Messages

1

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Re: Forward "Bullet" Nav Lights

« on: September 18, 2011, 10:46:52 PM »

I was on the boat this weekend, and decided to go to the bow to see which nav bulb was installed.  In this case, I checked the starboard side.  It has PL 90 stamped on the bayonet fitting of the bulb.  I googled it, and this is the first link that popped up.

http://www.bulbtown.com/90_MINIATURE_BULB_BA15D_BASE_p/90.htm

There are two contact posts at the bottom of the bulb for the electrical connection, and two studs for holding the bulb in place (on the sides).  This looks like the same bulb, albeit with a brass base instead of the chromed or SS base that was on my light.  Based on the cost, you can afford to buy 20:).

2

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Repower Experiences

« on: September 16, 2011, 04:27:31 PM »

I also have an engine repower in my future (I think).  From what I have seen, I like the Beta also.  But, it seems the 28 HP is really big for the space.  I did anyone consider the 25 HP Beta?  It is almost the same size as the 20 HP Beta, which are both considerably smaller than the 28 HP.  The only thing is, the raw water pump ends up back in the cockpit locker (as with the MD11C) for the 20 and 25 HP Betas.

The guy behind me in my marina also has a Pearson 323 and he did a repower with a 20 HP Volvo -- that thing fits great, lots of access space around the engine.  He loves it, and feels it has plenty of power, but he mainly does Galveston Bay sailing, and doesn't have too many electrical loads (no radar, etc).  He said it was $15000, for the engine, and install, and they took the old motor (which was not running -- it failed on him -- I don't know the details).  i could possibly get more info if you want.  I don't know if he changed the prop or shaft.

I would consider a 20 HP, but on principle, I couldn't buy another Volvo, because the charge excessively for MD11C parts.  Anyone with experience with a new 20 HP on the Pearson 323?

I assume with any of these, you have to evaluate the prop matching with the higher RPM motors.

3

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Engine drip pan

« on: September 16, 2011, 04:11:48 PM »

I haven't made a pan, but one thing that REALLY works is to use a disposable baby diaper to adsorb the water.  I use 2 Huggies under the front of my MD11C diesel engine (under Walter V-drive), and those things adsorb 5 times their initial volume of water, and trace oil.  I find that if I change them out every 2-3 weeks, it keeps things very dry and clean.  You can pick them up by a corner, and go straight to a trash bag.  I keep a couple of packages of diapers to use as adsorbent when changing oil also.

Now...I have gone 6 weeks without changing the "baby", and the diapers adsorb so much water, they open up, and the polymer resin (beads) spill out.  A mess, but it was easy to clean up, and nothing got into the main bilge.  Now that I know the change frequency, I keep up with it.

4

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Replacement fixtures for bullet nav lights?

« on: September 16, 2011, 03:03:58 PM »

Ed, your post made me think.  Since I didn't want to hijack your post, I thought I would post a separate, but related topic.   I was wondering if anyone has found a replacement for the bullet holder?  I installed an OGM tri-color light at the top of my mast, and it is nice and bright~!  I want to maintain my existing nav lights, as a backup, and to use when bay sailing.

Rather than replace the bulbs, I think I want to replace the fittings, using some type of LED, flush mount, if possible.  With LED, hopefully I will never have to replace another nav light bulb!  Has anyone done something like that?