It's Done ! . . . (Almost)

[bill brown]

Dear Folks, happy holidays. Well, we are almost owners of a 42' Cheoy Lee - Perry design - survey to be completed. Rugged piece of equipment - 25,000 lbs, skeg, gennie, etc. Cabin - - pretty much a "wow". We plan to live on her 3-4 months per year. Seems to fit our needs.

Here is my question: GPS needs upgrading. Looking at Garmin 546. Seems to have the stuff I want. All east coast cruising (as far as our plans go). Will be berthing boat in Lake Champlain for 3-4 months and then take her back to NC (where we live) for the winter. Any suggestions concerning the "546" or other GPS chartplotters. Connected question: Is using my PC a better way to go?

Question 2: will have to add heat.......looking at two alternatives: Dickerson P12000 - propane - easy to install or Epson or Wallas diesel furnaces - not easy to install, expensive.

Thoughts on GPS and cabin heat system would be VERY appreciated.


Thanks, bill brown

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Go with the diesel. I just tried to do the waterway in NC with only a propane heater and froze my vitals. When it was 23 degrees in the cabin we fled for home, hoping January will be warmer. Boat's in Oriental if you want to see an inadequate heater in a 42-footer. But that boat will never see cold weather again if I have anything to say about.

[S/V_Surya]

Using your PC as GPS is cheapest way to go. Free software, GPS mouse 25 bucks.

[Richard Jordan]

I'm a big fan of using your PC and iPhone for everything you can get away with these days. Beyond price, it's more flexible to use software instead of hardware solutions.

[DeepFrz]

Have the surveyor very carefully check the bottom of the hull for hard spots where the fg may have been working. Check along the main stringers to see if there are any stress cracks in the skin, and from the inside to see if there are any hard points along the stringers.

[Tom and Maje]

Bill,

Congratulations on your new boat!

Maje

[serah]

We have an older wallas 95 on our 32' and absolutely love it. It's one that switches between a stove and heater; I imagine you're looking at the single use heater. I think they use the same burner though. We're inthe PNW, and it kept us toasty warm even when temps were 5C below 0. Especially nice as it sucks cabin air, so spits out the damp air, and really helps to keep the boat dry and moisture free.

[zeehag]

garmin gps with chips for everywhere
force 10 propane heater or dickinson type diesel with designated fuel tank . you dont want to empty fuel tanks used for propulsion just to heat house..