Search found 149 matches

by Hoosier
Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:03 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: LED Lightbulbs for Navigation Lighting
Replies: 33
Views: 21130

Compliant SOS lights

This is "kinda" on subject since it has to do with LED lights at sea. I now have three LED lights, one built in my handheld DSC VHF radio, that flash SOS. The USCG has said that a "compliant" SOS light is an acceptable substitute for flares as a required distress signal. I also h...
by Hoosier
Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:50 am
Forum: TRIPS and RENDEZVOUS
Topic: NYC to Quebec via Hudson River
Replies: 14
Views: 27753

Re: NYC to Quebec via Hudson River

If you've never been to Canada by private boat spend some time here:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html
by Hoosier
Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:37 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Cleaning Non-skid: Preferred Products and Brushes
Replies: 8
Views: 6972

Re: Cleaning Non-skid: Preferred Products and Brushes

I have found that "Works Tub and Tile Cleaner" is very effective. I found an almost identical product under the Zep brand. Both products come in spray bottles and are effective on grunge, rust, and tannin stains. They are non-abrasive and simple to use: spray, scrub, rinse. I think they wo...
by Hoosier
Sat Jan 16, 2016 10:16 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Overpowering and Insurance
Replies: 18
Views: 11902

Re: Overpowering and Insurance

OK, ya got me on that one... Lets hope all the law enforcement officers know this.
by Hoosier
Fri Jan 15, 2016 6:07 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Overpowering and Insurance
Replies: 18
Views: 11902

Re: Overpowering and Insurance

This whole thread is about how your insurance company will view going over the rating on the capacity plate. The USCG goes by the capacity plate, go over it and you could get a citation and be told to get off the water.
by Hoosier
Mon Dec 28, 2015 2:18 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Simrad DRIVEPILOT Auto-pilot
Replies: 5
Views: 5791

Re: Simrad DRIVEPILOT Auto-pilot

Buried in the product description on the Simrad website is this: "steering systems on inboard and single or double outboard vessels under 10 m (35 ft).". The Lowrance version can only handle single outboards. http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en-US/Products/Autopilots/DrivePilot-Hydraulic-Ste...
by Hoosier
Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:49 am
Forum: EVINRUDE I-COMMAND, ICON Pro, ICON Touch
Topic: Lowrance EP-85 Firmware Update
Replies: 23
Views: 35853

Re: Lowrance EP-85 Firmware Update

Can I put two device update files on the same SD card? I have to do both the Link-8 radio and this one for the EP-85R.
by Hoosier
Mon Dec 21, 2015 10:15 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Brunswick Investor Presentation
Replies: 16
Views: 13962

Re: Brunswick Investor Presentation

I think we're all missing that Whaler has not abandoned the smaller boat market. I just went on the Whaler website to make sure I kinda knew what I was talking about and they have boat families in the "smaller boat" end of the market: Super Sport, Montauk, Outrage,and Vantage. Actually the...
by Hoosier
Mon Dec 21, 2015 8:02 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Brunswick Investor Presentation
Replies: 16
Views: 13962

Re: Brunswick Investor Presentation

It is interesting to note how Brunswick classifies Whaler in their family of boat brands: Saltwater Fishing. They do not classify Whaler as a General Recreation boat.

[Compare at: https://www.brunswick.com/brands/marine-boats/print.php]
by Hoosier
Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:23 am
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Steering Wheel Removal
Replies: 16
Views: 18414

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

The wheel is held in place on the tapered shaft by a Woodruff key, the wheel itself isn't threaded. When I had to remove my wheel to change out my steering system I used the "smack and pull" technique: loosen the shaft nut far enough that all the shaft threads are covered, hold the wheel w...
by Hoosier
Sun Dec 13, 2015 11:39 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Simrad GO7 XSE
Replies: 21
Views: 27029

Re: Simrad GO7 XSE

Looks like the original version of the GO7 has been replaced. I looked on eBay and you can get [a GO7] with the 83/20/455/800 kHz transducer for $649.
by Hoosier
Sun Dec 13, 2015 11:24 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Simrad GO7 XSE
Replies: 21
Views: 27029

Re: Simrad GO7 XSE

The fact that the GO7 XSE is chart-source agnostic is nice. Now they need to add the capability to load NOAA vector or raster charts directly. All commercial charts are out of date as soon as the chips are produced, though some can be updated through a subscription service with the vendor. NOAA char...
by Hoosier
Thu Dec 10, 2015 9:52 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: LED Lightbulbs for Navigation Lighting
Replies: 33
Views: 21130

