MacGregorSailors.com

Got mine just a month ago at the local Costco store for $49, with compressor and light.

Costco.com shows several of them, but they're much more expensive to buy online, and there's a hefty shipping charge for buying online. Much better to go into the store if one happens to be nearby. Otherwise, Pep Boys, Kragen, Target, Walmart ... I think they all have one on the shelf.

Frank, I could be wrong, but I think it's a pretty safe bet there is no Costco in Moscow. In that way I'm in the same boat (literally and figuratively) as Vladimir. There are none in Upstate NY either; the closest is a good 100 miles away. Here we're stuck with BJ's and Sam's.

I'm guessing from anywhere in the states, shipping to Moscow will be pretty steep. Perhaps now that Vladimir knows what he's looking for, he can find something a little closer.

I must have missed the Basic Model when I looked into this - I might be able to get $300 modification in the Admirals FY 2006 budget as an essential cruising feature for monitoring fuel budget

I sold the GPS with Anchor drag as a safety on hook feature

...and latest edition of Sail was on her nightstand again last night

Chip Hindes wrote:Frank, I could be wrong, but I think it's a pretty safe bet there is no Costco in Moscow.

Now how'd I possibly miss that ~!???

Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL wrote:Can someone recommend one of these jumpstart units over another one? Or ar they all pretty much the same?

I was actually responding to Bill's question (B4S).
But just in case he happens near SE Asia, Vlad can check the Costco stores in Taipei, Tokyo or Seoul.


P.S. This is first I've ever read about Mercury's Smartcraft system. Pretty impressive!

Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL wrote:Can someone recommend one of these jumpstart units over another one? Or ar they all pretty much the same?

Bill, Practical Sailor did a test on some of these a few months back and the winner: Wal-Mart's Everstart's 600 amp Maxx--It doesn't have a light , or compressor, but with 600 starting amps they figured You could light,or blow up pretty much anything you like? about $65 if i remember right. i got one and use it to run my cooler, and radio.

This motor is essentially a Suzuki DF50 made for Johnson. Johnson has now discontinued selling this motor and will instead be selling a version of the Evinrude E-TEC at this horsepower range.

And its largest prop diameter is 12" instead of the Bigfoot's 14". Given your original usage pattterns, I still believe your criteria list should have these priorities:
1. good dealer support
2. 4-stroke
3. EFI
4. 14" diameter prop
5. lower gearing (higher numbers)
6. higher alternator capacity

The incremental performance of a Bigfoot 60, versus Bigfoot 50, will probably be used rarely. I feel the EFI Bigfoot 50 is a better choice for your Mac than the Suzuki/Johnson 50, mainly because of the larger prop. This prop difference will impact slow speed control at all times, as well as power & control in rough waters and higher speed currents.

Vladimir - I would recommed you go with the system monitor and add an aftermarket tachometer (under $100 at Boat US or defender) which will hook into the engine harness rather than the Smart Craft harness


Stephen

Note that the SC1000 System Monitor displays Engine RPM digitally. While it may not be as quick to read a numeric display as seeing the needle angle on an analog gauge, you aren't without engine speed information with the System Monitor.

Congrats on your new boat, Vladimir!

Just one more opinion ... I'd prefer having a digital tachometer instead of my Suzuki analog tach. I am very impressed with Mercury's monitor option. If it was available from Suzuki, I'd buy it.

On this instrument thread - Im seriously considering remounting my instruments on the starboard bulkhead - I really cant read them on the pedestal without cranking my head down and would welcome thoughts on relocation them - anyone done this

Im thinking of the Speed- depth -temp gauge, the tach, and the Alternator gauge too...

Catigale wrote: ... Im seriously considering remounting my instruments on the starboard bulkhead - I really cant read them on the pedestal without cranking my head down and would welcome thoughts on relocation them - anyone done this ...

Maybe ... this photo was just the prototype:

• * I recommend using Oak or Teak rather than starboard;
  * It is now mounted to the sliding hatch with self-closing hinges;
  * Fold back for stowage;
  * Wiring runs into port headliner, then to the switch panel;
  * Requires about 18" of surplus wiring to permit hatch to slide;
  * Centered viewing of map and speed readings - benefits all aboard.