Sleeping on the Marinaut

[thataway]

Any problem with condensation forming between the cushions and the fiberglass beneath?

Yes

Google "HyperVent". There are also some threads in the forum.

We have used back packing pads, and seem to work about as well. (under as well as up the inside of the hull. So far we have not bothered to cover the side of the hull with canvas or other cloth. Makes it easier to remove if cleaning is necessary.

 

[C-Nile]

I apologize for entering this discussion late, but the Marinaut is not a C-Dory 22. Unless a couple is in peak physical condition, is slightly built, and has extraordinary gymnastic agility, I don't see how they could even get into the position to sleep feet forward. That is why we sleep with her heads toward the bow. There's plenty of room, and it is relatively easy to crawl in and out.

With respect to padding, we still have not gotten it exactly right, although we're getting there. Right now, we are using 2 inches of foam on top of the berth cushions. We fashioned a mattress pad out of an extra long sleeping bag that we cut to the dimensions of the berth. Like most sleeping bags, there is a warm fleece side, and a cool fabric side. In cool weather we sleep on the former, and in hot weather on the latter. Comfort wise, it seems that we are getting pressure points, which would indicate that we need slightly more padding. What doesn't help is that we've gained a few pounds since we bought the boat in 2011.

As for Hypervent, it raises the berth cushion up slightly, causing a slight reduction in headroom. It also makes the sleeping arrangements slightly less comfortable. However, it is very necessary when water temperatures are cold, because it nearly completely eliminates condensation under the cushions. When the water temperature gets over 70°, Hypervent is not necessary, and in those conditions we have found that condensation does not form.

 

[C-Nile]

I apologize for entering this discussion late, but the Marinaut is not a C-Dory 22. Unless a couple is in peak physical condition, is slightly built, and has extraordinary gymnastic agility, I don't see how they could even get into the position to sleep feet forward. That is why we sleep with her heads toward the bow. There's plenty of room, and it is relatively easy to crawl in and out.

With respect to padding, we still have not gotten it exactly right, although we're getting there. Right now, we are using 2 inches of foam on top of the berth cushions. We fashioned a mattress pad out of an extra long sleeping bag that we cut to the dimensions of the berth. Like most sleeping bags, there is a warm fleece side, and a cool fabric side. In cool weather we sleep on the former, and in hot weather on the latter. Comfort wise, it seems that we are getting pressure points, which would indicate that we need slightly more padding. What doesn't help is that we've gained a few pounds since we bought the boat in 2011.

As for Hypervent, it raises the berth cushion up slightly, causing a slight reduction in headroom. It also makes the sleeping arrangements slightly less comfortable. However, it is very necessary when water temperatures are cold, because it nearly completely eliminates condensation under the cushions. When the water temperature gets over 70°, Hypervent is not necessary, and in those conditions we have found that condensation generally does not form.

 

[ssobol]

....Unless a couple is in peak physical condition, is slightly built, and has extraordinary gymnastic agility, I don't see how they could even get into the position to sleep feet forward. ....

We are of average physical condition, average build, and certainly not gymnasts. We have no problem getting in and out of the berth and sleeping feet forward. The only issue is that only one person can enter/leave at a time.

We also find that with the bulkhead intact, it is easier for one person to sleep/nap in the berth while the other person is awake in the cabin.

 

[RoseDoctor]

As for Hypervent, it raises the berth cushion up slightly, causing a slight reduction in headroom. It also makes the sleeping arrangements slightly less comfortable. However, it is very necessary when water temperatures are cold, because it nearly completely eliminates condensation under the cushions. When the water temperature gets over 70°, Hypervent is not necessary, and in those conditions we have found that condensation generally does not form.[/quote]

Hi C-NILE, I was hoping you would enter the discussion since I have read virtually all of your posts on C-Brats since we bought our Marinaut 215 a year ago. And thanks so much for putting all that useful information into your posts. It has been very valuable to us.