Re: LED Lightbulbs for Navigation Lighting

I guess I need some more coffee. I am using LEDs in my navigation lights and the ones I got, automotive direct replacement numbers for my old incandescent ones, are designed for a 12 VDC electrical system in an automotive application. Automotive circuits have the same instabilities as is found in bo...
by Hoosier
Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:44 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance HOOK Series
Replies: 21
Views: 18430

Re: Lowrance HOOK Series

The HOOK-7 is the same price as the Elite-7 but the Elite-7 has NMEA-2000 capability and the software to read and display AIS. The two units appear to be in identical cases, so my guess is the Elite series is going to get a refresh to bring it up to the level of Simrad's GO7. The Elite 7 and Simrad ...
by Hoosier
Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:22 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Define Classic Whaler
Replies: 12
Views: 11741

Re: Define Classic Whaler

So, based on Jeff's research and his definition of a "Classic Whaler", my 1978 Outrage V20 would be a Classic Historical Watercraft, right? I'll have to get the new HW number when I renew my Michigan registration.
by Hoosier
Sat Dec 05, 2015 8:30 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: [silly expression deleted] Weather Web Page
Replies: 6
Views: 8184

Re: [silly expression deleted] Weather Web Page

As far as I know there are no commercial weather services that gathering their own data; they all reprocess NWS products. Local offices have Facebook pages that are used to fill-in between scheduled products. They usually respond to user comments.
by Hoosier
Fri Nov 27, 2015 9:34 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance Gen 3
Replies: 6
Views: 7475

Re: Lowrance Gen 3

My smart-boat, a 23 Walkaround, has twin Yamaha F150 engines. They have MNEA-2000 but you need an interface cable and module to make the engines play nice on NMEA-2000. [Deleted bad hyperlink.--jimh]

And, yes, it'll work with the GO7 since they are both owned by NAVICO. .
by Hoosier
Fri Nov 27, 2015 9:26 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Restarting Engine After Running Fuel Tank Dry
Replies: 11
Views: 19560

Re:Restarting Engine After Running Fuel Tank Dry

Go to Walmart and get a "Jump and Go" LiIon jump starter for $60. I used one to start my V8 Suburban, four times, and it did it. Now I have one in each car and one for the boats. The last thing you want is to kill your battery trying to re-prime your fuel system.
by Hoosier
Wed Nov 25, 2015 7:13 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance Gen 3
Replies: 6
Views: 7475

Re: Lowrance Gen 3

For more info about the GO 7 look at this thread from "The Old Forum":

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/003770.html

I just checked Amazon and you can get one, with the 83/200, 455/800 HDI transducer, for $661.
by Hoosier
Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:45 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance Gen 3
Replies: 6
Views: 7475

Re: Lowrance Gen 3

For the use you described the Gen 3 is excessive from the cost standpoint and all the included "features" you'll never use. I got a Lowrance Elite-7 CHIRP for my Outrage V20 which has a pre-NMEA 2000 engine. If I was going to get a new one I'd get the SIMRAD GO-7, it has almost all the fea...
by Hoosier
Wed Nov 25, 2015 8:12 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance LSS-2 Transducer Installation and Use
Replies: 39
Views: 32297

Re: Lowrance LSS-2 Transducer installation and use

I had to go ask Lowrance about the LSS-2 since it wasn't included in their Transducer Selection tool; they don't consider it a transducer but an "imager". Anyway here's what I got from them: DSI and LSS beam angles and info What is the cone angle? LSS1 @ -10dB: 455: 70° x 6° 800: 50° x 3.2...
by Hoosier
Mon Nov 23, 2015 9:19 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance LSS-2 Transducer Installation and Use
Replies: 39
Views: 32297

Re: Lowrance LSS-2 Transducer Installation and Use

I went to the Lowrance "Transducer Selection Guide" and found that the DSI Skimmer beamwidth is 12 degrees at 800 kHz, and 6.4 degrees at 455 kHz. At those beam angles it won't "see" your lower unit. DSI Skimmer, Transom / Trolling Motor (with adapter), 800kHz, 455kHz Mounting: T...
by Hoosier
Mon Nov 23, 2015 9:00 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1993 OUTRAGE 21
Replies: 12
Views: 14998

