Search found 1862 matches

by RobertB
Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:08 pm
Forum: MacGregor/Venture Discussion
Topic: Charging batteries with shore power question
Replies: 43
Views: 15965

Re: Charging batteries with shore power question

My first year owning the :macm: , I tried using an automotive charger to maintain the batteries. Several batteries later (cost shared by both myself and WM) I realized I needed a proper marine battery charger. I now use a ProMariner charger that will maintain three different batteries (works best if...
by RobertB
Thu Jan 05, 2017 2:34 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install
Replies: 161
Views: 74055

Re: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install

While my system appears to be working, I could never get a definitive answer if the ETEC60 engine was providing power to the NMEA2000 backbone (I connect to the engine to add a "fuel gauge" capability to my system)
by RobertB
Mon Jan 02, 2017 12:52 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install
Replies: 161
Views: 74055

Re: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install

Grady, thanks, this is a useful lead.
by RobertB
Mon Jan 02, 2017 9:01 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install
Replies: 161
Views: 74055

Re: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install

I have the RM EV100 tiller AP and a Garmin chartplotter. While electrically they are compatible, I have never figured out how to get the EV100 to accept course correction inputs from the Garmin. I have - it works really good too. You put in a way-point in the Garmin and then select the option to go...
by RobertB
Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:56 am
Forum: Trailers & Towing
Topic: Trailer Jack wheel
Replies: 9
Views: 5400

Re: Trailer Jack wheel

The stock wheel jack on the 2012 trailer is totally non-serviceable. It took me less than 1/2 hour to cut off the stock setup with an angle grinder, paint the bare steel, and bolt on a new unit from WM. Works better than the stock one and hinges up out of the way when not needed.
by RobertB
Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:53 am
Forum: Trailers & Towing
Topic: Still have your factory trailer? Take a good look at it!
Replies: 71
Views: 48608

Re: Still have your factory trailer? Take a good look at it!

When rebuilding my brakes this last year (new inner coupling assembly, solenoid broke off) I found a massive amount of corrosion inside the 3 inch square tube. I did liberally apply Rustoleum paint to the inside of the tube to slow down the damage but I need to replace the tube (I used a furniture d...
by RobertB
Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:35 am
Forum: Trailers & Towing
Topic: The new tow tug
Replies: 43
Views: 19423

Re: The new tow tug

Yep USA is one of only a couple of countries that have not moved to the metric system. Metric makes sense because its all based around a liter of water. I was taught in both Metric and Imperial when I did my apprenticeship back in the 1970's so I consider myself to be bilingual :D I always found it...
by RobertB
Fri Dec 23, 2016 10:00 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install
Replies: 161
Views: 74055

Re: EV-100 Auto Pilot Install

I have the RM EV100 tiller AP and a Garmin chartplotter. While electrically they are compatible, I have never figured out how to get the EV100 to accept course correction inputs from the Garmin.
by RobertB
Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:30 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Wiring Advice
Replies: 30
Views: 11356

Re: Wiring Advice

You mentioned you motor about 10 minutes out and 10 back every week. I caution that this alone may not be enough to keep your batteries charged. Practical Sailor covered this a few years ago. If you do not fully charge your batteries, then they will gradually diminish in capacity. I posted wiring di...
by RobertB
Fri Nov 18, 2016 9:02 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Gelcoat repair in a can
Replies: 1
Views: 1979

Re: Gelcoat repair in a can

The video does not really show but sounds like a catalyzed product - these often work by pushing in a button on the bottom of the can to release the catalyst, shake, and apply. Single use only, unused product will set up in the can. Can be pricey for small repairs but may make application a bit easi...
by RobertB
Tue Nov 08, 2016 7:55 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Steering linkage
Replies: 9
Views: 4187

Re: Steering linkage

You have the stock linkage. Mine bent up like a pretzel - yours is on the way. The BWY assembly is essentially the same I tried to buy the parts for - but for some reason, the QD ends were out of stock when I went to buy the parts, my guess is the vendor supplying BWY bought them all. So I installed...
by RobertB
Tue Sep 13, 2016 6:35 am
Forum: MacGregor Powersailor Discussion
Topic: Quest for the perfect flag standard
Replies: 16
Views: 6750

Re: Quest for the perfect flag standard

I fly a few flags from the spreaders but this does add to the pain of rigging the boat. I also have a fishing pole holder on to of the :macm: mast support and it is very easy to insert a 3 0r 4 foot long dowel with a flag attached.
by RobertB
Mon Sep 12, 2016 12:10 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks
Replies: 120
Views: 49404

Re: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks

I approached this as an engineer discussing technical capabilities with the manufacturer. In my professional opinion I cannot find any justification to set this up with a longer lever arm than the Mac stock steering linkage provides. As I discussed with RayMarine, the 14 inch lever arm is just a one...
by RobertB
Mon Sep 12, 2016 9:30 am
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks
Replies: 120
Views: 49404

Re: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks

When the EV-100 system encounters a situation where it is not able to control the heading of the boat, it will stop trying and go offline. Extreme situation require operator control.
by RobertB
Sun Sep 11, 2016 8:26 pm
Forum: Repairs and Modifications
Topic: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks
Replies: 120
Views: 49404

Re: Installing a Ray Marine Tiller Pilot below decks

I just do not understand why the ev 100 tiller pilot does have the 14 inch mount restriction an a Mac26. Raymarine sell it for yachts up to 6 tons and 11 meter lengths. So this 3 time more than we have on the mac. Why not mount it shorter to the rudder arm and have full range for steering? I just c...