I also stopped and talked to Raymarine about iPad integration, specifically with questions about integrating Seatalk instrument data. The directed me over to a local dealer who was demonstrating DMK Yacht Instruments 11A Wireless connection for iOS Device (iPad). This device was amazing small and really simplified integration efforts, and was clearly another option to the Brookhouse iMux. Since the DMK instruments is based on open source software with a growing number of partners writing software for it, including many working on Android support, I found it quite intriguing. We also discussed the likely hood of integrating Seatalk data without some form of translation, which they said isn’t done natively by either the iNavx or Navionics apps.
Question for those of you who upgraded to a folding or feathering prop. From what I researched so far, it seems like folding is a better way to go, especially with 2 blades. Folding has less drag when sailing but slightly inferior with respect to motoring performance. 3 blades is better for headwinds and waves but has more drag and costs much more. The two best choices for price seem to be Gori 2-blade around $1300 or Flex-o-Fold 3-blade, slightly over $2K. The Gori 3-blade is well over $3K. One thing I couldn’t get a clear answer on was whether folding props reverse blades when backing up or if that is only a feature of feathering props. Can anyone approximate average speed gains? Any improvement with prop walk when backing? Any problems/failures with prop not unfolding? Any maintenance problems from marine growth on the gears? How about the 2-bladers? Anyone
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For anyone who has followed the long and tedious thread on my F-O-F prop, here is the conclusion:
I finally exchanged the blades to 18×11. This is either the perfect pitch or slightly under. An 18×12 would probably work fine too, but the 18×13 was clearly too much. My RPM is around 3750 while it should be 3600. Trouble is, my tach shows inconsistent reading when above 3500 RPM. Bottom line is at the top of my cruising range 3000 RPM boat speed is between 6.7-7.4 knots. This is as good if not slightly better than the fixed 18×12 prop I replaced. Sailing in light air gains ½ knot boat speed when folded. Haven’t had heavier air as of yet which is uncommon this time of year. Prop walk is virtually non-existent. I am very happy with the prop.
One word of caution if you are a prospective F-O-F buyer.
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I am seeking advice/experience from the group on the purchase of marine antennas to improve the reception range for wifi, aircards, and cell phones. I have read enough and talked to a few vendors (Wilson) to understand the myriad of products but not sure what will work best at the least cost. Also, I realize there is not a single antenna for all devices – aircards and wifi since they receive/transmit “data” may work fine without an amplifier; whereas, an antenna for a cell phone (voice) may need an amplifier to get the expected results.
I currently have the Verizon mifi hotspot (4510L) because Verizon seems to have the best overall coverage on the east coast. This works well but I would like to improve the reception when in remote locations where a weak verizon signal exists. Another case is when moored or docked at a marina that has wifi
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Navoinics for iPad:
Connects to Raymarine NMEA and Seatalk streams via standard WiFi router
Upload/download waypoints and routes
No real-time instrument repeater
Navionics charts included in price
$35 USA. $50 USA & Canada
INavX:
Requires hardware such as iMux for WiFi and to translate Seatalk to NMEA – $250 approx
Supplied with NOAA raster charts. Navionics or others are addl $50 approx
Upload/download PLUS real-time instrument repeater capabilities
$50 with NOAA charts
I’d appreciate any corrections to the above. It would be nice to find out that the less expensive Navionics will repeat instruments, but I have not found any evidence of that.
Users report that iNavX has much better functionality overall. Even at $350 for the total package it is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of an ST70 Multi repeater or a below decks chartplotter, assuming
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If you are interested check out the forum at iphonesailing.com. That’s where I found the answers to many of my questions. Both the iNavX and Navionics users on that forum were very helpful in clarifying the hardware and software required to interface both apps to the E80. Also, there is much good info regarding the capabilities of each app.
Jeff Church
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned, you can’t have a productive technical conversation based on fuzzy hypothetical options, and shifting objectives.
I can find no evidence that the mobile Navionics application “understands Seatalk”. What may be misleading is that the Raymarine Raytech RNS software, which “understands Seatalk without a mux”, uses Navionics charts. Brookhouse also stipulates the Program iNavx as a requirement for using their iMux combiner, again using Navionics charts. Navionics Mobile supports Plotter Sync which enables the wireless exchange of waypoint and route data. The following link is to a YouTube video by Raymarine which clearly demonstrates what is exchanged.
I don’t share the assessment that the Brookhouse iMux is for “somebody who is starting from scratch.” It was designed, built and is marketed to address the question and requirement you initially detailed…”Is it possible to access Seatalk information on an iPad thru its wifi connection and either
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I did a little more research. Called Navionics and Raymarine.
Navionics says that their iPad app is primarily intended as a stand-alone app and told me to contact Ray regarding interfacing with a chartplotter. That seemed odd considering that Navionics developed Plotter Sync and incorporated it into their app less than a year ago as an interface to Raymarine plotters.
Ray says that they have “stepped away from Plotter Sync” because it was not reliable. I suspect that another reason might be that it competes with their new E7 chartplotter’s WiFi connect features.
My takeaway is that the Navionics app is probably useful as a nav tool and it MIGHT interface, but since I’m looking for an instrument repeater I’ll be looking at the iNavX app instead. iNavX is a bit more expensive, but it gets good reviews from folks who are using it as a plotter and real-time repeater
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Some early Catalina 380″s may have void areas between the hull and the back of the refrigerators present insulation. Voids area will be found on both side as well as the frontal areas. Additional foam must be added to the bottom area, some sort of temporary cofferdam will be required in this area. The following procedure will increase the “R” value of the refrigerator.
Please Take Note:
This procedure will require great care in the drilling and injecting of the foam. Caution will be required when drilling thru the refrigerator outboard face to the void area. Drilling too deep will contact the hull or hull liner. Use caution when injecting this foam. It can become very messy stuff. Clean with lacquer thinner or acetone immediately. All drilled hoes to be 1/4″ diameter.
Step 1. Remove range
Step 2. Remove sole and sub sole in the area of
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