residue. (Salty Paws)

Removes residue from dacron sails, such as old numbers. (Solitaire)

Issues with Garmin GPS Model 126:
Problems with the unit accidentally resetting itself to January 1990.
Was able to download helpful instructions online.
Change settings to use NMEA protocol rather than Garmin proprietary.
Upgrade version 2.7 has a fix for 2200 and more recent.
Alternative was to send the unit back to the manufacturer.
Older Garmins have internal batteries that may need replacing. [Sept 09]

Continued:
Found out from Garmin that a glitch happened over the weekend, they think it involves only their GPS antennas numbered "17." It does not affect the positions given, nor your boat's location on the chart. However, it resets the date to Jan 01 1990 and gives the wrong time. This is critical when using tides and currents. You can manually set the correct date and calculate a correct time, but this is tedious.  Unless you are aware that the date and time are wrong, you would get the wrong data for your time and place and not realize it.  Garmin is working on a fix. [Aug 09] (I Wanda)

Query: On a new chart plotter install: Install wants all non Garmin equipment to go to RF ground. Where is it?
Comments:
It's the ground plate that's connected to RF radio.
Use braided shield. Braid wires to DC ground.
DC and RF should only go to the ground plate.
Connect RF ground plate to DC with foil.
Icom - tie grounding plate to boat's grounding plane.
Go to manufacturer for clarification.
Update: Success. Braided the ground shield, connected one end on ship DC ground and closer to panel. RF shield success. (Mon Amie)

Issue: Laptop connect software not finding the GPS.
Suggestions:
Find the comm port using hyperterminal.
Get a converter to get to the USB port.
Get the driver from the manufacturer.

Query: Where to buy GPS receivers?
Search e-Bay for deals.
Go to buygpsnow (Trumpeter)

Refresh rate works very well at 5 seconds; nice and steady.  Using GPS heading is better than using auto pilot.  (Mon Amie)

RECOMMENDED
Global Sat BU-353 as a backup GPS USB receiver. About $35-40. Plugs in and works immediately. It creates a comm port. Small; about the size of a hockey puck. (Dyad)
If you need it to connect to a radio, get one with a standard serial port. (C_Language)

FYI: Loran was officially retired by the U.S. Coast Guard in Feb 2009.

(also Spot Satellite Messenger, waypoints)

Evert Fresh Green Bags are green plastic bags to store produce. They extend the life of veggies and fruit by three to ten times. Especially good for things like lettuce and cucumbers. They're reusable. West Marine carries them. (Trumpeter)

Brawny Produce Bags.  These are even better than the Evert bags. These come in different sizes including a one gallon zip.  Usually comes in packs of ten.  Larger quantities can be purchased online. (Mon Amie)

(more galley tips)

Ham Licenses
Study materials for the ham test can be found at arrl.org.
Beaufortradio has information about ham exams in Beaufort, SC.

THINGS THAT WORK
Turning down the VOX control solved the problem of delay in receiving reply. (Wind Chaser)

Good low tide sand bars and places for short DIY haul outs:
Tenants Harbor, Maine (Blackfoot)
Provincetown has a nice sandbar and 13' tides. Also tidal grid.
Brickhill River at Cumberland, GA.

Query: How to remove the crystalline buildup in the hoses?

Comments:
Use muriatic acid when the buildup is light.
Muriatic acid on a heavy buildup will release large chunks, which could block the system.
Disassemble and work it manually.
Use a fresh water flush.

Query: Replace or rebuild my Skipper head? My last rebuild lasted ten years.
Comments:
Rebuild rather than replace as a new head may not be as robust as your current one.
If you choose replacement; a Jabsco head would be a good choice. (Shamal)

CLEANING
The Works toilet bowl cleaner. It cleans well. Use at full strength. Will not harm plastic parts. (Salty Paws)
Muriatic acid can be harmful to small metal parts. Use The Works; it's already diluted for use. (Solitaire)

To remove calcification in the bowl, use paper towels soaked in vinegar. Leave them in place overnight. (Dyad)
Frequently add vinegar to prevent build up.  Allow to sit overnight.

Muriatic acid helps clean the system.  Works well.  Use care.  Do not use in holding tank. (Trumpeter)
Use 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of muriatic acid overnight. (Salty Paws)
Use muriatic acid diluted.  It's aggressive and will kill things in small cracks too, but it can also harm the pump. (Blackfoot)
Two parts water, One part muriatic acid is the same as 'The Works'.

FYI: Use caution while storing muriatic acid; it can out-gas. 

