switching from single to twins...

smittypaddler · Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:14 pm Post subject: Mechanical steering

I have twin Honda 40s on my CD22, with mechanical Teleflex NFB Steering to one engine and the other slaved to it with a Stearns Auxiliary Motor Steering Kit tiebar. Maybe it's because I've never experienced hydraulic steering, so I don't know what I'm missing, but I don't find my setup particularly difficult. With both engines down I can put my palm against the steering wheel and rotate lock to lock with no problem. I notice some more resistance when running with one engine and the other tilted out of the water, but it isn't a problem. The only problem I had was the dealer I bought from installed a freshwater tiebar, even though I told him I'd be in saltwater part of the time, and I had to replace it after nine years of use. You can see photos and a description here:

http://smittypaddler.com/tiebar/

colobear · Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:27 pm Post subject:

I didn't take Potter Waters comment as a challenge, just his opinion. My decision to use MC batteries had more to do with weight and more house capacity than anything else. As for redundancy; I start with two engines, two MC batteries either of which can start the engines, two house batteries either of which can start the engines, an emergency parallel switch which would allow me to parallel batteries and top it off with pull ropes (which really are hard!). Then I top that off with a 30W on-board solar panel that can get a charge in my small battery with not too much trouble. So, lets see two engines: redundancy, two start batteries: double redundancy, two start batteries plus house battery: triple redundancy, two start batteries plus house battery plus second house battery: quadruple redundancy; two engines plus two start batteries plus two house batteries plus emergency parallel switch, plus pull ropes plus solar charger plus, Jeez I can't count that high. Oh and did I mention the dinghy motor!! Laughing

hardee · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:37 am Post subject:

Barry Barry,, I I love love your your double double duplicate duplicate redundancy redundancy.

You you are are good good. Laughing

Harvey Harvey
SleepyC:moon SleepyC Moon

hardee · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:45 am Post subject:

My two group 29 deep cycles provide plenty of start and house power with using only 2 batteries and each can start one or both of the twin 40's plus I only have one switch to remember to turn... and it is usually on "both". I do carry a separate jump start battery but have never used it on my boat.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon