<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]>

<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Cruisers Forum is an online forum community of cruisers from around the world! en Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:25:25 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums]]> https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Noisy Autohelm https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/noisy-autohelm-302171.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:05:51 GMT I have a 1987 Ericson 28 with a Raymarine SmartPilot X-5 autohlem. This is the type with a motor-driven belt turning a wheel bolted onto the helm. ... I have a 1987 Ericson 28 with a Raymarine SmartPilot X-5 autohlem. This is the type with a motor-driven belt turning a wheel bolted onto the helm. The owner's manual is dated 2008.

The autohlem is very noisy in winds above say 10-12 knots, especailly so if there is a lot of chop. It makes a loud whirring/grinding noise as it struggles to hold course. It's so noisy that it takes the pleasure out of sailing and I just turn it off and hand steer. I single-hand and am looking to go longer distances, so would like a reliable autohelm.

I adjusted the belt tension to reduce slippage; that helped a little. I dial down the response level to 2 to minimize autohelm movement. It's still annoyingly loud, and it struggles to hold course in wind and chop, particularly on a windy broad reach when the boat starts to surf.

I wonder if a new unit of this type would perform better, or if anyone has a recommendation for an autohelm for a boat of this size. Appreciate any thoughts. ]]> General Sailing Forum Chesapeake Slr https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/noisy-autohelm-302171.html Crew Wanted: 2028 Pacific Cup San Francisco - Hawaii https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/2028-pacific-cup-san-francisco-hawaii-302169.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:50:47 GMT Looking to participate in the 2028 Pacific Cup Race in the doubles category and looking for a co-skipper. Starting my search earlier as a lot of... Looking to participate in the 2028 Pacific Cup Race in the doubles category and looking for a co-skipper. Starting my search earlier as a lot of preparation involved. My boat and I are located in Brisbane, California. The boat is an Ericson 29. Contact me for more information. ]]> TeagueM https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/2028-pacific-cup-san-francisco-hawaii-302169.html Do Plastic Diesel Tanks Pass The Smell Test? https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/do-plastic-diesel-tanks-pass-the-smell-test-302168.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:21:25 GMT IOW, can you detect the presence of diesel fuel inside one? W/o opening the cap, of course! In previous post I asked about sources of plastic fuel... IOW, can you detect the presence of diesel fuel inside one? W/o opening the cap, of course!

In previous post I asked about sources of plastic fuel tanks to replace a leaking stainless steel tank. A leak was welded years ago, but I think it may be leaking again.

I had been leaning toward plastic, but I've learned that after contact with fuel they expand in all directions 2-3% from fuel absorption, which complicates things a little, regarding attachment in the fuel locker. But more importantly, it makes me wonder if it absorbs fuel, could you smell it externally? Very little fuel leaks now, but the odor is the problem, so I wouldn't want to go through all the trouble of replacement to have the problem return. EPA has rigorous standards for emission, but not sure if they are as good as a nose!

The alternative is an aluminum tank, attractive as it would be made to better fit the space and not lose capacity, but obviously more expensive.

Thus the question. ]]> General Sailing Forum ggray https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/do-plastic-diesel-tanks-pass-the-smell-test-302168.html Calculator based celestial navigation program https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/calculator-based-celestial-navigation-program-302166.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:31:39 GMT Some of you may enjoy this sun sight reduction/celestial navigation program I wrote for the TI-84 Plus calculator. The article has a link to the... Some of you may enjoy this sun sight reduction/celestial navigation program I wrote for the TI-84 Plus calculator. The article has a link to the GitHub repository.

https://currents.bluewatercruising.o...t-the-almanac/ ]]> Navigation avant https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/calculator-based-celestial-navigation-program-302166.html Crew Wanted: Crew Wanted: George Town, Exuma to Luperón, Dominican Republic https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/crew-wanted-george-town-exuma-to-luper-n-dominican-republic-302165.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:23:33 GMT I’m looking for one experienced or reasonably capable crew member to join me aboard Stormy Weather, my 43-foot Endeavour ketch, for a passage from... I’m looking for one experienced or reasonably capable crew member to join me aboard Stormy Weather, my 43-foot Endeavour ketch, for a passage from George Town, Exuma, Bahamas to Luperón, Dominican Republic.

I’m a USCG 50-Ton Master with extensive sailing, charter, offshore passage, diesel, electrical, and hands-on boat experience.

The tentative route, depending entirely on weather, would be from George Town to Long Island, then south along the eastern side of Long Island, continuing toward Mayaguana, then Turks & Caicos, and finally Luperón on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

I’m not looking to rush the trip or sail to an artificial schedule. We’ll choose sensible weather windows and stop as necessary along the way. This is a cruising passage, not a delivery race.

Stormy Weather is a solid, well-equipped cruising boat, and I’m looking for someone who is comfortable aboard a sailboat, can stand watches, help with normal sailing and anchoring duties, and has a good attitude. Offshore experience is welcome, but you don’t need to be a professional captain.

