Manufacturers of Replacement Marine Control Cables

There are four main manufacturers offering replacement throttle, shift and control cables for the boat owner. The choices between these are often small construction details.

Teleflex TFXTREME Control Cables

Teleflex - Teleflex bought up the original Morse division of control cables. Most boats over 20 years old will have Morse controls and cables. Teleflex has upgraded the original CC series cable to the new design CCX TFXTREME. Teleflex’s unique TFXTREME technology incorporates a patented splined core. Ridges on the core allow a close fit with the cable’s inner liner, but with minimum contact, so the core glides back and forth smoothly like a skater on ice.

The Teleflex TFXTREME control cable was designed because of the original ‘issues’ with traditional marine cables. Traditional cables vary by the stiffness of the core wire and how tightly it fits in the casing. More flexible core/looser fit has an easier feel, but allows more lost motion. This approach leads to an overall sloppy feel, RPM loss or difficult gear engagement. Stiffer core/tighter fit offers less lost motion, but is harder to move. With longer and more complex runs, cable movement becomes progressively more difficult. Thus the classic trade-offs that have existed in control cable design have been resolved with the Teleflex TFXTREME.

Uflex MACH Control Cables

Uflex - Uflex control cables are relatively new on the scene, offering some of the most popular OEM control cables in their own high performance design. To reduce the friction the MACH series control cable, Uflex use’s a multi layered core to shield design that allows for high efficiency and smooth operation. The maintenance free cables are wrapped in a long life, high resistance blue outer jacket to offer protection against abrasion, UV and chemicals.

Glendinning PRO-X Control Cables

Glendinning - Glendinning has also come on strong in the world of replacement control cables. Glendinning Pro-X cables offer a core which is very stiff while very having a great deal of flexibility is the heart of the Pro-X cable, providing minimal lost motion with high-efficiency. Glendinning builds a maintenance free control cable with a high density polyethylene liner around the central armored core. The entire multi-layer cable is in a corrosion resistant case with protective end seals for long life.

Felstead Marine Control Cables

Felstead - Felstead control cables are used in commercial vehicles, agriculture, construction and, of course, marine. Chances are, you handled something using a Felstead cable recently. They are reliable enough for parking brake systems that last the life of an automobile, truck and bus and are rugged enough for use in commercial vessels. Although not tailored for the smaller outboard industry, the 33C, 40 Series and 60 Series mirror the original Morse control cables and are found in vessels everywhere. Long life and smooth operation are assured with such features as rod bearing (the only in the industry) and a sealed, multi-layer cable design.

Ready to buy a throttle, shift, control cable? Check out the Go2marine’s guide to Making Sense of Marine Control Cables.

Lasdrop Dripless Shaft Seals

Lasdrop Gen II Dripless Shaft Seal, Premium Shaft Seal

Lasdrop dripless shaft seals are the answer for an easily installed replacement to the original stuffing box on nearly any boat. Once installed, there is virtually no maintenance required. The “Original” Bellows and Generation II models will last as long as eight to ten years before servicing, while the DrySeal model will last three to five years before the inner lip seal must be changed. At the service interval, both the Original and Generation II models would most likely require refurbishing of the seal surfaces. In addition, the bellows on the Original model should also be inspected and replaced, if necessary.

Green Solution - Lasdrop shaft seals are the green solution to preventing contaminated bilge water from entering the ocean you are in. Whether you are running a research vessel in Antarctica, a fishing boat in Norway, a world cruising sailboat or a workboat in Maine, keeping the water you run in clean is a good practice. Remember, keeping water out also means keeping engine and drive train bilge water in.

Lasdrop Shaft Seals are manufactured and engineered entirely in the USA. All Lasdrop products are backed by a three year warranty. Each model is easy to install, requires little or no maintenance, and is sold as a complete kit. Installation is easy and straight forward as long as you can access the area where the seal is installed. It will be necessary to disassemble the shaft from the coupling and the shaft will need to be slid back far enough to remove the original stuffing box.

