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Thought I should post a project report here for anybody following.
The motor technician in the shop was setting up to install the new Yamaha 300's upon my last visit to LMC last week. I made the trip down to discuss the location of the autopilot controller and the new Command Link® Plus LCD Display for the Yamahas. I originally wanted to place these indicator/control panels on the helm in the same panel as the original setup seen in my helm photos, but the 2 Garmin 6212 MFD/Chartplotters took up ALL the space! I decided, after looking over my options carefully, to install both the autopilot and the Command link display flat on the helm within the area surrounded by the teak blocks directly behind the wheel. I will have to install a hinged plexiglass/lexan cover to rest on the blocks to protect the displays, and still allow access to control buttons for both units. I believe this will make a neat, usable setup.
While there at the shop, the Whaler 27 was removed from the bay and the 2-300's were moved into the bay at the hoists, and uncrating was initiated. Apparently, un-crating these motors is a time consuming task in itself, I was amazing how secure these motors are in their crates!

I also found out that the steering will definitely be replaced, the old steering for the 200 HP application is too small for the new 300's. I am also going to have to replace the starting batteries for the same reason, the ones in service now are just too small. I also found that both of the current starting batteries are deep cycle 550 CCA batteries and I don't think they were actually suitable for this application anyway. I am allowing LMC to supply 2 new Interstate starting batteries for the new 300's. I am supplying 2 new group 27 deep cycle marine batteries for the "house" batteries on the boat, and I plan on using the 2 new small deep cycle batteries that came with the boat as power for 2 Penn Senator 114HLW Dolphin electric reels when I need to use these deep-dropping. I am planning on just using the house batteries for the downriggers since I will be able to switch the charging circuit to charge these while trolling if needed. We are going to have to build platforms for the batteries because the stern cavity is open all the way down to the bilge, and it's a LONG way down there. There is a plug and a bilge pump way down there at the bottom of this cavity, heaven help me when I need to access them! If anyone has ideas or suggestions on any of these access issues, PLEASE post here, I would be greatly appreciative!

A lot of time has been spent removing all the old electronics, the motors and all the rigging associated with this old equipment. All the new control wiring and rigging as well as the new radar, GPS, and XM Weather antennas, autopilot gyro-compass and ECM control unit, and the GSD 26 sounder have been installed. The new motor start/stop and key switch is installed. The items still needing installation are as follows:
1) Both new motors and steering unit, also props (I have 2 new Mercury 17 P Rev 4's for propping)
2) Autopilot including pump and hydraulic steering lines as well as the user interface
3) Airmar TM265LH CHIRP transducer for the sounder unit
4) Cannon Downrigger transducer and 12v outlets for the downriggers
5) Batteries and wiring to allow switched charging while motors are running
6) Garmin VHF200 networked radio in lower helm compartment
7) Helm panel with the 2 Garmin 6212 MFD's, it's made and they are in it, just need to be attached and connected

While looking around the boat and taking measurements for determining the best place to install the new generator in the future, I noticed that the installation tech was using a metal stand under the radar arch with the arch folded down for support. This stand looked like it would be much better for use when trailering the boat than the last owners use of the manual downriggers for support, so I asked the tech if I could buy a set for my own use. He told me that these supports were used on other boats equipped with radar arches as shipping supports, and they had plenty of them at the shop. Since these were not needed after the shop set up these radar arches, they were usually just scrapped, and he assured me he could throw a couple of them in for me! The Whaler 27 is WAY over the 13'6" max height DOT requirement with the boat on the trailer with the arch in the raised position, so I am excited that a solution to the support problem has been found for trailering.

I think I have found that the best place remaining on this boat to install a generator. There is a space measuring 28"L X 29"H X 22 1/2"W tapering from bottom to top to 20"W within each one of the 2 original seats that have been reappointed as supports for the Tiara style lounge seating. I have found that a Westerbeke 6.5 will fit handily in this space, and should be easily serviceable if mounted on a slide-out tray under the seat closest to the stern. With a generator located here, the drawback will be that there will be no way to access the locker located in the deck under the lounge seating. I am still looking for a dealer that can install this for me locally, but there may be one at Corpus Christi, I just haven't called there yet.

I can't wait to get this rig in the water, the fish are biting like mad down here and I am still sitting on the sidelines
:(

For those of you looking for more pictures I have a Flickr site where I will be posting all the pictures as this project progresses at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/99787852...87852@N06/

For the person asking questions about the control system and gauges that will be used in this motor installation, they are the Command Link Plus display with Command Link Plus digital electronic controls. The display will show all performance details including MPG and GPH, as well as indicate up to 4 tank levels on the boat. For a complete look at this system, see : http://www.yamahaoutboards.com/riggin...g/controls