Well I finally got my fish finder hooked up. I used a “in hull” transducer that shoots through the hull with out having to put another hole in the boat. I’ll probably put a normal transducer in the next time I hall out so I can get water temp and speed info. But for now I’m happy to have a depth sounder. I decided to go with a fish finder because I can see bottom density and determine the best way to anchor. I’ve also put shelves in my pantry and closet in the shop. Ship is getting done!!!
I need to move my fluxgate compass for the autopilot. I was never able to get a compass deviation and therefore I still have not calibrated, or used my autopilot. I’m also running NMEA info from the fish finder and GPS to the autopilot computer. Work, Work, Work, when to I get to leave!!!!!
I’m thinking of going to Caya Costa (spelling) in a week to work/relax with the gang (Sam, Guin, and Darrin).
Peace, Love, and Fish Finders
– Alex
Published in Alex Dorsey
Sounds like fun. Alex! I’ve been using an el cheapo fish finder on my boat, shooting through the hull, and it’s been working just fine.
All work and no play yada yada yada……….. I am also working on my boat. It took apounding during hurricane Ike but I’m almost done all the repairs. Just a few cosmetic things to iron out. This week I built a new water tank because I have now had 2 of the Vetus flexibles split at a seam. Nothing like loosing all your fresh water to make you paranoid. Keep up the good work. We that can’t get away yet need it…………….m
Next to the off engine fuel filter is a plug that was for the speed log paddle insertion. I had disconnected the speed log from the helm as I planned to wire the GPS there, and never used the speed log as I felt the GPS was more true to real movement. And, I hated the feel of switching the plug to the paddle and having the ocean come in! Anyway, you have a “hole” if you need one.
So glad to hear you’re going to Cayo Costa. It’s a great shelling beach and you always find lots of sand dollars and other critters. Guin will have the boat filled with smelly things in no time at all. It’s fun to just walk around the beach to the gulf side of the island. Be very careful not to get in the water along the harbor entrance though as there can be a very strong undercurrent, and it’s a dangerous place for swimmers. I was there once when while pelicans were migrating through, and it was quite a sight.
On the inland side of the island, in very shallow water, I’ve found pieces of old medicine bottles, pottery bits, lumps of coal, and other things that probably came from old ships. On the beach you’ll often find worn down bricks from the many ships that went down while carrying bricks to build Fort Jefferson at the Tortugas. You may also find nice pieces of driftwood, and there are lovely driftwood trees that are photo ops.
Tammy
Thanks Tammy (Former owner of Splendid).
Do you know anything about the diesel generator. I think I can get it going. It needs a new fuel pump, and water pump. Was it quieter that the motor? Do you remember how much fuel it consumed, and the size of the generator in KW???
Good news, today Darrin totally encapsulated the cabin roof. NO MORE LEEKS!!! We still have to fair it all and finish encapsulating the toe rail. I’m going to restore all the teak in the cockpit. She will be SOOOOOOOO sweet!
Hey alex congrats fella on getting the boat sealed! Any chance of a quick video tour to see how splendid has changed since the first video you did?
I’ll get an update video shortly.
what do you do when its snowing in new england? pop in the finding freedom dvd and think of spring.
The generator is 2KW. There’s some information about it on that last survey, but it doesn’t include the hour meter that I had added. I do know that if anything goes wrong, it shuts itself off and will restart when the error is fixed. The person who added the hour meter had the same model, and said it’s wonderful because it’s safe to leave the boat with it running. It does share water intake with the engine, so I was afraid to run both at one time, and only did either/or, and basically never needed to run both. I don’t remember the difference in sound. With the alternator feeding batteries when I ran the engine for the cold plates, I rarely used the generator.
What is wonderful about the generator though, is that it will heat water in just a few minutes. I used to setup the bread machine, crank up the generator, run it until the bread was mixed and shut it off. By then I had hot water for a shower even in the coldest weather, and I’d finish the bread by hand and bake it in the oven – and YOU probably thought I was crazy to have a bread machine onboard! I’d make these little garlic roll buttons and serve them with pasta and a sauce out of a jar, and people thought they were in heaven.
There might be a folder about the generator in that plastic box of files Ken (owner #2) set up. Under generator or engine is a water intake schematic. He had that file with equipment information, and then wrote up great “how to” things for me so I wouldn’t screw up his boat. My favorite was for the kerosene stove with step one, “remove the cover from the chimney.”
Tammy
Tammy, thanks for the info. I found the file. The water heater collapsed and needs to be replaced. I think it just sat too long with water in it. I’m going to replace it with a propane (on demand) heater. I worked on the engine for a few hours today and learned a lot. The thermostat is toast along with the fuel pump, filter, and much of the wring. The good news is I think the motor will be fine. It has good compression. I just need to buy a bunch of parts. I learned that it is a Kubota EA 200. Thanks for all the help. I’ll get the old girl on the sea shortly.
I still expect you to come for a visit when I have her all together.
Cheers love.
– Alex