I’m currently aboard the boat in George Town, Exuma, and I’m looking to leave when the right crew member and a suitable weather window come together.

If you’re interested, please send me a private message with a little about yourself, your sailing experience, and when you would be available.

Alexei Afonin
USCG 50-Ton Master
S/V Stormy Weather ]]> alexeiafonin https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f30/crew-wanted-george-town-exuma-to-luper-n-dominican-republic-302165.html Garmin Extensions https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/garmin-extensions-302164.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:50:58 GMT I'm sure this has been discussed, but I can't find a thread referring to it. If I export my Garmin 1243xsv .gpx file, import into OpenCPN, (make changes), export into .gpx and import back into the Garmin, I lose any data associated with (what are apparently) Garmin extensions. These seem to include depth, water temperature, sonar information, etc. This may be a Garmin problem, not an OpenCPN one, just wondered if anyone has figured out a way to deal with it without losing data. ]]> OpenCPN bacmb01 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/garmin-extensions-302164.html For Sale: Nauticat pilothouse motorsailer for sale https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/nauticat-pilothouse-motorsailer-for-sale-302163.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:47:23 GMT We are looking to sell our 1984 Nauticat 36, a coastal cruiser currently on the hard on the Chesapeake Bay, MD USA. It was commissioned in Annapolis... We are looking to sell our 1984 Nauticat 36, a coastal cruiser currently on the hard on the Chesapeake Bay, MD USA. It was commissioned in Annapolis in 1984, sailed to Lake Ontario, and then sailed back to the Patuxent River, where the owners lived on it much of the year. We took it all over the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, and then down the ICW to Florida and onto the Bahamas very comfortably. As such, it has two helms, side doors, a heating/cooling system, two heads (one composting) and a full galley with a freezer. Engine is a 90 hp Ford Lehman. It has replacement rigging, all sails, including a roller furling jib. Electronics include an AIS system, an Autohelm, and several radios, including a satellite system. The square stern allows for davits on which we have used our two dinghies, one a Dyer dhow, and the other an 8 ft. hypalon model.
We are selling her because we are too old and creaky to sail her any more. We would like to see her go to a good home and so are selling her well below insured value of $85.000.
We saw a number of Nauticats in New England this year (since a good three-season boat) and also on a trip to the Baltic this summer. This boat would have to be shipped to Northern Europe; those side doors are not good for crossing oceans. ]]> General Classifieds (no boats) letitia pierce https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/nauticat-pilothouse-motorsailer-for-sale-302163.html Greetings from Oriental, NC — refit my Southern Cross 31 from a prison cell https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f9/greetings-from-oriental-nc-refit-my-southern-cross-31-from-a-prison-cell-302162.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:28:05 GMT Morning all. Figured I'd introduce myself properly since I'm about to become a fixture around here.

After a lengthy divorce, I liquidated what I had left and bought a classic yacht to live aboard — a Southern Cross 31. During those two stressful years, I was sentenced to prison for the inappropriate way I went about collecting a debt.

I refused to let that time go to waste. Behind bars, I read libraries of books on refitting classic sailboats. I drew up the designs. And from a prison tablet — over email and phone calls — I coordinated shipyards and contractors to bring the vision to life. For three years, I ran a full yacht refit from a prison cell.

After my release, I transferred on interstate compact to Oriental, North Carolina, where I splashed the boat. I'm now in the final stages of the project.

This is Lord Batten — my Southern Cross 31. Designed in prison. Built with patience. Finally home.

A film crew came out and put together a short documentary: https://youtu.be/PmOdiyi7pNI

I'll be around asking the dumb questions and hopefully answering a few. Fair winds.

— Mark ]]> LordBatten https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f9/greetings-from-oriental-nc-refit-my-southern-cross-31-from-a-prison-cell-302162.html Wrong Class AIS received https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/wrong-class-ais-received-302160.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:14:22 GMT testing ConfigVersionString=Version 5.14.2-0+bd6986a Build 2026-09-24 reported in Github (Github report)... testing ConfigVersionString=Version 5.14.2-0+bd6986a Build 2026-09-24

reported in Github (Github report)and seems to be fixed in version 5.15 but not yet in this latest beta version of 5.14.2

when received before the target AIS message for msg 24 than 18, the target is labeled as class "A" instead of "B", bearing in mind that msg 24 is only for class "B", attached for two boats that are class "B" (one is mine).

windows 11 ARM64 using UDP for GNSS & AIS receiver
complemented with AISLive Plugin ver 1.0.0

attached screenshot:

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]]> OpenCPN Corsair63 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/wrong-class-ais-received-302160.html Template plugin https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/template-plugin-302159.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:26:45 GMT Hello,

A quick message for plugin developers (and future ones!).

I've stripped down my NmeaGenerator plugin to the bare minimum in order to have a template I could use as a starting point to quickly develop new ones.

