Technology

TECH DOCTOR

The Power Installation Dilemma: Who To Do, or Not To Do …
That Is the Question!

 By Don Wilson, Tech Doctor

TECH DOCTOR DON WILSON has worked in technical capacities in the automotive,RV and marine fields and for the military since 1989 and has extensive experience in designing and troubleshooting onboard electrical systems. A former customer service manager dealing with electronic issues, Wilson currently serves as a technical instructor for the RV industry’s RVIA Trouble Shooter Clinics and is a full-time sales application specialist for Xantrex Technology Inc.

Many electrical products are channeled to the end user in one of two primary ways. It is either sold to and installed by the manufacturer, or sold to a retailer where an end user (or service center) purchases it for after market installation. There are also power enthusiasts who dare to install themselves. There are pros and cons to each option, so how to choose?

How about OEM Installations?

Whether you’re dealing with a boat, RV, commercial truck, utility truck, ambulance, or even a military vehicle, optioning an inverter is generally available at the OEM level. One major benefit of the OEM install is that the consumer is able to take full advantage of the manufacturer’s detailed engineering work that has been built into the production process. From the electrical supplier offering applications support, to the OEM’s electrical engineers specifying the best cable size, to the design staff ensuring proper compartment size and cooling, going the manufacturing route provides a highly professional, relatively safe, and efficient installation from concept through production. In addition, the OEM brings solid knowledge of the installation, which allows for outstanding customer support as needed after the sale. These installations are specified and part of a process that delivers production consistency.

On the challenging side, OEMs sometimes offer multiple choices, for example, power level, wave form,  charging capability etc., for a power inverter. The customer is faced with multiple options to choose from, which requires knowledge of how the electrical system will be used, prior to ordering. Those who don’t know often opt for the “biggest/best”, which usually translates to higher cost.

What about qualified service centers?

The term “Qualified Installer” always make me uneasy. I always wonder: “Qualified by whom?” My wife may ask me to change the fluids in her car, which infers she has qualified me as capable of performing this job. However, does her qualification guarantee we’re not going to end up with gear oil in the crankcase? Is she able to appropriately and accurately qualify my capabilities to do this job? I took the car to our dealership and got the job done right.

Case in point, if you need an inverter installed after the vehicle has been built, it is imperative that you find a service center that either has a good reputation, specializes in inverter installs, or has a stamp of approval from the vehicle manufacturer — or better yet, all three. Make absolutely sure that the resource you are considering is qualified to do the work.

Another big surprise: realize that every service center install differs from the one before. There may be the temptation by the crew to use similar components for different installations. For instance, if you’re having a 3000W inverter installed, and the last vehicle they worked on had a 2000W inverter, will they use the left over parts from one, for the next? What size battery cable is being used? Will they use the same cable for both installations, regardless of a difference in cable lengths? These concerns plague my mind and my inbox.

How about the amateur electrician? Can’t I just install it myself?

The first thing I have to say about shade-tree electrical upgrades is to refer once again to the ‘gear oil in the crankcase’ scenario. If you plan on doing an inverter installation yourself, first candidly assess your skills, knowledge and experience. Where do you stand on a scale of 1-10 as far as proven qualifications are concerned, and then subtract two points for safety. If you’re not an 8 or higher, please back away slowly and put the multi-meter down.

In all seriousness, electricity is dangerous! If you’re working on a 12-volt lighter plug or a 300W inverter for the laptop, well then knock yourself out! But please … for larger inverters that require hard-wiring, fusing, voltage-drop calculations, and knowledge of UL standards and the National Electrical Code for AC and DC systems, I cannot stress enough how important it is to get it right the first time. I’ve seen way too many faulty installations that result in property damage and injury to be apathetic in this recommendation.

Always, Safety First!

Ultimately, the bottom line is SAFETY. The OEM install may not be the most cost-friendly, but that slight increase in cost translates to system insurance for longer reliability and safety. The service center/dealer install is acceptable, so long as the staff is knowledgeable and competent in installing complex electronics.

By all means, please totally avoid self-installations unless you are skilled and knowledgeable about the requirements for performing these specific types of installations and have studied the operation/install guide. Good luck in your next electronics purchase … and may you make the right choice for you on your installation!

