"New" 2001 21i

[chpthril]

In looking so far it looks like what I should be looking at from acme is a 525, 13x11.5". Can anyone confirm this for a 2001 21i? And, to distribute some heavy expenses is this something that can be postponed to winter before addressing or is this bad to the point that I shouldn't be running it?

Does anyone think the "slip" problem I'm having could be transmission related?

As for the oil, it was changed this past winter, by the prior owner. It's been on my list to get to so I'll go ahead and put that at the top of the list.

The 525 would be a solid upgrade to that factory SS cutter 4 blade.

[D&P Powell]

I followed a different approach recommended from someone on here. I sanded down to nothing, top and bottom. I then used a Dremel to get in the hard to reach cracks and corners. Wiped it down 3 or 4 times with a damp rag to get all the dust off. Placed a coat of starbrite teak oil on and let dry 24 hours. Put on another coat and let it dry 24 hours. Did this over and over again until the deck wouldn't take anymore. 8 coats total. It looked great (IMO) and lasted until we sold it. One down side. It was pretty slippery the first few times out. We have since bought a new boat- but we sure liked the teak swimdeck. It's a shame how many people neglect them. Nice boat, and welcome to the forum!

[nmriordan]

Re: "slippage"... It could be a number of things but what you describe sounds a lot like what I experienced (I described as slippage periodically during acceleration and/or during turns, especially when pulling a slalom skier). I suspected prop problems but my issue was low transmission fluid. It caused some damage that required repair (rather than replacement). I had checked the fluid a week or two prior but it had leaked between the time I had checked and when I had the problems. I now routinely check tranny fluid after the first few min of running the boat every few days of use (after its warmed) to ensure I haven't leaked any fluid that could result in a transmission problem. I haven't had issues since.


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[patricko]

I just caught up on the reunion thread...sounds intimidating, haha. The furthest I've taken my boat is to the closest lake to home <45 minutes away. Sounds like a blast but I'm not sure I'll be able to coordinate or swing it.

Concerning the teak oil, my experience with the watco has been positive. I sanded it down to smooth, and gradually applied a total of ~5 coats over the next 3 weeks (trailer was in for repair and I was in Alaska for a long weekend.) On the last couple coats I did some hand sanding with some fine sand paper which made for a nice finish. It does have a lacquer look and feel, but it's not too slick, it beads the water and looks great, so I have no complaints.

Back to the slipping, I will call ACME soon to qualify a selection. I may let it wait because my poor bank account is exhausted after this last month or so. nmriordan, that's what concerns me. I did change the ATF early on when I got the boat, and I did check levels with warm engine on the water and the level was exactly where it should be and the fluid looked perfect. But it is a very disconcerting problem, because I am concerned that whatever's happening could be causing damage to the transmission...or something.

Thanks everyone for all the counsel!