Lasdrop incorporates injection ports for water lubrication in vessel applications where speeds are over 10 knots. Lasdrop builds single injection port shaft seals from 3/4″ to 1-1/8″ and offers 2 (dual) injection ports installed for shaft sizes from 1-1/8″. Built for any budget and boat, Lasdrop supplies 3 different levels of dripless shaft seals.

Good - the Lasdrop DrySeal is a compact, economical lip seal designed for quick and easy installation. This option offers a lip seal that is in constant low friction contact with the propeller shaft, preventing water from entering your vessel. The simple, affordable solution to a leaking tired stuffing box.

Better - the Lasdrop Original “Bellows” seal is a face seal that features a vibration absorbing bellows, ideal for use on sailboats and workboats. Specially balanced for smooth rotation, this model utilizes a 316 stainless steel and carbon graphite for its sealing surfaces. These modifications and materials result in a dripless shaft seal that lasts twice as long as the Lasdrop DrySeal.

Best - the Lasdrop Gen II is a culmination of more than a quarter century of experience in shaft seal design. An exclusive feature that makes it the premier shaft seal are a unique ball-bearing drive system that allows the seal ring to “float” and remain in constant contact with the carbon graphite seal surface, resulting in a seal that’s impenetrable to water.

Navigating the Sea of Navigation Lights

Navigating the Sea of Navigation Lights

Why Navigation Lights? If you plan to boat in the dark OR if you end up boating in the dark and it is unplanned OR if you are subject to local, state, federal or international regulations, you need some navigation lights. If you fall into the category of unregulated boats (kayaks, canoes, rowboats, small sailboats) you may still choose to use navigation lights to make it easier for other vessels to see you when you are out there in the dark. There are also navigation lights in LED or incandescent bulbs, that are made for unregulated boats and may be clamped, tied or suction cup mounted.

How big a Navigation Light do you need? Pleasure boats fit into the smaller boat category and typically require lights set up for either <12 metres / 39 feet or < 20 metres / 65 ft. You won’t get in trouble if you use a light that is sized for the next class up. You can get into trouble if your lights are too small, improperly mounted or not putting out as much light as they should.

What Navigation Lights do you need? This varies from vessel to vessel and even from how a vessel is used. Powerboats are pretty straight forward. Sailboats can act like powerboats OR sailboats and they may have different lights depending on their size as well as their use.

To understand the graphic below, Powercraft means the vessel is under ENGINE POWER (and this includes sailboats), while Sailing Vessels means a sailboat that is actually using its sails to move at night. There are also light combinations for anchoring and similar situations. Recognition goes to Aqua Signal for the following graphics – The information shown is based on the International Regulations Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (IMO).

For example – If you own a 34′ sailboat, then it must be equipped with the correct lights for sailing as well as the correct lights for powercraft. What this means in short is that you will have all your sailing lights plus a 225 degree forward facing steaming light. Visit Go2marine for all your navigation light needs.

Free Shipping on Taylor Made Custom Boat Covers – and a Free Pole and Vent

ENDS NOVEMBER 15TH, 2011 – Free Shipping on Taylor Made Custom Boat Covers - and a Free Pole and Vent!

Buy a quality Taylor Made custom boat cover in Ultima, Hotshot or PolyCotton fabric and receive a free vent and pole! Taylor Made boats covers are sewn with Gore Tenara thread. The stitching is guaranteed for the life of the fabric.

Why a vent and pole? Don’t let your interior suffer while stored for the winter from mold and mildew damage. Proper ventilation can keep these boat destroying fungi from attacking your boat! The patented Boat Vent II installs quickly and easily, with no screws or fasteners. The venting area provides for greater volume of exhaust air while closing the top to bottom gap – increased air movement while keeping water out!

The Perfect Dock, Garden, Yard Cart!

The Perfect Dock, Garden, Yard Cart

There are few items that can travel so effortlessly between use for the boat and use for around the home as the Tipke Aluminum Folding Cart. At a mere 33 pounds, the Foldit cart is capable of handling loads in excess of 300 pounds! Removable front gate (included) allows for larger loads and quick, easy, controlled dumping of soil or mulch. Use it for carrying valuables up and down the dock or for work around the garden and yard; and when you are finished with the cart, it folds to a compact depth of just over 9″ for easy out-of-the-way storage.

Made in the USA and backed with a 2 year warranty!

Other Uses

Tipke has thought of uses beyond the dock, yard and garden with two accessories. This dock cart can be ‘towed’ around by more than just you. There is a bicycle hitch attachment that allows your cart to be towed behind your bike to the local market or on errands. There is also a trailer hitch attachment that allows the cart to be pulled along behind a yard tractor.

Rugged Service

This cart is built for years of rugged service. The all aluminum construction is rust free and corrosion resistant. The 20 inch pneumatic tires along with the position of the axle allows travel with heavy loads over uneven terrain with some ease. When not in use the cart is kept folded by the retracting handle. The cart can be ready for use quickly by unlocking the handle and opening the cart.

Your Own Dock Cart

For boaters, the corrosion resistant construction, weight carrying capacity and compact storage size meet all the criteria of the boater who is cruising around or wanting their own cart. The days of hunting the finger piers for an empty cart are gone. When you travel from marina to marina during the summer cruise, the Tipke dock cart comes in handy for picking up supplies or loading and unloading guests possessions.

Replacement Boat Lift Fabric Canopy

Replacement Boat Lift Canopies

The boat lift has been at the lake for years. It has stood up surprising well for an aluminum frame that has been alternatingly; in the water or dragged up and frozen on the shore.

The primary purpose of a boat lift is two-fold; to lift the boat out of the water to keep the bottom clean and to keep the boat shaded / sheltered from above to protect it from the sun and weather.

Now after more than a decade, the cover portion of the boat lift is starting to look worn – or perhaps a recent wind storm finally finished the old fabric top off.

Go2marine supplies boat lift canopy covers for many of the boat lifts built-in the past 40+ years. Boat lift cover fabric is available in 3 types of fabric with 6 colors each offering 18 choices of personalizing the fabric.

Fabric

• Vinyl – good quality and long-lasting; likely the fabric you had on your boat lift canopy from the factory. Heavy weight at 16 oz. per square yard. Easy to clean and affordable.
• Harbor Time – better quality and more visually appealing to some. This is an Acrylic coated Polyester material. Quality look at a lighter weight, 11 oz. Made by the same company that makes Sunbrella.
• Seamark – great quality with a rugged fabric. This fabric is a combination of the two best materials; the rugged acrylic fabric Sunbrella and a backing of waterproof vinyl. Sunbrella is also waterproofed at the thread level (no coating to peel away). At just over 16 oz. it is the heaviest of the boat lift cover fabrics.

Construction

• Maximum leak resistance – all the fabrics that are used in the construction for boat lift canopies are coated and offer long-term water resistance.
• Custom fit, Custom details – CAD patterns, scalloped trim. Professional seams along with stitching reinforcement where it is needed the most.

Installation

The original top was being held on with springs and line. Your replacement cover will have all necessary mounting hardware included. Canopy Installation Instructions will be included with the new replacement fabric canopy.

Replacement boat lift canopy covers for most popular manufacturers of boat lifts, including: Shore Station, Lake Shore, Beach King, Floe, Hewitt, Newman’s, Pier Pleasure, Porta-Lift and Shoremaster. All of these manufacturers are based in Minnesota, the “Boat Lift” State!

T-top Center Console Boat Covers

The installed T-top boat cover keeps your boat clean and dry

Go2marine offers Taylor-Made T-top Center Console Boat Covers for boats with fixed position “T” tops. These boat covers are built to accommodate a wide range of vessels, from 17.5′ to 26.4′. There are two groups of T-top covers, those that fit boats with no bow rails to 6″ bow rails and another group for those with taller rails, from 6″ up to 18″ bow rails. If you are uncertain how to measure your boat, follow these simple measurement guidelines.

Fabric and Construction:

The semi-custom T-top boat cover is manufactured from 6 ounce Hot Shot with a 5 year limited warranty. Exclusive for Taylor-Made boat covers, engine covers and other fabric products, they are  now sewn together with Gore Tenara thread. The thread is resistant to UV sunlight, saltwater, chemicals, acid rain and harsh environments; in fact, Gore stands behind the Tenara thread and guarantees that it will outlast ANY fabric it is sewn with. From the Acrylic Coated Polyester to the strap buckles and straps, these covers are made to stand up to years of service.

