Apparently the Eclipse I'll be looking at soon in Orlando is #17. Due to a series of events, the boat was only test sailed once and has never been owned. If all looks well, I'll be picking up the boat next week or weekend then transporting it to Hutchins to correct a 'minor mast hinge pin issue'. it is being advertised as 'new', seller claims inside and out.
Anyone know of any significant differences between the latest boats produced and this early hull #? Any concerns?
Also- It's sitting on a performance trailer, I know they're out of business now. Anything I should be looking at specifically? I think I read something about D vs E rated tires.
Thanks.
And as luck would have it, the original Eclipse in FL became available again at almost exactly the same price, only it includes an 8 HP Tohatsu and an ST 2000 autopilot. Decisions decisions. I'm almost more comfortable with the fact that this one HASN'T sat for 7 years!
That is a hard decision, but the new one is probably in better shape. Sure you might have to nuke the interior with mildew remover, and polish out things but at least it hasn't had it's share of use, and possibly abuse. The trailer tires if original should be changed immediately, IMO. And I bet the trailer bearings on the new boat are in need of replacement sitting there in the same spot. You wouldn't really know which is a better deal until you finely inspected both boats. Also 7 years of use would mean the sails are on their decline-that's probably near $1000 from an inexpensive but good loft, like National Sails. They don't last forever. Not to mention line, block wear, rigging, etc.
A little advice on the outboard. Scout out craigslist pages within a few hours for a 4-6hp two stroke long shaft. Or an 8hp..many of these are the same exact models/weight as the 6hp versions, just tuned differently in the carb/reeds, etc. Much cheaper, lighter, quieter and better performing IMO.
Considering you don't see Eclipses too often for sale, regardless of which way you go, don't wait too long to decide or they may be gone.
Is the "original" the unit in Punta Gorda? That is a good looking boat based on the three pictures. The owner/dealer could send more pictures with some details in areas like the ports,bow sprit, chain plates, rub rail etc.
The boat has been on the market at least since April. Could be the economy or ??
Look for hull damage. I've used boatfax a few times but never confident that hull repairs were not accomplished at home or never reported. I don't know any substitute for crawling around on the boat, checking the spars, rigging, rudder, center boardetc.
The OB needs a good look at the fuel system and carburetor since the unit may have been idle for months.
Trailer needs a good eyeball and check of bearings and tires. "E" load rating is preferred.
If the boat is a 2005, the book average retail is $13,500. Most sellers feel there rig is above average to exceptional.
Just like all our children.
If you go to Orlando, it is only about two hours to Punta Gorda. Then you can make a valid comparison.
So the reason for the seven year sit:
"As for why we still have a new boat: our dealership was in SC on Lk. Marion and when Santee Cooper Power Co. repaired the dam and replaced the lock doors at Monk's Corner (75' drop) the water was completely drained from our lake, not once but twice over the past 7 years. Many businesses suffered from this happening. Also, the fact of my eyesight going bad has forced us to give up the boat business and return to FL."
Thanks to whoever sent the checklist! Edit: thanks Carry On.
Edit: Also, having lunch with the dealer/owner of the "new" Eclipse Tuesday, he's passing through. His old dealer is boutv1/2 hour from me.
Didn't know if I should comment here on on the other message, so I'll do it here to keep it topical. If I understand the previous posts, both these boats are 2005 models. The one I have a deal pending is also a 2005 but i don't know what hull number it is. It hasn't been sailed much, I can tell you that. It is loaded with equipment: bimini, autopilot, dodger, 6 horse suzuki, spinnaker,2 spare tires, upgraded trailer springs, life jackets, tool box, 2 anchors and rode, full cover, more I'm sure, I didn't take a full inventory. basically water ready. Just needs a buff and polish and teak redone. I won't say what the agreed upon price is, other than it is significantly less than either of the ones you are looking at. The NADA number for my zipcode including trailer and motor is about right, I think. I'm close to that number. The shorter season up north probably takes into account the higher prices you are seeing.
