<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Cruisers Forum is an online forum community of cruisers from around the world! en Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:58:30 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ new starting battery, cell imbalance too much? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f166/new-starting-battery-cell-imbalance-too-much-300624.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:24:55 GMT I have installed LFP batteries on my boat, but kept putting off the angine starting problem until I saw ads for Ionic starting batteries. Ordered... I have installed LFP batteries on my boat, but kept putting off the angine starting problem until I saw ads for Ionic starting batteries. Ordered Ionic Lithium 12V S8 1220 CA. It's a Bluetooth equiped battery, I downloaded the Ionic app which told me the SOC was 90%, but I was startled by significant inballace, #2 cell was ~ 0.2V (200mV?) lower than the highest #4 cell. I hooked up a LFP specific charger set to 10A. In few minutes, the Ionic app showed 100% SOC, the current tapered off, so I assumed the cell balancing started. It did, the cell 1, 3 and 4 voltages started to drop, but so did the questionable #2? In few minutes the cell voltage difference was reduced , and while the Ionic app reported battery temperature close to ambient, one postage stamp size area on top of the battery got to 123°F. I assumed that was the location of the balancing resistors(?), but just to be sure I set the battery out in the cockpit. It was weekend, so I couldn't get hold of Ionic tech support. When the battery cooled down, the imbalance showed improved 95mV difference betwee the highest and lowest (#2) cells. Next day I ran the battery down some with a 50W hallogen automotive bulb some and recharged to 100% SOC. The hot spot only reached 110°F this time after I disconnected the charger. Monday morning the #2 cell was 60mV lower than the rest of the cells, all at the same voltage. The tech support person suggested that was normal and that I should not expect perfect balance and that I should not have forced the second re-balancing. He said if I don't like it I can return the battery for replacement or refund. Am I expecting too much? Should I try a differen brand battery or take a chance with replacement? I ony have some experience with EcoWorthy batteries which are all deep cycle only, and they balance within 10mV every time. ]]> Lithium Power Systems sv.antea https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f166/new-starting-battery-cell-imbalance-too-much-300624.html Removing a furler on a legacy Zspars mast https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/removing-a-furler-on-a-legacy-zspars-mast-300623.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:46:37 GMT Hi all,

I have to remove the furler mechanism on a legacy Z-spars mast. I'm looking for anyone with prior experience on this type of mechanism to advise on what I need to do to remove it.

The manufacturer claims that they do not have any documents in their archive, nor do they have any spares. The spares I can understand, but not maintaining an archive seems criminal for a company that manufactures marine systems that can last for decades. Anyway, that's a side rant. What I really need to know is how to get it out. Here's what I know so far and see pics.

The mfr states that the furler cylinder is connected to the gooseneck but can't recall how.

The top of the furler rod is free. Once the furler drum is free to move, the entire unit should slide out through the bottom of the mast.

There are two types of fasteners visible on the gooseneck:
  1. two hex head bolts along the centreline of the gooseneck base. but these are so short and do not seem to penetrate the mast profile. I think they just thread into a backing plate that is behind the sailtrack slot. I removed them completely anyway and the furler drum will still not budge.
  2. 6 rivets, 3 per side. Cannot tell for sure, but these seem to be the only possible way that the gooseneck base is connected to the furler drum. Before I drill these out however, I'm looking for confirmation from anyone that may have worked on this particular equipment.
Also, if anyone happens to have any documentation on this type of mast and its fittings, that would be awesome, since Z-spars has been of no use in getting same.

I've always rec'd great feedback from this forum in the past and have hopes I can get some useful tips and confirmation on how to proceed this time.

For anyone wondering why I'm doing this, the furling of the main is no longer easy to do and I want to inspect and probably change the bearings before I get into some real trouble on a windy day when I need to reef or retract the main.
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]]> raahell https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/removing-a-furler-on-a-legacy-zspars-mast-300623.html For Sale: Rainman 120V 1300w portable watermaker https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/rainman-120v-1300w-portable-watermaker-300622.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:14:32 GMT High output unit
PSU-110-1300
110-120v, 60hz
1300 Watts

2x40" RO Membrane (portable with case)

It was included with the boat I just purchased, I do not plan to do any long distance cruising the next few years so it doesn't make sense for me to carry around.

Sellers say it was pickled last year which means it needs to be run or re-pickled.

Pick up in NYC or willing to deliver within a days drive for $200.

$4500
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]]> General Classifieds (no boats) David R https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/rainman-120v-1300w-portable-watermaker-300622.html Crew Wanted: Looking for a Volunteer Crew - East Coast Sailing and Water Cleaning https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/looking-for-a-volunteer-crew-east-coast-sailing-and-water-cleaning-300621.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:08:30 GMT Hi!

I'm gonna put a bunch of information below so thanks for taking the time to read. I'm seeking up to four volunteer crew members for a long-term sailing and environmental cleanup project aboard a 34’ Tartan sailboat. The trip may last anywhere from two months to a year depending on availability and interest. Also, I'm an artist who paints and creates different sorts of visual arts. I want to do some water cleanup and testing, watch sunsets and sunrises, more below.

Possible departure: Mid to Late June
The boat is leaving from Pensacola, Florida.
Boat: Tartan 34,' 1974.

The trip includes:
- Water testing and surveying
- Building relationships with marinas and local communities
- Collecting and organizing existing clean water data
- Exploring possibilities for future nonprofit development
- Scanning barcodes on trash periodically to trace data.

We’ll also be hauling a 14’ rigid hull Zodiac with a 63HP Yamaha jet drive for shallow water surveying and transport.

Where
The planned route starts in Pensacola and includes parts of the East Coast with possible stops including: Tampa Bay, Miami. Key West, Charleston, Annapolis, Philadelphia. Additional destinations may include the Dry Tortugas or Cuba if the crew is interested and conditions allow.

About Life on Board
Food is included. We expect to spend roughly 1–2 weeks in many locations, giving crew members opportunities to explore towns, pick up temporary gig work, or spend time off the boat.
Experience is welcome but not required. Beginners are encouraged to apply and can learn:
- Basic sailing
- Boat maintenance
- Navigation and seamanship
- Environmental surveying
- Elements of nonprofit/project management

I'll will be driving from the Bryn Mawr / Philadelphia area to Pensacola before departure. There may be room in the vehicle for anyone in the Philly area needing transportation to Florida.

Call or text me, Joe: 610-520-1153. I like talking on the phone but texts are alright! We can also talk about any questions you have. Thanks. ]]> Artistwhosails https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/looking-for-a-volunteer-crew-east-coast-sailing-and-water-cleaning-300621.html Ideas for a singlehand mono for shallow water crusing https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/ideas-for-a-singlehand-mono-for-shallow-water-crusing-300620.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:27:26 GMT Maybe a sharpie or a Cat catch rig single mast. Im selling my home and going to buy something easy to sail and liveable. Budget around $50,000 maybe... Maybe a sharpie or a Cat catch rig single mast. Im selling my home and going to buy something easy to sail and liveable.
Budget around $50,000 maybe a little more.
Hark Seward 28 and 32 look interesting Ive seen them at shows years ago but not sure about there Lifting keel system if that would give you trouble.
Im here in Ft Myers Fla.
Just getting some ideas.:smile: ]]> Monohull Sailboats videorov https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f47/ideas-for-a-singlehand-mono-for-shallow-water-crusing-300620.html Black water tank problem https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/black-water-tank-problem-300619.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:35:16 GMT Greetings All, I have a small problem with my black water tank. As seen in the attached pic there is a problem. My question is where can I find a... Greetings All,

I have a small problem with my black water tank. As seen in the attached pic there is a problem. My question is where can I find a replacement for the broken piece? (in case it matters this is the air return for the tank) I believe it is 3/4" in size but will measure this weekend.


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]]> WhereAway https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/black-water-tank-problem-300619.html Rewiring Question https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/rewiring-question-300618.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:16:53 GMT Hey all, im in the process of rewiring my helm area, I am upgrading from 12v to 24. I know that I need a couple items to step down the voltage for... Hey all, im in the process of rewiring my helm area, I am upgrading from 12v to 24. I know that I need a couple items to step down the voltage for the new electronics I'm planning on buying but my main question is instead of running wiring from each individual device from the helm to the engine room, is it possible to just run a larger gauge positive and negative to a fused block at the helm and connect everything there? My plan was to make a waterproof box and mount it somewhere close to the helm that I can run all the new electronics to. ]]> ekelly36 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/rewiring-question-300618.html Property Management While Cruising https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f92/property-management-while-cruising-300617.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:14:52 GMT My name is Eric, and my wife and I are about 8-months away from beginning several years of sailing. We have.a home in Chicago that we intended to... My name is Eric, and my wife and I are about 8-months away from beginning several years of sailing. We have.a home in Chicago that we intended to keep while we are sailing. We do not plan on renting the home, but would rather prefer hire someone to manage the property while we are gone. This would be routine landscaping, monitoring the house for issues, and response if needed, and cleaning prior to our return.
How have people managed homes while away cruising? Are there companies that provide that service? We intend to sail for 2-3 months, and then return home for a few weeks to a month, and simply continue that routine.
Cheers, eric ]]> Families, Kids and Pets Afloat enjaku https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f92/property-management-while-cruising-300617.html Transom Actuator https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/transom-actuator-300616.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:53:14 GMT Hi.

First post here. I have a'13 Oceanis 41. I feel like a victim of the poor drainage in the area where the transom actuator lives. My actuator stopped actuating. The MSRP for a new unit was $ 1,800. I wasn't aware how the cable interfaced with the actuator so I accidentally destroyed the cable plug. In the US, add another $800 for the box and all of the connectors. I tried to find a replacement, but that's basically a needle in a haystack. I therefore took the plunge and defied the manufacturer's instructions, opening up the unit. Inside, there was a fair amount of corrosion. The motor can only be serviced by removing it completely from the aluminum housing. The motor is easily mobilized by removing two torx bolts. The real problem comes in with the two-spade connectors. These connectors can be pushed off easily, but the issue is reinstallation. They install from the back to the front. It took a custom tool and lots of patience, but I got both back on. Greased everything as I went and was able to save the gasket for the final sealing of the body. The other problem was finding another cable (with the correct plug). Thanks to YachtSupply 24, I was able to source a brand new plug from LINAK for only $90. Sounds like a lot and it is ($31 for the plug, shipping, and tariffs), but a heck of a lot cheaper than $800. Anyway, after installation of the new cable and the actuator back in the boat, it works like a charm. I don't usually take the time to share projects, but this really involved quite a bit of research and lots of time and effort.

Here are some pics:
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]]> Culpyy https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/transom-actuator-300616.html Splicing a Mast in Florida https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/splicing-a-mast-in-florida-300615.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:41:37 GMT I had to cut my aluminum mast to have it shipped. There was no other way. I know what I have to do, but struggling to find someone to do it. I'll rivet it myself if I have to, but bending the inner sleeve needs a proper bender robot.
Does anyone know someone who does this type of thing? It's not a big $ fix, but hard to find the person willing to take it on (plenty of metal workers all around but each of them have declined because it's a small job).
Thanks! ]]> ooberman https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/splicing-a-mast-in-florida-300615.html First time to St. Vincent and The Grenadines https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f19/first-time-to-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-300614.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:29:43 GMT I am working on a sail plan for January 2027. I will be doing 9 days or so on a Leopard 46 or Lagoon 450. I have over 2000nm sailing so far but this... I am working on a sail plan for January 2027. I will be doing 9 days or so on a Leopard 46 or Lagoon 450. I have over 2000nm sailing so far but this will be my first time to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am an avid fisherman and will be bringing gear to troll and deep drop so any locations greatly appreciated. I also love to dive so will hoping to anchor up and rent gear where I can to dive. Any and all local knowledge gratefully accepted, also looking for day hikes with my wife. ]]> dbergman https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f19/first-time-to-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines-300614.html GPSMap internal battery https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/gpsmap-internal-battery-300613.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:28:08 GMT I have a Garmin GPSMap 498 with a bad internal battery. I ordered a Varta MC614 based on Google but found upon disassembly that that battery isn’t... I have a Garmin GPSMap 498 with a bad internal battery. I ordered a Varta MC614 based on Google but found upon disassembly that that battery isn’t right. Too small and the pins are too close together. Another search suggested ML614 or ML621, but those are incorrect also.
Anyone know the correct battery or recognize this one? I don’t see any markings.
Thanks
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]]> Marine Electronics sanibel sailor https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/gpsmap-internal-battery-300613.html Source of Chart Symbols? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/source-of-chart-symbols-300612.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:05:54 GMT I am wondering the source of the chart symbols OpenCPN uses in chartsymbols.xml, rastersymbols-day.png, etc.? Did early developers hand create all... I am wondering the source of the chart symbols OpenCPN uses in chartsymbols.xml, rastersymbols-day.png, etc.? Did early developers hand create all those symbols? Wow! if that is the case. Or did they find a free source of them somewhere? ]]> OpenCPN wholybee https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/source-of-chart-symbols-300612.html UV protection for roller furling headsail? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/uv-protection-for-roller-furling-headsail-300611.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:44:27 GMT I'm just finishing a SailRite kit for a new genoa on my boat. I've tested the sail, and I like it.

It's time to add some UV protection, but- It sails SO well in nice winds without the extra weight of the protective cover. I run a marine canvas shop & have access to about everything- I'm just having trouble sewing heavy Sunbrella on to my new sail.

The options I'm aware of are-
Sunbrella. It lasts about 10 years, but it is heavier than my sail cloth. I do care about light wind performance.

Lighter weight polyesters, like Odyessy. 3 year warranty, but much lighter.

303 Aerospace Protectant. I don't know how (or if) this might work. It is certainly lighter than the other options.

What am I missing? Any other ideas or input?

Thanks! ]]> kayakerChuck https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f116/uv-protection-for-roller-furling-headsail-300611.html OCPN radar compatibility overview / matrix? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/ocpn-radar-compatibility-overview-matrix-300610.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:45:22 GMT Hello fellow Cruisers, I am trying to make a decision on what kind of used radar to equip. So far I have looked at different locations and... Hello fellow Cruisers,


I am trying to make a decision on what kind of used radar to equip.


So far I have looked at different locations and found different informations about what works and what does not... I guess that is because of posts/lists being compiled during different times. Also, the radar plugins mention what radars work with the corresponding plugin, but an overview matrix would be way more practical as an overview document. If this does not exist, and you agree the it should be up there in the documentation, I would gladly make one.

1.) Question:
Is there a complete list of known working radars for OCPN?

2.) Question:
I understand that magnetron radars are better for spotting squalls. I would prefer to have better squall detection. Is there a list of known working magnetron radars?


3.) Question:
Are there possibilities to use a magnetron radar directly with OCPN, or is it only possible to use them with a head unit that has a network output? If yes, are there any alternatives to make this work?




Cheers, G. ]]> OpenCPN Old_Greenhorn https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/ocpn-radar-compatibility-overview-matrix-300610.html