ODOR
Poo-Pourri  Spray a bit in the toilet water and whah-la, no smelly boat.  A must-have for us liveaboards.  I might even spray some into the holding tank.  It's not a fragrance, not a cover-up, but more like white noise for the head.  Great stuff and it works. (Barefootin')

This is kind of a pricey product, but you can make your own for pennies:  Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda into 1 quart of water, add a few drops of essential oil. (Barefootin')
Comment:
I tried this after hearing it on the Tech Net.  It works.  (Salty Paws)

LUBRICATION
Use silicone grease on an install.
Vegetable oil once a month.
Take one hose off, pour oil directly into the valve.
Put spent mouthwash into the head.
(comment: That won't work on an electric head, but maybe okay for a manual pump.)
Use 8-10 ounces of vinegar overnight to remove deposits.
Use Wilcox Sea Lube overnight; it also conditions leather. (Shining Star)
Don't use bleach. It causes plastic parts to get brittle.

COMPOSTING HEADS
We used one for six weeks.  We did not need to empty it during that time. The compost looks like rich soil and was easy to empty. (Southern Cross)

CARE WHILE IN STORAGE
Leave fresh water in head when leaving the boat for an extended period.
Use about a half gallon of vinegar in the head. (Trumpeter)
Acidity goes down as vinegar eats salts. That's why no harm comes from long term use. (Kismet)

FYI: Carry a spare pump handle for a Raritan pH head. Ours broke this week, but a bilge pump handle fits in an emergency. (Wings via e-mail, mid Atlantic)

THINGS THAT WORK
Head pump cylinder seal diameter may be increased with doubled O rings. (C_Language)

Monthly head program. Use Oxy Clean in the tank and do a tank washdown. (Salty Paws)

Issue: One of the clamps on the end caps failed.
Comments:
Use safety wire between the large clamp and the small one to hold the smaller clamp in place. (Cat Tales)
Keep the elbow clean. Debris builds pressure, which will pop the end caps.

Issue: Saltwater intrusion through clamps and end caps. Have cleaned everything and still the clamps continually slip.
Suggestions:
Center the bronze piece, put larger clamp on first then push the cap toward the engine. Then clamp the smaller clamp. Replace every 4-5 years.  (Salty Paws)
Center the tubes. Use heavy fishing leader wire to help pull/push caps in before clamping. (C_Language)
RTV gasket material may help seal the caps, and may work better than 5200 for this application. (Trumpeter)  
Take sandpaper, glued back to back and wrap it for friction. (Dyad)
Use J.B. Weld to form a lip on the inner heat exchange. (Pay Dirt)

Try to use O rings between tube bundle and header tank to prevent cross contamination.

Query: Is there something better to use on flat end caps than silicone? (The gaskets are in good shape.)
Suggestions:
Permatex #2 is a better choice. It's non-lumpy and paintable.
Use HEV Silicone by Permatex.

Query: Can I solder a leak on an end cap?
Suggestion:
It may be wiser to use JB Weld if the metal has turned to filigree.

CLEANING
Use vinegar.
RydLyme can be used to flush and clean heat exchangers. Environmentally safe. (Shining Star)
Comment:
Use a weak solution for a long duration rather than a strong solution for a short time.
Muriatic acid mixed with 4 parts water is safe and effective on heat exchangers. (C_Language)
Comment:
It's good, but it may etch the metal.
Toilet Bowl cleaner is 10% muriatic acid and will work. (Salty Paws)
Comment:
Dilute 50 /50 then use at 10%.

FYI: Be sure to get a good grip on the inner seal when tightening the hose clamp. (Destiny)

FYI: Changed the zinc on the heat exchanger and forgot to turn water back on.  Fortunately it was caught in time.
Remove ignition key or disconnect battery as reminders of work done.

Things that work
A car radiator hose from a car parts store, will replace a coolant hose on the heat exchanger.  I successfully tested it for heat-integrity in a pressure cooker. It's much less expensive than a purchase from the manufacturer. (Valkyrie)

(also exhaust elbows)

Query: The pump-out operator recommended using Rid-X in holding tanks. Would this make sense?
Comment:
Rid-X is used in septic tanks.  It may be way too strong for a holding tank.
Quote from the Rid-X site: "RID-X® has not been tested on recreational vehicles (RVs). Therefore we cannot recommend using it in RVs."  This most likely applies to boats too.

ODOR
Remove odor with 2 scoops of Oxy Clean in the holding tank. It releases peroxide/ oxygen, keeping bacteria at bay. Also, increase the diameter and decrease the length of the vent line. (Salty Paws)
Comment:
Check vent line for clogs.