Installation:

Unlike T-top boat covers of the past, this pattern allow for two major design improvements.

• The cover is made in 2 sections that can be zipped together
• The cover can be installed by just one person – without a ladder.

Get started by pulling on the bow section…

After removing the cover from the box, separate the front and the back sections. Place the bow section over the bow and pull the cover on until it reaches the center cockpit. You may need to work from side to side. Now do the same with the stern section, pulling it on until it reaches the center console. Standing on the deck, secure and zip down one side 1/2 way, then the other side. Pull the zipped cover up under the T-top and secure. Step off the boat and zip the cover the rest of the way down on both sides.

Secure the zipped portion of the boat cover down on each side. Once you are done with the zippers and securing the straps across the zipper, move to the bow. Install the trailer strap on the bow, then work towards the stern. Here are the Complete T-Top Coat Cover Installation Instructions.

The result is a fabric boat cover that keeps out the elements and protects your investment for years to come.

Gill Clothing 2011 Summer Promotion

Go2marine is offering:

• Free Shipping on any order of Gill products totalling over $75
• A gift of a Gill 10L Dry Bag included with your order Gill products totalling over $150*

Gill clothing is built to last in some of the harshest environments on the planet – it can take anything you can! Whether you are racing in a dinghy, around the buoys, across an ocean or around the world; Gill clothing will keep you covered.

* Unlike our competition, we will NOT be sending you a coupon for you to mail in for your gift. We take care of it when you place your order so that you get your gift with your new clothing! Oh, and we will ship it for free as well…

Win $500 and Enjoy Summer Boating on Us!

From boating on the lake to tying up at the dock...

Go2marine with Taylor Made Marine Products is offering a drawing of $500 Gift Card for one lucky boater. Enter the Taylor Made Sweepstakes.

Taylor Made manufacturers a complete source of marine products and accessories. From the dock edging and guards right next to your boat to the fenders, buoys and mooring whips that keep your boat from contacting the dock. Taylor Made offers bimini tops, anchor shade umbrellas, misting systems and other products to protect you from the sun while on your boat as well as boat covers to keep your boats finish looking like new.

Tenara Thread - Lifetime Seam Warranty

Tenara thread is now used in all Ultima and Hotshot fabric products including boat covers, biminis and motor hoods. Tenara thread is guaranteed to outlast ANY fabric that it is used to sew – this means no more seams separating because the thread has failed to live up to the sun or weather.

Sweepstakes ends June 15th, 2011. No purchase necessary. See details below**

**You must be 18 years or older to enter. No purchase necessary. $500 Gift Card will be issued from a major credit card company. See full sweepstakes rules and details here.

Servicing Glacier Bay Refrigeration

Servicing for Glacier Bay Refrigeration

To sailboat and powerboat cruisers locally and around the world, the name Glacier Bay was recognized for many years as one of the leaders in marine refrigeration. Although Glacier Bay is no longer building or servicing the marine refrigerators / freezers, service is now available through Pacific Sea Breeze Marine.

For all of you lucky boaters who have been enjoying the many benefits of a Glacier Bay refrigeration system, you will be happy to learn that Pacific Sea Breeze Marine has taken over the support and service for these wonderful refer systems.  Located in Santa Cruz California, Pacific Sea Breeze Marine supplies a wide range of marine products for heating, cooling, and refrigeration.  They will soon be offering their own line of refer systems comparable to Glacier Bay’s high-capacity Micro HPS as well as smaller systems to meet the full range of marine refrigeration applications. They can be reached at info@pacificseabreeze.com.

As many will recall, a few years ago Glacier Bay decided to shift emphasis away from marine and concentrate on other endeavors such as Glacier Bay Technology Climate Control System for trucks.  This allows the drivers to be comfortable in their sleeper cab without having to leave their motors idling.  According to Glacier Bay Technology, fleets can save as much as $4,800 per truck per year in fuel costs.

Interesting opportunity for the truckers, but for many of us we wish they were still building their marine refrigeration units.  Thankfully Pacific Sea Breeze Marine has arrived on the scene for support and service!