EastCoastB

Definitely go with an aluminum tandem bunk trailer with disc brakes on both axles. Loadrite is a common name as there are many others. You can also upgrade the trailer with the stainless hardware upgrade and LED lights for a minimum cost. I'd also recommend getting an extra wheel hub assembly complete with bearings installed and a spare tire. If you burn a bearing, you just pop off the old hub with the one center nut and put the new spare hub on and your on your way again. I'm just South of you and do the same towing to salt water. With salt, you'll want the right setup. Always rinse the trailer soon as possible after being in salt. Any steel or galvanized trailer with tube construction will take a beating in no time with salt, look like crap and start to rust after the first dunk in salt.... Check out Camp Marine in point pleasant NJ for great deals on loadrite, it's worth the drive. Not a necessary option, but electric over hydraulic brakes are unbelievable. Once you tow with them, you won't want to go back to the slide in slide out brake coupler on the front of the trailer. It's a few hundred bucks upgrade, but works awesome. I have it on my triaxle and absolutely love it. For a smaller boat, it's not a necessity, but rather a really nice to have. No more clunking when coming to a stop or pulling out.. Good luck!

There are so many choices out there and they add new models frequently. They range from a couple hundred bucks to thousands of dollars. It really comes down to your needs. The more distance you are going to be traveling the more options you will want from a unit. For a person who stays around the same area all the time, just a basic lower end unit will be fine. If your going to cover 100's of miles then you want to step up to something more sophisticated. Raymarine, Garmin, Lowrance, they're all good quality components.

Check the gaffrig website. I was researching the same issue with Morse controls and I was able to download the literature from the website.

Did you check boatersworld.com? Believe I saw that type of mount recently when I was browsing their catalog.

Be sure you get enough power out of the inverter. I went by the guide on the inverter and it said 700w was plenty for my blender. For the most part it works fine, but when loaded with ice it has a tendancy to trip out... Next time, I'll go with the next size up from what they suggest. Also, keep the electrical lines short as possible and heavier the gauge wire the better.

A really nice touch to vinyl seating, either because you don't like the feel of it, it's slippery or you want to protect it is to have some terry cloth covers made for them. If you know a good sewing shop, it's pretty cheap and easy. I originally got the idea from a sport boat manufacturer who had these covers from factory and their logo on them. Gave it a classy touch! Anyway, terry cloth is a great feeling material and they sew on a heavy elastic so they are form fit. And the material comes in many colors.....

For a person that doesn't care about top end and just wants to sunday drive, it would be fine. Propping it down to offbalance the lack of power would help that motor with loads but top end is sacrificed. Since your asking these questions right up front, you have interest in torque and comfortable feel of a motor moving that much weight. I agree.... Go with the big block and you will be happier, plus resale won't be an issue..... It's a great layout for a 26' boat!!! I was very impressed with what Monterey did to that boat.

Typically on the drive shaft from engine to outdrive, you have 3 grease points. Gimble bearing, universal joints and coupler. Gimble is greased from outside stern of boat, universals require drive to be pulled and the coupler grease fittings are found behind the engine near the transom where the drive shaft meets the engine. Some have 1 grease fitting and some have two grease fittings. The coupler grease fittings can be the hardest to find sometimes depending on a boats access to the engine compartment. Alll are very important to grease, specially the coupler because if it goes, your pulling the motor. Universals and gimbles can be repaired by removing the outdrive. Hope that helps!

Will Monterey be at the 2008 Atlantic City Boat Show? And will the new designed 290CR there? 330CR?

Not sure where you are planning on trailering or how far. Check out loadrite. I just put a triaxle under a 31' boat and the trailer came standard with electric over hydraulic brakes! AWESOME!!!! With anything of great weight, I totally recommend it. I won't tow without it again. Good Luck!