WASHDOWN
A washdown system for the holding tank: Plumbed into saltwater washdown for the deck with a Y connection. The rotating nozzle is T shaped and can be slipped through a 2" hole into the holding tank. The nozzle (brass or plastic) can be found at Camping World or other RV stores. (Salty Paws)

DOCKSIDE WASHDOWN
Starting with an empty tank -
Use 2 cups of Calgon in 1 gal hot water: run half through the head, the other half into the pumpout.
Then use 1 cup laundry detergent in 1 gal hot water:
Again, run half through the head, the other half into the pumpout.
Then fill tank with water and allow to sit for an hour.
Pump out and rinse. (Scaramouche)

THINGS THAT WORK
Use a one gallon shop vac on the vent of the holding tank to create negative pressure. This creates an opportunity to repair a broken impeller on the macerator pump without flooding your bilge. (Salty Paws)

Issue: Need to connect white sanitation 1 1/2" hose to a slightly larger diameter with a nylon fitting.
Comments:
Use RTV Silicon Sealant as a lubricant. It helps seal the hose after installation.
Use dish detergent as a lube.
Use a hair dryer, the careful use of a flame, a dunk in boiling water or a heat gun set on low to warm the hose and make it flexible.
[Counter:] Heat may damage the hose.
Try to file down the barbs on the hose adapter a bit.
FYI: Lowes and Home Depot hose is about 1/16" off; large.

THINGS THAT WORK
Place a band of aluminum under the hose clamp to make it last longer. It also prevents rust.  The aluminum from cans is sacrificial. (C_Language)

Use Clamp Jackets on the ends of hose clamps to prevent cuts. (Dyad)

Cleaning
Query: What cleans exhaust residue on the stern?
Comments:
Strip wax off first. Exhaust is oil based.
Use Marykate Spray Away. It works on exhaust stains on inflatable dinghys and transoms on boats.  Find it at marine stores. (Trumpeter)
Try WD-40.

Query: How to remove gasoline stains from white fiberglass?
Suggestions:
Use Marykate On and Off. (Soul Mates)
Use acetone very gently or it may cause damage. (Salty Paws)
Use baby oil. Leave it on overnight, then mop it up. (Salty Paws)
Try WD-40 (C_Language)
Use a Magic Eraser "White Mystery Sponge" (Tilt)
Update: success. Soft Scrub and bleach worked without rubbing. Left it sit in the sun.

Use vinegar full strength to clean topsides, then rinse. (Trumpeter)
Vinegar on a rag will clean salt etching off Awlgrip on dark hulls. (Trumpeter)
Diluted vinegar can also be used on isinglass. (St Jude)
Lemon juice works well for cleaning the hull. (Salty Paws)

Dings and scratches
Gelcoat Paste for gelcoat repair. Cover the patch with scotch tape for a smooth finish.  Leave a tab on the tape for easy removal. (Salty Paws)
Comments:
Seal the surface from the atmosphere to allow it to cure hard.  Saran wrap or wax paper works.  Use 400 grit wet paper. (Dyad)
A wax additive will seal the surface as it cures and will accomplish the same objective as covering the surface. (Bayou)
Small cracks and scratches won't require covering, but large areas will.

Fiberglass rubbing compound 3M Perfect It III.  It's magic. Erases scratches very well. (Dyad)

ICW MUSTACHE
Get a small handheld sprayer and pour in lemon juice. Dilute about 50% with water and then spray on mustache.  Do this on a sunny day as the sun helps the process.  No more mustache; no elbow grease needed. (Barefootin')

Marykate brand On and Off. (Valkyrie)
BoatLIFE Fiberglass Cleaner, followed up with wax, will keep the hull free of ICW mustache for up to a year. (Shining Star)
Ospho, a phosphoric acid product, works well to remove the brown mustache from the bow. (Salty Paws)

Wax
Query: Which wax works best on fiberglass?
Suggestions:
Future Floor Wax uses the same ingredients as boat wax and lasts two years. (Solitaire)

BTW, In case you can't find this product, it's been renamed Pledge Premium Finish with Future Shine.

Island Girl brand worked, but since it's an oil based product, it picks up oily residue in the water.
Marykate Paste Wax works well, but it's tough to apply.  Lots of buffing. (Salty Paws)
Meguiar's failed after six months. (Cat Tales)
Poli Glow works well and helps build up gelcoat. Re-apply once a year. Easy to do.  If needed, Poli Glow can be removed with acid based products. (Valkyrie)
Manufacturer recommends not cleaning with ammonia based products.
Poli Glow puts a near factory shine on the boat.  There's no need to remove oxidation in advance. Dries quickly allowing for multiple coats in one day. (Salty Paws)
Issue:
I used one coat and found it got sticky after one year.
Comment:
Make sure the hull is clean before application.  The company owner is happy to answer your questions. (Valkyrie)
Scotch Guard Marine Liquid Wax had good results, easy to apply. (Passages)
Star Brite Fiberglass Teflon Polish prevents yellow staining. (Shining Star)
Woody Wax works well and prevents staining. (Reflection)

Deck Surface
Future Wax can be used on on the non-skid.  Use a foam roller to apply like paint. (Salty Paws)
 
(also bottom cleaning for below the waterline)