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Destiny 15 Month Systems Update
March 2002
This is my third report but is just a brief update to the 12 Month Report. It's primarily about the resolution to the alternator/voltage regulator problem and the purchase of a new outboard engine.
The categories below are based on a schedule I found on the web once which seemed to work fairly well. The sections are described in the first report I did. Links to later reports are also there or on The Boat page.
Electrical
- Voltage Regulator - NextStep by Ample Power: As I described in my log, this unit was (I thought) working OK but then I noticed an intermittent error condition showing up that caused no output from the alternator. This was probably happening pretty consistently but since I typically didn't monitor the battery charging for more than 30-40 minutes, and this error only seemed to show up after that, I never noticed it before (at least not that obviously). Interestingly, I did occasionally hear the engine sound change pitch as the alternator stopped output since the load on the engine would be less at that point but I never saw the problem clearly. Combined with an alternator problem, it was a real tough one to figure out. It turns out that the error was caused by an intermittent voltage drop across the ignition switch. I found this by making a jumper from the battery post to the on/off tab of the regulator. This was suggested by Jack from Jack Rabbit Marine in Stamford, Connecticut where I bought equipment. Although I haven't been able to replace the switch yet because there were none available in Martinique, I did manage to install a temporary work-around. I also adjusted it to the proper absorption voltage of 14.2 for AGM batteries.
- 125 Amp Alternator - S125e by Amptech: Well, one problem was that I thought I had the 120i instead of the 125e. These 2 units are basically the same except the 120i is internally regulated and the 125e is externally regulated. If I had known the difference in nomenclature, I would have figured out that I had the 125e but nowhere in my documentation did it mention that fact and there are no markings on the case. So, when a replacement diode bridge was ordered, the wrong one came in. It was only after speaking with Amptech directly did I discover what unit I really had and ordered the right part. The diode bridge was replaced completely since several connections were done poorly (probably by the guy in Guadeloupe) and I wanted it to finally be trouble free. CS Services in Marin, Martinique was great about this and showed me the internal problem and rightly suggested replacing the entire diode bridge. They kept the mis-ordered part in their inventory and only charged me for the labor involved in replacing the part. The alternator now runs well and produces the proper output.
- AGM 8D House Batteries - Lifeline: After equalizing the batteries twice at the marina in Marin, they now seem to be back up to capacity. I equalized them at 15.7 volts for 90 minutes each time at about 87 degrees. I finlly got a response from Lifeline via email about their "recommended" equalization time and voltage - only 60 minutes at 15.8 volts and only once/year. Well, once a year may be good if a boat goes into the dock often, but living at anchor, batteries typically don't get completely charged very often since nobody wants to run an engine long enough to get the last 5-10 percent of capacity back into the batteries. So, I'm going to continue to equalize them when I can which is whenever we're in a marina.
Hull
- Hatches - Goiot: I fixed one of the arms that hold up the hatch itself. I just had to run a tap into the hole and "chase" the turnscrew with a die. I did buy some spares here though since they have them "off-the-shelf", something that noplace else has, since they're French.
Outfitting
- 2-stroke outboard - Mariner 5: As I discuss in my log, I had a problem with the little fuel pump. Although I solved the problem with water in the fuel, I had destroyed the small diaphragm that helps get fuel into the carburetor. When I tried replacing it with a piece of thin neoprene, the neoprene quickly developed a tear that effectively prevented any fuel from getting into the carb. I then replaced the neoprene with a piece of thin gasket material but it wasn't flexible enough to vibrate and I still had a problem. Finally, at a friends suggestion, I peeled the other side's diaphragm off, used the gasket stuff on that side (it didn't need to vibrate), made a hole where necessary and now it works fine. Of course, we have the new engine now so this one is a spare.
- 2-stroke outboard - Yamaha 15 Enduro: Although we've only had it a week now, this seems like a great engine. We (2 people and jerry jugs) can plane in our Avon dinghy (when its pumped up hard to maintain its shape) and it seems built very well. After the break-in period, I will see what it can really do, but without a hard bottom dinghy, I don't think we'll ever see the best performance from it. The difference between the Enduro and the "plain" model is that the Enduro has some metal parts where the other is plastic. The Enduro is not sold in the States but the parts for it are interchangeable with the regular one. Interestly, the fuel pump on this engine is identical to the one on the Mariner. I bought a spare diaphragm from the dealer when I picked up the engine. The only frustration was that the hose is 1/4" ID while the one on the Mariner was 3/8". This meant I had to change the fittings on the Racor filter. Strange that a larger engine should have a smaller diameter hose.
Feel free to give me your opinions, although I may not be able to respond very quickly, I will respond. Please also remember that this is based on my experience only and certainly can't be considered an endorsement or a disapproval of any product, so sorry if I offended anyone but I called it as I saw it.
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