If you have any questions for Tech Doctor Don Wilson about this or any other topic he covers, please visit the Xantrex site at www.xantrex.com

 

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

PERINI NAVI: ONCE AGAIN, SETTING STANDARDS

Hull C.2193, the first of the two yachts sold in the new-generation series of 60m sailing yachts built by Perini Navi, has arrived in Viareggio, Italy.The hull and superstructure in aluminium were built in the Perini Istanbul-Yildiz shipyard, the Group’s Turkish base. Finishing, launching and delivery, scheduled for summer 2013, will all take place at Perini Navi’s base in Viareggio.

The new hull lines, that can be seen as a natural evolution of Perini’s 56m series, guarantee speed, comfort and ample spaces for living both indoors and out. Hull and superstructure in aluminium make for a gross tonnage of under 500 tons and a displacement of approximately 570 tons.

The ketch C.2193, designed by Perini Navi’s naval architects in collaboration with New Zealander Ron Holland, will have a sail control system designed by Perini Navi and a lifting keel that goes from 4.30 to 12.30m.

During the coming year the second yacht in the 50m aluminium series will be delivered in May and the first yacht in the 40m fast cruising line will be delivered at the end of the summer.

The Perini Navi Group is also currently constructing the third yacht in the 60m series and a 38m yacht in their Racing Line. Both these yachts could be ready for delivery in less than two years.

With a fleet of 53 yachts on the water- 51 sailing yachts and two motor yachts- the Perini Navi Group is the world leader in the design and construction of large sailing yachts. In 2007 the Group also began to build motor yachts with the brand name Picchiotti and the series name Vitruvius, thus re-launching the historic Picchiotti shipyard acquired in the early 1990’s. The Group is made up of the Perini Navi shipyard in Viareggio, founded in the 1980’s by Fabio Perini who invented and developed a revolutionary automatic sail control system. Another division is the Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia where the Group constructs its motor yachts and concentrates most of its refitting work, and the Perini Istanbul shipyard in Yildiz, Turkey where its hulls and deck structures are produced. Perini Navi USA is a commercial division of the Group through which owners of Perini Navi Group yachts can arrange charters and find brokerage services for both new and previously owned Perini Navi Group yachts.

And just so there’s no misunderstanding about setting standards, the daring and stunningly original M/Y EXUMA was 2011’s Motor Yacht of The Year.

Motor Yacht Exuma is a the first 50 metre Picchiotti motor yacht from the Vitruvius Series launched by Perini Navi in July 2010. This luxury superyacht is powered by 2 x Caterpillar C32 Acert engines of 970kW at 2100 rmp to a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and has a range of 5500 nm at 12 knots. She can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins and has a crew of seven professionals on board.

 For more information contact:
Perini Navi Group Press Office
Tel +39 0584 4241
fax +39 0584 424268
ufficiostampa@perininavi.it
www.perininavi.it

 

BoatUS Report

Boat Association: 10 Tips to Get Repairs Done Right

Is the work being done right? BoatUS has tips to ensure it does.

Many boaters and anglers work on their own boats, but there are times when professional help may be needed. With 30 years of experience dealing with marine service industry, the BoatUS Consumer Protection Bureau knows that most marine professionals do the job right. Every year, however, a handful of boat owners wind up coming to the Bureau’s Dispute Mediation program for help because of faulty repairs or disagreements with bills. Here are ten tips gleaned from mediating hundreds of cases over the years that will help ensure the job goes smoothly:

1. A tight budget is OK: In today’s economy, a tight budget is expected – just make this clear before the job begins. The shop may be able to suggest ways to complete the project in stages. Always ask how much similar repairs have cost in the past and what kinds of problems are possible along the way.

2. Write it up − or take your chances: Get a written estimate before work begins, and remember that it is based on an approximation of how much the job will cost. With boats, it’s not unusual to have unforeseen problems crop up later – so taking your frustrations out on your repairer won’t help. You can always ask the shop to obtain your authorization before proceeding with unforeseen repairs or when work goes beyond the estimated price.

3. Ask for evidence: Ask to get back old or damaged parts.

4. OK to second guess: If you’re not comfortable with the first estimate, get a second opinion from another mechanic or a marine surveyor.

5. Follow a plan: Once you approve the estimate, a work order should be drawn up. Ask for a target completion date and write this into the work order.

6. Keep everyone in the loop: Always be sure the actual mechanic working on your boat has a copy of your work order when the project begins.

7. Get help with the big stuff: For complex repairs, it’s wise to consult with a marine surveyor and consider having the surveyor serve as a liaison with the repair shop. Ask around for a referral or check out the list of surveyors at www.BoatUS.com/surveyors.

8. The payment plan: Understand that when tackling large jobs, boat repair shops often require payments at various stages of completion. Be sure to verify that each stage has been completed before paying. If you cannot be on hand to check progress yourself, consider hiring a marine surveyor to make periodic checks.

