matthewmiller01
New Member
- May 14, 2008
- 1,007
- Boat Info
- 2008 290 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 5.0 MPIs (DTS) w/ Bravo III Drives
Kohler 5 ECD
Hello all. I just traded up to a 2008 290 Sundancer (used) with twin 5.0MPIs (DTS) with BIII drives, and generator. I have never had a cruiser before and I am seeking advice on the equipment on board. I am awaiting delivery (once I make slip arrangements) and so I have only read the few manuals that I have been able to find through information on this board.
1. Windlass (chain & rope) - I have never had a windlass. Do you use the windlass to raise and lower the anchor or just raise it with the windlass and toss out the anchor by hand? I have read up and understand to tie off the anchor line to the cleat vice leaving it on the windlass under tension. Must I open the deck cover to use it or can I keep it down while the windlass is operating?
2. Glomex Antenna - How good or bad is this? I tried to tune in a station on the test drive, but could not get any. We were under the roof of the dock at the time. Is line of sight with the sky necessary or not? We were also pretty far from any city, so the signal may have been very weak as well. Then, there is always the chance for operator error.
3. Pump-Out - How often is this necessary (assuming weekend use)? Do you pump out every trip or only when filling up, which may take a couple of weeks?
4. C70 - Where can I buy the navionics cards (West Marine, iboats, etc.)?
5. Hiding Places - Are there any to find (a la on the 280DA)? You don't have to tell me where it is, but I don't want to miss out on any possible storage space and I don't want to go looking for a pot of gold if there is not one to be found.
6. What is the most economical and efficient speed/RPM for cruising on twin 5.0MPIs with BIII drives? Yes, I realize how funny that sounds to ask about fuel economy.
This is my first cruiser and I am open to any suggestions or advice on anything that may help me. So please feel free to let me know. I will list the options that I have in case there is something not in the manuals about any of them. Thanks in advance for any information.
Here are the specs:
2008 290DA (Pewter Hull)
T-5.0L MPIs (DTS) with BIII drives
150 hours on the engines
Generator
Heat & A/C
Windlass (Chain & Rope)
V-Berth & Mid-Berth TVs and DVDs
Under Swim Platform Lighting
Camper Canvas
1. Windlass (chain & rope) - I have never had a windlass. Do you use the windlass to raise and lower the anchor or just raise it with the windlass and toss out the anchor by hand? I have read up and understand to tie off the anchor line to the cleat vice leaving it on the windlass under tension. Must I open the deck cover to use it or can I keep it down while the windlass is operating?
2. Glomex Antenna - How good or bad is this? I tried to tune in a station on the test drive, but could not get any. We were under the roof of the dock at the time. Is line of sight with the sky necessary or not? We were also pretty far from any city, so the signal may have been very weak as well. Then, there is always the chance for operator error.
3. Pump-Out - How often is this necessary (assuming weekend use)? Do you pump out every trip or only when filling up, which may take a couple of weeks?
4. C70 - Where can I buy the navionics cards (West Marine, iboats, etc.)?
5. Hiding Places - Are there any to find (a la on the 280DA)? You don't have to tell me where it is, but I don't want to miss out on any possible storage space and I don't want to go looking for a pot of gold if there is not one to be found.
6. What is the most economical and efficient speed/RPM for cruising on twin 5.0MPIs with BIII drives? Yes, I realize how funny that sounds to ask about fuel economy.
This is my first cruiser and I am open to any suggestions or advice on anything that may help me. So please feel free to let me know. I will list the options that I have in case there is something not in the manuals about any of them. Thanks in advance for any information.
Here are the specs:
2008 290DA (Pewter Hull)
T-5.0L MPIs (DTS) with BIII drives
150 hours on the engines
Generator
Heat & A/C
Windlass (Chain & Rope)
V-Berth & Mid-Berth TVs and DVDs
Under Swim Platform Lighting
Camper Canvas