[CA] [CA11] Upgrading from SL70 to ev200 and E127’s

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Mark,

Q1) As you know the Lake what charts do you recomend for the E127’s while we are still here. I have found the CMap chip very accurate on the existing SL70 but of course cant use that with the new units.
A1) Please click here to view a thread in which I had recently addressed this subject. Please additionally note that C-Map does offer C-Map 4D Max cartography which is compatible with MFDs running LightHouse II and LightHouse 3 software.


Q2) When navigating the lake we usually travel at 6 to 8 knots not using the potential power of the Twin 8.1’s which will actually allow us to do 30+ knots ... resulting wake not good for smaller craft!! So we usually alternate running between engines and of course compensating with rudder. This in fact is how we will travel most of our extended journey due to local conditions and to preserve fuel economy. So my question is do you think the EV200 will be able to compensate like this if we only want to alternate engines. Maybe manually settling the steering on an engine change over then switing to AP?
A2) While slow speed operation may be a challenge for most autopilots, operating with a single engine may further add to the challenge. I generally recommend that a rudder feedback transducer be installed to maximize autopilot performance for those who will be operating at such speeds. I assume that the vessel feature inboard propulsion and has hydraulic steering?

Q3) I found the end of the sinar transducer but unfortunately it looks like the second number has been scraped off so the numbers tgat are legible are 4.....missing....545 are you able to discern any info from this?
A3) Perhaps we can tackle this another way ... what is the make/model of the device which the transducer is directly mated to at this time?

Q4) on the EV sensor location I have several suitable locations but difficult to keep on centreline exactly. What is the best position relative to the waterline? I can mount above, below or on the waterline around midships.
A4) Given the three options, I would recommend mounting the sensor below the waterline.

Q5) I have sent a message to Flowscan to see if we can adapt the nmea 0813 upto ng or at least Seatalk.
A5) Note. Should the engines feature Mercury Marine's SmartCraft technology, then the option also exists to interface the engines to the marine electronics system and then use the MFD's Fuel Manager feature. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject. Should the engines not feature SmartCraft technology, but feature fuel injection, then it may be possible to use engine gateways from Fox Marine (used on my own boat). I can usually estimate the fuel required to to top off the tanks to within a few tenths of a gallon ... amazes my boating guests. Either option would continue to support sending NMEA 0183 GPS data to your currently installed fuel flow monitor to support its calculations, yet support monitoring of other engine data via the MFDs.

BTW - I understand your rational for gearing up. I too am presently planning to do some northern sections of the Great Loop as well ... Champlain, Erie Canal, St. Lawrence ... have fun prepping operating on the Great Loop!