It contains the bare minimum :
- toolbar icon + GUI
- right-click context menu
- preferences GUI

I set the github repo as a public template so that you can start easily and quickly : https://github.com/Kupofty/Template_pi
You will only need to rename the plugin, some links (manual, cloudsmith, etc) and change the icons

It is using API 1.21 (also a branch with API 1.20). It can be built locally or with CircleCI & Appveyor.

Feel free to share any feedback and ideas on how to improve this template.

Hope it proves useful,
K ]]> OpenCPN Kupofty https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/template-plugin-302159.html Anchor/Bilge/Intrusion Alarm Device I made. https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/anchor-bilge-intrusion-alarm-device-i-made-302158.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:47:43 GMT Hey all.

I recently put together an "away" unit, that will call me on my cell phone and text me if my boat drags anchor. It's a simply device, Raspberry Pi-Zero2W and a LTW chip and antenna. Runs for a month off my basic 12v and simply monitors the GPS/Glonass/etc.

The main feature in mine is I use it for a few different features; flip a switch when I dorp anchor and it sets a perimeter; then flip a switch as I'm leaving the boat and it "arms" if I drag outside the radius. really simple.

Mine also has behavior for if I'm aboard (flip the switch back) it goes into LTE hotspot mode, so I can download charts or whatnot netflix. Or if I'm sailing and the anchor set is off; it works as a hotspot for all my handheld devices for weather, gps, charts, etc. so I don't drain my devices as much (use them for nav vs an expensive commercial unit). That way any device I have onboard has direct GPS and charts and whatever else it needs.

I got tired of not having a solution and not sleeping well at night wondering, when I had to leave it on the hook. We REALLY need to know when our boats are not okay when we're NOT on them, and everything out there seemed to need US ON IT to know OR paying some huge subscription.

This device just works; fits in a small waterproof case. You log-in to set up your password via a webbrowser looking IP address, add whatever cell and landlines you want, and how often to alert you (text then calls etc).

I've added a hatch open alarm to mind and bilge/solar updates etc. Even has room for video if something moves on deck or is gonna hit the boat (the famous other boats dragging).

Works in a parking lot or in an RV or whatever. The key thing I needed was really low power draw, and the RpiZero2W does that.

Anyway if anyone is interested, drop me a note. It's not hard to make one; I can make a parts list or set something up for people who might want one. I'm not on here much but I'll check back every few weeks or months.

Mine cost me about $300 to make, maybe a bit more. Most of that is the LTE card and case, RpiZero2W and memory card, power buck and some basic electronic stuff and options (mine also has a USB input for an external gps if needed, but I use a small ceramic one inside, and an active one on the back rail for the rest of my stuff).

One note: NMEA-0183 only at this point -the 2000 ones just too complex to set up; so all my gear is older so those of you on a budget, but who need accuracy, this might actually be a feature for you!

Thanks! ]]> Navigation PickledHerrings https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/anchor-bilge-intrusion-alarm-device-i-made-302158.html San Diego Bay Photo @ Night https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f61/san-diego-bay-photo-night-302156.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:25:29 GMT Our travel season is over, now it’s time to hang out in SD Bay until next Summer. I am always amazed what a beautiful place this is at night. Our travel season is over, now it’s time to hang out in SD Bay until next Summer. I am always amazed what a beautiful place this is at night.

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]]> Sdpaddler50 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f61/san-diego-bay-photo-night-302156.html 380 Fuel Tanks https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f139/fuel-tanks-302154.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:22:50 GMT Any one replace the fuel tank with the newer ones. We have an original. I called Lagoon and they can't find a replacement. Has anyone had someone build a new bigger tank to fill the void.. ]]> Lagoon Catamarans Jillmstar https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f139/fuel-tanks-302154.html For Sale: Yanmar SD 20 Sail drives https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/yanmar-sd-20-sail-drives-302153.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:14:28 GMT We have two SD 20 sail drives. Worked great.. Just upgraded engines and drives. $500 each We have two SD 20 sail drives. Worked great.. Just upgraded engines and drives.
$500 each

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]]> General Classifieds (no boats) Jillmstar https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f64/yanmar-sd-20-sail-drives-302153.html Methods to Share Free Boat Apps https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/methods-to-share-free-boat-apps-302150.html Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:41:37 GMT I have seen a thread titled alike. I clicked but it is not there. But I have a similar question. Is there any sensible Android App sharing... I have seen a thread titled alike. I clicked but it is not there. But I have a similar question.

Is there any sensible Android App sharing method/place where I could place an App I built for boat use?

Google Play is kind of not in my line of business. It requires me to upload from Android Studio. But building in Android Studio takes tons of my time.

Other places let me share but only if the source is Open Source. Which my App never will be.

So to say, playing the capitalist book is not what I want to do for a number of reasons. But the App could be of use to boaters.

Is sharing over things like Drpobox etc. the only method to do this ?

Thank you for any suggestions and clues.

barnakiel ]]> Navigation barnakiel https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f121/methods-to-share-free-boat-apps-302150.html