The official 2009 270DA ~ 2010 280DA thread

[dvoyer]

Kaoru, I looked at Georgian Marine Electronics website and can't see Mercury parts like Merc Monitor. Maybe I will have to contact them directly. Have you bought your merc monitor there too ?

Do we have a J-box already installed on our boat ?

I've read that there is many different harnesses available to connect SC to nmea2000 and I must admit that I'm still confused about all that nmea thing. I continue to read as much as I can on it...

Dominic

 

[Kaoru]

Kaoru, I looked at Georgian Marine Electronics website and can't see Mercury parts like Merc Monitor. Maybe I will have to contact them directly. Have you bought your merc monitor there too ?

Do we have a J-box already installed on our boat ?

I've read that there is many different harnesses available to connect SC to nmea2000 and I must admit that I'm still confused about all that nmea thing. I continue to read as much as I can on it...

Dominic

Georgian Marine doesn't sell Mercury parts (though the Merc Monitor is electronics), I bought mine through Hurst (my dealer/Marina). Make sure you get the right one as there are several models. The one I have, off the top of my head, is the single engine level 2 data. I can confirm that later. As for J-box, yes there is a Smart Craft junction box at the helm which your existing System gauge is connected to. You'll replace that gauge and its connection with that of the Merc Monitor. Finally, you'll need to setup a NMEA2000 (which the Raymarine e7 supports) network. That is another topic since Raymarine uses proprietary connectors but there are adapters.

All for now,
Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[Kaoru]

I posted the below a few posts back. Essentially, the Merc Monitor I got was a "single engine smart tow level 2 data" model. It comes with a harness to replace the SC1000 gauge and harness. The other gauges plug directly into the Merc Monitor. The install is literally a drop in replacement. The real work is installing the NMEA2000 network. For that I picked up some Maretron field connectors, T's, power connection, and cable. My supplier was Marine Outfitters (was Pride Marine) on the web (www.marineoutfitters.ca). They have all the parts and sells the cable by the foot. To connect said network to your Raymarine e7, you will need a SeaTalkng to Micro C Devicenet adapter (Note that SeaTalkng is essentially NMEA2000 but with proprietary connectors.) The final connection is your GPS via NMEA0183 (unless the Merc Monitor gets it from the STng; my old C70 doesn't have "fully compliant" STng connection, it's called SeaTalk2). If it does then this connection is not necessary; if it doesn't then you need the GPS data for the ECO mode, clock, etc. obviously. Your e7 does output said data on its NMEA0183 outputs.

MercMonitor: I'm replacing my SmartCraft SC1000 System gauge with a single engine smart tow data level 2 MercMonitor. Here's a pic.

Why a MercMonitor? First, this allows me to connect the Raymarine C70 via SeaTalk2 to the MercMonitor so that engine/fuel data is accessible from the C70. Second, I'm fed up of not knowing where my trim tabs are positioned. With the install of a Bennett NMEA 2000 Indicator kit (as shown),

I can receive and display the trim tabs position on the MercMontor. No more getting confused where my tabs are and I can forgo any ATC (auto tab control) since I'll just mentally note where my best running attitude is.

My install on my boat is quite complicated and I have learned everything there is to know about the Sundancer 270/280 to install everything I have. In terms of networks, I have SeaTalk, NMEA0183, NMEA2000, SeaTalk2, SeaTalkng, SmartCraft, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and all the bells and whistles. My helm is heavily modified as the below shows. If you have any questions about the systems on the 270/280 Dancer, I will most likely have an answer. For example, by default the AC controller runs the fan continuously when turned on (according to my manual) regardless of heating/cooling. You can set it to only turn on the fan when the AC heats or cools and turn off when the desired temperature is achieved.

Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[dvoyer]

Great info, thanks a lot Kaoru... you're the friend to have when you own a 270/280 new Sundancer

I removed my e7 from the dash and I installed a Garmin GPSMAP 720s. E7 is nice, but the Navionics Charts (I bought Gold Charts for my location) are not as good as G2 Vision Charts on my GPSMAP. I will keep the E7 to display data and as backup for navigation.

I would like to display depth, trim tabs position, gas consumption and other engine data.

Thanks again,
Dominic

 

[Kaoru]

Great info, thanks a lot Kaoru... you're the friend to have when you own a 270/280 new Sundancer

I removed my e7 from the dash and I installed a Garmin GPSMAP 720s. E7 is nice, but the Navionics Charts (I bought Gold Charts for my location) are not as good as G2 Vision Charts on my GPSMAP. I will keep the E7 to display data and as backup for navigation.

I would like to display depth, trim tabs position, gas consumption and other engine data.

