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Yes. Small prop, small power. Just not enough oomph to properly maneuver. From the stern, the waves/current/wind would constantly be pushing the bow around. Same would happen with smaller boats, just to a lesser degree.

Regarding HP... if you go back some years, there was probably the same question being asked between a 90HP and a 115HP for a given boat model. I think we, as a whole, have just gotten a little spoiled (not that that's a bad thing!) over the years. And then, if someone only does online...

This is obviously just my opinion, but I'd try and find something larger than just bullet plugs. Even with those, something nasty can happen if someone fell against it - possible impalement or poking an eye out. Imagine being up on the bow... it's a choppy day, there's less bowrail to grab...

You have pretty much zero steering control if mounted at the stern. For it work, you need to "pull" the bow around.

Yes! Absolutely! I have used them on my own boats, family and friends, and countless customer boats. They do EXACTLY as they advertise and they do it really well. Great bang for the buck! Inexpensive and only takes about an hour to install. Full hydraulic trim tabs are great - but those...

115HP on a little 18-footer will MORE than adequate - you'll be just fine! :) If you find, based on the load you put in the boat, that you need a better hole shot or ability to stay on plane at lower RPM's, you can install Smart Tabs for about $200 and they will make a HUGE difference.

Neat idea. I'm curious to hear how it works! Couple quick thoughts about safety... I'll assume you're OK with the bow rail losing integrity, but you should either put a large "stopper" on those ends, or cut them closer to the stanchion. Otherwise... Fall just right and they could seriously...

I was going to suggest that another option for you would be to use a 2x (or two) brace under the bimini for support... but since yours mounts to the windshield, you absolutely don't want to be putting any undue pressure on the bimini since it will transfer right to the windshield.

Hmmm... they started having a food spread, again? And some swag? That might just be the ticket - thanks! Have the shows, themselves gotten better? That was the primary reason we stopped going - the vendor displays seemed to have been dwindling and it just wasn't informative as it used to be...

Nothing wrong with having the warm fuzzies!

Holokai - yup, those quick releases are definitely a step up. Wanna take another step? https://tacomarine.com/ball-socket-top-fittings These are even easier (and quieter) as the ball slides into the socket and stays put while you do the other side - then put the retaining pin in to secure it...

I used to go the MESCO shows a while back. We do have Kellogg, but MESCO has been our main supplier for years. Haven't gone to a show in quite a while, though. I do miss the "old" shows, though... the ones where they used to feed us! :) Yeah, it's defnitely a weird time for boating. We...

I agree - in general, you are correct. If you haven't, take a look at that link I provided above. It talks about (and it's a Grady rep) how poly CAN be just fine - but it depends on how it's done. That, provided with what Grady (the manufacturer, not a dealer) told me, along with what I had...

I think that's a wise choice. Putting a cover over top of a bimini is just asking for trouble. Maybe not right away - and maybe never - but if the cover sags a bit and allows water to pool, it puts A LOT of weight on the bimini and cause it to bend. You could get cockpit and bow covers made...

Yes, I do - I have to say, it's been a really nice place to work at and I really enjoy it there.

Since Sea Ray has gone to vinylester resins, blisters have been virtually non-existant - which may have been sometime in the early 90's, I think. I work at a Sea Ray dealership and can tell you from my experience there, along with that from the Sea Ray forum -where there are plenty of guys much...

Certainly not something I want to get in an argument over, especially when something like this is opinion based. Maybe it's "the norm" in your area, but it definitely is not the norm everywhere. I'm in the business, as well, and I can tell you that from Maine to the Chesapeake NOT using it is...

I agree that it's quite normal to have just bottom paint (using either a self etching primer or physical sanding) on it. And, I don't see how there would be any liability on the marina's behalf. After all, the customer is only hiring them for anti-fouling protection. Just for reference...

I had always heard that you really didn't need to worry about it with a Grady as the process of applying the glass to gelcoat has as much to do with it as the formulation (poly, vinyl, etc). I actually called the factory a number of years ago and asked about this - when my '82 was "new to me" -...

As in not a whole lot of fuel in it? Running out of fuel in the line wouldn't cause it to collapse - a vacuum would (a clog downstream of the bulb would).