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Messages - Steve_in_lex

#16
Main Message Board / Battery charging setup
December 27, 2021, 04:35:56 PM
Please bear with me on this - I'm a rookie on the battery charging process.

I just returned from chartering a boat in the Caribbean, and in the briefing I was told that there was a battery dedicated to starting the engine and another "domestic" battery for everything else.  Okay, got it.

But then they said that the domestic battery only charges up when the engine is in neutral, buy it does not charge when the engine is in forward.  That's different from what I believe is the setup in my C-34, where both batteries charge when the engine is running, whether in neutral or forward (depending on the 1/2/Both switch).

What kind of setup would charge when the engine's in neutral, but not in forward?
#17
Main Message Board / Re: Marine electronics courses?
August 25, 2021, 09:34:26 AM
Thanks a lot Noah, these are great: they start at the very beginning.  I wasn't aware of Distant Shores videos.  What a goldmine!  They'll get me through the winter.
#18
Main Message Board / Re: Marine electronics courses?
August 24, 2021, 10:14:35 AM
Thanks folks.  I'll check all of these out.
#19
Main Message Board / Re: Marine electronics courses?
August 23, 2021, 05:33:26 PM
Stu,

I'm thinking the latter, electrical: power, batteries, switching, alternators, solar, etc.
#20
Main Message Board / Marine electronics courses?
August 23, 2021, 02:24:43 PM
Any suggestions for online or virtual courses in marine electronics?  Ideally, I'm looking for something more interactive than a book.  The last time I learned anything new about electricity was in high school, which was a very long time ago, and I figure it would be a good winter project.

Thanks,

Steve
#21
Main Message Board / Re: Dog on Boat
June 13, 2021, 05:47:14 PM
FWIW, we used to have a Lab that was pretty normal in most ways but for some reason was incredibly anxious in a car.  Her anxiety never changed.  Just a thing.
#22
Main Message Board / Re: MK I vs. MK II
May 20, 2021, 04:26:03 PM
I'm with scgunner: both great boats, and the differences are subtle.  For me, a MK II had two advantages: a walk-through transom for getting on from a dinghy, and its being newer.  My prior boat was a Hunter 33, circa 1975 and, while she sailed nicely (that was before Hunters got fat), major items like the engine were on their last legs so I pledged to get a boat that was significantly newer.  That was in 2015, when Brisa was "just" 10 years old.  It's held up well, though.
#23
Main Message Board / Re: In mast furling
April 19, 2021, 12:55:18 PM
My PO had IMF and, while I appreciate the performance issues, I sure like the ability to very quickly and easily furl and unfurl the main in a heavy sea.  I'd love to replace it with IBF, but that would entail a new mast, boom and sail.
#24
If I understand what you're looking for, Staples.com has all kind of options for velcro.  Some might lend themselves to adding a screw if necessary for strength.

https://www.staples.com/velcro/directory_velcro?deptFid=Department_3A_22Hook!and!Loop!Fasteners_22
#25
Main Message Board / Re: docking video
April 12, 2021, 03:41:17 PM
In all seriousness, I'd be interested in suggestions regarding prop wash.  I have a MK II with a 2-blade folding propeller, and it tends to pull in exactly the wrong direction when I back off the dock from a stop position: stern going to stbd., which points the bow to shallow water to port.  In an open setting, I can get enough speed going backward to be able to steer properly, but not from a standing start.
#26
Main Message Board / Re: Genaker
March 29, 2021, 07:48:15 AM
A few of safety suggestions re: flying, imho:

- Set and douse the sail while going close to downwind, so the main blocks the wind.
- Be careful if the true wind is over 10k, especially if it's building.  Things can get dicey pretty fast.
- A sock helps setting and dousing immeasurably.
- Avoid wing-and-wing unless its very light air.  The force from the sail is way up the mast, and the boat can dramatically yaw to windward without warning.

That said, the sails are beautiful and make a noticeable difference in speed on a broad reach.  In the right conditions, they're a joy.
#27
Thanks a lot, all.   I go with your suggestions and change the fluid first.
#28
Last summer I had to push the gearshift further forward to get it into forward gear, and it required more of a push.  I figured it was simply a matter requiring adjustment.
#29
Main Message Board / Transmission fluid "silvery look"
February 01, 2021, 08:01:57 AM
I just heard from the yard that the transmission fluid had a "silvery look."  They did an oil sample that showed that "the particle count was elevated" and they recommend removal and inspection/service of the transmission.   I have no reason to doubt the yard, where I've stored the boat for several years, but just wanted to check with the group to see if this makes sense, because it could be a pretty big job.  Thanks.
#30
Main Message Board / Re: Soda blasting and barrier paint
December 10, 2020, 06:05:05 AM
I had mine soda blasted when I bought her -- she had about 10 years' worth of bottom paint and the soda blast took it right off without any apparent damage to the hull surface.  Used an epoxy primer (Seahawk's Tuff Stuff), then ablative paint, and it all worked well.