One thing you will find is that the Marine “industry” is full of gurus who don’t know squat!? I was very frustrated initially by all the “experts.”

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In particular with engines you will be SOAKED and TAKEN if you are not conservative, prudent, and willing to do your own research.

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There are a number of things that will screw up a diesel, putting the wrong prop on it is particularly bad for them.? A diesel engine should turn at a given RPM under load and you choose your prop based on hull displacement (roughly 7500# from the factory and probably 8500# with a diesel and running gear) and your desired hull speed.? There are some web based programs that will calculate hull speed for you, but it’s approximately 7.2 knts or just under 8mph (approximate).? I seem to recall 1 knt=1.2 mph.? At any rate, it’s a fast ride at hull speed.

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There are also web pages that you can plug in displacement and hull speed and beam and it will tell you how many hp you need to have.? Fortunately, we don’t have nasty currents here.? We do get a 2knt current in one particular channel under certain circumstances, but I’ve never had an issue with 10HP. Like Caleb, my engine is old, tired, and worn the hell out so I doubt it delivers 9HP.? It does however run, and is easy on fuel.

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One piece of gear I recommend in particular.? Get a Garmin GPSMAP320 or similar.? These are small fish-finder/plotters.? Different versions have different features as far as what charts they come with.? I bought the more capable one that didn’t include the charts and had to spend more money on software and charts.? However, I find it much easier to plot courses on my computer then the 3.5” screen.? One benefit these offer is you can reconfigure what is displayed.? I use mine to show time, tide, and voltage info.? It saved me from installing a voltage gauge and helps me to determine if I have a pending battery crisis or alternator issue.

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I also have one area I do most of my cruising in.? I have defined waypoints to get me to safe anchorages and to get me home.? I also have put in safe waypoints near obstacles such as natural gas platforms that are unlit and in my sailing area.? It has made it safer a couple times where I have been out at night.

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Brian Greul

Texas Shirt Company

713-802-0369 / 713-861-6261 (fax)

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