Every used boat has a different story. A 7 year sit I would consider very strange, but I guess anything is possible. I didn't get a survey because my gut feeling is I can trust the present owner, you may want to consider one @ $20k. Trust your gut and how much risk you are willing to take.
You may already know this but I'll throw it out there anyway. Dealer prices always seem high to me. I think they do this on purpose as they know they will have to "deal". Just like cars. Asking prices mean little to them. It also seems to matter if the boat is a brokerage deal or if the dealer actually took the boat in trade and actually owns it. They know what they have in it and what their bottom line price is. Brokerage is totally different as you are still dealing with the owner and what they are willing to take for the boat, and if they need to sell or are just "testing the waters". I don't know what the market is like in Florida, but it is still pretty soft up here in Illinois. I think I'm getting a pretty good deal on my Eclipse. After quite a bit of research, my conclusion is that it comes down more to condition rather than age. A well maintained 30 year old boat is a better buy than a neglected 5 year old boat. I originally had my eye on a 1983 Compac 19, well maintained, and almost bought it until I found the Eclipse. I decided that the improvements made in the Eclipse made the higher investment worth it, to me. The other bit of information I have gleaned during my research and previous boat ownership: Don't be surprised if you have to spend another 5-10% or so of the purchase price to get the boat how you want it. Whether it is a new sail, motor, GPS, radio, bottom paint, coast guard stuff, general maintenance neglected by the previous owner, or all of the above, there is always something you "just can't live without". If you have owned a boat before you are well aware of this, but I thought I should bring it up anyway.
The decision is difficult between the two you are looking at. I couldn't make a decision if I had to go by looking at the pics on the other thread, you will have to see them both in person, I think. I looked at a lot of boats and this one is the one. You can feel it when you have the right one, there becomes no doubt in your mind. I can't offer any additional information as far as improvements made over the different hull numbers, I would think all 2005 boats are basically the same. Perhaps a call to Hutchins might answer that question. This forum is the best source of information on the trailers. My research indicates you definetely want load range "E" tires on the Eclipse trailer, and they are hard to find in the 10" tires that are on the stock wheels.
Good luck, keep us informed, and I'll do the same.
Vectordirector
I'm somewhat new at this, but have noticed that prices are inflated by both brokers and dealers. When I was looking at Horizons, I noticed that many were selling for around $27k with the diesel. Then I found one for $34k. Nothing special about it. I sent the broker a note asking why they were asking so much- they replied that I should then make an offer more representative of what they're going for on the market.
I also perceive that prices and offers are not often discussed. A couple weeks ago, the dealer in PG said I should make an offer on the Eclipse because there's another offer on the table. I asked him what the offer was, he said 'obviously I can't discuss that' or words to that effect. No, not obvious to me. I don't get it. I'm accustomed to a lot more transparency!
It also would seem that NADA is a very loose guideline.
I talked the Orlando boat down a little over $1k, but that's his bottom line. I don't have enough of a sample to compare if I'm getting a terrible deal. Reading your post makes me feel that I might be!
As for hull #s, they're only two apart, the other one is #19. When I asked Hutchins about the differences between 2005 and now, he responded 'We probably do something different today but I can tell you that there is nothing significant enough for me to remember.'.
The broker for #19 says, "I didn't write the add, but I'd give the boat a 7 on my 1-10 scale.
Has a slight dent in the rubrail, starboard forward (about 2 inches).
Shroud tee on port side as having trouble staying in during mast raising (I have a better than the factory fix for that) they all do it.
Sails look great, varnish is fresh, bottom paint is good, eveything (lights, auto pilot, etc.) works, motor runs great (smallest electric start engine available)
Trailer shows good, almost no rust (probably due for new carpet on bunks) tires are good, little weather cracking, good tread."
Since I'm a bit wary, I'll throw out there that a vast majority of the used Eclipses are 2005s from my observation. Coincidence? I hope not!
Edit: I'll add that G. Hutchins says of the 8 HP motor #19 comes with, 'that is more weight than I would want on the back of the boat. Also, it just doesn't need 8 hp.'. I looked up the spec, it's about 80 lbs.
