[Rhodes22-list] Toys for Rhodes

[Michael Meltzer]

they are pretty SOP, none right they are not a leak problem, the depth can be shot thought the hull but that it more work to
install(and some parts), the speed has to be a thurhull, . I hate paddlewheels but you payup for the latest and greatest sonic
versions.

MJM
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <JSusanj at aol.com>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 11:38 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Toys for Rhodes


> How do the sensors that must be in the water attach?  Are they in through-hulls?  I have always been reluctant to add holes to the
bottom of the boat as they are a possible source of leaks but the log would be very useful.
>
>
> Jeff Susanj
> s/v Sweet Medicine
> Florissant, MO (temporarily)
>
>
> In a message dated 5/14/2004 6:19:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time, cen09402 at centurytel.net writes:
>
> >
> > Doug,
> >
> > OK, realizing I'm probably going to provoke an argument, here goes...
> >
> > 1st of all, complete disclosure.  Dynamic Equilibrium's electronic
> > navigation aids consist of an Autohelm ST-50 tridata instrument and a
> > Magellan GPS 2000 handheld GPS unit.  The ST-50 tridata combines a
> > knotmeter, log, depth sounder, and water temperature sensor into one
> > package.  The ST-50 is no longer in production.  The replacement Autohelm
> > unit is called the ST-60 tridata & it has essentially the same functions.
> > My ST-50 tridata has been in service since 1993 and my GPS 2000 since 1996.
> > The ST-50 has been totally bulletproof.  The GPS 2000 got dunked by a wave
> > in the cockpit once in 1998.  Despite the waterproof rating, water got
> > inside the GPS 2000's case & it failed within 10 minutes of the dunking.
> > Magellan repaired the unit under warranty & it has lived inside of ZIPLOC
> > plastic bags ever since than.  By today's standards, the GPS 2000 is
> > obsolete.  It's slow, with sufficient memory for only 100 waypoints.
> > However, it does show one's present position, average speed, plus distance,
> > bearing, and ETA to the next waypoint.  Dynamic Equilibrium also has a
> > Danforth bulkhead mount ship's compass/inclinometer and an Autohelm ST1000+
> > Tillerpilot.
> >
> > So what do you envision doing with your Rhodes 22?  If all you plan to do is
> > daysail within sight of land; then, you don't need any instruments.  If you
> > envision being out of sight of land, sailing to unfamilier ports of call,
> > &/or possibly being caught out in fog or at night; then, the above
> > complement of functions plus a good set of compass bearing binoculars &
> > minus the autopilot are, in my opinion, about the minimum requirement.  You
> > need to be able to plot compass, GPS, and dead reckoning (DR), fixes on a
> > chart.  A log (total distance) is more useful for plotting a DR fix than a
> > knotmeter because it is difficult to maintain a consistent speed while
> > sailing.  Unfortunately, the low cost knotmeters like the SR Mariner models
> > you cited do not include a log.  You will find the knotmeter will be
> > marginally useful for helping you learn how to optimize your sail trimming
> > skills, but not for much else.
> >
> > The depth sounder is very useful for following a certain bottom contour in
> > fog or at night in order to stay a certain distance offshore.  It will also
> > provide early warning when you are approaching landfall - often many miles
> > before you can see land.  A depth sounder with an anchor alarm is a useful
> > feature if you plan on spending any time on the hook.  An anchor alarm will
> > sound to wake you up if the depth below the keel changes from more than a
> > +/- threshold from a setpoint water depth, presumably because the anchor is
> > dragging.  This function is also useful for tacking up a narrow channel.  In
> > this case, the alarm will sound to warn you that it's time to come about.
> >
> > The water temperature sensor has turned out to be more useful than I would
> > have imagined when I 1st got my ST-50 tridata instrument.  Of course it's
> > primary function is as a swimming comfort indicator.  But, it's also very
> > useful for locating warm currents such as river outflows even miles
> > offshore.  It's also quite useful for fishing.
> >
> > The 1st instrument you should buy is a good ship's compass & a set of
> > compass bearing binoculars.  The 2nd instrument is a handheld GPS unit.
> > After that, there are lots of options.  The fishfinders provide a nice
> > complement of depth, water temperature, and fish sensing functions.
> >
> > You will be disappointed with the SR Mariner KT-5 knotmeter.  Either get an
> > instrument with both a knotmeter & a log or don't bother.
> >
> > By the way, do you actually know how to plot a fix on a chart using various
> > methods and do you understand the rule of the road and other boating safety
> > concepts?  If not, then you should spend your money on a basic
> > navigation/boating safety course before doing anything else.  The US Power
> > Squadron offers a pretty good course.  You should do this before you put the
> > boat in the water!
> >
> > Roger Pihlaja
> > S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
> >
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