Questions for 220 Sundeck Owners

[mikedj]

New to the forum, just bought a 2005 220 Sundeck. I would like to add some options that didn't come on the boat and I could use some help identifying manufacturer and model numbers if you have these options. I've found a little info on the internet, but I'm having trouble confirming that info.

Compass - looks like it might be a Ritchie F-50 or F-83

Automatic Fire Suppression System - Seems the original equipment is halon and that I'll have to get the modern replacement using engine compartment size to determine model (Sea-Fire seems helpful in this regard) - but if you have a model number for yours it might help guide me.

Docking Lights - haven't found any info steering me towards manufacturer or model number.

I'm hoping the wiring for these items is already in the harness, but I haven't looked yet.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[surfinjoe]

I will take a look this weekend for the compass and docking light info. Please note that the docking lights are truly docking lights, and are not meant to be used as headlights. They are pretty useless for anything except docking or providing light while backing up your trailer.

New to the forum, just bought a 2005 220 Sundeck. I would like to add some options that didn't come on the boat and I could use some help identifying manufacturer and model numbers if you have these options. I've found a little info on the internet, but I'm having trouble confirming that info.

Compass - looks like it might be a Ritchie F-50 or F-83

Automatic Fire Suppression System - Seems the original equipment is halon and that I'll have to get the modern replacement using engine compartment size to determine model (Sea-Fire seems helpful in this regard) - but if you have a model number for yours it might help guide me.

Docking Lights - haven't found any info steering me towards manufacturer or model number.

I'm hoping the wiring for these items is already in the harness, but I haven't looked yet.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mikedj]

Much appreciated. I fully understand and appreciate the "headlight" issue - I've read some of the other threads on the subject. I also understand they are of limited use. I'm not sure if they would be worth the effort to install, but I thought I'd start by identifying them and checking cost. I also need to determine access to see how hard installation might be.

The compass, on the other hand, is something I will definitely install. I only want to drill the hole once, so I want to be sure I'm installing the right model (as close to the factory option as possible).

Thanks,
Mike

 

[surfinjoe]

My docking lights were screwed-in from the outside of the hull, so I don't think it would be a big issue to install them. The hardest part for me would be cutting the holes in the hull (outch).

The compass is very useful if you are out on big water. To be honest, I rarley use mine (even when out on big water). I am never so far offshore where I can't see land. When I am leaving a port, I take pictures of any 'tall' landmarks (buildings, water towers, light houses). In Michigan, the great lakes are pretty straight forward in that there are not a lot of 'fingers' and complex channels and rivers to confuse you. If you leave a port, typically all there is in front of you is the open water The simple act of taking the picture 'burns' the image into my mind, and I have never had to look at the picture when returning to the port (even after several days). Anyhow, that's just me.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Docking lights won't be worth the effort. We had them on our 240 Sundeck and they were useless. I tried them once at night just see if it made docking easier and it didn't help -- never used them again.

 

[pchansen]

A compass is a nice to have feature but have you considered a chart plotter? I have your exact same boat and I mounted a Garmin 431s onto the windshield support bracket. It has a nice compass rose screen that is very accurate assuming you are moving along at a few mph. The charts have saved my butt from grounding many, many times. Also when skiing (on a lake w/ no current), I like the speed presentation so I can get consistent runs at exactly 32 mph.

 

[mikedj]

Docking lights won't be worth the effort. We had them on our 240 Sundeck and they were useless. I tried them once at night just see if it made docking easier and it didn't help -- never used them again.

I wondered if this might be the case. I appreciate your opinion - I certainly don't want to waste time or money, so I certainly won't rush into this effort...

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mikedj]

A compass is a nice to have feature but have you considered a chart plotter? I have your exact same boat and I mounted a Garmin 431s onto the windshield support bracket. It has a nice compass rose screen that is very accurate assuming you are moving along at a few mph. The charts have saved my butt from grounding many, many times. Also when skiing (on a lake w/ no current), I like the speed presentation so I can get consistent runs at exactly 32 mph.

Some of the boats I looked at had chart plotters - something I would have liked to have gotten. Based on the cost, I'm approaching that slowly. One factor is shelf life. I looked at a 2006 that had a Lowrance unit that is already obsolete. It's probably better that my boat didn't come with one so I can put a brand new one on and have it last longer. I'm still on the fence though, mostly do to the cost - I need to do some research to see if it's something I want to invest in.

I do like how yours is mounted - no holes in the helm. Although the previous owner had a small GPS mounted on the helm, so there are already holes. All I got was the old bracket (most likely left behind to hide the holes!!)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Mike

 

[mikedj]

I will take a look this weekend for the compass and docking light info. Please note that the docking lights are truly docking lights, and are not meant to be used as headlights. They are pretty useless for anything except docking or providing light while backing up your trailer.

Did you ever get a chance to look at these items?

Thanks,
Mike