Don't know if you have seen these but sailingtexas.com has a kind of history of Eclipses that were posted for sale on that site. Go to the photo section and it will show all the boats of any model that were for sale at one time or another posted there. Sailboatlistings.com also has some older posts and couple of recent sales on there as well. Neither has actual sales prices but they are interesting nevertheless. I don't think it is a coincedence that there are a lot of 2005 boats. My guess is with the boat being introduced in 2004 and after the sterling reviews that 2005 was probably the year that they produced the most Eclipses. Then the economy tanked and sales tapered off.
Very few dealers around here of $20K + boats have new in stock inventory, most are built to order these days. The dealer in Madison, WI has one Compac 23 Pilothouse, one Catalina 22 sport, a Precision 18, a Precision 185, a couple of Hobie Cats, a Compac Picnic Cat, and a bunch of kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Only two @ $20K+. Dealer in St. Louis has nothing new over $10K. Other parts of the country may be different.
Sailnet had an interesting thread on used boat prices and some people were saying that 30% off asking is not unreasonable in the current economy. I don't know if I agree with that, but if you want to go there, I don't see why you couldn't. The brokers work for the seller and aren't obligated to be transparent. The higher the sale price, the higher their commision. They are obligated to present all offers though, even if they think it is too low. I've been looking at boats for about a year and the used market is very interesting. Not many used 2006-2010 boats out there for sale. I don't think many were sold back then due to the economy. Catalina 22s are a dime a dozen and prices are all over the map depending on year and condition. Well priced boats in good condition go fast. Overpriced boats sit on the market for a long time. I do know that a similarlly equipped new Elipcse would sticker at about $33K, I would guess you could actually buy one for around $30K (10% off). I'm under half that. The boat wasn't advertised on any of the regular sites, so it kind of fell under the radar. Good luck, wish I could offer more, but that's all I got right now.
Vectordirector
I replied to your PM. My boat has the 6 hp suzuki, 60 lbs according to their specs. I woudn't sweat it. 20 lbs =3 gallons of water. unless you are going to have to move it on and off the boat. 60 I could barely manage, 80 no way. I'm 5'5" and 180 lbs. Out of shape and pushing 50. Your situation is likely different. Electric start is nice, and 2 cylinder motors are supposed to be smoother than single cylinders. The 8 costs about $600 more new. Plusses and minusses.
Number 19 is the one at Punta Gorda Yacht Brokers? If he said there is an offer on the table it sounds like he is brokering it not selling it outright. There are so few Eclipses on the market it is tough to know what it is really worth. Brokerage is tougher still because you can't talk to the seller directly to find out his "situation". The broker may tell you if you ask. Around here brokerage fees are typically 7-10%. Your bank or insurance company might be able to give you a pretty solid number as will a good surveyor.
If the boat is still available, the owner might just be testing the waters or out of touch with what boats are really worth these days.
I think 50% of the price of a new one for a 2005 with similar equipment is reasonable. If that boat is as nice as it looks, in my market I would think $15-16K. Florida add or subtract as you think appropriate. Chicago prices tend to drop at the end of September because sellers don't want to pay for winterizing and storage.
Number 17 is the Orlando boat that is "new"? Not really as the warranty has expired. From what the seller has told you this sounds like a better "situation" for a buyer looking to get a deal. I don't know what the mark up is on a boat like this but I'm sure a previous dealer has much less invested than a previous retail buyer does if they bought new. Trailer will probably need new tires @ $200. you said you got him down to about $17500? so around $19K with the trailer. an uneducated guess is that's probably his cost and he may not go below it. I would add $1700 to that number for a motor and tires for a $21K bottom line. $9 K less than new but $5-6K more than the other one.
Is the Orlando boat worth $5-6K more? I don't know. Your call. carry-on and Salty19 bring sage advice.
good luck and fair winds,
Vectordirector
Beradthefish,
I can understand your situation. I too searched for an Eclipse for more than 6 months. Fortunately it was during the winter months and I finally found the "Madame" in March. I too will have to agree that the listings are all over inflated. Online research leaves us with only "asking" prices. After talking to a few of the sellers it became very obvious that most could be had for much less.
