[Sometimes I feel so fortunate that my own boat has an outboard. On with the press release! —Tim]

Whether flushing an inboard engine to winterize, for regular maintenance or when moving between bodies of water, the process is now simple.  There’s no need to crawl under the boat, open the engine hatch, custom-rig connections or turn valves on and off.  Perko‘s FlushPro is a convenient solution.

Available for hose sizes 5/8", 1" or 1-1/4", FlushPro makes freshwater flushing as easy as connecting to a garden hose.  A supplied adapter makes boat winterizing a snap.  The unit’s transparent body allows visual monitoring of water flow.  Flush Pro’s durable check valve system is activated by water pressure from the hose and automatically shuts off hull intake when pressure is applied.

Made of heavy-duty polymer with a stainless steel spring, Flush Pro is available in two models.  The Fig. 0546 is the FlushPro valve itself, while the Fig. 0457 FlushPro Kit contains the check valve with hose clamps, the Perko water inlet fitting and a 7′ length of hose and fittings.  The system also works for flushing onboard generators or air conditioning units.

The suggested retail price of FlushPro from Perko is approximately $110.  The kit costs $190.

Ben over at Panbo is waxing poetic on the virtues of the Torqeedo Travel 1003. Check it out…

About two months ago I received a Torqeedo Travel 1003 for long term testing, I’ve used it almost every day since, and, well, the title tells the story. I simply adore this electric outboard! Admittedly certain personal traits may be in play. Historically small gas outboards are a significant exception to my generally high success rate with mechanical boating issues; possibly related is my annoyance with the smell and noise of the damn things (andthe hearing aids don’t help); and, finally, a faulty shoulder makes starting even a lawn mower somewhat painful. But then again I did not fall so hard for the original Travel 801 model that I tried in 2009…

Read more

[This press release comes from a new advocacy organization called Save Our GPS. I don’t know enough about the issue to express an opinion about it, but Navagear readers ought to be aware of the issue. —Tim]

Testimony Occurs One Day after Launch of Coalition to Save Our GPS

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A representative of a founding member of the Coalition to Save Our GPS told a House subcommittee today that a recent action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could cause "consequences of disruption" to the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that will be "far reaching, likely to affect large portions of the population and the federal government."

In testimony prepared for delivery before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science of the House Appropriations Committee, Trimble Vice President and General Counsel Jim Kirkland stated that a recent highly unusual FCC decision to grant a conditional waiver allowing the dramatic expansion of terrestrial use of the satellite spectrum immediately neighboring that of GPS creates a serious risk of severe interference to millions of GPS receivers. The conditional waiver was granted to a company called LightSquared.

Kirkland testified one day following the launch of the Coalition to Save Our GPS, comprised of representatives of a wide variety of industries and companies who have joined together to resolve this serious threat to GPS.  The full testimony is available [http://www.saveourgps.org/testimony] at the Coalitions’ website: www.SaveOurGPS.org.

Kirkland said that, "Initial technical analyses have shown that the distant, low-powered GPS signals would receive substantial interference from high-powered, close-proximity transmissions from a network of ground stations. The consequences of disruption to the GPS signals are far reaching, likely to affect large portions of the population and the federal government. Therefore, it is imperative that the new system not be deployed unless it can be conclusively guaranteed that the GPS users are fully protected from radio interference."

He declared that "LightSquared’s proposal to build 40,000 terrestrial base stations operating at 1 billion times the power levels of GPS signals as received on earth represents a tectonic change in the use of this band. While the GPS community lauds efforts to add new broadband competition and free up spectrum for mobile uses, this must be done in the context of rational, long term spectrum planning, rather than the rushed, ad hoc waiver process followed by the FCC to date.

"Spectrum is a public asset and it should not lightly be handed over at the behest of a private party. More fundamentally, the laws of physics cannot be waived by the FCC. This is a serious problem with no obvious solution."