9. Don’t be hasty: If you are unhappy with the work, do not stop payment on your check after you pay your repair bill. This can be interpreted as intent to defraud the repair shop and put you in deep kimchi.

10. Know when to walk: Understand that when asking for all of the things above, you may not get everything you want. On the other hand, walk away if you get the feeling a marine repairer isn’t interested in helping you with most of these basic protections that get the job done right. Reputable shops know the importance of customer service.

About BoatUS: BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

 

Electronics Review

M-618CS INTRODUCES GYRO-STABILIZED
THERMAL NIGHT VISION

 High-Resolution Thermal Night Vision with a Color TV Camera

FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced the release of the latest addition to its industry-leading M-Series family of thermal night vision cameras, the new gyro-stabilized M-618CS.

This exciting new M-Series camera offers powerful new features, including:

High resolution thermal night vision – 640 x 480 resolution, along with 2× and 4× E-Zoom, provide clear, detailed images from farther away than you ever thought possible, even in total darkness.

Extended range performance –  The M-618CS’s 35 mm thermal lens can detect small vessels from over 2 miles away, giving you more time to see and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Active gyro-stabilization – Provides steady imagery, even in rough seas; this is critical for getting the most out of the M-618CS’s long-range cameras.

Color TV camera with 10x optical zoom – Continuous zoom can match the thermal camera’s e-zoom for easy operation when switching between cameras.

Housed in a rugged, waterproof gimbal enclosure that provides continuous 360° pan and +/-90° tilt capability, the M-618CS provides horizon-to-horizon coverage, and incorporates cutting-edge Ethernet connectivity for easy installation and control. No one else has ever offered all of these cutting edge features at this price point.

The M-Series Control Unit makes for safe, easy, and intuitive operation.

About FLIR Systems: Pioneers in all aspects of infrared technology, FLIR designs, manufactures, and supports thermal imaging systems and subsystems for industrial, scientific, government, commercial, and firefighting applications. With a nearly 50-year history of infrared innovation, +400,000 systems in use worldwide, and development centers and sales offices in over 60 countries, FLIR is the world leader in thermal imaging technology. Learn more about the M-Series, and other of FLIR’s maritime products, at www.FLIR.com/cvs/maritime.

 

Technology

Necessity Is The Mother of Invention

Whether due to the ongoing energy crisis, the global economy, or a host of other factors all working together to exert a strong tidal pull on the boating industry, there are several forward thinking designers and engineers out there whose ideas may warrant a closer look by the status quo.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

The origin of this most recognized of proverbial sayings I’ve chosen to be the title of this discussion is, for the most part, unknown. While some scholars, who often spend lifetimes studying such esoteric endeavors as tracking down the undeniable source of said adage and others —and kudos to them—however shipmates, I choose to follow yet another path in my own pursuit of accumulated knowledge, passing neither pro or con judgment on such donnish deeds.

In fact, and in praise of said dedication, we have recognizable and attributable sayings such as the treasured, “ A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom,” by none other than Richard Wayne “Little Richard” Penniman; or the emotional, “Yo, Adrian,” flawlessly delivered by Sylvester Stallone in the 1976 film, Rocky. And just to drive things home, who can forget this memorable gem from Charles II (1630–1685), who was king of England, Scotland, and Ireland: ‘Let not poor Nelly starve,” referring to one of his many mistresses, the actress and commoner Nell Gwynn, as he lie on his death bed. Or as my good friend Capt. Chris Kelly would say, “Go no further.”

The point here readers is that we seem to be entering an era where the way things were, are not necessarily the way things are going to be. For example, let’s take a quick look at moving a boat through the water. (Sailboaters need not read any further; for the technical information that follows really has nothing to do with what they do. However, I humbly and respectfully beseech and request my ragbagging brethren to push on if merely for the enjoyment of partaking in my wordsmithing.)

For most of us who enjoy our fishing, cruising, or however we involve ourselves in the lifestyle, getting from Point A to Point B, perhaps on to Point C and the rest of the alphabet as we meander on back to A, means we have to consider our fuel consumption. And to address this important concern, I would say that most of the established and respected boat designers, builders, and engine manufacturers around the world have taken this cause under careful scrutiny and thought: To wit, the enthusiastic acceptance of Volvo Penta’s IPS and the Cummins/Mercruiser Zeus systems.

Now, I’ve just begun to do some digging is this area and came up with three companies that  appear to be into technology and a way of thinking that might be the start of something new. Just have an open mind. Think iPad, okay, and what a gizmo like that will eventually lead to.

The first up here is the M Ship Company out of San Diego, California. Founded in 1998 by Chuck Robinson and Bill Burns, M Ship is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business specializing in the design, development and delivery of innovative marine concepts for the military, commercial and recreational markets.

The M80 Stiletto redefines hull design. Its geometry is unique because it consists of three interrelated features that improve ship performance – the Central Displacement Section, the Planing Tunnels and the Rigid Skirts.

To say they are inventive falls far short of the reality of their products. Case in point; The M80 Hull. Known as The Stiletto, the twin M-hull vessel is 88 feet in length with a 40 foot beam, providing a rectangular deck area equivalent to a conventional displacement craft 160 feet in length. The vessel’s draft fully loaded is three feet and is designed for a speed of 50-60 knots. Right now, it’s in military and drug interdiction use but I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to see a yacht version slipping down the ways.

According to the M Ship Company, the M-hull’s advanced planing-hull technology provides superior advantages over the more traditional designs. These include ride quality, speed, stability, range and the ability to carry payloads. The reduction of the “drag hump” offers very efficient cruising speeds not normally associated with planing craft and M Ship has done extensive studies with government and academic support in order to validate these benefits. Its test data and video are available upon request. www.mshipco.com

Next is the Axcell 650, a boat I had the opportunity to pay a short visit to while at last year’s Palm Beach Boat Show. From the outside, the Axcell 650 Catamaran Sport Yacht offers a sleek, eye-catching low profile design with distinctive ‘gill-slit’ intakes on each side, which, by the way, and as I would soon find out, have been specifically designed for an additional and important performance function. But what really began to interest me was something written on the banner that stretched across the transom: “With Patented HybridAir™ Technology.” Now that was something that pinged my radar and waiting my turn to get aboard, listened carefully from dockside as I started to pick up some buzz words from someone wearing an Axcell shirt.

The ‘gill slits’, visible aft on the port side, allow huge amounts of air to be drawn in and redirected.

Brian Barsumian, who along with his dad Bruce, are the principals in the company responsible for this daring design and technology. They call it MACS Research Inc., the capital letters standing for Multi Air Cavity Ships™ and have been at it for some 13 years now with the result of their visionary research and work sitting right there in the dock.

The huge lift fan down at the end of one engine room enables the 650 to get up and go.

The 650, designed by J.C. Espinosa of Stuart, Florida-based Espinosa Inc., is a beautiful looking boat both inside and out. That’s my opinion. Some simply do not like the catamaran styling nor the lines. However, I found her to be a head turner and mine was going back and forth, looking here and there as I got the cook’s tour with Brian. I hope to get back on with both Bruce and Brian at a later date for a comprehensive sea trial and walk through, and perhaps a sit-down with Mr. Espinosa as well, but for now, I noted how well this prototype is finished off in yacht quality fashion with copious amounts of room available enabling her owners and guests to be away from the dock for long periods of time. And there’s a 16-foot, 90-hp RIB tender tucked into a garage in the stern.

With lots of folks queuing up on the dock for a look-see, and realizing of course that the Barsumians were eager to show their boat, I slipped into the starboard sponson’s engine room with Brian for a quick tour. I got the layout and technology very quickly. The boat has been designed to pump low pressure air, much like a hovercraft does, via a pair of automated lift fans working off the twin C-18 Caterpillar 1,150-hp turbo diesels. And yes, those ‘gill slit’ intakes are all part of the technology that gets this 59,000 pound vessel cruising, according to the Axcell literature, along at a 38-knot cruise speed. This is a very cool boat and one that I am definitely coming back for. Stand by. I’ll let you know when it’s happening. www.axcellyachts.com

My third offering on this topic is by Effect Ships International (ESI) AS of Sandefjord, Norway, who also seem to be playing with the hovercraft—or ASV, for air supported vessel—technology as well, and have come up with a prototype they call the M65. And here’s where you have to put in some visionary work and ignore the boxy, unadorned test vessel pictured here. As with the iPad analogy, think Patrick Knowles design or something out of the Trinity yard.