During my search I put together a list of all the Eclipses that I found. PM me your email address and I would be happy to email it to you. I have not updated it since March so some of the links may be broke.
Best of Luck to You,
Allen
This all useful conversation and i appreciate it!
I went to SailingTexas. Great suggestion, I never would have thought that going to the photos section would be so helpful. My initial feeling is that I'm getting a mostly fair deal if the "new" #17 in Orlando is just that. New sails, rigging, bottom paint is good, trailer is serviceable, inside isn't mold/mildewey etc. all of which the owner/dealer claims
Thanks for the PM vector, I appreciate your candor. Regarding the motor, it's not a selling point for me, I would rather go smaller. I could heft it, but I think I'd be more comfortable with a smaller and newer model and I'm willing to pay for it. Autopilot however is a selling point for me, that's something I want, but will also willingly buy one.
All the rest of the stuff I have. Radio, PFDs, anchor, fenders, etc.
You are exactly correct in your guess of the overall price by the way. The other boat in Punta Gorda is the same price, just comes with a couple more things which given their age don't really add up to a whole lot in the long run.
Eagle eye- will do, and thanks.
I have a couple elementary questions about the Eclipse in general. Keep in mind that I'm a monohull newbie, never had a boat with a cabin or electricity so:
1- how does the switch panel and the boat wiring in general work? Is it that a deep cycle battery feeds into the switch panel which branches out to the various electrical loads on the boat? The battery must be charged either at home or by some means while underway such as the outboard or solar? Are there any 12v power points?
2- does anyone have a digitized rigging guide for the Eclipse? I want to have a good handle on that information before I make the trip to FL.
3- how is the eclipse tied down on the Performance trailer?
4- where are the navigation lights located? In videos I think I see the green/red on the bow pulpit, what about the stern white?
Random tidbit of info: according to the broker selling #20 (the actual number of the aforementioned #19), Com-PAC is currently building hull #69.
Thanks!
Brad,
You are correct about the electrical system. Basically it goes from battery to the fuse panel then to the loads. On my Eclipse # 42 the fuse panel is a Sea Dog 42110:
http://www.sea-dog.com/groups/1946-aluminum-vertical-rocker-switch-panel
I have one 12v plug-in next to the fuse panel.
I remove my battery to charge it and have done so only once since the beginning of the season only because we were going away on a trip for a week. The only power I use is for the GPS and depth finder so it doesn't drain it much.
As you suspected the bow light is on the pulpit and the white stern is port side of the stern arch.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/0011.jpg)
I strap my Eclipse to the trailer in 2 places. One heavy strap goes over the cockpit close to the companionway. I padded the strap to protect the gelcoat. In order to keep the strap away from the hull I made SST extensions that attach the bottom of the u-bolt.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/0021.jpg)
The second strap is lighter and I attach it to the bow cleat then down and forward to the trailer. I found that seems to stabilize the boat from rocking on the keel.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/0031.jpg)
I also modified my bobstay for easier launch and retrieval but I will save that for another post.
I don't have any information about the rigging but it is pretty straightforward. I'll try to get some pics if that will help.
Thanks on the info abut # 69. Tyler Hutchins told me at a boat show that he would guess that there were 50 or 60. I suppose that really tells the story as to why they are hard to find.
Best to You,
Allen
Eagle Eye - Thank you very much for the above post, that answers my questions and then some. If you have the time to do so, some rigging-related pics would be great, but I'm sure I'll figure it out, the manual will help.
I met with the owner today, my wife and I had lunch with him and his wife, they happened to be passing through the area. Their story and history with sailing was interesting, the gentleman is pushing 80. He was one of the first Com-Pac dealers. Of course I interrogated him about the boat for a while, he reaffirmed his claims of newness - hopefully all is well when I make the trip to Orlando next Thursday.
What sort of deep cell battery did you use for your Eclipse? I'd like to start researching those here soon.
Thanks again!
Edit: What are the wooden boards for at the front of your trailer?
Quote from: beradthefish on August 14, 2012, 09:36:40 PM
Edit: What are the wooden boards for at the front of your trailer?
The boards are a place to stand while retrieving the boat. Last Sunday's launch was so slippery it was imposable to stand up without hanging on to something... fender, door handle, ect.. The boards were a safe refuge and are much better than trying to balance on the steel. I got the idea from a post here on the forum.
Allen
Eclipse #17 is in my back yard!
I picked the boat up in Orlando from the couple who used to be a Com-Pac dealer in South Carolina. The next day, we finished up paperwork then I made my way to Clearwater where I met Gerry Hutchins and his son Tyler. Tyler spent a couple hours with me in the hot sun answering questions and explaining the boat etc. He knows it well, he built and delivered it! He also replaced a few pins and fasteners here and there. They had an older spare tire/wheel for the Performance trailer which they sold me for a great price. I walked around their facility, saw Eclipse #69 getting its final touches and 23 PH #8 under construction. Seems like Sun Cats are the hot seller now. The mold for the 35 hull was sitting in a bay, no orders for that boat as of now.
Everything on the boat was as described and in order. The interior is flawless and doesn't smell like anything at all. We pulled all of the covers off of the cushions and washed them anyway.
The exterior is oxidized as expected, I'm going to start addressing that today. I've already washed all the sheets/halyards/lines, they look new again. The sails were a little dirty, but a short soak in Oxyclean and a blast of water turned them completely white again.
The boom had a large abandoned wasp nest in it and lots of spiders, blasted them out with the hose. The mast had an abandoned birds nest in it as well. The sail track had a good bit of crusty lubricant in it from sitting, simple green and a small bottle brush took care of that.
Now I'm going to go out and test some mild abrasives on the hull to figure out how best to get rid of the oxidation and restore the shine.
Also decided on a Tohatsu 6HP long shaft (20") from onlineoutboards.com. Gerry H. gave the company a pretty good endorsement regarding shipping time and prices. Also for Tohatsu motors themselves. I was pretty set on a Yamaha, but they're $300-400 more.
I have two questions:
I forgot to ask about the main sheet at Hutchins and it's not clear to me where it is - Can one of you snap some photos of yours? I see the traveller setup of course but I think I'm missing something.
Anyone successfully post photos in this forum hosted on Google Picasa?
Congratulations on the acquisition and delivery of your new Eclipse. It sounds great. I will add my two cents worth on ordering a Tohatsu outboard from OnlineOutboards dot Com. I ordered a 3.5 hp with standard shaft (recommended by Keith of The Sailboat Company in North Carolina) for my 16/II. OnlineOutboards did exactly what they said they would. The motor arrived in two days and the price was right. It runs great and a new motor gives me long term confidence. I recommend OnlineOutboards dot Com.
Congrats on the new boat. I envy your trip to Clearwater. I'm sure the information you gleaned from Gerry and Tyler is priceless. Glad to hear the boat was as described. There is plenty of information on-line about buffing boats, but I figured I'd let a pro do it. Plus, I really don't have the time. I'll explain what was done on another thread.
Good luck with the new motor, I'm sure you will love it. I have zero experience with small outboards but research indicates that correct installation and break in are of paramount importance to get the best out of them.
I didn't have a chance to remove the sail cover on the main before I put the boat inside for storage before the rain hit, so I can't offer any insight on the mainsheet. I assume it is in there somewhere as I haven't seen it elsewhere. I had a large hornet nest in the zippered end of the bimini, sprayed it good from 15 feet away and I think I got them all. Haven't opened the bimini, previous owner says he never used it.
Never used picasa, I use photobucket and after I figured out how the tagging works and the image insert here works, I was able to post some pics. I think there are instructions in the help forum.
I'll be updating information and pics on #23 today as the weather is crappy. I was going to splash her today, too. Hopefully next Saturday.
Can't wait to see pics. Again, congrats.
Vectordirector
Well I finally had the sail cover off and had a look at the mainsheet system. It is not what I assumed. I had assumed that it cleated somewhere on the rear of the boom at the arch. Yours may be different. My mainsheet actually knots at the end of the boom, runs through some pulleys under the boom to the mast, then down through a pulley at the base of the mast, over to one of the turning pulleys on the starboard side and through the inboard spinlock cleat next to the hatch. It is next to the main halyard spinlock. Actually a very convenient setup as it is out of the way but easy to get to. I'm not sure how I feel about these spinlocks yet, they seem a little fussy, not as "sure they are locked" in use as the Harken system I had on my Hobie. Maybe I just need to get used to using them. They seem to work better when the line has a load on it then when the line is loose. Interesting to see how well they work on the water. Sorry I forgot to take pics of the mainsheet system but hopefully my description above will help.
What is your boat's status? Have you had her in the water yet? Let's see her!
Vectordirector
Quote from: Vectordirector on September 03, 2012, 04:09:40 PM
. I'm not sure how I feel about these spinlocks yet, they seem a little fussy, not as "sure they are locked" in use as the Harken system I had on my Hobie. Maybe I just need to get used to using them. They seem to work better when the line has a load on it then when the line is loose. Interesting to see how well they work on the water.
Vec,
I am just a newbie and don't have much to compare them too but I feel the spinlock cleats are great. I have used them all season and found that they are so easy to use that I replaced the jib sheet cam cleats with spinlocks. I have NEVER had one slip and it doesn't matter how much force the sail pull on the lines the cleats release with just a short upward flick of the line and then can be locked with a downward flick. The lines can also be drawn in without releasing the cleat by just pulling on the line. The new ones that I just bought have a 3 position setting as to how much pressure is needed to release the cleat. I would find this handy if the main halyard spinlock cleat had this feature because it is annoying to accidentally bump that cleat and have the main sail drop on you at a most inopportune moment. It would be nice to have that cleat less sensitive.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/Sail14lores.jpg)
Berad,
Congrats on getting her home. Were you able to figure out the main sheets yet? If not I will get some pics out.
Allen
Spashed Sunday afternoon into Lake Murray, SC. Slipway was crowded so I put the boat in the water, powered out to a secluded location and raised the mast and sails.
Sailed well in about 5-7 knots for a while, then the first rainstorm hit as they often do. When I tried to furl the jib, I just got line becuase I failed to attach it to the furler. So I dropped the main, got the outboard running then manually furled the jib. No sweat! I anchored at a nearby island and rode the storm out and fixed the jib furler.
I was having so much fun, I decided to anchor near Bomb/Lunch island overnight. I was a bit paranoid about anchor drag, but the Delta anchor never failed me once in the 10+ times I anchored over the two days. That still didn't keep me from waking up everytime I thought I heard something, will take some getting used to. Downloaded an iPhone app called Drag Queen which seems to work well.
My family joined me on Monday, we got nailed by another rainstorm, but they and the boat took it well. The slipway was very crowded by power boaters trying to get out of the rain, so I anchored adjacent to the ramp and configured for trailering while on the water. For now, I keep my jib run alongside the stanchions held in place by tarp ties. Tarp ties are the thing. I use them everywhere on the boat: Secure the covered bimini for trailering. Temorarily secure the main to the boom when I don't want to use the cover. Keep the anchor from moving around on the roller.
I also use the boom vang to secure the anchor while trailering, to prevent a 60 MPH deployment - The other end I attach to a stanchion, that way the vang is right there to be used to raise the mast.
Everything was going great until I got home and started to back up the steep driveway. SCRAPE... The rudder managed to work its way down. I shaved about an inch off, slightly bent and seperated the glass from the aluminum. No damage to the gudgeon whatsoever. For the curious, that mistake will cost you $354.
So as usual, I have questions (obviously I figured out the mainsheet):
The hatch and most of the ports leak. Should I look into replacing the rubber gaskets?
I get leaks through some of the deck hardware screws as well. What's a method for re-sealing those?
Finally - How is the teak removed? I remove the screws/hardware, but it's stuck on with sealer of some sort. Heat gun? Careful prying? Then how to re-seal - Probably the same method as the deck hardware.
What is the screen on your sliding companionway hatch?
What screen?
