Live Webinar, 4/23/20 - Tugnuts on the loose!

[Sam Bisset]

For next week's episode of As the Prop Turns, we're going to dedicate the entire webinar to answering your questions. Please use this thread to ask your questions now. We'll also be taking questions live during the webinar.

thank you!

 

[Nmontagno]

I have a 2019 EZ Loader tandem axle aluminum trailer (electric/hydraulic brakes) for my 2020 R23. Should I unplug the trailer electric wiring connection before launching (saltwater) or does it matter with this type of trailers wiring and lights.

Thank you.

 

[Newf]

I have a 2014 21EC with the D1-30 Volvo Penta engine. How was the choice of the type of engine mounts determined? Was it what came with the engine as recommended by Volvo Penta? I've seen a different type on other D1-30 setups online in other boats, a style where the rubber is in compression instead of shear/tension like the ones on my boat.

The reason I'm asking is that I'm on my second set and they are also starting to show cracking and fatigue in the rubber and was wondering if switching to the compression style would cause a problem for me. At almost $1000.00 a set (CDN) the existing mounts are not a cheap item to replace every 3-4 years.

 

[Brian B]

It seems engine maintenance is directed towards the Volvo. I understand that because that is the engine being installed these days. However don’t forget there are a lot of Yanmar owners in your boats.

 

[tdellaviola]

Securing Anchor Rope on 2014 C30
Question regarding securing the anchor rope when at anchor. The very small cleat in the anchor box seems to small/fragile to hold the boat in weather, but the large forward cleats are above the anchoring equipment. What is the recommended practise for securing the anchor rope? a bridal seems like a pain....

thank you

 

[tdellaviola]

Alarm when trolling using the aft station.
Hi,
I often get an alarm from the aft steering station when I am trolling. The beep occurs every 20 seconds and is quite loud. On the side of the power control there is also a yellow caution symbol lit up. The warning manager on the main console shows no warnings and the he 'warnings manager' tab on your Volvo display also shows no warnings. Auto pilot NOT in use. I have in the past successfully made the beep stop by shutting the engines off and then on again, but this does not always work. Does anyone have any ideas?

Tony

 

[iggy]

Securing Anchor Rope on 2014 C30
Question regarding securing the anchor rope when at anchor. The very small cleat in the anchor box seems to small/fragile to hold the boat in weather, but the large forward cleats are above the anchoring equipment. What is the recommended practise for securing the anchor rope? a bridal seems like a pain....

thank you

If is was me?? Keep in mind that I have never seen your boat. I might install a bigger cleat with a bigger backing plate in the box. A bridal is a good way to secure the rode. It would be sharing the load between two cleats.

Years ago I was in rough weather about 30mph winds, this thunder storm was not in the forecast. I just installed radar and use not familiar with it. I had an old salt on board that knew had to read it. It passed us and than made a U turn for us!! Thank god I used a bridal and a good anchor, winds hit 60+ as for as we could tell. Now if it looks a little rough, where is the bridal?

Sorry, could not help myself in answering! It just brought up memorys of this storm!

 

[Canuck27]

Is it a good idea to always be plugged into shore power? Once the batteries are at 100% should you disconnect from shore power for a period of a week or so?

 

[kayakdi5]

Not sure if it's enough to fill entire an presentation, but similar to the Garmin 101 webinar, can you delve into Garmin's radar functions?

 

[Drambuoy_II]

I have a 2016 Ranger 29S. Is there some way to improve the range of the Side-Power 8981 remote? I've tried several pairs of new CR2032 batteries, but operating the thrusters from the bow or stern with the remote is hit or miss, and mostly miss.
(I AM getting pretty good, though, at dashing to the toggles at the wheel as a result. :<))

 

[Cutwater28GG]

lots of common questions on tugnuts over the years

some ideas

1. trim tab settings and use for inboard and outboard models
2. transducer troubleshooting
3. maintenance for diesel heater
4. battery replacement options
5. getting access to maintenance items. which interior panels can be removed and how (e,g, fresh water pump in cut 28)
6. adding new items to the NMEA network
7. Truck recommendations for towing
8. maintaining the gelcoat of your boat
9. interior wood finish maintenance
10. zinc maintenance and type and bonding description
11. rudder grease maintenance
12. anchor windlass how to use guide: lots of questions on slipping rode and rode type.
13. dinghy motor mounting options
14. the different bilge pumps in use across the range and how to maintain
15. how the thruster remote works and which aux switches to turn on
16. toilet maintenance
17. heavy weather tactics
18. interior cleaning supplies and tips
19. solar panel tips
20. freshwater maintenance

 

[Cindywood3]

What are your best tips for cleaning/maintaining the exterior and interior of Ranger Tug? (Best practices, frequency, recommended products, etc.)

 

[iggy]

Not sure if it's enough to fill entire an presentation, but similar to the Garmin 101 webinar, can you delve into Garmin's radar functions?

Yes, I am interested in tracking targets.

 

[OldSailor41]

On my 2014 Ranger 31S, it is a different fresh water pump from the one shown in the Webinar. Mine is a Johnson. I have not been able to figure out how to remove the filter to clean it. Looks like it should unscrew, but doesn't want to.

 

[StraitKnot]

How about an AIS tutorial?

 

[fishingdad]

I keep having problems with the Webasto heater not starting or running. How about an in depth session on how to maintain and troubleshoot them?

Kevin

 

[SJI Sailor]

+1 to the question about constant shore power, and +1 for anchor cleats vs bridle on C30.

I have also wondered about the best places to attach jack lines on a C30 if ever needed (for instance to go on deck and place fenders in moderately heavy seas ... which I hope never to need to know!)

 

[jlhowland]

A Garmin chartplotter question. When cruising my boat icon stays in the middle of the screen. Is there a way to offset it to the bottom so that more screen is dedicated to what is in front of me?

 

[iggy]

Is it a good idea to always be plugged into shore power? Once the batteries are at 100% should you disconnect from shore power for a period of a week or so?

Why? Once your batteries are fully charged your charger should go into a sleep mode. Shore power was mentioned so the boat must be in the water. With that in mind, if something lets go and water is running in, your batteries will start to drain. Your shore power will keep the pumps going.

 

[cathy&amp;ron]

Ron & Cathy on Lady Grey, 23’ RT in Blaine, Wa.
Rust forms at the contact points where glass meets the stainless steel. We’ve tried on and off, and it will remove the rust, but it leaves a stain on the white glass even after thorough flushing with water...and in a short time the rust returns. Is there a better way to prevent the steel from shedding rust on the glass. Perhaps a barrier between glass and steel. Is there anything that will stop the rust such as the products that change rust (iron oxide) chemically into a non rusting substance (unfortunately, the chemically changed rust may become black). Please help as this problem is both unsightly, damaging to the boat, and repetitive. Plus, the on and off can be dangerous to work with, and is destructive to aluminum and other materials found on Ranger Tugs.