Cote d Azur cruise

[petem]

In your boots, if the fugly things are still doing their job, I'd live with them.
But if and when you should really consider a Frankestein solution, I don't think you are restricted to VP, whose accessories are imho mediocre in terms of construction quality, also in their latest incarnations.

I've got EDC engines and electronic controls that are currently working (touch wood). The potentiometers aren;t crippling expensive @ c. €100 a side but I believe they're actually standard automotive parts (Bosch?). Pattern parts are available for under €10 if you wish to go that way. So in theory, I think I agree with you that controls could be fitted with any equivalent that uses the same bog standard pots.

It's actually the actuator that's more of an issue as these are €1000 a side (ouch) and they do fail. I'd be interested to know if anyone has had any success in repairing them as it feels like something that should be repairable (assuming they're not tamper proof).

 

[jfm]

I don't like the Kobelt stuff. Too big a footprint on the dash and you cannot press a button with your thumb while operating the stick at the same time, as you can with ZF. That is important so you can select single stick operation of both engines with one hand. I would get the ZF every time - very good quality kit and better ergonomics.

 

[MapisM]

I've got EDC engines and electronic controls

Hang on, I understood that you've got VP mechanical levers, which made me assume (without thinking too much, admittedly) that your engines were NOT electronic. With electronic engines, it's actually the mechanical levers that can be called a Frankestein solution, not the other way round...

 

[petem]

Hang on, I understood that you've got VP mechanical levers, which made me assume (without thinking too much, admittedly) that your engines were NOT electronic. With electronic engines, it's actually the mechanical levers that can be called a Frankestein solution, not the other way round...

As per my earlier post #44 (you may have missed where I said it), it's a mate's boat (1998 KAD42 S/S Hawk) that had the Frankensteins.

 

[MapisM]

I don't like the Kobelt stuff.

Maybe ergonomics (as well as aesthetic) ain't the strongest point of Kobelt, but have you ever tried them?
I had a chance to use them in a rather extensive sea trial of a Trader, and I never found anywhere else the rock solid feeling I had with them.
Not to mention that they were still as good as new in a 12yo boat, also in the upper helm. Something that can't be said of any of their competitors, unless VERY well preserved - i.e. always covered and never left with a single drop of salt on them.
Regardless, my suggestion was mostly focused on retrofitting a mechanical installation, for the reasons I previously mentioned.

As an aside, for some reason I thought that you had Glendinning levers on Match, not the same ZF stuff as Deleted User has.
Not that it makes any difference, mind.

 

[MapisM]

As per my earlier post #44 (you may have missed where I said it), it's a mate's boat (1998 KAD42 S/S Hawk) that had the Frankensteins.

I didn't miss that, but my understanding of your following post #55 was that you were in the same boots, and you were considering an alternative.
My mistake, anyway. In hindsight, I was aware that Andiamo is EDC powered, but I didn't think about it.

 

[jfm]

Maybe ergonomics (as well as aesthetic) ain't the strongest point of Kobelt, but have you ever tried them?
I had a chance to use them in a rather extensive sea trial of a Trader, and I never found anywhere else the rock solid feeling I had with them.
Not to mention that they were still as good as new in a 12yo boat, also in the upper helm. Something that can't be said of any of their competitors, unless VERY well preserved - i.e. always covered and never left with a single drop of salt on them.
Regardless, my suggestion was mostly focused on retrofitting a mechanical installation, for the reasons I previously mentioned.

As an aside, for some reason I thought that you had Glendinning levers on Match, not the same ZF stuff as Deleted User has.
Not that it makes any difference, mind.

Yup I have same as Mike's = the ZF. Only glendinning hardware I have are their excellent cable winders. As I say, I like the "one hand" single lever ability of ZF but more important is that the ZF comes with a nice wired remote option, which is an essential imho when stern-to berthing single handed or with just one crew. I never berth the boat other than using the remote. Also it allows me to come alongside concrete for 30 second people boarding/leaving, without using fenders. Kobelt do a wired remote too, but it just isn't nice. I get the quality of kobelt, but the clunky ugliness and 1960s looks makes me just not like them. By the way, the glendinning wired remote is beautiful piece of kit - nicer than ZF - and I would probably spec Glendinning all round on next build.

 

[springer]

JFM and a new build thread! Order the popcorn and settle in, watching for the start date

 

[jfm]

JFM and a new build thread! Order the popcorn and settle in, watching for the start date

Hmmm maybe 2022 I'm afraid. I still love the current boat, and I'm super busy for a few years in a new job/business that I love but that eats up my time (I took 204 flights in 2018 and spent as many nights in hotels as I did in homes; same run-rate this year)

 

[MapisM]

Kobelt do a wired remote too, but it just isn't nice. I get the quality of kobelt, but the clunky ugliness and 1960s looks makes me just not like them. By the way, the glendinning wired remote is beautiful piece of kit - nicer than ZF - and I would probably spec Glendinning all round on next build.

Yup, I did try also the Glendinning wired remote, and I perfectly see what you mean.
In fact, now I remember why I had in mind a Cat boat with Glendinning controls: it's Mr.P one, not yours.
Which I've yet to see in flesh, coming to think of it: you really must find the time to come down here, hopefully sooner rather than later!
Btw, back in my ORY days, I made a video of that remote, which was delivered, brand new, with a small defect.
It's on youtube, but unlisted, 'cause there are names named on it. I'll PM you the link in a minute, for your eyes only.

That said, the equivalent bit of kit from Kobelt, vintage looking as it might appear, is a true no-nonsense, bullet proof bit of kit.
It's no coincidence that their stuff is mostly used in commercial boats, and IIRC they are also MIL-specs compliant.
And it also allows rudders control, as opposed to the Glendinning (and also others) remote.
Useless when maneuvering a twin engines boat, and even more so with bow and stern thrusters, of course.
But not so much with single screw boats with just a b/t (if that), as is the case of many fishing vessels, including some pretty large ones.

Possibly the one and only thing that I regret not being able to fit in my 100% mechanical setup.
Well, unless going for a full electronic+actuators conversion of course.
But aside from being nowhere near worth its cost, it would imply losing separate levers, which I just love.
Compromises, as always...

 

[Portofino]

So after cap Negre we headed off to Cavalaire Sur Mer , it’s a nice French town , low rise .
We passed a lot of coves and beaches along the way .I was going to play about with the syncing at d speed rpm , but thought after a few days of poodle it’s was time to run properly.Aside air temp crept up to 34 so we were back at creating artificial breeze .

So 80 % load was at 1780 rpm and it ran @ 28 knots with EGTs an identical 570 degrees , it’s 3/4 to 2/3 rds full fuel and full of water , so about a ton and 1/2 in liquids .

Cavalaire has a nice marina the boat that came in next door was a fjord and the wife of fjord owner blurted out “ that’s what I wanted an Itama “ this was not well received by hubby !
“ that’s what I wanted isn’t it beautiful “

The guy in the marina office said “ I’ll. put your boat next to the fjord , I love Itama and they are visiting Italians “

This is the thing we always get admiration where ever we go .

The boat that started my love affair with Itama lives here too , I’ll get a pic when it’s safe / cool enough to venture out .
Current sat inside with the airco on , there’s only so much sun one can take I’ve wimped out at 7 pm local .


Low rise town




The bay is yet another crescent shaped sandy affair.


It’s got a 19 HIN no .


Stunning attention to detail . Note the nice hand rails inside .


Pop up cleat , with a OEM rubbing Protection , how often do you see them placed DIY from the chandler, often in the wrong place ?

The waft of teak is nice too .
It’s Italian the family they have a skipper and rented a villa a short walk away , he brought the boat .

 

[Portofino]

Set off from Cavalaire headed E , the coast is wild , rugged mostly unspoilt. As you near St Tropez bay the boat density markedly increases .

So too the various angles of attack , or trim or lack of trim or rearward CoG .

Bit bow up .


He’s D speed heading back to IT @12 knots .


Calm enough to ride on the stern flatter sections and not slam today .


Nice AoA and correctly trimmed .


Fast again a long WW L using its V up front .AoA about right .



Pretty good for large FB . Although it’s stern is sinking probably not going fast enough to generate sufficient lift ?


Average a bit bow high ?


Crossed the bay of Fréjus and the rock turns red ,that’s rade d Agay .


Esteril mountains our home port is the other side .


Pull in for lunch in one of many little bays



That turquoise water was here all the time
Anyhow enjoyed searching , air temps 30 , sea 28 .

 

[mcanderson]

Porto, thank goodness I was on the move early today or I might of been in your pictures of trim shame! We left the Lerins this morning at 9 and got to St Tropez at 10. The forecast of increasing SW winds got us motivated and now it’s blowing a good solid 15+ here in St T and the mooring manoeuvres are getting more and more interesting!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

. That is important so you can select single stick operation of both engines with one hand. I would get the ZF every time - very good quality kit and better ergonomics.

Never thought of that! On the other hand pushing levers and pressing buttons at the same time could lead to brain overload with catastrophic results. I'm a typical male and cannot multi task

What I particularly like with the ZF controls is that you can get very short bursts of thrust by pushing the levers in and out of gear quickly which helps make for precise manoeuvering when berthing

 

[Portofino]

Porto, thank goodness I was on the move early today or I might of been in your pictures of trim shame! We left the Lerins this morning at 9 and got to St Tropez at 10. The forecast of increasing SW winds got us motivated and now it’s blowing a good solid 15+ here in St T and the mooring manoeuvres are getting more and more interesting!

Just missed each other we left at 10 , Yes there was more wind over there esp bay of St Strop / Fréjus , but it was behind us .Often the case it’s pretty calm here near Cannes while windy over there.
We have a new acquaintance who has moved his new last year 15 M sports boat from Cogolin to La Napoule because of that very reason too windy .They have a villa near Grimaud too so the move was not taken lightly.
So far this 1st season in the bay of Cannes his wife is loving it .They ( she ) were about to pack in boating due being knocked about by the wind over there.
Your trip back should be ok .
It’s been unusually flat calm for us in the Porquerolles, makes anchoring a pleasure .

Been twice already to St Trop this season , it’s Itama city

 

[MapisM]

What I particularly like with the ZF controls is that you can get very short bursts of thrust by pushing the levers in and out of gear quickly

I'm not sure to see what you mean, M.
I would agree that your current levers are overall nicer than the microcommander stuff which (I suppose) you had on the F53, for instance.
But why shouldn't you be able to do short bursts also with them - or with any mechanical levers, either?

 

[Portofino]

I'm not sure to see what you mean, M.
I would agree that your current levers are overall nicer than the microcommander stuff which (I suppose) you had on the F53, for instance.
But why shouldn't you be able to do short bursts also with them - or with any mechanical levers, either?

Yup , even with my Stone Age Morse levers I can do small enough bursts quickly enough if F to R is needed , to feel totally comfortable in placing the boat in tight spots .
Suppose there’s boat weight and prop pitch plus reduction from the gearbox .
It sometimes feels with quick , click then N that the shafts only turned once .I know it hasn’t but that’s how “ low “ if that’s the word it feels , the prop movement.

 

[mcanderson]

We have an Itama behind us and they just went out! It’s now 20kts and building so I guess they are happy with that.

The boat you describe as average a bit bow high was close to us last night in the Lerins and were partying until after 3am. People were getting very annoyed and it has now shown up here in st Trop.

 

[Portofino]

We have an Itama behind us and they just went out! It’s now 20kts and building so I guess they are happy with that.

The boat you describe as average a bit bow high was close to us last night in the Lerins and were partying until after 3am. People were getting very annoyed and it has now shown up here in st Trop.

Nah the Itama Guy won’t give a monkeys I’d be surprised if he ever looks at the forecast.

Party boats
Moot point . There’s a few around the anchorages in St Trop , unfortunately!
We tend to approach a gaggle of anchored boats slowly looking and hearing out for them .
Classic signs ( any size n shape btw )
Over loaded .
Same age of peeps
Excess water toys redundantly floating at the stern .
A lot of bombing in the water .
Boom boom boom of the bass speakers .


There was one in there that’s why we anchored where we were a SUNY Pred 80/90 something in black .
When it went home we moved closer to the spit .

 

[Portofino]

5

So on a motor bike Mike ?
See the stubby lever , your foot / toe could kick that up or down .Thats the timeframe I have from N to R or F
.
No waiting for pots or ECU,s to send a msg actuators, no delays .