[SPLASHED] I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

Network Update . . .

I took another run at the GPS networking today. The boat has 2 networks that are joined together (somewhere). So, I connected the GPS to the other network . . . much better, but the GPS was picking up a maintenance alert (20 hr service) and not wanting to do much else.

After a bunch of research and trial/error . . . I was able to reset the maintenance minder. So, the GPS is somewhat happily on the network and can 'see' all the other bits and pieces. . . .I think there is some more set-up to do, but I'll count today as a win.

 

[redneck joe]

i gots me a compass and one of 'dem tak-o-meters.

 

[tphoyt]

Good old compass can bail you out.
When I was a teenager I worked on a stone crab boat. We got fogged in on Tampa Bay one day and couldn’t see more than 20 or 30 feet.
Cap pulled out the charts and plotted our course home.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Was caught in rain on the ICW just outside Tampa Bay and Eggmont Key.

GPS was useless as we were not able to go fast enough for it to get a reading. Apparently we went round and round in circles until the rain cleared.

Installed the compass shortly after

 

[tpenfield]

I have a compass as well . . .

I was able to see the engine data on the Garmin, so the network is 'talking'.
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It looks like it can see everything . . .

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I got the new sender today . . . Looks pretty good.
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I tried to do a custom setting on the Veratron gauges, but it is giving inconsistent data. In doing the custom setting, you 'tell' it manually by moving the sender (plunger) at 1/4 tank increments and set the gauge accordingly.

But once all the settings are input, it thinks 1/4 tank is 66 gallons . . .

That will be tomorrow's challenge . . . time for

 

[tpenfield]

FWIW - I am finding the gauges/sensors on the Honda engines are very consistent and accurate.

 

[tpenfield]

Fuel Sender/Gauge Update . . .

Learning curve . . . I figured a few things out about the fuel gauge. I had originally thought the sender was wired to the Veratron Gauge (the 3 Large round gauges). After chasing the wires, I realized the sender is actually connected to the engine controller (iST) . The Veratron gauges were getting the fuel tank data from the 'network'. but . . . the fuel tank data at the engine controller had not been initialized with tank size and calibration .

Anyway, I did the data set-up and calibration on the Honda display (instead of the Veratrons) and it looks like I am getting more accurate fuel level. I set the tank to be 147 gallons (slightly less than the spec. 154 gallons), so it will tend to show a 'wee bit' on the low side. (better than showing too much) .

 

[tpenfield]

AutoPilot Update . . .

With a little help from the re-power guy (shop) via some emails back & forth, I was able to get the autopilot configured (so it seems). I won't be able to test it until Spring time, but the Optimus is now showing up on the Garmin with the three autopilot icons (Track/Heading/Route) at the bottom of the Garmin screen.
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[flashback]

Hope it's more accurate than the fuel or you'll end up on bunker hill.

 

[tpenfield]

I am pretty much all set for the season, so onto to winter ('Wintah' in Boston speak )

I took out the LiFePO4 batteries and put the battery from the Whaler in their place. I used the camper canvas as my winter cover last year and it worked out OK, even with a heavy snow fall. So, the same for this year. Also, took some weight off the trailer wheels with the boat stands.

I am not 100% sure about the outboards, so I may run some AF through the cooling systems via the flush tube.
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[tphoyt]

She sure looks cool

 

[Pmt133]

Are they not just tilt down to drain?

 

[tpenfield]

Are they not just tilt down to drain?

Yes, supposedly, but I do see some plastic parts involved in the flow, per the cooling system diagram. I ordered 6 gallons of the PG antifreeze to run through the engines.

 

[alldodge]

Yes, supposedly, but I do see some plastic parts involved in the flow, per the cooling system diagram. I ordered 6 gallons of the PG antifreeze to run through the engines.

Understand your caution, spent a small fortune and don't want anything going wrong after first season. I also agree they should be auto drain because otherwise there would be issues all over the net and no one would have the OB.

 

[Pmt133]

I know yamaha had some issues on a certain model woth trapping water. I think it's been corrected but I don't blame you for being careful.

 

[Scott Danforth]

could always pull the motors and store them inside.

 

[tpenfield]

could always pull the motors and store them inside.

800 lbs each And about 7’ tall.

 

[tpenfield]

I’m going to make winter covers

 

[flashback]

could always pull the motors and store them inside.

If he went that route he will need to put some paint on his gantry or it won't last very long.

 

[aspeck]

That boat looks like it needs a heated garage to live in over the winter ... when do you start building that?