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Misty IV

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Everything posted by Misty IV

  1. Thanks, Sean. A positive vote for the Carlisles!! I like the looks of them a lot and would prefer going with them. What tires did you have on before the Carlisles that didn't last?
  2. Not to start a debate here, but need some input on trailer tires, mainly bias vs radial. My tandem axle trailer for the Misty IV is in need of tires. Almost scared to make the 5 hour haul with 2 of the 4 on the trailer now. Still plenty of tread, but the sidewalls are cracking and they just don't look safe. Current size is ST175/80R13. The size is readily available in either bias or radial versions. The Marathons on the trailer are radials. Seems they are made in China now, as are the majority of trailer tires. I found the Carlisle Radial Trail is made in the USA, but haven't seen favorable reviews on them. Research I have done indicates the radials track better and disipate heat better than the bias plies do. For my 5 hour haul in the spring to the lake, about 15-20 runs to the launch (5 miles) and the 5 hour haul home in the spring, will bias plies do fine or should I spend the extra and get radials? I found a set of Kenda Karrier tires with a load range 'D' I am considering, given the added weight on the boat compared to the previous owner. Current tires are 'B'. Thoughts, input, advice??? Thanks!!
  3. Saw this and, although they're not focusing on water-based turbines, it still emphasizes the impact of wind turbines on the environment. All of us along the lakeshore, residential and business alike, will suffer...marinas, tackle shops, etc. ************************************************************************************** Property value losses near wind turbines greater than previously thought, appraisers say Credit: By Billie Jo Jannen, For East County Magazine, eastcountymagazine.org 30 March 2012 ~~ A real estate appraisal expert who has made a specialty of assessing impacts from nearby wind turbines has announced that he is revising his figures in response to a recent study of over 11,300 transactions near northern New York state turbine arrays. Mike McCann of McCann Appraisal, LLC spoke at a Boulevard wind energy information meeting last winter and said property owners experience an average 25 percent value loss. At the time, he expected properties up to two miles away to experience value changes in response to turbine construction. “I wish to refine my distance of forecast adverse value impacts to include at least three miles, should any 3 MW turbines be proposed by any of the developers in East County,†McCann said. “Furthermore, property value guarantees should extend to this greater range to reflect the nuisance and stigma effect of more powerful turbines on marketing of homes.†The current study, released in July of 2011 by the Economic Financial Studies School of Business at Clarkson University, cites losses of up to 45 percent on properties located within 0.10 miles of new wind turbine facilities. This has prompted him to revise his loss figure upward to a maximum of 40 percent and expected adverse impacts out to three miles, with effects becoming less extreme with distance. “The Clarkson study clearly shows value impacts out to three miles … and clearly shows the closer the turbine, the greater the impact,†McCann said. A Department of Energy-funded study originally released in 2009 by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, often cited by wind proponents, says property value impacts are negligible and that effect of what is known as “wind farm anticipation stigma†goes away after the turbines are built. The Berkeley results are divided into sale values for pre-announcement, post-announcement and post-construction time periods. The study may be flawed, however, as it leaves out some of the very properties that might provide the most telling results, McCann said. In the study footnotes, Berkeley authors specified that land without homes, properties of over 25 acres, homes where the sale price was thought to deviate too far from the norm and 34 repeat sales were excluded from the study. A co-author of the study, SDSU Economic Department Chairman Mark Thayer, defended the exclusions as appropriate from a statistical standpoint and said he feels the Clarkson study supports the Berkeley conclusion that negative value impacts go away after the projects are built. The Clarkson study is based mainly on pre-construction figures, Thayer said: “There is no impact. Property values do not go down near turbines.†However, real estate appraisers, which are closely regulated by the federal government, base their calculations on “comps,†or nearby sales of comparative properties. A licensed appraiser would not have the luxury of leaving out the properties omitted by Berkeley, McCann said, so the older study does not offer a realistic assessment of the value loss that would be suffered by neighbors of turbine arrays. Statistically appropriate or not, those sales would not be excluded from an appraisal. “The fallacy of the Berkeley study is the assumption that value impacts must somehow be statistically significant against a data background of sales located 5 to 10 miles from turbines,†McCann said. “Had they focused on the 1/10th-mile to 3-mile range, I expect their findings would be significant to the homeowners who are losing 15 to 40 percent of their home equity and value.†Neither of the studies consider time-on-market, McCann said, adding, “And what about the homes that don’t sell at all?†The latter do not show up on studies because there are no transaction records for them. The size of the turbines being built is also a factor in McCann’s announcement, as almost all the data available is on older installations that contain smaller turbines. Increasingly, 3-megawatt machines are appearing on the landscape with concomitant increases in visibility and sound pressure. Sound is a “disamenity†often mentioned by wind farm neighbors, some of whom have abandoned their homes altogether because of the constant noise. McCann is a proponent for property value guarantees in communities that are heavily impacted by wind turbine projects. Both the Boulevard and Jacumba planning groups have asked for property value guarantees as a condition for permitting large projects, as well as evidence-supported setbacks and protections in the noise ordinance to include low frequency and sub-audible effects. Both wind developers and the county have, so far, resisted addressing either. Among the numerous energy projects proposed for the Boulevard area is Tule Wind, a 137-turbine project slated to be built along McCain Valley Road by Iberdrola Renewables. The turbines will range in size from 2MW to 2.5MW. Asked why, if they are so confident of no impacts, wind developers wouldn’t offer value guarantees, Tule Wind project manager Jeffrey Durocher said the terms of some proposed guarantee programs are just too subjective. Some proposals “… give the homeowner leeway to claim that any value loss is attributable to the presence of turbines, despite the possible effects of other factors,†Durocher said. “It’s very difficult to get agreement among the various parties on what causes the value loss. To do that for a number of homes for an unspecified distance is pretty unmanageable,†Durocher said.
