CYOB Inbox: Shade on Miami, the Nerd responds

Mar 9, 2022

our Ambassador, John Armstrong (l) enjoyed the show as did Editor, Andy Adams – but not everyone agrees

Dear Andy Adams:

I am writing in response to your article on the Miami International Boat Show. We have just gotten back from the show and to say we were disappointed is a major understatement. Having spent thousands of US$, not to even consider the costs after converting the funds into Canadian $, to drive to Miami, stay in an overpriced hotel for 3 nights, and wander the show looking for products relating to sail boaters we left with frustrated and angry! The show was completely disorganized, the lines long, the products sadly lacking if you aren’t willing to consider Millions on some gigantic power boat and the information for out of towners completely missing.

We used the parking section of the Boat Show’s website and booked a spot for $30/per day. On arrival we were one of four cars trying to actually access the parking garage, only to discover (quite by accident) that you had to use the “help” button on the access pad to get someone to open the door from their side. Once parked we started to walk to where we thought the show was, listed as 1.2 km away, but couldn’t find any indication of where the event was. We decided to ask a police officer and he said we were at least 6 MILES from the site and ended up taking an Uber for an additional $20 ($30 to get back at the end of the day) just to get to the show. We later found out that the (secret) parking solution was Valet parking on 1 side of the convention centre for only $30! This is information that was not available except by asking someone at the show office on site.

The layout of the show was a disaster, spread over 4 event sites that were accessible by coach (20 minutes drive) and 2 water taxis if you had any interest in getting to the sail boat area – which WAS NEVER LISTED IN ANY GUIDE BOOK! I understand the there is a new organization that is running the show but that is no excuse for something that costs as much as it does and attracts the crowds it did. I have been to the show many (40+) years ago and enjoyed it. It now makes the Toronto show seem like heaven and even it sucks for anyone interested in sailing rather than wanting to buy a ski boat.

I expect that a magazine like yours, geared for both sail and power boaters in Ontario to have factual articles. Please use your podium to speak the truth and save some poor sap from going again next year only to be ripped off and leave angry like we did. Our one takeaway is we WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!
Stewart Young, Braveheart,

Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club, Toronto

Andy Adams has read and shared the concerns raised by our readers and while Andy’s experience was positive based on what his interests and goals were for attending the show, plainly our reader’s experience sounds dreadful, expensive and very disappointing. We have communicated the concerns to NMMA Canada President Sara Anghel and will share the letter to the Miami show organizers.

 

 

Nerd news

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi there,

I read the article of Mike Wheatstone on Lithium batteries with a lot of interest.

The nerd definitively did a hell of a nice job.

One question remains unanswered to me: what about charging devices?

Many batteries manufacturers advise to buy a new AC charging system compatible with LiFePO4 technology.

What is Mike the Nerd thinking about that?

Take it easy guys, Spring is coming.

Michel Sacco

Éditeur/Publisher

L’Escale Nautique

Notre-Dame-du-Portage

Québec, Canada

 

Mike replies:

Most Lithium batteries have a different charging regime (both voltage, time and current at transition points) than lead acid. If you have a charger that only has a switch for battery type (flooded, gel and AGM) selection then that should be replaced for normal everyday use. In an emergency you might be able to charge a lithium battery with it but would need to select AGM or Gel and baby sit it watching the battery voltage, turning it off when it goes to Absorb. I have done this when I had no other choice.

If your charger is more sophisticated and allows you to tweak settings such as absorb voltage, float voltage, absorb time, and ideally has remote voltage sensing, then you may be just fine. Lithium batteries are much more sensitive to over or under voltage (which may damage them) especially near the upper and lower knees where the voltage will suddenly shoot up or drop off with little change in State of Charge.

There is no such thing as one lithium charge profile. Slight changes in chemistry will change the charging regime. Even chargers with a “Lithium profile” can probably stand to be tweaked to better match YOUR lithium battery. ALWAYS check with you battery manufacturer as to their recommended charge profile. You may also find their recommendation changes over time as they get more experience with their product offering! 

Many chargers measure the voltage at their output terminals. While this may not be a huge issue with small charge currents, at higher currents the voltage drop between the charger and the battery can become significant. This leads to extended charge times as the battery is seeing a lower charge voltage or overcharging as the current drops if one tries to compensate for the voltage drop at high currents by boosting the charger output voltage. The best way to deal with this wiring voltage drop is remote voltage sensing so the charger is seeing the voltage at the battery and compensates for any cable voltage loss at all currents.

Please let me know if I missed anything or you have additional questions.

Mike aka “the Boat Nerd”

 

 

Port lights

As I recall a couple of issues ago there was a short notice/article about a facility in Eastern Ontario that will replace crazed hatch glass similar to what hatchmasters in the US does. I thought I wrote the name down but being an old fart I apparently did not. 

Could you please provide me with the name and website of this firm.

Thanks

Tony 

Dartmouth Yacht Club

Catalina 310

Tony – here’s a link to the story in our archives  https://canadianboating.ca/lifestyle/profiles/6703-professional-hatch-and-port-repair-service

 

 

 

Let us know…

The CYOB Inbox is here for you for questions, gripes or other correspondence   cyonboard@kerrwil.com