Thanks again,
Dominic

If you have a Garmin MFD (that has a NMEA2000 port which I believe Garmin does) then only the adapter from Garmin's connector to Micro C Devicenet is all that is required. Wash, rinse, repeat... As long as the Garmin can display the engine data, it'll get it via NMEA2000/Merc Monitor.

That's the beauty of NMEA2000 but it's all the manufacturers mucking things up to "lock in" consumers; PIA is the result with all these "adapters".

Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[dvoyer]

If you have a Garmin MFD (that has a NMEA2000 port which I believe Garmin does) then only the adapter from Garmin's connector to Micro C Devicenet is all that is required. Wash, rinse, repeat... As long as the Garmin can display the engine data, it'll get it via NMEA2000/Merc Monitor.

From what I've read (please let me know if I'm right or not) I can create a NMEA 2000 network with this http://www.gpscity.ca/garmin-nmea-2000-starter-kit.html, Merc monitor will connect directly to this, Bennett Trim Tab kit will also connect directly and same thing for my Garmin GPSMAP 720s. I will buy this adapter http://kauppa.aquamatic.fi/files//Seatalk NG kaapelit ja liittimet/A06046_US_LARGE.jpg to connect my Raymarine e7 to the NMEA 2000 network. Is it that simple ?

Kaoru, how have you routed your cable from bilge to helm for your Bennett NMEA kit ?

Thanks,
Dominic

 

[dvoyer]

Camper Canvas

Question about camper canvas.

Where do the top sections are stored when on the way ? The rear and the front sections are easy to figure out. My problem is the "sunshade" section zipped to the arch and to the rear section of the top. I didn't find a way to roll it. Do we have to completely remove it ? I'm sorry it seems that I don't have enough vocabulary in English for that question.

In fact, I want to find the best way to remove all canvas (without leaving it at the dock).


Dominic

 

[Kaoru]

From what I've read (please let me know if I'm right or not) I can create a NMEA 2000 network with this http://www.gpscity.ca/garmin-nmea-2000-starter-kit.html, Merc monitor will connect directly to this, Bennett Trim Tab kit will also connect directly and same thing for my Garmin GPSMAP 720s. I will buy this adapter http://kauppa.aquamatic.fi/files//Seatalk NG kaapelit ja liittimet/A06046_US_LARGE.jpg to connect my Raymarine e7 to the NMEA 2000 network. Is it that simple ?
Kaoru, how have you routed your cable from bilge to helm for your Bennett NMEA kit ?

Thanks,
Dominic

It looks like Garmin follows the NMEA2000 standard so your good to go. To route the wires requires the following:

1. Remove the helm compartment/box. Use a sharp blade to cut the silicon caulking and remove the four screws. Slowly take out and remove the positive/negative leads (remember which goes where) at the 12V outlet (careful since that line may be live even if the battery switch is off; it's used for emergency power for the hatch). Disconnect the MP3 line connection; there should be a couple of RCS jacks.
2. Looking in the opening, on the left is the bulkhead access to the helm. You'll notice that all the corners/edges have bumpers to stop cable abrasion.
3. In the bar/cooler area, there is an access panel on the back. Remove it and you'll see a plywood bulkhead on the left and the bottom is open to the bilge (where the water tank is) . There may be an access hole there already or you may have to make one. Remember that entire void is sealed as the AC is just below. Use conduit putty/plumbers putty to seal any new holes (and you can remove it later if you need to run another cable).
4. Route cable, zip tying it as you go. Use some fiber/pulling tape so that you can route more wires later.

Cheers,
Ed

 

[Kaoru]

Question about camper canvas.

Where do the top sections are stored when on the way ? The rear and the front sections are easy to figure out. My problem is the "sunshade" section zipped to the arch and to the rear section of the top. I didn't find a way to roll it. Do we have to completely remove it ? I'm sorry it seems that I don't have enough vocabulary in English for that question.

In fact, I want to find the best way to remove all canvas (without leaving it at the dock).

Dominic

The front bimini of the arch rolls up with a cover. The rear bimini does not roll up, it's not meant to. The extended bimini of the camper canvas rolls up to the aft bar with a larger cover.

My sig (on the full site; not tap n talk) shows my 270 with the camper off.

Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[Valerie]

Hi Everyone!

Glad to have found this community. We picked up our 'new to us' 2009 Sea Ray 270 at Hurst in Manotick Ontario last weekend and brought her down the canal (and multiple locks!) last weekend. We are settled at Bayview Marina in Portland. We are working on getting ourselves organized, buying all of the cleaning materials to keep her ship shape and learning to dock with less anxiety.

I also need to figure out where to put her name!

 

[Kaoru]

Hi Everyone!
...
I also need to figure out where to put her name!

Congratulations on your new-to-you 270 Dancer! If you have any questions just post them and I will be glad to help you. As for the name location, unfortunately if you have a camper canvas you can't put it in the traditional location, that being the back of the locker. It covers it up.

I'm still wrestling on to where I should put mine boat's name. I bought my boat brand-new in 2009 that gives you an idea.

Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[Phil&Chris]

Congrats on your new cruiser--we love ours! I also had a real hard time deciding on where to put the name. I had it on the sides of my last boat due to the same canvas problem that the 270 has. However, I really preferred the traditional stern location--so that's where I put it on my 270. Since the aft canvas is usually off when we're on the boat, it hasn't been a problem. However, I'm still thinking about having "Desert Dream" stitched into the stern canvas so at least the words will always be visible. Good luck with your decision. Cheers! Phil

 

[B&AKearney]

Howdy from Eastern Iowa where it was -20 this morning. We purchased a new 2011 280 Sundancer on Friday and while it sits and collects more snow, I have some questions. I originally posted ton the 280 Sundancer thread and they led me here.

This is our first acutual cruiser with a real potty. All our other boats had porta potties. Do we need to use a special toilet paper or does it matter? Also looking for a ladder from the bow to the beach. Any inexpensive recommendations to get us through our first season?

Thanks!

 

[ZZ13]

Yes. Special toilet paper. Just buy what they sell at your marina or local marine store. Also only flush what your body produces. No food, feminine products, garbage, feminine products or feminine products. Did I mention feminine products? Don't flush those.

 

[Kaoru]

Howdy from Eastern Iowa where it was -20 this morning. We purchased a new 2011 280 Sundancer on Friday and while it sits and collects more snow, I have some questions. I originally posted ton the 280 Sundancer thread and they led me here.

This is our first acutual cruiser with a real potty. All our other boats had porta potties. Do we need to use a special toilet paper or does it matter? Also looking for a ladder from the bow to the beach. Any inexpensive recommendations to get us through our first season?

Thanks!

Congrats on your new cruiser!

You're in the right thread as the 280 thread is for Sundancers older than 2010... The new hull/2009 270 was renamed to 280 in 2010.

As for the vacuum flush head, only quick dissolve/septic TP is used. Failure to use or flush anything else can foul the system up.

As for a bow ladder, I'd advise against it. Why? The 270/280 hull is a deep vee at 21 degrees and it carries it all the way to the stern. It may not sit to well beached. Also the sea cocks/thru hulls for AC/geny may get damaged, clogged, or take in sand. You now have a "cruiser"; it's best to anchor at 3' depth and wade/swim in. In my case, I installed a Zodiak/tender for such a case.

Cheers,
Kaoru

 

[Brando99]

Hi everyone,
I took possession of a 2009 270 sundancer 2 weeks ago. I have a question on light bulb replacement. Where can I purchase replacement bulbs forthe cockpit lights and are there LED lights available? If so, does anyone have a website and part #’sfor the bulbs?

 

[Kaoru]

Hi everyone,
I took possession of a 2009 270 sundancer 2 weeks ago. I have a question on light bulb replacement. Where can I purchase replacement bulbs forthe cockpit lights and are there LED lights available? If so, does anyone have a website and part #’sfor the bulbs?

Congrats! on your new (to you?) 270 Sundancer. I've only replaced one bulb (cabin light) and have't looked into getting LEDs. This thread is a good place to start (it's for the old 280 hull though) Official 280 Sundancer Thread but it does show how to match up the bulbs.

Kaoru

 

[dvoyer]

Kaoru, when you installed your Bennett Trim Tabs NMEA kit, have you been able to calibrate it ? I installed mine today and I can see the tabs position, but starboard tab shows 15% down even when fully up (retracted). I tried to find a way to calibrate it via my Raymarine e7 display and the mercmonitor without success. Any idea ?
Thank you and have a great season ! Here in Trois-Rivieres my marina opens May 17th.

Dominic

 

[Brando99]

Thanks for the reply. I've been out 3 time so far. We love it. I wish I could figure out how to post pictures. I having trouble with that. It is out of the water now having the bottom painted. It should be ready in another week.

 

[Kaoru]

Kaoru, when you installed your Bennett Trim Tabs NMEA kit, have you been able to calibrate it ? I installed mine today and I can see the tabs position, but starboard tab shows 15% down even when fully up (retracted). I tried to find a way to calibrate it via my Raymarine e7 display and the mercmonitor without success. Any idea ?
Thank you and have a great season ! Here in Trois-Rivieres my marina opens May 17th.

Dominic

I don't think the Bennett Trim Tabs NMEA kit requires calibration from a electronics point of view. Well, at least I never needed to calibrate the tabs. In any case, if you PM Tabman he could answer your question since he represents Bennett.

Cheers,
Kaoru