Ask PYS

Q:  I just bought a 57 foot Bayliner in the US that is now moored in Canada. This boat already has an M3 KVH satellite dish, but it has Direct TV as a content provider. Will the M3 KVH run in Canada, even though it was purchased and installed in the US?
— Gerry

Read More A: Hi Gerry. Bell ExpressVu is your alternative service provider here in Canada and therefore will work with your existing M3 KVH. Simply get a Bell receiver and recalibrate the M3 KVH unit to the new Bell ExpressVu frequency. FYI, an HD recorder will not work with a KVH set-up, so avoid the headache and do not get one.

Q:  The house bank (four golf-cart batteries) on my 36 foot Bavaria is drained after a day of use at anchor. What is your recommendation for solving my power needs?
— Lyall

Read More A: Hi Lyall. My approach for power systems is systematic. First, gauge the batteries with a digital battery monitor, so you can know your daily consumption, i.e., amp hours (AHs). A battery monitor is like your fuel gauge-it's absolutely essential. A battery monitor will inform you of exactly how many amps you are using at a given time and, more importantly, how many you've used, i.e., AHs. Second, make sure you have a dedicated engine and house battery bank. Battery bank separation is key for reliability. With the advent of battery combiners (e.g., Blueseas ACR) you'll be able to automatically charge both battery banks without using the battery selector switch. Third, reduce your charging time by installing an external smart 3-phase regulator and then getting a higher output alternator.

Q: I recently installed a complete Raymarine navigation package, which includes an E80, 4kW radar, ST60+ instruments, and an S1 autopilot. The radar overlay-onto-chart feature is one of the main reasons I upgraded my whole navigation system. Frustratingly the radar overlay doesn't always align with the chart, even though I've tried calibrating numerous times. What is going on here?
— Mark

Read More A: Hi, Mark. The problem you described is easily solved with a gyro. Currently your radar overlay misalignment happens because your magnetic flux compass cannot measure pitch and yawl. A gyro unit does just that and allows for a significantly better synchronization between chart and radar on your E80. Raymarine sells a gyro unit (Raymarine product #E12101) that can be added to your existing S1 autopilot.

Q: To my surprise, the zincs on my GB32 are gone after only six months of use. Before, they used to last some 18 months. Why the sudden change? 
— Bill

Read More A: Hi, Bill. Galvanic corrosion not only depends on what is going on your GB32 but also all the boats surrounding yours, so it's not always easy to identify what has changed. If you're interested, you can read a brief description of galvanic corrosion here.

Fortunately, new technological advances have brought a fail-safe (fails short as opposed to open) Galvanic Isolator (GI) that helps solve the very issue your GB32 is experiencing. This simple device is installed on the AC grounding connection right after the shore power outlet. The GI will effectively cut the stray DC current and eliminate your GB32 zincs are experiencing. You still need the zincs, as they'll serve as another line of defense agaisnt galvanic corrosion.