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Hi, we are doing a significant refit due to some salt water intrusion, and as part of that we'll be replacing all the wear items on the original steering system and it got me thinking... should I upgrade to a below deck autopilot?

My ST60/EV100 drive is awful.. if there is any swell or chop it is completely worthless, either under sail or motoring. The control and compass I assume are original and the wheel drive is a newer replacement (2022). The screen on the control head is almost unreadable and I actually have no idea where the compass is.

I was similarly disappointed with an all new EV100 system I put on my previous boat, a Hunter 30T.

Is "only works on calm seas and under perfect conditions" just par for the course for wheel drive autopilots? Or have I just had poor experiences?

I am willing to go through the effort to install a below deck if that's the only way to get a reasonably functional autopilot, but if the problem is simply poorly installed or old wheel systems, I'd rather just install an all new EV100.

We live and sail in the upper keys and mostly use the autopilot to steer while raising or dousing sails and to go forward for dolphin watching, etc. Inside the reef, surf conditions are often 2-3ft seas, often confused and a short period.

I'd appreciate hearing your experiences with your wheel autopilot.

Thanks!

Hello all, thanks to a split raw water hose and an open seacock, our C34MKii needs some serious love. We are insured with Geico/Boat US and we have submitted a bunch of pics but haven't heard anything back other than they have received the claim and that sails, engine, fabric and running gear will be depreciated 80% unless we can prove it's not original. She's a 2000 hull #1483, and we don't know for sure how long she was partially submerged, but we know it was at least a few days.

Here is what I'm thinking about - how much can I ask them to include in the claim? The engine wasn't completely submerged but water got about halfway up. In the photos below you can see that the engine has salt buildup all over, I am thinking it need to come out to be properly cleaned. Same with motor mounts, etc. I also feel that anything electrical or that moves (seacocks, etc) should be replaced. The cabin cushions were floating and smell bad already, those should be replaced. All submerged pumps (macerator, fresh water, shower drain, etc) should be replaced. Water heater, inverter and house bank are toast.

But what about belts and hoses? Wiring that was sumberged? Motor mounts? Should they refinish all the doors and hatches?

We welcome feedback from someone who had been through something similar.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/Df1gkzVhonQxDH537

Hi everyone, anyone pull their ladder mounts off? Is there a backing plate molded in with threads or is there nuts under there?

Thanks

Mark

Hi all, I have a 2000 M35B and what I assume the be the original alternator is only putting out 12.6V so it's time for an upgrade.

My electrical system is a dedicated and isolated AGM start battery in the closet aft of the chart table that is charged by the alternator (and an aux 110V smart charger on shore power), a 30A Victron DC/DC that when the start batt is full feeds the bus that's connected to my 300AH of LifPo house bank. I also have 150 W of solar that feeds the house bus and a Renogy 2000W inverter/charger that manages shore power and connects to the house bus.

I decided to go with the L/N 110-603 90a alternator even though my peak load is only about 45A (30A for the DC/DC and 15A for house loads if fridge is running and tablets charging, etc), so I have some headroom on the alternator. I'll stay with the internal regulator for now. I am happy for feedback on this plan.

I have done a BUNCH of reading on the site but still have a few questions:
1) Will I need to replace my pulley?
2) What's the best way to get around the water hose? And will I need to bleed the cooling system after?
3) What's the best way to test for belt alignment?
4) If I do need to adjust alignment, is there a better way to do it that just washers as shims?

It seems I have a lot of belt dust on the engine, and the belt looks a little crooked to me (pics below).

Thanks!!

Mark

Hi all, we are looking for a label maker to use in and on the boat and on the dock. Anyone have one they really like?