Recent content by Belleview3

Sounds like someone bypassed the windlass solenoid. Possibly went bad or the switchpad button doesn't engage the solenoid. Either way the solenoid switch is a safety switch so someone can't accidently drop anchor (especially while moving). . . Its happened before, just sayin'

I've been using delta styles on my cruisers since 2008. Good choice for mud. You want chain. . . at least 25', preferably 30' or more. Chain sets the anchor. Check your windless specs for chain size. If you have 1/2" rode, then probably 1/4" link.

Tim, check out #7 & 8 on this post for some of my tips. One thing I didn't mention was the really shallow depth you have to work with in the forward EIM area. Play with the new box position to get the maximum depth. My 1st placement had the breaker box touching the back of the hatch door. Good...

If you had a factory install, your parts manual would be correct. This is not factory. . . You need that skinny kid in the neighborhood who can fit into the space. I had to do that a few times. BTW, can you remove / reposition the board that everything is mounted to? I see a few small components...

Gotta agree. . . I replaced my switchpads and EIM's last summer. I put the FP package in and it was great. Didn't enjoy the $$$ or the 8+ hours it took me, but the end results were worth it. I couldn't use trim tabs, windlass or 1/2 my lights and was out of rerouting options.

I don't have a picture of mine but its similar to this. . https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-ft-16-3-Extension-Cord-Storage-Reel-HD-130PDQ/205038360 Simple and quick to deploy and retrieve.

I keep a small Danforth (12#) and 100' of 3/8" rode on a spool in the stern locker with the fenders. We only use it for special needs like positioning the boat for optimal viewing of fireworks or concerts, but it has held multiple boats when used. We are in fresh water with mud & rock.

Here is my '04 280. The TV is mounted onto the slide out tray for the orig TV (spun the tray 180 degrees to mount). We can still slide it out and rotate plus we have all that space for storage.

Todd, The six port connector panel in the bottom-right middle is the communications cable block for the switchpads and EIM's. I believe it's call a MUX.

My '04 280DA has the typical Clarion setup. My 2 cabin speakers are deck powered on the front channel. The 4 cockpit speakers are on the deck's rear channel going through the 4 channel amp located behind the mirrors in the mid-birth. I bet you have the same or similar setup. If you have the...

Depends on your DIY skills. I would say a 3 for a young, agile DIYer who knows his tools. It was more like a 7 on a 63 year old DIYer with bad knees and back. Alcohol helped. . . You need to be able to cut fiberglass and crawl into a few tight spots. The rest was pretty much remove the existing...

First of all, the instructions and videos are very helpful. Very straightforward. A few things to consider: 1. This really is a 2 person job. At least if you want it to go smoothly. Also, make sure one of you is smaller or thinner. I had a hell of a time getting my 200# fat ass squeezed into and...

Gord, are you doing the FP Marine replacement system? If you're installing it, let me know. I have some tips for you that are not in the instructions and videos.

Mark, Troubleshooting the switchpads / EIMs was almost impossible. If you can't find a good set switchpads to test with, then you're stuck with unplugging and cleaning every connection in the system and praying for a miracle. I bought 2 new updated switchpads at $800 just to find that the...

You can get bromine tablets at any hot tub or pool supply, even Walmart carries it.