Re: 1993 OUTRAGE 21

I had a 1993 21 Walkaround with a Suzuki DF175 on it. That's the same hull but with the added weight of the cabin cap. I could run all day at 35-MPH and get over 3-MPG. Since this Outrage is lighter, the performance with the 150 should be acceptable. That's matter of taste. I've been accused of unde...
by Hoosier
Fri Nov 20, 2015 8:37 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance Announces New NMEA-2000 Sensors
Replies: 5
Views: 12507

Re: Lowrance Announces New NMEA-2000 Sensors

The detail page on the Fuel Data Manager [used to have] this statement: "Can only be configured by compatible Lowrance or Simrad displays and gauges" There [was] no link to a list of compatible devices. [Update, September 2018: As is typical with Lowrance, the design, layout, and organizat...
by Hoosier
Mon Nov 16, 2015 9:13 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: 1989 Montauk 17: Water In Hull
Replies: 5
Views: 7591

Re: 1989 Montauk 17: Water In Hull

There are a whole bunch of people on this site that know a lot more than I do, but I had a1986 Montauk and I didn't worry about its weight. Your calculations say that she's 141-lbs heavy. At 7-lbs/gallon that's the equivalent of 20 gallons of gas, plus you don't have an engine, so when you do get on...
by Hoosier
Thu Nov 12, 2015 9:11 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 170 MONTAUK: First Time on a Mooring; Drain Plug
Replies: 16
Views: 15760

Re: 170 MONTAUK: First Time on a Mooring; Drain Plug

Don't forget the drain tube.
by Hoosier
Mon Nov 09, 2015 11:26 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Keeping Critters Out of Boats
Replies: 7
Views: 8764

Re: Irish Spring Soap Stains

This is interesting. I use mothballs when I put my boats away in my barn in the UP. Something that smells better is welcome. I wonder if only Irish Spring works or whether any deodorant or antiseptic soap would work. You ought to rename this thread to "Keeping Critters Out of Boats."
by Hoosier
Sun Nov 08, 2015 2:23 pm
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: GARMIN new echoMAP CHIRP Products
Replies: 5
Views: 7842

Re: GARMIN new echoMAP CHIRP Products

It looks like the best package for Great Lakes cruisers who also take their boats to the coast are the models with a 4-suffix since the include charts covers all US coastal waters and all of the Great Lake, both US and Canadian waters.
by Hoosier
Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:24 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show
Replies: 4
Views: 5976

Re: Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show

Please go to the Navico booth, if they have one, and tell us about any new stuff they have coming out. Navico has deeply discounted some of their products which hints that there's something new coming to replace them.
by Hoosier
Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:09 am
Forum: TRIPS and RENDEZVOUS
Topic: Watercraft Camping On Crown Land
Replies: 10
Views: 24401

Re: Watercraft Camping On Crown Land

I'll add one caveat to the answer about overnighting in provincial park waters, you don't need a permit as long as you don't go ashore. If you go ashore you are on Crown Land and need a regular permit.
by Hoosier
Wed Nov 04, 2015 4:36 pm
Forum: TRIPS and RENDEZVOUS
Topic: Watercraft Camping On Crown Land
Replies: 10
Views: 24401

Re: Watercraft Camping On Crown Land

Yes, been there done that under a Mills canvas. Right to navigation deals with free passage from one port to another where you have to stop overnight during your passage. NOTE: once you enter Canadian waters, even if you are not going to dock or anchor you have to call the Canadian Border Security A...
by Hoosier
Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:17 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: Lowrance Elite 4: Glare on Screen
Replies: 7
Views: 9234

Re: Lowrance Elite 4: Glare on Screen

Just a wild idea but would a computer monitor privacy screen help? They change the visibility angle to just about straight on and would reduce glare coming in from the sides.
by Hoosier
Sat Oct 31, 2015 8:53 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Whaler Drive v. Notched Transom
Replies: 11
Views: 11275

Re: Whaler Drive v. Notched Transom

This is an interesting question. The only times that I know about when the same hull was run side by side with and without the Whaler Drive, are when Manic Moment, my 1992 23 Walkaround with a notched transom, and Holly Marie, a 23 Walkaround with Whaler Drive, were together on two summer cruises. W...
by Hoosier
Fri Oct 30, 2015 10:23 am
Forum: The GAM
Topic: 170 MONTAUK: First Time on a Mooring; Drain Plug
Replies: 16
Views: 15760

