[C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

[Scott Thompson]

Funny, but I've thought learning celestial would be a fun retirement 
project even though I'll probably never need it. I find that learning 
these "old" skills is part of the enjoyment of sailing. I do my own 
splicing and whipping too, for the same reason.

Scott Thompson


On 5/28/2020 11:03 AM, Jack Brennan wrote:
> The difference with us is that the 320 is largely a coastal boat. I’ve been 40 miles offshore with mine, but I always knew basically where I was. A compass would be enough to get me where I’m going, but less convenient.
>
> I started sailing 40 years ago. I remember sailing the Keys with a fold-up map and a hand-held compass. I never had need of a sextant because I could always sight a landmark and have a general idea of where I was. We went aground a few times, of course.
>
> If I were going trans-Atlantic, I might take the time to learn sights. But I don’t think that’s happening in this lifetime.
>
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
> From: Harry Juris
> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:23 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes
>
> The US Navy thought the sextant was outdated technology and stopped teaching celestial navigation. 10 years later they reversed the decision:
>
> https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2015/11/01/naval-academy-reinstates-celestial-navigation/
>
> Harry Juris
> Polar Star, 1998 C320 #541
> Graduate California Maritime Academy
> USCG previous license 2nd Mate (Navigator) Steam and Motor Vessels, Any Gross Tons, Oceans
>
>   
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack Brennan
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:06 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes
>
> I always view speed as outdated technology, like a sextant.
>
> My Open CPN plotter gives me extremely good speed over ground. It’s not hard to figure out current where I sail when you combine that and the feel of the boat.
>
> When I depended on a knot meter, I found that it was often inaccurate due to algae growth, etc.
>
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>
>
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
> From: Chris Burti
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:59 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes
>
> Kevin,
> Unless my ST60 transducer is seated perfectly, my speed will not read. Since I need to take it out to avoid barnacles, it is a frequent problem for me.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris Burti
> Commitment #867
> Farmville, NC
>
> From: Kevin Rooney
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:03 PM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes
>
> Transducer failing?
>
> I have a '95 C320 with the original instruments (so 25 years old now). The display for the Autohelm depth finder recently began flashing "0:00" for extended periods, but it works other at other times.
>
> I think this is an ST50 unit.
>
> I'm guessing the transducer is getting ready to go bad but don't really know. Has anyone dealt with this?
>
> Also, my Autohelm speed display just reads zeroes all the time and has for a while. I haven't dealt with that because speed over the bottom is available on my GPS chart plotter. I assume this is unrelated to the depth meter but don't know for sure.
>
> Does anyone here know about these things? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Kevin
> S/V Cecilia Ann, #211
> Deale, MD
> http://kevjot.com/boat/
>
>
>
>

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653