What have I done?

[jmooney]

First night on the Hatteras. Yesterday when it was 85 outside all 3 AC units kept it cool inside. This morning it is 45 degrees. The two staterooms are toasty warm but the main salon will only blow cold air. There is an SMX ir on the wall. I believe it is a cruisair compressor. I have an electronics background but know very little about AC/heat systems. Any idea where to start?

The salon A/C compressor has a reversing valve , find it , make sure the wiring is hooked up . If you can get the SMX control to command the heating mode , bang on the valve , as it might be hung up from lack of use . Some units cycle through the heating mode every time that they start up . It’s usually too hard to replace the reversing valve in place . So replacing the compressor unit is the cure if you need heat.

 

[oscarvan]

First night on the Hatteras. Yesterday when it was 85 outside all 3 AC units kept it cool inside. This morning it is 45 degrees. The two staterooms are toasty warm but the main salon will only blow cold air. There is an SMX ir on the wall. I believe it is a cruisair compressor. I have an electronics background but know very little about AC/heat systems. Any idea where to start?

Are you SURE the salon unit is a reversing unit? (heat pump)? Is there a chance someone along the way had to replace it and decided they didn't need the heat mode? Look at the other two units (condensers) and find the reversing valve. Then make sure the salon has one. The fact that the SMX doesn't "see" the heat mode makes me think.....

It will look something like this:

 

[oscarvan]

Amen to that. At least with a used boat you know to expect a punch list. With a new boat, you have the illusion that everything will work as it's supposed to. Which seems very unlikely.

I think the first thing I'd do with a new boat would be to get a survey.

If I were to plop down a million plus plus I would have a contract that said "Delivery and final funds subject to satisfactory survey and sea trial with any deficiencies rectified" or language of that nature. Maybe even have an attorney write it up. I know the (very) high dollar deals are written like that.

 

[Phasma2128]

Trying to learn as much about this boat as possible. I know I have DD 6v92TA but what series are they? Built in 1994 Hatteras cpmy. I don’t even know where to find out.

Incidently….the AC was replaced several years ago and does not have the heat mode

 

[rwaldrop13]

This thread was tremendously helpful for me. I didn't know I could purchase the owner's manual - PO said he never had one. Someone replaced the "SMX" thermostats for the one remaining CrusAir unit on the boat with what looks like a dehumidifier rheostat control and an off/on/auto switch. We've removed all the lower AC units and installed stand-alone units in their place. Better performance, lower electrical bill. I too was intimidated by the fuel manifold, but have spent the past 6 months working on AC and plumbing issues. PO had manifold set for mains to return to big tank, generator draws off smaller tank. I will be replacing the current so-called tank-top fuel and water gages with KUS ones within the next month or too, as right now the only gages I believe are remotely reliable are the fuel tanks.

Welcome and congratulations! We're 10 months into our journey aboard Pau Hana, and right now I can tell you I was amazed how well she handled without a bow thruster. I have the 8v92's, but like you 8-9 knots works for me... right now we're day tripping until we get more familiar with the boat and past our major punchlist items.

 

[JuiceClark]

Trying to learn as much about this boat as possible. I know I have DD 6v92TA but what series are they? Built in 1994 Hatteras cpmy. I don’t even know where to find out.

During that initial cleaning I mentioned earlier, I found two valve cover engine information tags sitting in the back of a cabinet. I hope you find them as well because they list all the important stuff. Mine were metal and blue in color.

Newer ones look different:

 

[Phasma2128]

Thanks Rob. Your story sounds familiar. I’ve only taken possession within days. Still learning my way around. It’s coming slowly. I love a good project



juice, I will look around for that tag. I am hoping I have 6v92 series 3 as I would like to add a Maretron interface to add digital engine monitors eventually. My understanding is it’s a lot tougher to do that upgrade with series 2 or older

 

[JuiceClark]

juice, I will look around for that tag. I am hoping I have 6v92 series 3 as I would like to add a Maretron interface to add digital engine monitors eventually. My understanding is it’s a lot tougher to do that upgrade with series 2 or older

I think you can use those with all DDECs...which I don't have. But hey, inaccurate gauges keep it interesting! There might be oil pressure - or maybe not?

 

[oscarvan]

PO had manifold set for mains to return to big tank, generator draws off smaller tank.

There is a rule of thumb that says that unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing you return to the tank you burn from. It is possible, nay easy, to overflow a tank. This is bad.

In my case I run, and return, one engine off one tank and the other off the other. This is due to my pilot background...."single source fuel" is to be avoided so you don't knock a blob loose in said tank and flame out both engines.........

 

[Phasma2128]

Hmmmm interesting thought Oscar. I believe I will follow that. The two tanks are approx 440 gallons and 220 gallons. The generator pulls off of the main tank I believe and can not be switched.