Re: 170 MONTAUK: First Time on a Mooring; Drain Plug

You may be able to leave the drain plug out. On my 1986 Montauk I could do that and got almost no water above the sump. I'd just go try it and see how much comes in and go from there. If it's too much to make leaving the plug out an option, look at a solar charger for your battery so the bilge pump ...
by Hoosier
Fri Oct 30, 2015 8:48 am
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: 1988 OUTRAGE 18, Yamaha F115B
Replies: 13
Views: 13469

Re: 1988 OUTRAGE 18, Yamaha F115B

GPS speed measurements increase in accuracy as speed increases because there is more distance covered between fixes and the jitter in the calculated position is less apparent. Also 0.5-MPH error is less, percentage wise, at 30-MPH than it is at 4-MPH trolling speed.
by Hoosier
Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:58 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Burt Lake Speed Test
Replies: 11
Views: 11903

Re: Burt Lake Speed Test

To add to Don's comment about running with Manic Moment, my 1992 23 Walkaround, I self limited a little over 43 mph. The boat is a non Whaler Drive model (aka "notched transom") with twin 2010 Yamaha F150 four stroke engines.
by Hoosier
Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:51 pm
Forum: REPAIRS and MODIFICATIONS
Topic: Power Saw
Replies: 37
Views: 30571

Re: Power Saw

Go check Menard's house brand for the saw, I think you can find one that you won't be able to wear out for much less than $500:

https://www.menards.com/main/p-1444426413777-c-9082.htm?tid=2146959532584099389
by Hoosier
Thu Oct 29, 2015 7:54 pm
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

The main point in the thread: can the current AIS receivers recognize the new synthetic AIS navigation aids? My Link-8 can receive AIS from ships, shore stations, and navigation aids equipped with transponders. This is a whole new category since the navigation aid is being synthesized by the base st...
by Hoosier
Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:31 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

I won't know till next Spring when I get the boat back in the water. It's stored in a metal barn so I can't try to get the Detour base station. The premise for this thread is that the AIS AtONs are restricted to the Great Lakes. I'd say "for now". This could be a pilot program for the even...
by Hoosier
Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:20 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

My Lowrance Link 8 radio shows AIS targets on its display screen. It shows all the usual AIS identifiers and does the CPA calculations internally, and has alarms that can be turned ON/OFF. In this case what des it send to the MFD other than the target icon and ID with location? It looks like the rad...
by Hoosier
Sun Oct 25, 2015 11:39 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

To clarify my previous post. It's looking like modern mid-range VHF radios are coming with a built-in AIS receiver, so you generally won't need to get a separate AIS receiver. The same is true, at least in the Lowrance line, with their mid to high range MFDs. My Elite-7 Chirp from last year has AIS ...
by Hoosier
Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:44 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

Jim, Doesn't the boat's VHF radio have to be capable of receiving the AIS signal before the MFD can display it. And doesn't the radio need a network connection to the MFD. My Lowrance Link 8 has a whole menu section for AIS but my Standard Horizon, a generation older, doesn't.
by Hoosier
Sun Oct 18, 2015 10:38 am
Forum: VHF MARINE RADIO
Topic: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes
Replies: 24
Views: 22932

Re: Synthetic Aids to Navigation in Great Lakes

This is dumb. How do you see a synthetic ATON? If you don't have an AIS receiver you're screwed. Lake Nicolet is particularly bad since it can go from 30-feet to 30-inches in a couple of boat lengths.
by Hoosier
Sun Oct 18, 2015 10:28 am
Forum: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL
Topic: SIMRAD and LOWRANCE Cut Prices
Replies: 1
Views: 3835

Re: SIMRAD and LOWRANCE Cut Prices

Yeah, I got an Elite 7 Chirp in June, 14. It's crappy to see the price cut by almost half so soon.
by Hoosier
Fri Oct 16, 2015 6:11 pm
Forum: The GAM
Topic: Thanks for the return of CW
Replies: 35
Views: 24877

Re: Great job, Jim

I LOVE the Spell Check since I can't type nor spell.

Is there a Log Off button somewhere?
by Hoosier
Fri Oct 16, 2015 5:48 pm
Forum: PERFORMANCE
Topic: Burt Lake Speed Test
Replies: 11
Views: 11903

Re: Burt Lake Speed Test

Pau Hana, my 1978 Outrage V20 with a 2003 Suzuki DF-115 engine, did its all-time-best, hitting 36-MPH. The throttle was pigged down as far as it could go, but not WOT, because it hit the front of my VHF radio. My propeller, which I've used for about the past 10 years, is a Piranha four-bade, 14-inch...