Kirkland outlined the 30 year history of GPS, describing it as "a critical and extremely reliable part of our national infrastructure. Millions use it every day," and spoke in detail about the myriad uses of GPS in widely varying sectors of American life, including public safety; homeland security; consumers; aviation; transportation; agriculture; forestry; engineering and construction; surveying, mapping and land management; utilities, natural resources, disaster management and scientific research.

Further information, including safeguards the Coalition recommends the FCC adopt, is detailed on the Coalition’s website.

About the Coalition

The "Coalition to Save Our GPS" is working to resolve a serious threat to the Global Positioning System. The FCC granted a highly unusual conditional waiver for a proposal to build 40,000 ground stations that could cause widespread interference with GPS signals – endangering a national utility which millions of Americans rely on every day. The conditional waiver was granted to a company called LightSquared.

The Coalition includes representatives from a broad range of industries, including aviation, agriculture, transportation, construction, engineering, surveying and GPS-based equipment manufacturers and service providers. Initial members of the Coalition are the Aeronautical Repair Stations Association, Air Transport Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Case New Holland, Caterpillar Inc., Edison Electric Institute, Esri, Garmin, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Deere & Company, National Association of Manufacturers,  OmniSTARand Trimble.  Additional members are expected to join in the near future.

www.SaveOurGPS.org

[This is a commercial press release, but it includes some helpful information many do-it-yourselfers might find useful. I changed out my impeller last year, with about 1,000 hours on my Johnson-branded Suzuki-manufactured 90-HP 4-stroke EFI engine. The book says to replace it much more often, but in all honesty the old impeller appeared to be in great shape; still supple, springy, and with no visible cracks or wear. I replaced it anyway. —Tim]

Changing an impeller on an outboard marine engine is a common practice for do-it-yourself boat owners.  With the simple steps below, boaters of any level can learn how to inspect their impeller and know when it’s time for a replacement.  Making sure an impeller is in good condition can help prevent bigger engine problems down the line.

First, owners must drain water from the pump and pull the impeller out.  Directions and location of where the impeller is and how to remove it can be found in an engine’s owner manual.

Then, the impeller should be tested for flexibility by pulling the rubber blades in the opposite direction it normally spins.  Each blade should go back to its normal position on its own.  If it cracks, there are visible cracks already present or its blades don’t go back into position, the impeller must be replaced.

If the impeller is still in good condition, it can be put back into the pump.  To even out wear, owners should re-install the part in the reverse direction it was previously moving.

If an impeller won’t be employed for six months to a year, it’s a good tip to simply keep it in the box until it’s ready for use.  When a pump has been left to dry, an impeller’s blades can stick to the housing and ripped off when an engine is suddenly started, leading to irreparable damage.

Boaters should also have a spare impeller handy, for emergencies and convenience.

JMP (www.jmpusa.com) offers flexible impellers for many name-brand engine and gen-set manufacturers, with custom impellers also available.  Since 1976, JMP Corporation has developed proven impeller pumps and top quality flexible rubber impellers, as well as spare parts for some name-brand companies.

A Torqeedo-powered electric boat won the 9th annual Wye Island Challenge, an electric-only boat race held in St. Michaels, Maryland, on October 2. Captain Todd Sims, owner of EPower Marine in Boynton Beach, Florida, piloted his 23′ Calypso Launch to victory with an average speed of 6.5 mph. The 24-mile course extended from the Miles River Yacht Club, across the Chesapeake Bay and around Wye Island. Winds averaged 15-20 mph, while 3′ breakers stirred in the open water.

"The first leg of the course was straight into the wind and waves, but the Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 electric outboard pushed the boat through the weather like a tractor," said Captain Sims. "This kind of race demonstrates the viability of electric propulsion in real-world conditions. I couldn’t be more pleased with the performance of the boat and motor."

"These are all off-the-shelf parts available to anyone. The Cruise 4.0 has this kind of power right out of the box," continued Captain Sims.

With thrust equivalent to a 9.9 hp gas outboard, the Cruise 4.0 R achieves an efficiency of more than 50%. It operates on a 48V lead-gel, AGM battery bank or two high-performance lithium manganese batteries from Torqeedo’s Power series.

Founded in 2005, Torqeedo’s high-tech outboards have won numerous awards. Environmentally-sound, they offer unrivalled strength and efficiency for superior range.

EPower Marine specializes in electric propulsion solutions for the marine industry. Located in South Florida, EPower Marine is a sales and service dealer for system components, turnkey packages and purpose-built electric boats. Recreational users and commercial fleet operators have utilized EPower Marine’s expertise and broad vendor relationships to design, source and deliver the best electric propulsion systems available.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I love Rose Point Coastal Explorer. I got a chance to see some of the firm’s new products in action during the NMEA conference last week here in Seattle. I’ll be writing a bit more about that soon.

Today I want to share a recent press release from Rose Point about their new NT-500 analog engine interface product. Very cool!

Rose Point announces a new Engine Interface Add-On for customers who want to display and monitor engine performance data onboard. The system is specifically designed to interface existing diesel and gasoline engines. The product includes both hardware and software for connecting to the engine and displaying information on the screen.

There have been many past attempts by others to create cost-effective engine monitoring systems for older engines. None have been widely accepted. This product has the right combination of features; it includes both the hardware and software, uses existing sending units, is based on NMEA 2000 standards, and can be installed in the wheelhouse or on the engine. This unique combination of features will make this device succeed where others have failed.

The hardware is very unique, extremely flexible, and is ideal for a number of different installation modes. The system is based on NMEA 2000 and includes a USB gateway to transfer the information to the PC and to calibrate the hardware. The device can also be calibrated using proprietary PGN’s on the network. Unlike other devices that send only one pre-defined message, the device can be programmed to output the type of data the user wants by selecting from a list of typical engine data types. One person might care about fuel pressure while another is looking for transmission oil pressure. There are four analog inputs, including but not limited to: oil pressure, engine temperature, fuel pressure, and engine tilt/trim. The software can be used to configure alarms for many of the supported data types, and has an interface for RPM and for monitoring system voltages for two battery banks and the alternator. These unique features make the product suitable for different types of installations.

The hardware is designed to be installed under the dashboard by connecting to existing gauges installed on the vessel. Once the data is in the system it can be transported to other devices via the NMEA 2000 network, and to the computer via the included USB gateway. An alternate installation mode is to connect the interface box directly to the senders and locate the box in the engine room. In this type of installation, the devices are connected to an NMEA 2000 backbone for distribution to the rest of the vessel. A separate USB to NMEA 2000 gateway can be used to transport the data to the PC for display.

The Engine Interface Add-On includes user-configurable software gauges for displaying data on the screen. Users can choose from a variety of gauges and display options when designing their screen displays. Additional NMEA 2000 data types are also supported so that data from other NMEA 2000 sensors can be shown along with the data from the Engine Interface Add-On. One of the most important aspects of gathering data from the engine is the ability to record it for later analysis. The Engine Interface Add-On includes the ability to record data from the engine and to create strip charts for individual sensor data.

The new Engine Interface Add-On will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2011. The prices have not been announced at this time. Visit www.rosepointnav.com for more information.

It’s a little bit embarrassing to admit that I don’t know much about propellers. You’d think a power-boat owner would know a lot, or at least SOMETHING, about a piece of gear as critical as this, wouldn’t you?

All I know is that my boat has a three-blade prop that appears to be pitched correctly, since my maximum engine RPM at wide-open-throttle (WOT) falls with the engine’s specifications. But then I hear that four-blade props might give better performance, somehow. What? Who? And when I start to do some research, it turns out propeller optimization is a very idiosyncratic and subjective exercise!

I any case, I got this press release the other day, and suffice to say I’m going to have to start reading these a bit more carefully, to see if I ca learn anything meaningful. And then see if I can find corroboration from my fellow boaters! On with the press release…

Now owners can affordably increase their boat’s performance. Employing high-tech blade geometry, the state-of-the-art Rascal, Hustler and Legacy series aluminum propellers from Turning Point Propellers offer top-end speeds, handling, fast hole shots and fuel efficiency equal to stainless steel without the high cost.

With the highest mechanical properties attainable in cast products, the durable Rascal, Hustler and Legacy series aluminum propellers are squeeze-cast for added strength, resulting in tighter, smoother grain structures. Protecting them from corrosion, a five-step process creates a uniform, high-quality, long-lasting and attractive powder-coated finish.

The efficient propellers feature progressive, tuned pitch angles to accelerate and channel water, minimizing slip and improving fuel economy. Tuned rake angles compact the vortex produced by the prop, lifting the boat and boosting overall performance. Increasing horsepower, a high-flow, through-barrel exhaust system ensures maximum exhaust current.

Designed to help 8-35 hp engines on smaller vessels such as Jon boats, dinghies, aluminum skiffs and tiller boats reach their full potential, the sturdy, aluminum Rascal props are available for 2-1/2" and 3" gearcases. Perfect for 40-75 hp outboard engines on pontoon, inflatable, fishing, runabout, bay and work boats, the versatile Hustler mid-range props work with 3-1/2" gearcase engines. Topping the lineup are the Legacy series high-performance props, which match to 4-1/4" and 4-3/4" gearcase engines and inboard/outboards with 40-300+ hp.

Featuring the unique MasterGuard Hub System, the Rascal and Hustler series are compatible with Evinrude/Johnson, Honda, Mercury & Mariner, Yamaha, Suzuki and other similar outboard engines. The only hub/housing system on the market that extends down to 8 hp, it helps owners save money when replacing or upgrading their damaged props.

Utilizing a high-tech polymer, the interchangeable hub absorbs harmful engine vibrations and shift shock. Backed by the industry’s only lifetime hub warranty, its marine-brass spline provides a long life and corrosion resistance.

The suggested retail price for the versatile Rascal series propellers from Turning Point is $69.50, the Hustler series starts at $82.50 and the Legacy series starts at $112.50. Hubs for Rascal housings start at $19.50, while hubs for Hustler housings start at $31.50 and hubs that match the Legacy series housings cost $48.

Turning Point has been engineering, manufacturing and marketing high-performance, pleasure craft aluminum and stainless steel propellers for almost a decade. Available worldwide, its innovative designs make the company the first choice in marine propellers.

Navagear has made no secret of the fact that we’re fans of the Torqeedo line. So announcements like this aren’t really much of a surprise to us! Still, it’s nice to see Torqeedo getting the recognition. Here’s the release: Taking its commitment to the environment to the next level once again, Torqeedo was recently awarded an Innovation Award for its revolutionary Travel 503/1003 electric outboards at the Miami International Boat Show. The company’s continuous drive to improve its already technologically-advanced outboards won it the Environmental Award, a category in which only the judges can submit entries. The Innovation Awards are organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI).

The new motor offers a GPS receiver and tiller-integrated display that provides information on the remaining range at current speed, power consumption and state of charge. Zuzana Prochazka, Miami Innovation Awards chair, member of BWI Board of Directors and technical editor for Latitudes and Attitudes magazine added, "Torqeedo continues to show its commitment to providing alternative propulsion solutions and we felt this was an admirable step in the right direction toward environmental causes."

Lightweight and small in size, Torqeedo’s new Travel motors offer tremendous power and range. The Travel 503 is equivalent to 1.5 hp, while the 1003 is comparable to 3 hp. Tougher than their predecessor, they’re completely waterproof to IP67 standards. Also, the 1003 has a battery with 30% more capacity and an even higher level of efficiency than before. A solar panel is available to help recharge the lithium-manganese battery.

I want to hear what talented Navagear readers think about this design. It’s one of those things that seems a little bit counterintuitive at first.

I don’t possess the expertise to judge it one way or another, but I can imagine that Turning Point’s claim are sound if you think of the prop more like a pair of balanced two-foil rigs. Whuh-huh? I mean, lots of lift- or thrust-inducing foil systems use two foils. Sailboat rigs, aircraft wings and control surfaces, etc. So I can imagine that a prop might work that had a balanced pair of thrust surfaces, each consisting of two blades.

