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Long distance cruising

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by NEO56, Sep 17, 2014.

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  1. NEO56, Sep 17, 2014
    #1
    NEO56

    NEO56 Member

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    I get newsletters from a lot of sources, one of them being Marlin magazine. There was an article in there about long distance cruising. One of the things, other than additional fuel strapped down in the cockpit, was having a full supply of motherboards for the gen sets, and watermakers. They are a plug and play kind of thing. Something I would have never thought of! It's amazing where these helpful hints come from.
  2. K1W1, Sep 17, 2014
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Cable Ties, Duct Tape , lock wire , glue , rubber sheet gasket material, 5200, some underwater patching compound and hose clips are also very handy to have.

    When doing new builds I always get a full set of PMS PLC's pre programmed and ready to go . This has a dual purpose. Should you need one you are prepared. If that time does not come for years you have one that will fit and work. The exact model might no longer be available new.

    PC boards etc should be stored in their antimstatic bags and not subject to impacts, hi temps etc for the best chance of them being useful when needed.
  3. Fishtigua, Sep 21, 2014
    #3
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    I know this sounds daft but we have a similar problem with Onans. The PCBs have a fuse-holder built into them that goes wobbly after a while and will not hold the fuse for a good contact.

    To get a new fuse-holder (soldered in at 400 deg/v hi temp) involves buying a new whole unit @ $700. No thanks.

    Cheapskate me just gets a normal blade fuse, drills 2 small holes in each blade and dribbles some solder in to make a button dome.

    Problem solved. :)
  4. Pascal, Sep 21, 2014
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    If money is no issue then yes, go ahead and carry a bunch of boards worth over $10k

    In the real world, you are better off equipping the boat for its intended use and if you are going to head to areas with no delivery service or air freight you are better off selecting generators and Watermakers with no electronic modules as well as setting up the boat with redundant system like twin gensets

    Realistically, in most of the bahamas and Carib you can get parts within two or three days so unless you head to the pacific or to real isolated shores, I m not sure it s worth carrying a full load of control boards.
  5. Capt Ralph, Sep 21, 2014
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Our first Gen set uses the ole StamFord (next-gen) electrical end. I built up a second smaller gen set with another StamFord end that uses the same AVR and stocked a spare.
    Found a new friend a with a similar electrical end and fried AVR. Yep, Fixed him and promptly restocked my inventory.
    His failure, but a great reminder to me, Always stock a spare AVR or have a friend with one (close).

    Our two watermakers are simple. The ole Rich keeps plugging and a slightly newer but still simple Horizon. Both can now run without a logic board if needed. We just make sure they run for a while and sample the water before flooding the ships water tanks.
    After hearing about the stories on the newer RO systems, chronic PCB failures and their cost, it would be hard to justify a spare board for them. But a better idea is to understand out now how to make it work without the PCB or display before it's an emergency.

    Stocking electronic spares for the mains and engine controls may depend on your wallet and engine support. I'm sure the engine dealers could put some kind of a cruisers kit together. DD's (non DDEC) don't need no s$^%^ng computers.

    Our PCs on board are cross backed up and two are always ready to go in the wheel house. 3 GPS's plus hand held. Heck, Android phones have a great gps function. Spares for the radar and DSM.

    Pile of pumps, lamps, float switches, fuses, hoses, clamps, bags of wood plugs, impellers, belts, battery straps & cables, wires and crimp kit, tools, rescue tape and over stocked first aid kit.

    Understand your ships battery systems and play mind game What IF's for any battery or bank failure.

    Then the important stuff, wine, beer & rum...

    All of us on the Forum could just keep typing out list like this. It's going to take some thought and room to put the stuff. You may need a bigger boat for the spares.

    ,rc
  6. olderboater, Sep 21, 2014
    #6
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Well, isn't the ultimate spare a shadow boat?
  7. K1W1, Sep 21, 2014
    #7
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Only if it is well enough stocked with spares and someone capable of using them for the intended purpose.
  8. Capt Ralph, Sep 21, 2014
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm available...