As far as my questions, I did some reading and now all my deck hardware and the offending porthole are off the boat. The teak is sanded, will clean with Xylene today in order to apply Cetol Natural Teak then Gloss. It looks so much better, it's amazing. Also got a tube of LifeCalk and some butyl tape to rebed everything. I find that citrus adhesive remover works well to loosen caulk.
Removed videos.
Good video,
I'm sure it will be helpful to other Eclipse owners.
I'm guessing the round object on the port side of the companion way door is a depth gauge. perhaps an Uniden QT206 model?
I have one but have not installed it yet, just cant seem to get around to installing it?
I know we all have our different ways of rigging and prepping for towing, I leave the shrouds on and bungee them off to the bow area, one less thing to remove.
I also bungee the headsail to the mast so everything is nice and straight.
What kind of bilge pump do you have?
Is the mast post base plate metal ? I need to look at mine.
My reefing lines run a little different than yours. They are tied off at the back of the boom, go vertical through the reefing hole, back down, forward to the next hole, back up and down again. all of which is controlled from the goose neck area. once you pull the reefing line, it takes all the slack of the sail and holds it down to the boom tight.
Glenn B.
Quote from: chas5131 on September 09, 2012, 08:59:11 PM
What is the screen on your sliding companionway hatch?
Chas,
I apologies for not catching your question. When Brad asked, "What Screen". I must have assumed you were asking about a window screen and I couldn't figure it out either. It takes me a while sometimes... but it just occurred to me you were commenting on my pic. Huh Duh!
The screen on the hatch is a GPS. This being my first season I have not yet determined what kind of GPS will suit me best so I have been using my auto Garmin. It records our miles sailed for the log, gives me boat speed (just for giggles) and I can get a snapshot of our sail path, again, fun to look at when we get back home.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/Sail2619.jpg)
We will be considering a GPS or chart plotter in the future as priorities and finances dictates.
Allen
Quote from: beradthefish on November 25, 2012, 11:49:28 AM
I made several videos of my Eclipse:
Nice job on the videos, Brad,
It is interesting to see all the details and comparing the small differences in the different vintages. It has given me some ideas about future posts.
Sorry about your Mastendr incident. That was my first repair when we purchased the Madame, as the PO really mangled the sail slot. Just take your time and make sure that all the edges inside and out are rounded and tapered as much as possible as you can see from my post. Also make sure the gooseneck slug can pass by the reinforcement plates.
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/SlotRepair3.jpg)
BTW...
Does she have a name yet? Your signature still says, "Eclipse pending"
Best of luck,
Allen
Glenn - I don't have a depth gauge. What round object do you mean? I will try your way of securing the shrouds to the boat as well as the headsail to the mast next time around. The bilge pump is a Bosworth Guzzler 500V. The mast post base plate, you mean the one under the hatches in the cabin? Mine's metal. On the reefing lines, yes, that makes a lot of sense. What I did in the video was exactly how they showed me at the factory. Interesting! I will be trying to rig it the way you mentioned. If you could sketch that up for me when you have time, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Eagleye - I use an iPhone with MotionX GPS and Navionics. Both programs are fairly good. Yes, the gooseneck slug. Mine doesn't make it past that piece I put on there, it's too thick. The slugs don't go past easily either. That's why this weekend I'm re-doing it. Mine's not too bad, just a bite out of the very bottom.
Glenn - Now I see what you're talking about reference the depth gauge. The picture you're talking about above is Eagleye's not mine.
Quote from: Glenn on November 25, 2012, 11:02:18 PM
I'm guessing the round object on the port side of the companion way door is a depth gauge. perhaps an Uniden QT206 model?
I have one but have not installed it yet, just cant seem to get around to installing it?
Glenn B.
Brad...I just figured that out also. Rereading old posts.....it must be a winter thing.
Glenn,
Yes that is exactly what it is. A Uniden QT206. The PO had it put in when the boat was new. I tested it with a sounding weight and it seems right on. I have found it very useful.
Allen
Bredthefish,
I will sketch something up and send it to you via email, I think I can do that through your contact info on this site. if that doesn't work please feel free to contact me using my email gpb91384@hotmail.com and I will send the sketch to you.