With that said, ESI has sunk some $10 million into its research and development of the M65, garnering the Innovation Award at the 2011 European Powerboat of the Year contest. In a nutshell, the concept calls for a special underwater shape to the running bottom of the hull complete with a large cavity to trap the blown in air, courtesy of a fan mounted in the bow. At the stern, a special flap closes off the cavity, trapping the air within. For this prototype, ESI used a fan driven by a D3 Volvo Penta diesel but envision using electric power from a genset or from a hybrid main propulsion system. The illustration shows the side rails that prevent the air from escaping. According to Ulf Tudem, the company’s general manager, the propulsion system can be pods, jets, outdrives, fixed-shaft, or surface piercing.

When the main propulsion system is engaged – Tudem says it can be any type, including pod drives, jet drives or outdrives, fixed-shaft and even surface-piercing props – the M65 accelerates and gets on plane much faster than conventional boats because it doesn’t need to get over the proverbial hump. www.seseu.com

Do you think Orville and Wilbur Wright ever envisioned the Space Shuttle and risk-taker Richard Branson? My final thought on this: The dog would have caught the rabbit if he didn’t stop to take a leak.

Fair winds, shipmates. –Cap’n Ken

If you choose to get in touch with any of these builders, please tell them you saw the posting on the Boat & Yacht Report site. We work closely with the marine industry and especially when getting information like this out.

 

Maintenance

BLUE GEL KEEPS SURFACES STAIN-FREE

Boats and RVs laid up for the winter usually need sprucing up before returning to the public eye.  For spring cleaning and routine maintenance, Fiberglass Stain Remover (FSR) from Davis Instruments keeps small projects from becoming large, tedious ones.

Versatile FSR has long been a popular item on the cleaner aisle.  With no need to scrub, nonabrasive FSR gel absorbs oil, rust, exhaust and waterline stains, and road dirt.  In addition to fiberglass, it can be used on chrome, stainless steel, metal and painted surfaces.

On boats, it leaves cushions, galley surfaces, railings and steel stanchions looking like new.  The blue gel makes quick work of sinks and shower stalls.  It gently cleans clothing and sails, yet is tough enough to remove stubborn grime from grills and RV fenders.  Versatile FSR can also tackle household cleaning jobs from fabrics to bathtubs to patio furniture.

With no need to sand or compound, FSR is easily applied with a cloth, sponge or soft brush.  It remains on the surface to quickly absorb stains, then is simply wiped and rinsed clean.  Davis recommends cleaning a small test spot first on sensitive fabrics or finished surfaces.

Davis’ FSR has a suggested retail price of $10.99 for the 16 oz. jar, while the economical 2-liter Big Job jug costs $29.99.  The containers display multi-language labeling, including French for Canadian Provinces.

            Contact Davis Instruments, 3465 Diablo Ave., Hayward, CA  94545.  510-732-9229
Fax: 510-732-9188.  info@davisnet.com; www.davisnet.com

 

Products

New GOST™ EZ Tracker 2.0 Features Long Life, Rechargeable Battery & Input for Contact Sensor or Panic Button

Compact unit operates up to 180 days between charges

The new EZ Tracker 2.0 from GOST™ (Global Ocean Security Technologies – formerly Paradox Marine) provides global tracking and monitoring of recreational and commercial vessels and features an integral, long life rechargeable battery that will allow the unit to operate up to 180 days between charges.

Designed for continuous use where there is no external power source, the compact EZ Tracker 2.0 terminal measures just 10in by 7in by 2in (247mm x 178mm x 48mm). The EZ-Tracker 2.0 has one external interface connector which is used to connect a sensor or panic button and to charge the unit. It also has a key switch that allows you to switch the terminal “On” and “Off.” This helps preserve the life of the battery when the terminal is not in use.

When the sensor or panic button is activated the unit will generate an ‘in alarm’ message with the vessel name, latitude, longitude, speed & heading and will continue to do so at whatever interval is selected on the web site for the next four hours. After four hours, the unit will revert back to standard tracking messages at the normal reporting interval. A hardwired sensor can be connected to the device to monitor conditions remotely and the battery will operate up to 6 months between charges (with set to report every 6 hours reporting, approximately 2800 pings).

The terminal incorporates magnetic feet in addition to fixed mounting points to provide greater flexibility to monitor transitory or fixed assets.

For more information about the GOST EZ Tracker 2.0 and other GOST marine security, monitoring and tracking products, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898
Global Ocean Security Technologies – 1200 NE 7th Avenue – Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA

 

Products

QUALITY, SAFETY ARE KEY SHORE POWER CORD CONSIDERATIONS

Shore power cords, and the electricity they transfer, help bring convenience and comfort aboard boats, yet can become dangerous fire and electrocution risks if they fail.  Care should be taken when selecting shore power cords to ensure reliability and safety are the top considerations.

