Harley 42'

thanks for response steve. I gonna trouble shoot this wekend by putting boat in water and NOT plugging into 110volt. Tell me more about where and how ur galvanic isolater is installed.

 

It is installed in line in the ground circuit between the shore power inlet and the breaker panel. Somehow it opens the ground circuit until it senses a problem, then it will close the circuit quickly. It has been awhile since I have read up on them, but it did cure my propeller electrolysis issues. They are relatively cheap and easy to install.

 

Need Head!

OK - so that was funny after I wrote it - maybe not so much now. I need a head for the Merlin. Having issues finding one and that's been holding me up for EVER.

The first motor is finally going back together and we actually made a schedule to get her done and in the water by March 1 next year.

If anyone has any ideas as to where to find a Merlin head - please let me know.

PC - VERY NICE!! hope to get up there next spring for some crush and maybe fishing with you.

 

tom-sorry to hear u need merlin parts, they may be hard to find. My guess is the best spot is in Ft. Lauderdale. where Merlin used to be. Try to gggle Bob Dunbar or Dick Swartz. Those guys were principals and later formed another company to keep selling and servicing. There are a lot of old engines in s. fla I just not sure where. Have u called HH?? He is in full anti-obama mode from now til election (do not give hime ur e-mail) but he probably know someting.
Fortunately I am up and running and liking it. Sitting out most of summer was bum but got so much stuff done-my to do list is very small! I still be chasing electrolysis (big time) but I will prevail somehow, just need some time (and$$)

 

Hey Pizzacutter Living the Dream here, I had bad electrolysis on my Harley lost two sets of trim tabs finally found a quick easy inexpensive fix just a bit of labour involved, put a 10 by 6 divers dream zinc clean in the middle of the back transom and it bolts through with two bolts it can be replaced in the water a huge benifit for me then you simply just wire everything together ( through the grounds) I did engine mounts engines trim tabs trim pumps, steering helm house batteries horn you name it all to the one annode I replace it every haul out once a year, one final trick is to put a bridging wire between the trim tab plate and the trim ram just monel wire will do it, if you want i will e mail you some pic since the boat is out in Trindiad right now , but it solved my problems with two guys half a days work,
in the procee of ripping out the dashboard and reseating the windshield will keep you posted
I do love my Harley ! spent a fortune but its worth it!!

 

thanks for info on grounding. we are going thru a similar exercise now. However we are also looking for a "smokin gun" as I got so much electrolysis that 48 hours in water does damage. I b hiring a pro to use a meter to search out my system. Hopefully he will be here next day or so. I got all the top frame modified an be startin canvas today (I think). Glad u have got Harley in good enough shape to say u b lovin it. I kinda feel same way-love boat, but so much time and $$$$.

 

I forgot to mention that Rik at Arneson has a anti electrolysis gadget too. I used the Mercathode unit because it was cheaper

 

After having systems checked by expert we found no problems elecrically. The techician said he had never seen such crud and paint deterioation is just 2 days. So I call interlux. Maker of the paints. I told hime how I had this boat 20 yr + and I been doing it this way, blah, blah. He basically said (politely) shut up and listen. If you gonna use our paints do it right. Even though you been using same lablel, products do change and still use same label. He insisted that I remove all paint to near bare metal Apply 5 coats Primencon primer (3 hr dry time) Then apply 2 coats CSC (16 hr drive time) I got it all done and now the canvas guy be working and it is raining so boat will stay in garage til he is finished. Fingers are crossed that new coating will cure problem. Will post later. I got a bunch of fall trips planned and new enclosures will help. Hope to be cruising soon.

 

Hey guys, are any of you going to be at the Offshore Worlds in KW in November?

Also thinking of Miami Boat show in Feb - would really like to finally meet some of you if you are around.

Update on the boat - drive parts are on order, port engine is almost together - going to blast and paint next week, props are finally done at Ellis in JAX and they are shipping tomorrow (should have monday). Got quote for the new electrics on dash and nema upgrades - decided to go with the new raymarine 9" touchscreen - working on trying to get the 12" version but will have to redo dash like Pizza did. ZF's are going back to FLA to get checked out in a month. drivelines are leaving tomorrow to get serviced and balanced.

Still looking for a solution for the head - turns out you can use a 7.8 regular head - difference is the custom freeze plugs in the side of the head on the intake side. I found a shop that can flame weld the holes shut perm - but must use the hardened exhaust valves from merlin.

Any thoughts on the head - let me know. I have found 2 - one in MI and MN - strange place to find them, but who knew?? Might have found a place in TN that can fusion weld - they say they fix them all the time. There is a prorosity hole in the #4 exhaust port.

Post some pictures as I get a little closer and have something real to show.

 

Tom, I think someone put a link to US 1 marine-they b near Daytona. I think they are the left over parts/supplies from the original Merlin. If u have not tried them it would be worth a try. I ran Merlins from 1989 til 2003. THey run great when running but are a bit fragile and parts are tough. Make sure to use the best gasket materials and sealants when u reassemble. That was a weak point, blown gaskets that allowed fluids to mix.
Wish you luck and hope you are boating by next spring!
Swamp--Where are U?? are u boating. I think I told u that my Fla. plans for this winter are probably off. Just too much with windsheild and all. Hoping next winter for extended season.
Anybody else boating in their Harley??
I am real close to an extended cruise (weather permitting) Canvas guy is wrking as I type and should be done in couple days. Still have not tested my 8 coating paint application. Will post how that goes.

 

Canvas guys finally complete. Ok almost complete-he has a small punch list and I need a storage cover & dash cover, but at least I can use!
Just in time, we got 80 degree forecast next few days so I b headed up Chesapeake Bay in search of jumbo blue crabs- have steam pot, spice, & beer, will travel

 

Lee, were you affected by the hurricane?

 

Thanks for checkin on me! We made out pretty good. My neightborhood has some older homes at lower elevations that got wet but we are a bit higher. Most of my yard was under but vehicles stayed dry. Harley and other boats/cars were in garage and had about 12" to spare. Lost power 2 days but we got genny. Lots of docks and piers were lost including the one into the ocean and one at the inlet. Lucky!! Couple photos attched.
Also attached photos from last bay trip right before storm. I found Blue crabs to 8" and up. Was expecting to see them increase into November, but the storm ruined that. Going back for more next week. Season runs til Th'giving.

 

Good to hear. I was at The Turk & Caicos Islands when Sandy went by. We had serious rain and wind for about a day and a half. Then just wind. Over all not too bad.
It could have been alot worse.

I have done a lot of crabbing at the mouth of the Columbia and in Puget Sound. All Dungeness in our area. I may make a run soon if I can ever get some must do's done first!

 

Update

Just wanted to give you guys an update I was unsuccesful in finding a Harley. So I bought t a 1971 Magnum Marine 35 project gassers 454 so now the games begin