I will have to look at my boat just to make sure I have everything right in my head before I sketch it out for you, its raining here for the next couple of days so you will have to wait for it but I will send it to you asap.
Also, I will take a few pictures of my boat as it sits on the trailer ready for tow to show the rigging.
Allen,
thanks for confirming the depth gauge. I have been putting off installing mine, some times I think a fish finder would be better showing the contours of the bottom your sailing over rather than just numbers appearing on a screen. If you could see the bottom, you could turn away from a potential hazard or shallow waters.
Thanks guys for the info.
Glenn B.
Glen - I thank you for taking the time to do that, I was just staring at my sail yesterday and I can't exactly picture it. I'll PM you my contact information. By the way, can you give me a very general overview of the installation of the depth gauge? Does it involve drilling a through-hull?
Breadthefish,
No through hole is needed, that's the beauty of this depth sounder. there may be others out there that do not need a trough hole as well, I just don't know.
I was thinking of making an instrument cluster board to mount my depth finder gauge and anything else later on. One of the ideas was to make a pivot arm attached inside the cabin that would simply swing out into the companion way so I could see it (I saw this on a post some where on this site).
The other idea is to make a companion way slat (matching the current lower companion way slat) which would drop in place containing the instruments. this too was shown some where on this site. I think I would use some type of quick release wire connectors so this bottom slat could be stored separately with out all the wires. I would use teak I think.
Also, the lower slat would be smaller in size, may be half the size of the companion way lower slat now so you don't have to step over it so much.
I like both ideas, just never got around to doing anything.
I was pleased to read the person who had this unit said it was pretty accurate and since I have it I should probably use it. I can always add a fish finder that would show the bottom latter.
A wind indicator would be nice too! not sure how to get from the top of the mast to this board by going past the pivot point on the mast?
Still raining here but next week indicates temperatures in the high 70's and possibly low 80's (sorry guys) and I will pull the cover off my boat to take the pictures of how I rig to tow.
Glenn B.
Glenn - Have you considered mounting it on one of the access ports above the lazarettes? I guess the only drawback would be having to turn around to see it while sitting on the same side. Just an idea. So where do you put the actual transducer?
Today was the perfect day for sailing, but life happens and I couldn't go. That's how it's been lately!
My understand is, the transducer is fitted in the "V" berth area just forwad of the keel. this would allow the best viewing for the sounding without any obstrutions from the boat.
I think I read some place this is where Gerry H. suggested it be mounted.
The application of mounting the transducer seems pretty simple and straight forward but you must do a proper job of mounting it so you have no air bubbles under neath it or in the glue your using which would give bad readings, it must be level too.
I think you could probably find a link on this unit and how to install it some place.
Glenn B.
Photographs removed.
It's been a couple of months, I'm posting to say that Eclipse #17 is for sale. I have recently had a 'career development' (a positive one), however, my sailing opportunities are unfortunately going to be even more scarce than they are now. This thread is a pretty good history of the boat, but I'll put a writeup in the classifieds as well as Craigslist. I appreciate everyone's information and help, it was people on this forum that pointed me in the right direction to find #17 and it was people here that helped me fine tune it. It remains a great experience!
Thank you!
Brad
Brad,
Hey...we're really sorry to see you go. It was fun getting some more activity in the Eclipse section of the forum. Thanks for all your input. I wish you the best in your future journeys and maybe there will be a place for sailing again.
Fair winds...
Allen
Quote from: Eagleye on February 09, 2013, 12:58:44 PM
Brad,
Hey...we're really sorry to see you go. It was fun getting some more activity in the Eclipse section of the forum. Thanks for all your input. I wish you the best in your future journeys and maybe there will be a place for sailing again.
Fair winds...
Allen
Thanks Allen, there will definitely be a place for sailing in the long term!
By the way, if anyone has any recommended websites for listing my boat other than here or Craigslist, I'd appreciate your suggestions.
Brad,
sailingtexas.com is a nice site to list your Eclipse. (not just for boats in Texas)
Good luck with the sale... and the "career development".
Ivo