We're getting her equipped to cruise Puget Sound this summer and the Hypervent/condensation topic keeps coming up. I am planning on following your advice and getting some Hypervent for our boat. I'm thinking that in the center section of the V-birth, where there will be no Hypervent, it might be useful for me to add a 3/4" strip of wood around the edges of the cushion so it is at the same height as the outer cushions. Does this make sense to you? Have you done this yourself?

I seem also to remember that you mentioned something about Les suggesting you paint the inside with enamel. Was that your comment? If so, could you elaborate on that please? Why do you do it? What kind of enamel?

Nice to hear from you and looking forward to further conversations.
Gary

 

[C-Nile]

Hello Gary,

Seeker is a beautiful boat, and we know you will enjoy her in your neck of the woods. I'm envious; the PNW has such beautiful cruising grounds. My wife and I regard the three weeks we spent in the PNW on board our Marinaut as one of our very best vacations. So we hope you will enjoy your boat for many years to come. Incidentally, many friends and family ask if we intend to get a bigger boat -- no way! This is our 6th season, and we could not be happier with our selection.

As for the need to raise the center cushion to compensate for the Hypervent, I really don't think it is necessary, but you would be the best judge. Your idea makes sense, however. My suggestion is to try it without any modifications first.

Les and Kathy painted the inside of our boat with Interior Latex from Ace Hardware; it's Royal Interior Enamel Semi-Gloss and it's E57 Calm Beige. The reason they did so was that the interior of our boat is coated with Mascot Delta-T Thermal Insulator paint. Personally, I love the paint. It is so easy to clean and to keep clean.

Let's keep in touch,

Rich

 

[RoseDoctor]

Hi Rich,

Great to hear from you after having read and studied so many of your informative posts. You're right - the Pacific Northwest is truly God's country and we are truly blessed to have lived on the Puget Sound for nearly 40 years.

Thanks for your answer on the "enamel" question. I wasn't quite sure what that was all about. We do not have the Mascot Insulator paint inside our boat so I don't think we would need the enamel. Did I get that right?

I've got the Hypervent ordered and plan to install it soon. I'll take your advice about raising or not raising the center cushion.

My wife, Marilyn, and I have had SEEKER only about a month and we are still getting to know her. We're taking it one step at a time. First learning running, docking, gassing up, trim tabs, mooring, how to use the plotter and Autopilot, that kind of stuff.

Today we practiced anchoring using our power windlass. Nothing to it, really. We've also figured out how to board and disembark from the beach - nothing too hard here either.

Next I think we'll do some serious meal preparation on the boat - probably moored to a buoy off of Tolmie State Park - learning what we need and don't need to have with us and what works and doesn't work. Then we'll spend a night on the boat - perhaps at McMicken or Eagle Island State Park near here. Then (this is the big one) we'll learn to get our 65 pound sea kayaks on and off the boat and to get into and out of them from the boat. This will be challenging but we can do it.

We've taken a few day trips, one up to Gig Harbor and another to the Port of Olympia. We're working our way north - Tacoma and Vashon Island, Seattle, Whidbey Island, Anacortes, and finally the San Juans. Our goal for this summer is to spend a few days anchored in Echo Bay on Sucia Island and to explore the island on our kayaks.

I liked what you said about your friends asking you about getting a bigger boat. One valuable thing Les told us was: the time a boat spends on the water is inversely proportional to its length. I think he hit it right on the head. Sounds like you agree.

Let's keep the conversation going.

Gary

 

[C-Nile]

Yes, if you don't have Mascoat, I would recommend not painting the interior. Incidentally, when we had our CD 16 cruiser, we kept the interior walls clean using a solution of vinegar. Vinegar was great in removing any mold. The nice thing about the Marinaut interior cabin is that it is very dry and sealed. We don't get mold on the walls. In regard to the size of our boat, what always stuck with me was a quote from the Small Boat Journal: big boats are not better, they are only bigger. We only have one house, because at our age, the thought of all the work involved in a second house not pleasant. It takes us less than two hours every year to prepare the boat for the season.

