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Messages - Kyle Ewing

#1
@Andy, she's never been on the boat. I'm guessing up the stairs will be easy and going down tricky...

I did a lot of projects during Covid and, after 20 years, have Donnybrook more or less where I want her.  There always more I could do, but don't make sense right now.
#2
Biggest plan for me is to acclimate our new dog to Donnybrook.  She's a mini-goldendoodle who should be 20-25 pounds when full grown.  She'll be 9 months old at the start of sailing season.

I have no significant projects (knock on wood) other than a deep clean, decluttering and extra wax.


#3
Raymond,

I'm very happy with my Evolution wheel pilot, i70s wind/speed/depth combo and Garmin 73sv Echomap chartplotter.  I also have an EmTrak B953 AIS.  My setup is similar to Dave's.  You can see pics at https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11425.msg92088.html#msg92088.  It lets me see the instruments from anywhere in the cockpit.

I use a Yacht Devices Wifi gateway (https://www.yachtd.com/products/wifi_gateway.html) to get data to devices including a dedicated device at nav table (Raspberry pi based with 10" display) and phone.  I haven't figured out how to get the EV100 to take waypoints from a laptop, but it takes waypoints from the Garmin.

If thinking about wireless vs. wired wind instrument to simplify installation, rigger was able to install my wind instrument with the mast up.  It took him and helper less than an hour. 

Now's the time to be planning as you can shop over the winter.  You can get i70s system pack (check BOE Marine) and EV100 Evolution Wheelpilot (Defender) today for around $2500 and you might save $200-$300 if you catch the right sales.



#4
Main Message Board / Re: Location for AIS GPS antenna
September 26, 2023, 08:47:48 PM
Here's an article that describes ais antenna placement including reference to material gps radio signals pass through (glass and fiberglass) and why you want the antenna lower: https://www.milltechmarine.com/GPS-Antenna-Installation-Tips_b_45.html

#5
Main Message Board / Re: Location for AIS GPS antenna
September 24, 2023, 04:19:41 PM
I second Kelson's suggestion as that is where mine is. Unit (Em-trak) is mounted above switch panel so I could see indicator lights worked without external antenna but took awhile to get gps lock. External antenna is more sensitive because I get lock almost immediately with it on the shelf next to the unit.
#6
Main Message Board / Re: Raising the boom
September 22, 2023, 12:42:16 PM
Sailmaker may be able to modify the mainsail so the boom rests higher.
#7
I run mine before starting out of habit from my time on gas powered runabouts, but also to remove any propane that may have settled (unlikely).  I also run the blower while motoring a long time as the aft cabin heats up after several hours.
#8
Dan,

In Lake Michigan I've gone two seasons without repainting with no ill effects.  Will you be returning to Michigan after your trip and how long and where will you be in salt water? 

VC-17 isn't compatible with any other paints (see https://www.interlux.com/en/ca/support/boat-painting-tips/is-my-new-antifouling-compatible) so I'd select  paint based on where the boat will spend most of its time.

Kyle
#9
Donnybrook (#1010) is also a sugar scoop.

#10
pby--I'll add video of mine running soon for additional reference.  Here's a video of the first start of the season to show ease of starting of a 30+ year engine.  https://youtu.be/eWyPu0EdxJA

#11
If removing for shooting, you might consider replacing with led. Some fixtures also have USB charging which I find convenient.  I went with these:  https://a.co/d/h6H4U0v
#12
Jim--I second your rant on red VC-17 bottom paint.  I've occasionally skipped a year with no noticeable decrease in performance and will again this year.  Hopefully red will return next year. 
#13
Main Message Board / Re: Is this too much vibration?
April 12, 2023, 12:45:01 AM
I did it while tied up at the dock, perhaps 2000 rpms.  As it got smoother I relied more on feel than sight.  Please be extra careful when the prop is spinning.
#14
Main Message Board / Re: Is this too much vibration?
April 08, 2023, 05:37:29 AM
This article (https://www.yachtsurvey.com/Alignment2.htm) helped me a lot when I was aligning my engine.  The key statement to me is:

The truth is that it is virtually impossible to correctly align engine and shaft with the methods that are commonly used. Because of the rubber mounts, the engine will not be in the same position when running as it is when stopped, when the alignment is made. Propeller thrust and engine torque will cause the engine to change position.


I was able to align my engine so it's as smooth in gear as out.  My approach was to align the coupler as close as possible then run in gear and observe.  I then made minor (half to a full turn at a time) motor mount level adjustments based on observation until it was smooth.  If an adjustment made it worse I reversed it and tried another.  Last time it took over a dozen trips up and down the steps.

It looks to me from the video based on watching the transmission cable that the engine is vibrating mostly left to right with the port side being slightly higher.  Assuming the coupler is aligned, I'd adjust the up/down position of the motor mounts until it's smooth.



#15
I don't believe you need special equipment for class B sotdma to be picked up by a satellite, however you have to enable "long range broadcast" in the settings menu.  Marine Traffic will show a ship with "position received by satellite" but no identifying information unless you pay.

This is based on experience.  After enabling the setting on my Emtrak I noticed an unidentified boat (position received by satellite) at a location where ground based received don't pick me up but I had cell coverage. I was the only vessel within sight and speed matched my speed.