Messages

Mine are stored adjacent to the steps, port side.  Quick, EZ access....and out of the way

Like Jim, my delay in responding was not remembering the settings and limited access to the boat over the winter.  I am extremely pleased with the EV-100 performance.  Winds are erratic in northern Michigan, so most of the time when the autopilot is used it's via compass heading.  On the rare occasion that the wind is fairly consistent, the track wind angle feature works well.  The unit is set to "sail," and I do have a rudder position sensor.  The EV-100 holds well in most all wind and sea conditions....unlike the 4000+ unit it replaced.  I have not found any turn limitations in several seasons with the unit - a 1/8 turn limit seems tight.  I agree that weather helm can be an issue, but I am one of those that enjoy "tweaking"  sails so it has not been a big concern.  During times that I am a little lazy, you can feel the unit start to struggle which gives you motivation to make some changes.  I will post settings when the Spring launch occurs....only 3 short months away!

Yes, depth also connected. No issues. Any challenges/concerns with the firmware update?

MarcZ, transducer is connected via Raymarine iTC-5 converter to the SeaTalk backbone/instruments. 

John, I suspected a connection issue and found none in the NavPod.  Did not venture down the binnacle tube - I will take a look next time at the boat.  Thanks for the suggestion - hope it's as easily resolved as it was on your end.

Upgraded to Raymarine i50 speed/depth, i60 wind and p70 autopilot a few years ago.  For the past two summers, over a period of several weeks, boat speed is not recognized (shows zero) which obviously impacts calculation/display of true wind.  Happens mid-season with no warning.  After several weeks, speed will be back and all instruments working normally.  Pulled transducer, no obstruction.  A nuisance more than anything else, but I'd like to find the reason/a solution.

Jim is spot on. Local, if at all possible. I replaced sails 2 years ago....best "investment" I have made. Quantum was my choice, due to a local loft and local staff.  Several minor adjustments were needed, not sure how this would be handled from a distance. Yes, we have specs....but they are still individually made. 

Located in Northport. Would enjoy a Michigan C-34 mini-rendezvous!

Stu's advice is spot on - distance to loft is key.  Replaced original sails with Quantum this season.  Quantum has a local facility.  Surprised by the number of decisions that are needed...but the research and discussions with the loft were an enjoyable part of the journey.  Sail making is not an exact science - count on adjustments being needed.  The local rep even sailed with us to resolve an issue with a "flutter" that developed along the luff in certain conditions.

New sails made a significant difference.  Wish I had replaced the "engine" sooner!

To head off any confusion, Tom (who started this thread) is the PO.  He thought it was time to stop sailing, and I purchased the boat.  Tom joined me on the initial spring "assembly" and shake-down sail, and we found a lot in common - including wives that only tolerate sailing.  So, Tom has the best of both worlds...sold the boat, and continues to sail her!  Splitting dock fees, and other expenses, makes it a win-win both ways.

Now to the issue.  Thermostat replaced.  An easy job, even the bleeding.  But, the replacement thermostat has a higher operating temperature (180) than the thermostat removed (160).  Purchased a 160-degree thermostat from CD, and was ready to swap it out, until I did a fair amount of reading on diesel engines.  I recognize we are dealing with a marine diesel.  However, the Operator's Manual for the Universal M-35B that came with the boat (1st Edition, dated January 2000) specs an operating temperature range of 170-190.  Rev 2 of the Operator's Manual (dated February 2010), which is posted on our site, lists the operating temperature range at 150-170.

Sailnet had a good thread on normal operating temperatures, with the consensus being 180 as a better temperature for complete combustion resulting in improved engine performance.  Feed to the heat exchanger is fresh water (Lake Michigan), so no concerns on salt deposits at higher temperatures as some may see with a sea water feed.

Reading is helpful, but nothing beats experience.  Leave the 180, or replace with the 160?

Stu is correct...a below deck makes a lot of difference.  I installed an EV-200 below deck autopilot last summer, replacing an older wheel unit.  Performance is outstanding - but heed Noah's comment on cost and labor!

I use the app iNavX. Charts are NOAA raster for US.  Outside US, I use NV charts. Lots of discussion on pros/cons of iPad vs. chart plotter. I am a strong advocate for the iPad due to ease of use and portability....for planning, and use on other boats. However, my chart plotter remains available just in case!

Mark, I installed an EV-200 below deck autopilot last summer.  It replaced an older wheel autopilot. I am extremely pleased with the upgrade.  Drop me an email if you would like to discuss in greater detail.

Mike, one other option to consider.  I opted to use my iPad with the iNavX app.  Link to my iPad is with a Bad Elf Bluetooth GPS.  GPS was around $200, iNavX is around $50.  Charts are an additional cost, but very reasonable...generally in the $50 range, which would cover an entire area like the Great Lakes, Virgin Islands, etc..  Charts are NOAA marine raster and typically "tiled," which provides seamless coverage over the region along with the added benefit of looking the same as your paper charts. Significantly easier to use than most chart plotters, with excellent graphics and navigation tools.  Portability is the biggest advantage - I can take my iPad and GPS with me on other boats or charters.  Also a time saver when on another boat...no learning curve typically associated with an unfamiliar chart plotter!  Glad to provide additional insight on the mount and other accessories I use if interested, just drop me an email. All-in, I'm under $500 (iPad cost not considered!).

OK, it's time to get out of the shadows and participate in the forum!  For the past 17-months of C34 ownership I have been "behind the scenes" reading, and learning, from this forum.  Thanks to everyone who contributes - the discussions and expertise are second to no other site.  Like many others have expressed, the "community" of C34 owners was the tipping point for my decision to purchase. 

A below-deck autopilot is my 2015 project.  Partly because the PO was meticulous in his attention to detail and upkeep (thanks, Tom!) and partly because a more robust autopilot will be a benefit for solo sailing - which includes time on the water with my better half, who is "challenged" to maintain a heading even if it's into the wind 

Steve, you are correct...many "horror stories" exist.  I called Gerry Douglas at Catalina, and Gerry explained the C34 was not designed with a below-deck autopilot in mind.  The C36 is evidently the first for this consideration.  The C36/375 site has useful information from the owner of Windfall, which as it turns out is based in the same marina I use (it really is a small world).  We have exchanged emails and phone conversations, which helped convince me to move forward with the installation.

Noah, I will email you for additional information on your successful installation.  The pics were extremely helpful; hopefully, you have more that I can share with my installer - along with your "lessons learned."  I will document my journey and post as appropriate.