As for Anacortes, Washington, we love Cap Santé. It is truly one of the best marinas in the country. We use our boat a little differently than yours in that our activities are exclusive to Marine we love Cap Santé. It is truly one of the best marinas in the country. We use our boat a little differently than yours in that our activities are exclusive to Marinas. In fact, our boat is ideal for Marinas.

When you're in the marinas in the height of the summer, we use an air conditioner in our port side window, and are very pleased with the results. If you were interested in detailed pictures of my arrangement, send me your email address through the private C-Brats channel. I exclusively use Apple products, and the Seabranch website has definite issues with non-Microsoft technologies.

Rich

 

[C-Nile]

I've just had my third Interstate battery fail within four years. Are other people having problems with Interstate batteries? One theory I have is that the charge rate may be too high for Gel batteries. However, a person at my marina told me that her two Interstate batteries purchased last year had failed, yet she had never used her boat. I had a 7-year old Cabela's gel battery that was used only a few times, and which maintains a good charge. I'm using it in my boat this season. It will be an interesting experiment to see how long this battery will last. I'll keep the group posted on the results.

Incidentally, the Interstate battery is guaranteed, albeit it is prorated. At this point, I don't wish to throw good money after bad. In all fairness to Interstate, this may not be their issue, which is why I want to see what happens with the Cabelas battery over the next two years. Has anyone in the C-brats community had similar issues?

 

[hardee]

I have 2 Interstate, Group 29s, that are Marine Deep Cycle. They are going on 4 years now. My last set went 6 years and I replaced them just for the age. Last winter, (Dec), I started using "Battery Minder" maintenance chargers and am very impressed.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[Sunbeam]

I can't remember the exact details, but I think gels are (even more) sensitive to charging voltages, etc. than AGM's. So that may be part of the issue. As I said, I'm a bit foggy on it by now, but when I was researching it, I don't remember any good reason to choose gels over AGM (they are both SVRLA) and there were a few downsides to gel (related to charging, I believe). Maybe someone who is fresher on it will explain better (or correct me if I'm wrong).

You could take a look in the manual that your battery mfgr. publishes. At least for the ones I have had they publish very detailed charging specs for all stages, temperature compensation factors, etc. (Of course the outboard is a pretty "wild" form of charging, but a shore or solar charger should (one hopes) be adjustable, have temperature compensation, etc.)

OTOH, if you have a shore charger that isn't adjustable, or doesn't have temperature compensation, and if the gels are fairly demanding (persnickety), then that could be the (or part of the) problem.

 

[C-Nile]

I have 2 Interstate, Group 29s, that are Marine Deep Cycle. They are going on 4 years now. My last set went 6 years and I replaced them just for the age. Last winter, (Dec), I started using "Battery Minder" maintenance chargers and am very impressed.

Harvey, I have two Interstate, deep cycle AGM's as well, model# INTSDC115-12 ($302 purchased 05/2015), and INTSDC8512 ($250 purchased 05/2015). These batteries cost a fortune, yet my $302 'house' battery lasted only 50 hours. I just don't get it -- why are these batteries dying? And why is only my house battery dying? This is a huge problem. I'm using Blue Sea Systems' a m-Seriers Dual Circuit Plus battery switch and Automatic Charge Relay with starting isolation. Either something is killing my battery, or it is the battery itself. You appear to manage the batteries yourself using Battery Minder. I have my marina pull my batteries own the off-season, and they are supposed to put the batteries on trickle charge. I think I'm going to do my own battery management from now on, and may need to try other battery manufacturers. This situation is perturbing, to say the least.

Rich

 

[C-Nile]

I can't remember the exact details, but I think gels are (even more) sensitive to charging voltages, etc. than AGM's. .

I'm sorry Sunbeam in referring to my batteries as Gel's -- these are AGM's. Nevertheless, AGM's are sensitive to overcharging. The thing I don't get, is that both batteries are AGM's, but only the house battery fails. The funny thing about this, is that we now exclusively use shore power. The house battery is used for all electrical systems on the boat during operation to the exclusion of starting the engine. I'm perplexed.

Rich

 

[My IRA]

Rich,

Is your charger set for AGM or Lead Acid wet cells? Just a thought.