So does that make sense to any of my readers, some of whom know a lot more about the physics of attached laminar flow than I do? Anyway, on with the press release!  —Tim

Aluminum props have taken one giant leap forward. Bringing propeller technology into the 21st century, Turning Point Propellers introduces the state-of-the-art Four-Blade Aluminum Hustler Propeller.

Employing the latest in blade design, the advanced prop utilizes two different high-performance blade geometries. Two opposing blades feature a variable-rake design with an aggressive pitch for remarkable cornering and hole shots. Its other two cleaver-style blades produce greater top speeds and enhanced stern lift. This innovative combination results in the best overall performing aluminum propeller on the market, providing unmatched acceleration, handling and top speed. Hustler propellers offer stainless steel performance at aluminum prices.

With progressive, tuned pitch angles, the efficient Four-Blade Aluminum Hustler Propeller accelerates and channels water to minimize slip and improve fuel economy. Tuned rake angles compact the vortex produced by the prop, lifting the boat and boosting overall performance. A high-flow, through-barrel exhaust system ensures maximum exhaust current for increased horsepower.

Squeeze-cast for added strength, the durable Four-Blade Aluminum Hustler Propeller has the highest mechanical properties attainable in cast products, resulting in tighter, smoother grain structures. Protecting it from corrosion, a five-step powder-coat process creates a uniform, high-quality, long-lasting and attractive finish.

The exceptional Hustler Propeller is compatible with Turning Point’s streamlined MasterTorque Hub Kit System. Featuring a lifetime warranty, it utilizes high-tech, shock-absorbing polymers and corrosion-free, solid brass spindle. A single-piece design, housing replacement is simple, making a prop change quick and easy. The adaptable prop also works with Mercury Flow-Torq, Michigan Wheel XHS and Solas Rubex hub kit systems.

Offered in 14" x 17", 14" x 19" and 14" x 21" sizes, the versatile Four-Blade Aluminum Hustler Propeller from Turning Point has a suggested retail price starting at just $135.50, while the MasterTorque Hub Kit System starts at $48.

Turning Point has been engineering, manufacturing and marketing high-performance pleasure craft aluminum and stainless steel propellers for almost a decade. Available worldwide, the innovative designs, high-strength materials and unique interchangeable hub/housing systems make the company the first choice in marine propellers.

Navagear has been fascinated with electric propulsion, and with the Torqeedo motors in particular, for several years now.

So count us “very interested” in this event. IN FACT, let me go so far as to suggest that we would probably not turn down an invitation to crew or cover this event, were it offered.

Anyway, here’s the press release with the background and details:

Torqeedo is always looking to push the envelope in developing the most efficient and powerful electric outboard motors in the marine industry. That’s why they created the Torqeedo Catalina Solar/Electric Boat Challenge, proving that electric outboards are destination motors. It also honors Bob Nordskog, a man who took the challenge 30 years ago to travel the intimidating Pacific Ocean over 26.5 nautical miles from Long Beach Harbor to Catalina Island in the first electric boat ever built.

The first successful Torqeedo Catalina Challenge took place on October 24 in a 16’7" Hobie® Getaway Catamaran named the Kona Concept®, modified to accommodate batteries and a solar panel and powered by the Cruise 4.0R Torqeedo Electric Outboard Motor. Captain of Kona Concept and grandson of Bob Nordskog, Erik Robert Nordskog, and navigator Jim Czarnowski, director of engineering for Hobie Cat, were very proud to recreate the crossing. They completed it in just 6 hours and 41 minutes and with 35% battery power remaining.

So, why establish the Torqeedo Challenge? The purpose is to go beyond using electric propulsion only on green lakes, in marinas and on cocktail cruisers. It’s to demonstrate that electric propulsion can be developed into a destination motor in the mainstream boating industry. The challenge is intended to provide a means of recognition for and is open to individuals and manufacturers who demonstrate, in offshore conditions, improvements in both range and speed of recreational electric craft. Torqeedo also wants to encourage both atmospheric and noise pollution reduction.