  4. This is the driving force behind fastrak having it. They were waiting until the tanks were empty to begin carrying it, and that should be within the next 60 days. Older carbed 350's with expensive 4 barrel carbs dont care for ethanol either. And, many of the older 4.3L Chevy-based engines in boats use a 2-bbl carburetor, like mine. There are plenty of carburetor-fed boats on the water these days. Not to mention all the older outboards that still use carburetors. I know it is just a matter of time before we all start seeing issues. I carry a few fuel/water seperator filters onboard and do change them throughout the season, just to be safe.
  5. More bad news released yesterday: *********************************************************************** Updated March 30, 2012, 3:07 a.m. ET Feds, 5 states to push for Great Lakes wind farms Associated Press TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Obama administration and five states have reached an agreement to speed up approval of offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes, which have been delayed by cost concerns and public opposition. Under the deal, which administration officials disclosed to The Associated Press ahead of an announcement scheduled for Friday, state and federal agencies will craft a blueprint for speeding regulatory review of proposed wind farms without sacrificing environmental and safety standards. The Great Lakes have no offshore wind turbines, although a Cleveland partnership announced plans last year for a demonstration project that would place five to seven turbines in Lake Erie about 7 miles north of the city, generating 20-30 megawatts of electricity. Offshore wind projects have been proposed elsewhere in the region, including Michigan and New York, stirring fierce debate. Critics say they would ruin spectacular vistas, lower shoreline property values and harm birds and fish. New York Power Authority trustees last September abandoned a plan for private companies to place up to 200 turbines, each about 450 feet high, in Lakes Erie and Ontario. The Canadian province of Ontario in February 2011 ordered a moratorium on wind energy development in its Great Lakes waters to allow more study of environmental issues. Supporters describe the lakes' winds as a vast, untapped source of clean energy and economic growth. "This agreement among federal agencies and Great Lakes states is a smart, practical way to encourage the development of homegrown energy that will create jobs, power homes and reduce pollution in American communities," said Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Administration officials said the region's offshore winds could generate more than 700 gigawatts — one-fifth of all potential wind energy nationwide. Each gigawatt of offshore wind could power 300,000 homes while reducing demand for electricity from coal, which emits greenhouse gases and other pollutants, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. Public resistance and logistical problems would pose formidable obstacles to approaching those levels. Yet harnessing only a small portion of the Great Lakes' offshore wind could generate thousands of jobs, officials said. Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania signed the agreement. The other three states with Great Lakes coastlines — Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin — declined invitations but could join the partnership later, an administration official said. The agreement is modeled after another between the federal government and Eastern states designed to support wind energy production in the Atlantic and encourage investment in new offshore wind technology. "This agreement will enable states to work together to ensure that any proposed offshore wind projects are reviewed in a consistent manner, and that the various state and federal agencies involved collaborate and coordinate their reviews," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said developing offshore wind energy would "promote economic development and create jobs, while reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources." Among 10 federal agencies taking part are the Pentagon, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Developers would need state and federal approval to establish offshore wind farms. State governments own the Great Lakes bottomlands within U.S. territory, while a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be required to erect the turbines and all 10 federal agencies would review the plans.
  6. Recieved this link last night about recent wind turbine failures on Lake Erie... http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012303309898
  7. Took my USCG Auxiliary course when I was 13 with my dad. He made anyone who would be operating his boat or any boat in the family take the course. Well worth the time, IMO. [ Post made via Android ]
  8. It all depends on the beauty of the fish and how it relates to my previous catches. I try to always "up it" a notch from previous catches. The first King I ever had put on my wall weighed 33lbs. At the time I caught it, I was still trolling out of my old 18' Starcraft center console and the cooler I had was the largest I could fit inside the boat. The King didn't fit inside the cooler, so that was one thing which made me want to put it on my wall. People walk into our lakehouse living room and that King greets them. I'm still waiting for that 40+lber to make it inside the boat, though...
  9. My Cannons came with 10AWG in the original wire harness. I run them each through their own re-settable circuit breaker with 8AWG wire from the deep-cycle battery which is dedicated to the electronics.
  10. When I bought my Islander back in 2005 (used), there was a DieHard starting battery in it and it is still going strong. I have since added an Interstate deep-cycle for all my electronics (4) years ago, and it takes a beating with all the electronics onboard...still going strong. I have Interstates in my car and truck and have been extremely happy with their performance.
  11. I'm just throwing this out there because I don't know and am curious. I found out that Salmon Country in Mexico and (2) marinas in Pulaski sell ValvTect fuels. Has anyone tried buying fuel for their truck at a marina? Do they allow it or do most marinas only sell it for your boat? I have seen that non-ethanol fuels do increase gas mileage, and was thinking that while fueling-up the boat that perhaps I'd try filling up the truck, as well. Anyone ever tried this with successful results? I'd hope the marina doesn't care one way or the other - they're making a sale....
  12. Nice job & report. Good to see boats out on the water this early in the year doing great!!
  13. I'll see you there, Brian. Yes, Pete has always had a lot of valuable information to give to the audience.
  14. Anyone headed to Cabela's this weekend in Hamburg, PA to see Ron Jacoby or Pete Lahosky's seminars? I'll probably be there for both tomorrow, Saturday 3/17. Hope to see some familiar faces there and, perhaps, some new faces. Ron's seminar is scheduled to start at 10am with Pete's immediately following at 11am. ************************************************************ Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Techniques Join fishing pro Ron Jacoby as he explains the tips and techniques required to be consistently bring home a stringer of trout in Pennsylvania. Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Location: Second Floor Conference Room Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario with Captain Pete Lahosky Captain Pete Lahosky, owner of Prime Time Sportfishing Charters, specializes in Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Trips. Captain Pete is also a six time Lake Ontario Challenge Cup champion with over 20 years experience fishing Lake Ontario. If you have a passion for lake salmon fishing then this seminar is for you. Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Location: Second Floor Conference Room
  15. Taken from the Jefferson's Leaning Left blog earlier today: http://www.jeffersonleaningleft.blogspot.com/2012/03/industrial-wind-welfare-fails-for-now.html Upsetting that the New York State senators voted in favor of this, however....
  16. Just following up with my experience. After countless weeks of calling them and being promised they would get right on it, talking to the shift supervisor and some "higher-ups" there, I finally got the unit returned to me in early November. Paid to have the internal battery replaced at a cost of $159.....only for the unit to NOT be repaired. It is still doing the exact same thing as before. After a weeks worth of calls to their tech support line, I was told I need to send it back and have it looked at again. I inquired about the $159 I already paid and if any additional fees would be incurred for them to "look at it". Their response was that "they wouldn't know until they bench tested it and diagnosed the problem". They said it could be the Navionics card, the antenna, any number of things. An antenna is around $300, a new card is $200. It's almost worth replacing it with a new unit. So, the unit is sitting in my basement with the rest of my gear, waiting for the 2012 season to start. I've heard Raymarine's service is hit-n-miss. Has anyone else had it this bad before?
  17. Great, thanks for all the replies. Looks like I'm switching filter styles, too!
  18. Are there any differences in the marine & automotive oil filters? I've noticed the MerCruiser oil filters specified for my 4.3L have gone up significantly in cost. The oil filters for an automotive 4.3L (look identical to the marine, just different color and sticker) are quite a bit less expensive. Are there any internal differences, such as relief valve pressure, filter material, etc.) that require me to use the marine units? Does anyone use a standard Purolator, WIX, etc. automotive filter on their engines? Thanks for the input!
  19. Ditto!!! My kicker is a 1971 Johnson 6hp 2-stroke and it runs like a dream. Has never let me down.
  20. We'll be getting ours shortly, too!! Do you still have the Islander, Bob, or did she sell?
  21. BOTH!!! I have both a fixed and a handheld radio. If one fails, battery in the handheld goes dead, etc., it's always nice to have a back-up if and when you need it the most. The small added expense could save your life, IMO.
  22. I work for a company which specializes in emergency vehicle warning lights, but also handles scene illumination for construction companies. A manufacturer's product we have been selling a lot of and have been extremely happy with is Maxxima. Their LED lights are very bright, come in a durable housing and have a great warranty. I attached their link below should you want to look at their products. I use their products for interior cabin and cockpit lighting on my boat and couldn't be happier. http://www.maxxima.com/
  23. I tend to switch things up, too. It all depends on the day, but I typically run a variety of spoons from DW and Michigan Stinger. Every now and then I will put the NK's out. All do well for us.
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