 

[thataway]

Interstate batteries have a great reputation. I have two group 31's which are over 7 years old, and still going strong starting a 8.3 L. Diesel on our RV.

Causes that the AGM house battery/batteries, may fail, include over discharge. I make a rule not to discharge the batteries more than 50%, either by State of Charge, or not allowing steady state, resting voltage to fall below 12.2 volts. Some battery manufactures say that AGM can be completely discharged, and not be harmed. This is not the general consensus.

We don't know what "trickle charging" means. If the AMG batteries are left on a charger it should be at a float voltage of 13.5 to 13.7 volts. Many "trickle" chargers are higher voltage, and this may damage an AGM. AGM can go 6 months without recharging. The self discharge rate is only about 1-2% per month. For storage, I like to run a smart charger every month or so for 24 hours. An option is a timer to give half an hour a day.

Heat, is always an enemy of batteries. Although AGM are a bit more robust than lead acid--too much vibration or pounding can damage them...(I believe this is very rare in boats--and not a problem in your case)

If you have a combiner, it should be taken out of the circuit when leaving the batteries on a good charger. The smart charger (which you have) will work better if it "sees" each battery individually. Some chargers say, that you can use the combiner, and that the "smart charger" takes that into account.

Always be sure that there is no corrosion on any of the battery cables, or charging cables. Take the connections apart each year, and put a film of conductive grease on the fittings when you re-assemble.

Sunbeam--Gel cell batteries should not be charged at over 14.1 volts.

 

[C-Nile]

Hello Dr. Bob,
I very much appreciate your input and recommendations on this matter.

So let me look at each of your probable causes for battery failure as would be applied in my case:

1. My latest battery was never over-discharged, in fact, it was very lightly discharged. HOWEVER, when my wife and I were at Cap Sante for three weeks in 2011, our battery was heavily discharged. So that is why the first battery may have failed.
2. These are kept cool in a boat house mist of the time
3. These all have clean contacts
4. I put 50 hours on the boat, and there is little pounding. There is very little vibration in the stern while under way.
5. Assuming the issue is not with Interstate batteries as you and others suggest, I am seriously thinking that I should look into my marina's battery charging practices as the culprit. My last two batteries were managed by them over the off-season. And you are absolutely right on AGM's. My Cabela's AGM, at 7 year's old held its charge over the winter. So I'm taking care of my own batteries from now on.

Again, thank you.

Rich

 

[C-Nile]

Rich,

Is your charger set for AGM or Lead Acid wet cells? Just a thought.

I have a Blue Seas Systems ACR, and there is no setting I can find n the device or in the literature.

 

[Sunbeam]

I'm sorry Sunbeam in referring to my batteries as Gel's -- these are AGM's.

This quote from up-thread is what made me think they were gel batteries (emboldening mine):

I've just had my third Interstate battery fail within four years. Are other people having problems with Interstate batteries? One theory I have is that the charge rate may be too high for Gel batteries.

 

[C-Nile]

I'm sorry Sunbeam in referring to my batteries as Gel's -- these are AGM's.

This quote from up-thread is what made me think they were gel batteries (emboldening mine):

I've just had my third Interstate battery fail within four years. Are other people having problems with Interstate batteries? One theory I have is that the charge rate may be too high for Gel batteries.

You are absolutely right, it was my mistake.

 

[C-Nile]

Back to the thread on sleeping on the Marinaut (after hijacking my own thread) -- we are currently spending a week on the Betty Ann in Greenport. We added a 1.5" egg crate foam to the two egg crate foams already there. That totals to approximately 4" of foam and the 1" of fill in our sleeping bag (last year, we cut the extra long sleeping bag to fit the birth. When it is warm, we sleep on the outside of the bag, and when it is cold, we sleep on the fleece side.) It is now giving us the padding we need to sleep soundly and without any pressure points. We are heavy people who sleep on our sides, so we need the extra padding. Thinner people may need less foam. I just want to report to the group not to be afraid to add more foam, because it had little affect on reduction of headroom, but it made all the difference in the world in giving us a good nights sleep.