Best basic electronics for dinghy/mini-cruiser - GPS, VHF etc

[Greenheart]

What I usually do is row out to a nearby buoy, rig a slip from the bow to the cleat at the mast, and rig there with the boat lying just off the wind. On returning ashore, I just do he reverse, sail up to the mooring, de-rig, row the last 50yds ashore. I don't know if an Osprey is stable enough to do this, and if it isn't, well I wouldn't be going cruising in one.

Thanks Rob and Ravi, your posts help me to feel justified about needing to do things a little differently from ubiquitous two-man pure-racing crews! Regarding rowing, tying-up and hoisting while afloat, I've done these in light airs aboard the Osp. Climbing onto the fordeck to haul down a tangled genoa did feel precarious - the boat rolls fairly readily when not under sail, if twelve stone is parked on one side of the mast...see how this almost identical Mk 2 rolls a little without any reason as she's launched (just in the first 5 seconds)...

...she's slender for her length (5'9") and sometimes feels tender, unlike a Wayfarer. Rows easily enough, though she's a bit of a slug...although it's 15 years since I used to row rented boats on the Thames, so it may be me that's got sluggish. The oars are a very acceptable auxiliary though - I don't plan sailing without them. Thanks for the Wayfarer reefing link too. All stored for reading later.

Regarding masthead buoyancy, thanks...I tied two pairs of 2 litre lemonade bottles together, through the mainsail's head-eyelet last summer. Didn't need to test it yet.

Further apologies to mystified VHF/GPS users hoping for electronic details.

 

[Iain C]

Thanks for this; I think you mentioned it in the summer and I'd forgotten. The swivel-base looks to me pretty flush with the top of the centreboard case, so can't be lowered - but it should be possible to stack the block above it on top of a disk of ply, so the jammer won't be usable unless I hold the sheet low over the sidedeck. Reminder made to self.

No, you've misunderstood me. The swivel base can stay where it is, no need to move that. Get the release angle right simply by changing the angle of the wedges/pads that sit between the actual cleat itself and the arm of the swivel base. Undo the bolts that form the vertical "axle" of each pawl of the cleat. Get the size and angle of these components sorted (the big wedge above the grey mounting, and the corresponding small one under it)

However, if you can't get the release angle right (it should release roughly at the point that the sheet leaves the side deck) because the sheet comes out the bottom of the ratchet block at too much of an angle, fit a longer shackle between the block and the swivel base. It's a really easy fix, spanners only, no need for ply discs etc.

Short shackle...

Longer shackle...

Geddit?

 

[Greenheart]

Pretty sure I do get it, thanks for clarifying. Of course, I can't find a photo of the cam cleat swivel today...but I reckon it'll be a longer-shackle job rather than a matter of angling the jammer, because the present set-up is high above a straight line between the block and the side-deck, and as you say, it's a pain to release under tension in a hurry.

I was imagining a disk of ply to keep the block stiffly upright - but I'll just use a taller spring.

 

[Iain C]

Cool. Good luck.

 

[FairweatherDave]

Hi Dan
Enjoyed your Osprey links. And fully get your Mk 1 eyeball navigation of the Solent pre GPS for the masses. Back on the subject of navigation for me the point about a GPS is not the fix and transferring that info to a chart (built in or otherwise), it is about heading to your waypoint and knowing where you are heading to ie which way to point and knowing you are making progress. I guess (as has been said) apps can do that but how easily in a waterproof case in a tender Osprey. I know you like to examine many options but I'm guessing the cheapest useful option is a 2nd hand handheld GPS off e bay for around £40. And in case you did not know there is a big difference between handheld GPS plotters and simple handheld GPS with no chart information except waypoints you put in. Often people just say handheld GPS when really it is a hand held plotter with a much higher price tag. Had to get that off my chest before cooking the tea, but happy to be told I am 10 years out of date.

 

[Greenheart]

Often people just say handheld GPS when really it is a hand held plotter with a much higher price tag. Had to get that off my chest...but happy to be told I am 10 years out of date.

Thanks for that Dave, sorry for not replying for two weeks...I was on the point of replacing my phone, so I thought I'd ask the question again with reference to my new equipment...

...which is a Samsung Note 3. It's big (although after my Galaxy S2, which seemed substantial after the unsmartphone I had before, its size doesn't seem an awkward increase)...

...so I guess mapping/charts will feel very easy to read (the screen is 5.8 inches by almost 3). The question at the moment seems to be where to get a decent waterproof, shockproof cover, with a lanyard hole. Such a cover seems to be in production, but examples are not yet actually being delivered and tested by customers. Lucky it's still winter.

If anyone has a Note 3 and has successfully downloaded Navionics (or another popular, hopefully reliable, ideally not expensive equivalent) to their own, I'd like to hear about it.

To all who dismissed phones for navigation/comms in damp conditions, please bear in mind that cost is prohibitive here...purpose-designed electronics aren't really an option - I'd simply end up navigating pre-1990s style. So since I'll take my phone with me anyway when I sail, don't its GPS/comms uses offer at least something we'd all rather have, than not?

I'm an absolute child as far as understanding this phone's abilities goes...in fact any real infant would have mastered its principal options and systems by now. So if anyone with this particular model can recommend any sailing-related applications which aren't bank-breakers, I'll be glad to try them. Thanks... :encouragement: