[C320-list] Lights, binacle, props and batteries

[Brad Kuether]

Agree with the comment on the value of this list and everyone having the same (almost) boat more or less.

It has been very helpful to me.  And now I come back to the well again for the collective knowledge.....  :)

LED replacement bulbs

I wanted to get back to the subject of LEDs.  It is apparent that the different models of 320s have had different light fixtures.  The lights in my main cabin have a reflector that is "part" of the hockey puck fixture and the replacement part is a two prong halogen bulb.   I am pretty sure it is called a "G4".  Here is a picture.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-54258538930337_2066_1934154

 It is not as I thought an MR 16.  I pulled the bulb out and put it back in.

I am looking at this bulb as an LED replacement:
http://www.marinebeam.com/g4mitopefort.html

Also for the rear cabin lights I have reading lamps and I "think" I can put these in them....
http://www.marinebeam.com/g4ledbu4smdr.html

Any thoughts on these from a later model 320 perspective?

Binnacle - Autopilot stop.

The stop on my Raymarine autopilot (the finger mounted on the binnacle that keeps the whole unit from spinning) is loose.  The 4 self tapping sheet metal screws have worked loose and now have nothing left to bite into on the binnacle.  The options I have are to:
  1..  Go "up" in side with the sheet metal screws, from a 10 to a 12. (and use loctite)
  2.. Put in "Self tapping/threading machine screws, hoping the tighter threads will help. (and use loctite)
  3.. Open the holes WAY up and use a rubber "blind fastener". (no loctite needed)
Anyone face this dilemma and how did you solve it?

Prop

I had Independence out in light air last weekend.  While the performance wasn't bad, it still felt like I had a parachute attached.  My slip mate put a KIWI feathering prop on his boat and he LOVES it.  I wrote the company and they said "Catalina owners love us".  He sent me a list but I didn't recognize any of the names or haven't seen them frequently enough.  Does anyone on the list have a KIWI prop mated to their Yanmar 3GM or 3YM motor?  And how do you like it?

My main concern is light air performance as I sail in the light air sailing capital, "Chesapeake Bay".  But am also interested how well it backs up and if it has helped in that aspect as well.

Batteries

I had asked a while back about how to leave the boat plugged in with the fridge running.  The feedback I got was "refrigerator running, battery charger on, battery switch on both."  

While down at the dock my neighbor said "Yes, but turn the battery switch to 1 or 2 but not both as it will cause a short."

Any thoughts or wisdom on this?  I freaked out last night after thinking about it and ran down this afternoon to shut the whole thing down.  (Boo, now I will have warm beer....)

I just don't want to burn up my batteries or burn the boat to the water line.

Thanks again for all the help and guidance.  Every day I learn a little more and get more comfortable.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD