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Just another example of why I feel (personal opinion) it is a good idea to turn off circuits not being used. What about the washdown pump. If the through hull is left open (I close that too), and you develop a leak somewhere in the system, your pump will add sea water to your boat. If the...

I had a tank tender on my Nordic Tug. We had 2 fuel tanks and a water tank connected to it. There was separate "float type" monitor for the black tank which was located in the keel, so this is what would work (floats). The TT worked great. No problems. For fuel, I also had sight gauges, and I...

One spreadsheet for maintenance that is freely available on the internet is the one from James Hamilton of MV Dirona. They are travelling far and wide on their Nordhavn. You are able to edit it to "fit your needs". https://mvdirona.com/2015/03/maintenance-log/

I am with you Dave. That seems strange. When I bought Pilitak, the insurer not only wanted a survey done, but REQUIRED that I address ALL items listed by the surveyor, not just the high priority or safety items (of which there were few). That surveyor even wanted the factory "prewiring" for...

Why leave things powered on that aren't needed. For example, at anchor I rarely used my inverter. Most inverters I know of draw power when on, even at "standby". Turn it on only when going to use it. Also, if leaving the windlass breaker on, then if someone accidentally hits a foot switch (child...

Welcome aboard the Forum Larry and Nancy, and Doug. Helmsman are great boats. When we were boat shopping to move from sail, our first offer was on a used Helmsman in Seattle. We ended up not completing and eventually bought our Nordic Tug. The only issue with that (particular) boat was that the...

In my Cummins 6BTA, I used Rotella T4 full Dino. Meets all the specs, and always changed it (and the filter) before recommended hours interval, sometimes mid-season. Check your exact engine's manufacturer's requirements, but I am reasonably sure that the Dino oil is "all you really need"...

Simi, The term "cycle" I was referencing is each discharge then recharge is a "cycle". For most, that is one or two (2 means AM and PM generator run) "cycles" daily. Being a "dock queen" (constantly on "float") will affect the number of cycles (but I know that is not you). All things being...

Austinsailor, "We drove about 200 miles, weighing all it had - and a little it didn’t - available right then, against waiting maybe a year to get a new seapiper that matched our needs closer. We were still struggling with that decision when I got a call that the contract on the almost new Sea...

Fish, Personally I believe (opinion, not fact), that we are all "blind", at least to a point. We all have "blind spots" so to speak. As many have said, limited info about the situation, the nature of forums, etc. Many factors involved, and often not the least of which, no matter your training...

While I mostly agree with what Dan is saying, a lot of it is truly situational. Sometimes, time is not much of a factor. Then, much discussion can be had, all input considered, and a group decision, or "leader led" decision (using the input) can be made. Same for looking for "ways to do it" type...

I am not familiar with your boat. However, speaking in general terms, usually to stop a (window or port) leak, the "offender" must be removed, everything cleaned up really well, and then reinstalled with new caulking. For new caulking I would suggest Sikaflex 291 or Butyl Tape, unless the window...

CatalinaJack, I agree. I will state it again, the best bang for the buck is FLA (IMHO) and 6V golf cart batteries are a great option due to available AH for the size. On top of that, AGM can be even more sensitive to mistreatment than FLA, so a lot of owners not only pay substantially more for...

Good points Frosty, especially about the potential wiring issues. All issues to be considered.

Simi, Not a total electrical guru or anything, but my guess would be "number of cycles". If I remember correctly, you are a full timer, therefore you would have the 20% discharge cycle daily? Many others probably cycle less than 100 times per year (seasonal use)?? Just a thought. Lots of info...

Frosty, I had a Morningstar controller as well. The Tristar 45 version with remote panel. I agree completely with the need for temperature (battery) compensation. Personally, with over 500 watts of solar, and not using the inverter much, our solar would get our over 600 amphr. bank back to 100%...

AGM's can be great batteries, but they are even more "sensitive" than FLA as far as treatment. The only way to "get the most" from any of these battery types is to treat them well, especially not operating regularly with a partial state of charge. Recharge often (daily is best) to a full 100%...

I totally agree with the above. Classroom, while offering a good opportunity to increase your knowledge, interact with other more experienced boaters (maybe), and to learn the theory of new "skills", nothing replaces hands on training for skills and lots of practise. As an example, I have...

I agree there are places where interested boaters can obtain training. Personally I have taken most of the listed above (comparable) through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, and many hands on sessions through Cooper Boating in Vancouver offering Canadian Sailing Assoc. certification. I know...

How does one gain these "seamanship" skills??? Formal training (as in Navy or Commercial boating), various "training academies", etc. is one method, but I would think I am not far wrong when I say the average pleasure boater does not have any of that. Also, most "untrained" pleasure boaters...

Hopefully you made the "best" choice for you!!! Best of luck with your new boat. Personally, a Ranger Tug is not a boat that I would want....... but that is a personal choice and in no way says bad things about the boat or anyone's personal choice in that regard. These boats are popular and have...

I agree with the advice of "get a routine" and follow it every time. In that way, you are less likely to forget something important in the middle of the night. We did drag anchor once (of course at 3AM after already being set for 2 complete tide changes), and being a bit groggy at that time of...

Admissibility issues go both ways. I know someone who thought since cannabis was legal in both Washington and BC, he would take a small amount down south with him. He did not remember that the border is Federal and it is illegal Federally. He was not allowed in and was banned for life. At least...

Like others discussed, I would suggest that tied starboard side to, wind pushing you on to dock, if using a bow spring line (line runs from the bow cleat back (aft) to the dock around dock cleat and back to boat cleat) that it would work much better to first power forward at idle turned towards...

If I were you, especially as a self professed "beginner", I would not consider a badly damaged boat like a hurricane recovery or one that has sunk. Way, way too many variables and hidden potential problems. To be honest, most of what you propose to me sounds more like boat repair and upgrading...