Recent content by Sisuitl

I can see where Internet awareness could be a really neat feature but I want a good solid air gap between my nav computer and the Internet, especially if it's Windows based. A corrupted nav computer sucks. Two corrupted nav computers suck exponentially.

Wow. That unstable ARPA vector reminds me of a problem I had with a new-to-me boat fitted with an early 90s vintage Raymarine RADAR. Turned out the only heading sensor in the system didn't talk to anything but the autopilot. At least there was a solution to the problem. As you say, 25 years...

Anyone have experience with anti-corrosion mats?: http://www.amazon.com/11330-Anti-Rust-Corrosion-Capsule-Combo-Pack/dp/B00150M732 I'm in the process of testing some, but haven't had them in use long enough to know if they work or not.

From the engine? CO poisoning has been a serious problem in B.C. over the years on small commercial fish boats. I've never seen a case that wasn't associated with someone trying to keep warm in a closed cabin with a catalytic heater, faulty stove, or gas engine. OTOH I haven't done an...

You might want to pick up a copy of Kevin Monahan's "Local Knowledge": Local Knowledge: A Skipper's Reference : Tacoma To Ketchikan (Fine Edge Nautical Knowledge): Kevin Monahan: 9781932310115: Amazon.com: Books

Yep. Hot plastic or paint can off-gas fumes that trigger certain sensors. Also drying paint. It can be a pain. Wouldn't leave home without one though. I'm not overly concerned about the engine but there are other CO sources out there - any gas engine nearby, the galley stove, or heaters. Not...

I'm really curious too. On lab type equipment you use a canister of reference gas with a known concentration of CO, then adjust the readout until it matches the reference. I have never seen a boat CO detector with that capability. Usually they get torn out and replaced when the sensor reaches...

If you're talking about the La Crosse, Accu-Rite, and similar units they work really well on land, but last about a year on the water. The sensors just aren't built for marine exposure. Maybe longer if you're somewhere sunny and never go out in crappy weather. I'm a bit bitter I spent time and...

I think it was touched on above, but that wiring makes me nervous. Looks like solid copper Romex for house use, unsupported with no protective sheathing or strain relief. You can get away with well supported Romex in a boat. Hanging loose and draped over other things, not so much.

If you pick up another display on eBay and find a source for the right length of connecting cables with proprietary plugs yes, it can be done. I did it several years ago. Dome started failing about a year later. Installation was torn out and replaced with a new dome and two new Raymarine MFDs...

This isn't getting enough love. The store is Nanaimo Maps and Charts. As well as selling charts with up to date NotMar corrections :smitten:they sell a lot of esoteric marine books. The owner is the next best thing to a hydrographer if you're looking for something unusual. Nanaimo Maps &...

It's surprising how often "Failure to communicate" shows up in large commercial vessel incident reports. A simple call on VHF can sort out a lot of problems before they start. Unless of course the response to the hail is a torrent of racial abuse, as happened in one tanker incident. An odd...

Nope. Several different runs converge on Active Pass on different schedules. At least twice a day there are three ferries passing each other inside the Pass. I ran a survey several years ago and the subject area was directly underneath one of the passing points. Between that and the currents...

Spotlights and floodlights are two different things with different uses. There are some very impressive LED floods out there. I haven't seen anything in LED spotlights though that compare with a good halogen or sealed beam incandescent spot. Yet.

Four foot deep fins on the new model. Truly a design genius.