To be watertight, the cord should be totally encased in solid PVC material.  For flexibility, lightweight jute filler inside the cord jacket makes cable coil neatly and lay flat.  This is particularly important in colder climates.

Devices such as a strain relief bull ring alleviate stress on the conductors caused by boat movement, crew traffic and rough handling.  A molded flexneck helps prevent right-angle cable damage, as well as accidental pullout of the cord.

Proper preventive maintenance is very important for safe dockside use of electricity.

To prevent overheating and burnout, a copper crimp barrel termination, the type used by power companies, is superior to brass.  Copper barrel sleeves—when used to crimp the wires to each terminal—provide more secure connections, better conductivity and longer life.

A locking ring should be present for proper alignment of the connector to the inlet.  This allows for a completely waterproof connection and prevents accidental disengagement.  The shore power cord should incorporate line-up notches or a similar visual indication that the contact is locked or unlocked.

Some shore power cords utilize indicator lights to visually confirm that power is flowing.  Likewise, some models also have warning lights to show that incorrect, dangerous wiring conditions exist at the power source.  Any such visual indicators should be molded into the cordset connection and fully watertight.

It’s important to know when a cord needs to be replaced.  If the jacket is frayed and wire exposed, it’s unsafe.  Electrical shorts and a cord that’s warm to the touch also indicate it’s time to buy new.  Any singe marks or discoloring around the male or female cord ends are a warning the cord must be immediately replaced.

Made in the USA, Hubbell electrical products are built with the highest quality terminations and materials.  Founded in 1888, Hubbell is a multi-billion dollar, global electrical and wire products manufacturer that serves many industries.  It marine electrical products include UL Listed shorepower inlets, cablesets, adapters, plugs, connectors, weatherproof plates, ground fault receptacles and accessories from 15-200 amps.

Contact Hubbell Marine Electrical Products, 40 Waterview Dr., Shelton, CT  06484. 475-882-4838
Fax: 203-783-9195.  www.hubbell-marine.com

 

Products

THETFORD INTRODUCES NEW HOLDING TANK DEODORANT

Thetford Marine, a leader in sanitation chemistry, introduces Eco-Smart Free & Clear.  The newest member of the Eco-Smart family was developed by Thetford’s chemistry staff for those sensitive to dye and perfumes.  It’s named Free & Clear because it is free of fragrance and dye.  Like the other two Eco-Smart formulations, Free & Clear provides excellent odor control and waste digestion, contains no formaldehyde and is 100% biodegradable.

This strong formula ensures year-round odor control.  Available in a convenient, easy-to-use liquid, this product gives boat owners maximum performance with minimum effort.  It is offered in 36- and 64-oz. bottles with an easy-to-use, integrated dosage device.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thetford is the world’s leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the RV, marine and heavy-duty truck industries.  It is a privately-held company with eight manufacturing facilities in four nations.

Thetford subsidiaries include Norcold, America’s leading manufacturer of gas-absorption refrigerators and freezers for the RV, marine and truck markets; Tecma, a producer of fine-china toilets and powerful waste-transfer systems based in Italy; and Thetford UK, a unit in England that manufactures Spinflo brand high-quality cooking and heating appliances and accessories.

Contact Thetford Marine, 7101 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Toll-free 800-543-1219  or 734-769-6000;  Fax: 734-769-2023.  info@thetford.com;  www.thetford.com

 

Products

Boating World Magazine Features DIY Install Of A
Mist-er-Comfort Misting System

Boating World magazine writer Nick Felix recently completed a do-it-yourself installation of a marine misting system manufactured by Mist-er-Comfort, Inc. aboard his 2004 Wellcraft Coastal 270.

The step-by-step installation process has been posted on the Boating World web site and can be followed by clicking here or by visiting http://www.boatingworld.com/Newsletter/Article/Mister-System.

Mist-er-Comfort misting systems can lower cockpit temperatures as much as 25 degrees F on the hottest days and can be installed easily on biminis, T-Tops or hardtops on any size boat.

All Mist-er-Comfort components are specially-designed and UV-rated for the harsh marine environment. For esthetic purposes, the misting tube can be concealed within the structure of a boat. Multiple misting zones can be operated from a switch on the console. Misting systems can also easily be added even if there is no water tank on board – tank kits are available.

For more information about Mist-er-Comfort marine misting systems, visit www.mist-er-comfort.com or call 1+407.695.0958. Mist-er-Comfort – 5703 Red Bug Lake Road Suite 103 – Winter Springs, FL 32708 USA