My task starting Sunday is to clean the racors and fill the all low fluids. I’ve never done this before but YouTube is proving invaluable as is this forum.

I’ve troubleshot and had repaired the windlass, evaluated the AC systems, replaced lightbulbs, discovered the source of a deck water leak, and replaced a bilge pump float switch. I still need to find the source of an odor coming from the bilge that smells similar to cat urine. I believe the waste tank is the source but who knows….

once again, “thanks juice!” That is good news! If all DDEC is compatible then I am good

 

[oscarvan]

fill the all low fluids

At the risk of telling you something you already know, the trannies are checked HOT and after moving. They will read high when cold. (Don't panic) Some of us get them where they need to be and then mark, or at least note the cold mark. It's a starting point.

 

[Phasma2128]

Thanks. I knew I was suppose to check trans fluid when hot but didn’t know the levels would be high when cold

 

[Phasma2128]

On to the next dilemma. Onboard this 1994 48 cpmy is a Northstar 6000i chart plotter/radar. The chart plotter is adequate but my navionics app on my iPad is much better. I am struggling with the radar. I can’t seem to get it working. It is an open array NorthStar. My SeaRay had a switch at the base of the array. I do not see one 0n this one. I verified that there is 12vdc at the control unit under the dash. When I select the radar button on the 6000i I get nothing. There is no indication of anything happening. I am assuming that the 6000i is not recognizing anything attached due to a power issue on the open array. Anyone have any thoughts or help?

If nothing else this project is keeping me busy and out of the pool hall

 

[Boatsb]

Northstar is long gone. It's old technology and not supported. Toss it and look for some current products that will easily outperform it in every way

 

[Phasma2128]

Well…..bad news….the radar is broke and can’t be fixed. It’s old school tech I was planning on replacing anyway. It’s a Northstar 6000i. I wanted to replace it with a new Garmin 8616xsv but….. that is a no go……Houston…..we have a problem….it seems the worldwide shortage of integrated circuits has Garmin’s production radically slowed. I was told it might be 2-3 months before I can get one. I checked the other major manfs and they all have the same problem. I guess I am going on my 600 mile journey home with my new to me Hatteras the old school way…..no radar. Fortunately I have about 4 sources for charting so it isn’t like I won’t l know where I am. I just have to watch for freighters. I’m thinking MarineTraffic app can kind of keep me up to date on what freighters are coming. The rest……I gotta pay attention.��

 

[Photolomy]

What route are you taking your boat? I had to go 1900 miles to get my boat home and not having a radar wasn't an issue. Having a chart plotter with up to date charts is all you really need, and a backup VHF (handheld).

 

[Boatsb]

I have screens and RADARS. No excuses. Plenty of stock. At least if your looking for what I have.

Although some transducers and stereo heads are on back order .

 

[Phasma2128]

I have all of that. I am heading up the Detroit river to Lake St Clair to St Clair river to Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Stops are planned in Lake St Clair (Jefferson beach), Harbor Beach, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Frankfort and then Grand Haven. About the only part of the trip I am even remotely concerned with is up through Port Huron and that’s only because of the amount of boat traffic. It’s July 4th weekend. I’m leaving on the 5th. Not sure a radar would do me any good through there any way. The freighters are my primary concern but that only would possible become an issue on the big lakes and there I should be able to see them coming. Fog is another concern but typically this time of year there isn’t much fog. Possibly in the manitou pass but the weather looks good for the dates I’m traveling

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have all of that. I am heading up the Detroit river to Lake St Clair to St Clair river to Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Stops are planned in Lake St Clair (Jefferson beach), Harbor Beach, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Frankfort and then Grand Haven. About the only part of the trip I am even remotely concerned with is up through Port Huron and that’s only because of the amount of boat traffic. It’s July 4th weekend. I’m leaving on the 5th. Not sure a radar would do me any good through there any way. The freighters are my primary concern but that only would possible become an issue on the big lakes and there I should be able to see them coming. Fog is another concern but typically this time of year there isn’t much fog. Possibly in the manitou pass but the weather looks good for the dates I’m traveling

You won't get into Charlevoix without a reservation. And its a long haul from there to Grand Haven. I would stop at Ludington on the way. Always the cheapest fuel there.

 

[Phasma2128]

Thanks Sky Cheney. I am planning to hit Petoskey first. I have a private dock to use there. I then plan to head to either Boyne City or Oyster Bay to anchor. I came back from Leland las year to Grand Haven….granted it was in my Sea Ray but…..

We aren’t going to leave Charlevoix until the Boyne thunder boat parade is over on Saturday. If we can go further than Frankfort we will. Jacobsons Marina is usually pretty nice. Frankfort to Grand Haven isn’t bad at 110 miles. Lake Michigan is familiar water to me