There are four classes in which to compete: mono-hull, above and below 18′, as well as multi-hull, above and below 18′. Participants need to submit a proposal and document the voyage for consideration. Winners will be rewarded with a bronze medallion replica of the original Catalina Challenge Trophy. This year it was presented to Erik Nordskog and Jim Czarnowski by Larry Smith, founder and owner of Team Scarab, and Steve Trkla, US president of Torqeedo.

Erik’s grandfather, the late Bob Nordskog, first attempted this feat in 1980. His close friend, Larry Smith, bought the motor, controller and batteries from Bob to build a 14′ bay launch. As president of the American Power Boat Association Race Group, as well as founder and owner of Powerboat magazine, Bob Nordskog held many offshore endurance racing records that are still unchallenged to this day. He was an innovator and believed in solar technology and attempted the first ever solar electric boat run to Catalina Island.

Now Erik, Jim and Torqeedo were ready to try their own voyage to Catalina Island in an electric craft. On Saturday, October 24, a cloudy morning in Southern California, with a bright future ahead, Torqeedo began their quest. Launching at 8:28am, the water was calm as the team left port. Off to the starboard side was the Queen Mary, a historic vessel, sitting in her dock as she has for the last 42 years. Saluting her in passing, the challengers realized how far boat design has come. As Kona Concept left Queens Gate, the harbor exit into the ocean, they were traveling at a speed of 5.8 mph, using two Lifeline® battery banks with a total of 48V to power the Torqeedo Cruise 4.0R.

Providing the highest overall efficiency on the market, the Torqeedo Cruise 4.0R is a high-tech outboard with superior range. Along with remote steering and remote throttle, it has the propulsive power of an 8 hp combustion engine in displacement drive and the thrust power of a 9.9 hp gas outboard motor. Torqeedo’s complete product line sets the new standard of powerful electric outboards in the marine industry.

A Power Film® solar panel mounted to the catamaran’s Bimini top continued to charge the battery banks. The throttle was set to draw 1,000 watts from the 4,000 watt motor as a control to determine the best setting for the 26 mile journey. These settings enabled the team to average 5.6 mph and ensured there was enough battery power to complete the voyage. When utilizing the full 4,000 watts, the top speed of the boat was 10.2 mph. At 11:38am, just 3-1/2 hours and exactly half way, they switched from the 79 amp batteries to the 105 amp bank which had been hooked up to the Power Film solar panels.

Now for the fun part. The challenge needed a boat to film and document the quest and they had the best, a 48′ Scarab, based on the original design by founder and owner of Team Scarab, Larry Smith. Captained by Dan MacNamara, it lived up to its reputation as a speedboat. A Lowrance® GPS/Chartplotter also helped record the journey by marking the course of the catamaran along the way. Erich Stull and Tate Schieferle from Monte Vista Media who worked the video camera and Craig Smith who took the still shots were on board, too. Steve Trkla and Anthony Piraino, Torqeedo’s national sales manager, along with Elena Czarnowski, Jim Czarnowski’s wife, rounded out the support crew.

While traveling alongside the Kona Concept, they all felt a great sense of pride by watching this amazing feat of technology. They were even rewarded with a sighting of California grey whales breaching on their journey out to sea. It made everyone stop and think of the power of the ocean and its creatures as their colleagues continued in the 16′ Kona Concept.

Everything continued to go well as they maintained a speed of 5 mph and the batteries were doing the job, when all of a sudden, over 1,000 porpoises surrounded the team. They played and jumped and welcomed the crew. It was an amazing site for all to see and was a perfect way to celebrate this achievement. The team arrived at Avalon, California, the main harbor on Catalina Island at 2:43pm, 6 hours and 41 minutes after the journey began with an incredible 35% battery power remaining and a very happy crew.

For additional information and challenge rules please send an email to Larry Smith at Teamscarab@cox.net. For more information or to purchase the Kona Concept Deck Kit, please contact Murray’s at 800-786-7245.