Engine Capacity for Zodiac FC-470

[GrantG]

Is anybody looking for a Zodiac fuel bladder? I bought one from this guy on ebay, and it is awesome! They are brand new factory fuel bladders that have neever been filled, and it's better quality than I even expected. It was a little dirty from being out of the box, but the least of my worries...

Zodiac 6 Gallon Fuel Bladder Tank New 59375N | eBay

[F470]

I looked at those. Why are you selling?

[GrantG]

Here is an inexpensive 25 HP Johnson that seems to run well and should clean up or paint nicely...

1986 Johnson 25 HP Short Shaft Elect Strt Tiller-Trade 4 15HP elect

[GrantG]

They are a great price, so just wanted to share with anyone who may be interested. I'm not selling mine. I'm actually going to buy a second, so I have two for greater capacity.

Originally Posted by F470

I looked at those. Why are you selling?

[F470]

Looks decent but I need a long shaft. I'll keep looking.

Originally Posted by GrantG

Here is an inexpensive 25 HP Johnson that seems to run well and should clean up or paint nicely...

1986 Johnson 25 HP Short Shaft Elect Strt Tiller-Trade 4 15HP elect

[GrantG]

F470, OK. I thought you were needing a short shaft. I will keep my eyes open for a long shaft...

[F470]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I will keep searching as well. I'm going on a boat trip shortly so I'm hoping I'll have something by then even if its a cheap temporary or a loaner. In the long run I'd like to get an E-tec.

[GrantG]

Yes, I hear the Etecs are great. This 25 hp in St.Helens would get you by for awhile until you get an Etec...

1998 Yamaha 25hp 4 stroke

[Squid Boat]

I really enjoyed your pictures and vid SIBRider, great looking family mate.
My new wife was looking over my shoulder at the cool river shots and said; ''we could take Thumper (my boat) on a lake or river some day and wash off the salt''.....''I like camping''. Well now it's on my bucket list.

Cheers, Squid

[F470]

I have a few newbie questions in preparing for my trip.

1.how do you know when the trailer needs new bearings? Do the wheels have play?

2. Did you get navigations lights? If so what did you get and where did you install them?

[SIBRider]

I presume based on car/truck maintenance/repair experience (for better or worse I do it all myself) but bearings be it in car, truck, or trailer or whatever else should not have any play IMHO. My tires were shot I got new ones Bearing have had play. Didn't get worse. I took a chance at it. Lubed them well. Bearing with play will let water in a hub. Which will more likely kill them even faster. Made it fine home but certainly need to take those apart for inspection ASAP.

No lights. Only need those at night. Wasn't planning on boating at night. You can get battery powered LED lights at WestMarine WEST MARINE Portable LED Navigation Light, Bi-Color, Inflatable Mount at West Marine

[GrantG]

I think it's best practice to simply replace bearings whenever you get a used trailer. Bearings should be replaced if they are not adequately greased, showing wear marks, or if there is play in the bearings inside the bearing cage.

Here are the navigation lights I am planning to purchase:

Clip on Boat Light Navigation LED Marine Sail Zodiac dingy Sea Kayak Zodiak Jet | eBay

Originally Posted by F470

I have a few newbie questions in preparing for my trip.

1.how do you know when the trailer needs new bearings? Do the wheels have play?

2. Did you get navigations lights? If so what did you get and where did you install them?

[captnjack]

None of the clip on battery operated lights are legal in the US (technically) on a craft capable of >7 knots. That said, I doubt you will get pulled over for using them. I had them on my Bombard for years before I sold it.

[F470]

I have new hubs, tires and rims (and soon tires) already. I'm just wondering if I can keep the old hubs on until after my 600 mile road trip. I can put new wheels on but I've never replaced the hubs before and so I don't know how involved it is?

Originally Posted by GrantG

I think it's best practice to simply replace bearings whenever you get a used trailer. Bearings should be replaced if they are not adequately greased, showing wear marks, or if there is play in the bearings inside the bearing cage.

Here are the navigation lights I am planning to purchase:

Clip on Boat Light Navigation LED Marine Sail Zodiac dingy Sea Kayak Zodiak Jet | eBay

[captnjack]

If the hubs turn now you shouldn't have to replace them. Typically only the bearings need replacing and assuming you can find/get the correct size its pretty easy. Bearings and races are sold as a set in the auto parts store. Although the races (the bearing surfaces inside the hubs) rarely go bad to the point of needing replacement. The only other things you need are rear seals, new cotter pins, a big wrench, rags and grease.

[F470]

Perhaps a trivial question but how do you strap your Zodiacs to the trailer without rubbing and abrasion? Do you use the ropes or carry handles?

[SIBRider]

I use ratchet straps

I have dual banks so boat isn't going anywhere sideways naturally. Otherwise it got sufficient friction to stay put. Though I do let straps through D-rings for peace of mind.

[captnjack]

You can get those straps at harbor freight for cheap. They work fine and the fabric will die from other causes long before you notice any substantive abrasion. The biggest issue is changes in tbue pressure affecting how tight they are. For that reason I installed U-bolts in my transom to avoid tying down via the tubes.

[F470]

Thanks guys! The trip is in a week. I will post picures.

[F470]

Great photos and great video!

Originally Posted by SIBRider

Thanks. Boat certainly gives another degree of freedom you can't enjoy with other means of transportation.
Here is a vid of us going up Alsea river

We enjoyed finding nice landing spots not easily accessible otherwise. That's somewhere up on a mt lakes.