sidetrack
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2010
- Messages
- 58
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Vessel Name
- Sidetrack
I have done some new modifications on the SIDETRACK that some of the group may be interested in. The improvements were made with the fact that I use the R-25 as a work boat but I think there is benefit for anyone who would copy them.
The modifications are:
1.) I relocated the flood light further up the mast. I located it above the radar. This uses the radar dome as a shadow. I do alot of very early, very in the dark, traveling to pick up clients in the summer months. I traverse a tricky little bay thats crowded with crab traps and using navigation aids is a must. The glare off the white foredecks made it almost impossible to use the flood and see forward properly. This totally fixes the problem.... and might be something that Ranger should look at.
2.) I have added a duplicate fuel filter system c/w valves so that if I ever have a problem with a fuel filter, while traveling or fishing, I can just switch valves and run on a duplicate system. I used more commonly aquired Racor filters. I did this because I had an earlier issue with some contaminated fuel. With Diesel motors the general rule for breakdowns is it will either be a fuel supply problem or, these days, a computer malfunction. As I use the boat as a business tool I needed redundancy so that I do not loose days on the water to break downs.
3.) Added a rear view camera c/w a 9" screen mounted on the passenger compass shelf. This has been dione by others but because I run Lowrance, not Garmin, (which has a video card and can display the camera's view) I had to go with a separate display. My clients can now watch their buddies catch fish in the cockpit without having to get cold.
I have tried, unsuccessfully, to attach photos. Bruce tried to give me instructions but to no avail. Photos are in my photo album gallery.
The modifications are:
1.) I relocated the flood light further up the mast. I located it above the radar. This uses the radar dome as a shadow. I do alot of very early, very in the dark, traveling to pick up clients in the summer months. I traverse a tricky little bay thats crowded with crab traps and using navigation aids is a must. The glare off the white foredecks made it almost impossible to use the flood and see forward properly. This totally fixes the problem.... and might be something that Ranger should look at.
2.) I have added a duplicate fuel filter system c/w valves so that if I ever have a problem with a fuel filter, while traveling or fishing, I can just switch valves and run on a duplicate system. I used more commonly aquired Racor filters. I did this because I had an earlier issue with some contaminated fuel. With Diesel motors the general rule for breakdowns is it will either be a fuel supply problem or, these days, a computer malfunction. As I use the boat as a business tool I needed redundancy so that I do not loose days on the water to break downs.
3.) Added a rear view camera c/w a 9" screen mounted on the passenger compass shelf. This has been dione by others but because I run Lowrance, not Garmin, (which has a video card and can display the camera's view) I had to go with a separate display. My clients can now watch their buddies catch fish in the cockpit without having to get cold.
I have tried, unsuccessfully, to attach photos. Bruce tried to give me instructions but to no avail. Photos are in my photo album gallery.
