Using OpenCPN with Google overlays does not help a lot. Such maps are usually georeferenced pictures of Google Earth. So they have no depth information and are raster charts only (bitmaps, called *.kap), no vector charts with additional informations. However there are also professional charts available for OpenCPN and most circumnavigators uses the old CM93 v2 vector charts even when the latest available version is from May 2015 for free.

--
Gerhard Mueller
Amel Sharki #60
Currently Kalamata, Greece

On Oct 3, 2020, at 1:39 AM, Ken Powers SV Aquarius <ken@...> wrote:

Hello James,

As Danny wrote in his comment above, the FLS is not the only thing used to provide information about the dangers in front of you.  Good maps, eyes on the bow, are also helpful.  But, good maps are not good everywhere, and eyes on the bow get tired.   I have also noticed that many US sailors don't know about OpenCPN.  Download OpenCPN for your computer, connect to a GPS device, and you have a back up chart plotter ..... FOR FREE.  Get the maps from your sailing friends.... I also download all the Google overlays for areas and add to my map folders in OpenCPN before I take off.  This gives me one more input to keep Aquarius from touching anything.   Another thing about OpenCPN.....  You can connect to a Vesper 8000 AIS over WIFI, and now if you're going into a tight place and other boats are in front of you, you can plot their path.  I used this method in Fiji, and Malaysia entering marinas.  I didn't know the exact path in so I just plotted the path of a few larger boats going in and out and just followed their path.  This also helps in shipping lanes you can see which boat are moving and where they're going.  All for free.  If you have two computers loaded with OpenCPN, 2 Pads with charts, and 2 Smart Phones with Charts,  spending money on the standard chart plotter might be a waste of money?

For the question.  I set the alarm on the Echo Pilot for 5 meters.  And though it's annoying, it works.  If I am entering a marina, and it's 4 meters deep for a 100m the alarm will constantly beep.  Someone might say, "turn it off", but it's my reminder to keep my scan going.  The scan is just like flying a plane, you're constantly looking for an display/device/person that may not giving you correct information.  And, another good thing about having a FLS.  Most of us are carrying spares if something goes wrong.  How important is your depth sounder?  I would say VERY.  But, many of the SM's are getting older, and everything is not always working 100%.  If your depth sounder goes out, it's really nice to have a back up...  And the FLS is also my backup depth sounder... 

My 2cents, as someone else on this channel would say.  

Ken
Aquarius
SM2K#262
Aquarius is currently in Thailand getting her mani-pedi.

On 03 October 2020 at 18:43 Ken Powers SV Aquarius <ken@...> wrote:

Danny,

I also could not believe that the reefs/bommies came straight up from 50M. Amazing!  And, I would be moving along at 6kts and was able to see them 80 meters in front of me.  80 meters gives me plenty of time to stop Aquarius.

Best,

Ken
Aquarius SM2K262

On Oct 2, 2020, at 4:43 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:



Hi Tom,

When Amel installs the compressor it is mounted on a piece of wood and fitted to rails. This means it can be slid back out of the way when not needed. The wood the compressor is mounted on can be fixed with pins when underway.

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Tahiti, French Polynesia

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Thomas Kleman
Sent: Friday, October 2, 2020 3:01 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Dive Compressor mounting on SM

 

So, I've just purchased a dive compressor and am installing it. It fits perfectly and snugly on it's rubber feet between the dive tank storage and the port cockpit lazarette divider....using 25 1/2 of the 26 inches available. My question is how people have secured their compressors in place. I don't want to remove the rubber feet to control the vibration and there is not an obvious answer (to me). Securing it to the dive tank storage and lazarette divider seems awkward and would transfer a lot of vibration. I've looked at the pics on this site but it wasn't helpful. Or have people not permanently secured it ?

Tom and Kirstin
SV L'ORIENT
SM2K 422

On 02 October 2020 at 06:27 Ken Powers SV Aquarius <ken@...> wrote:

All,

When I was in the  Tuamotus we were crossing the interior of Makemo Atoll from the main town to the East anchorage.  We were going 6kts in 50m and we saw the reef come straight out of the blue and we were able to stop Aquarius.

If we didn't have the Echo Pilot 2D Professional onboard we would have hit.

Ken

On 02 October 2020 at 06:08 Ken Powers SV Aquarius <ken@...> wrote:

Danny and Yvonne,

Aquarius has a Echo Pilot 2D Professional.  It does have a stand alone display, and I like it that way.

Best,

Ken Powers
Aquarius
SM2K#262