Tacktick Micronet, part 1
I finally launched Annie G., my Rhodes 18 (named after me mum), and am getting pretty excited about the various Tacktick instruments I’ve installed. I had to drill a substantial hole in the hull just forward of the mast for a T910 triducer that’s wired to a T121 Hull Transmitter mounted just under the mast partners. And I had to modify the old Windex mast-head plate to attach the T120 Wind Transmitter . But I did not have to run a wire down the mast, which would have been a major pain. And of course the T112 Analogue and T111 Dual Digital displays—also wireless and solar powered—don’t need wires either, as I’m demonstrating from my skiff above.
I was able to row over 100 feet from Annie before I lost the depth reading below, and close to 300 feet before losing the wind transmitter. There’s more Tacktick bits to the system, and I’ve integrated all with a Garmin 430 via NMEA 0183, but I’ll show you that tomorrow. So far I’m impressed with the build quality of this gear, the screen readability (I’ve selected the “wide” wind arrow display lower left), and the wide selection of data I can view. It may be a bit bizarre to have such instrument power on an 18’ day sailer, but I think it’s going to help me negotiate Camden’s tight and very fluky Inner Harbor. Not to mention really get to know Tacktick.
Am glad to see that tacktik have improved their product line. But tell us about that outoard hanging over the stern!
Terry
Terry, That’s a Minn Kota electric trolling motor, about the smallest they made five or so years ago. I took the regular control head off and mounted the 5-speed-forward /2-reverse switch on the battery box so I can steer with the tiller. But then I added a little tiller to the motor so I can use it azipod-style to get into a slip. It’s pretty minimal thrust for a keel boat; I’d like to try a Torqeedo:
http://tinyurl.com/yotrr2
One glaring omission is a tiller pilot, but that would of course tap into your trolling battery, requiring an onboard generator. But if you did that you could install a small windlass for the centerboard to make up your performance loss on runs. Some solar panels would be nice, as well as a Class B AIS. The only remaining problem would be finding a place to sit, but a small PC running PCAnywhere over a broadband connection could possibly let you stay home and work on the Honey-Do list!
I have recently bought a boat and I don’t know what kind it is. I cannot find numbers and alot of stuff has been removed for restoration. I think it is very similar to this boat and I am wondering if mine is a Rhodes 18. Is there any way I can tell for sure?
Thanks
There are a few photos that might confirm the ID here, Shawn:
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/rhodes18.html
Or feel free to email me pics for comments: ben dot ellison at panbo.com