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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Television Install

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/03/2005 : 08:39:54

Has anyone installed a television on their C25? If so, size of TV, location, and pictures would be appreciated.

There's got to be room for that 52" plasma somewhere!

Don B
86FK/SR #5216 "Mighty M"
Southwest Florida

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 10:32:45

I had a small tv/vcr that fit on a shelf under the starboard cockpit seat. It made getting into the pilot berth very difficult. since I am rarely in a place where there is any tv reception I dumped the thing and now use my laptop as a DVD player. It has become a tradition that every cruise begins with a screening of "Captain Ron" with "The Hunt For Red October" a close second. It gets dark so late in the North Channel during June and July (sunset at about 9:45-10:00 pm) I'm usually too tired to watch a movie and just go to bed. I bought a usb tv receiver that can be used with the computer where a tv signal can be found but in a few years that will be useless as all tv signals go digital. As to your question, the laptop is stowed when not in use. Jerry Powlas and Karen Larson have a neat shelving system on Mystic their Cal 30, there is a laptop slot with a slide down guard to prevent the computer from traveling during heeling.

Edited by - John V. on 11/03/2005 10:35:41

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 11:29:25

heres one http://www.catalina25-250.org/tech/tech25/nytv.html

Edited by - on

clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 14:22:41

hunt for Red October before "Pirates of the Caribbean" ?

Edited by - on

PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 14:53:43

I'm with John V. We use the laptop to watch dvd's. Well if we're not gawking at the sunset, stars, wildlife...or visiting! But the laptop provides a lot of services onboard. We have charting software that helped us make route and departure time decisions on our recent cruise of the San Juan Islands (website under construction). We have music stored on the laptop as well as the iPod. I can download pictures from the digital camera and view them the same day and free up space to take more pics. I've downloaded skycharts from heavens-above.com for stargazing while anchored out. We have a dvd of dropping the mast with the previous owner that we've refered to several times to clarify rigging details during mast raising/lowering this first year. I even used it to save the recipe for pizza dough so we could have pizza on the propane grill! Our original reason for buying a laptop this time instead of a desktop was so we could take it with us to watch movies so we bought one with a 17" screen. It's heavy, but it's worked out great for these purposes. Anything that can multitask is welcome on our boat!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 17:16:15

17" Powerbook with USB 2 TV tuner from ATI. When I sail it gets stowed.

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 19:57:06

Sounds like the laptop is the way to go...being technically challenged, I didn't realize your able to utilize the laptop as a TV.

Thanks to all for your input.

ps. "Captain Ron" is the numero uno sailing movie!

"Stay on the path Boss..."

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 22:39:48

I must add one thing that, at least to me is really amazing.
When I installed the chart plotter this spring my crew Jake had decided to do his senior project on electronic navigation. (he has been my buddy since he was in the fifth grade when we were matched by the Big Brothers organization) He did a great paper on the history of navigation and a project that involved installing my system, integrating it with my auto pilot and interfacing with my laptop. the neat part is how he downloaded detailed satellite images of the great lakes, and added software that puts a marker on our satellite coordinates. so while the chart plotter is showing my position on the chart I can simultenously get a top down view from space. the images are Keyhole so the zoom factor is pretty good.

as we are citing the many uses for an on board lap top, there are things unfortunately it will not do. It will not make the morning coffee, it won't prevent your favorite anchorage from filling up with stink pots and jet skis, don't expect it to go forward....ever.
it will not convince your wife that cruising is a great experience. and it doesn't know how to mix a perfect scotch and water. (Linda added that one)

Edited by - on

weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2005 : 23:23:56

Thank you John! Your reply was very funny and enjoyable reading!! I'm still laughing :)

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2005 : 06:24:21

I have a flat tv/dvd/ combo. It was made by virgin electronics. It is a little bulky but has a carry bag that protects it. In the evenings, the kids enjoy a movie and we get some quiet. I push the tv all the way forward in the v-berth and give the kids some popcorn. I usually am near the sternrail or exactly 20 feet away. or on the rafted up boat next door.

There are many portable small tv/dvd solutions now. The laptop is a good one as well but mine uses quite a bit of juice.

Tom.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2005 : 11:21:53

Wow, how different we all are. I raised 3 kids on various sailboats and they never ate a bite of anything in a cabin. I would wake up screaming in the night at the thought of children with popcorn in my V-berth. I don't allow grownups to eat much either, bring a bag of chips on my boat and you will be taking it home with you when you leave. Try bringing fried chicken and you won't even get on the boat! I am big on sandwiches, plums, bananas, and such; things you can toss over the side when you are done.

Edited by - on

StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2005 : 12:10:42

I have a small TV DVD combo that I just put on the dining table or cockpit bench when we want to watch a movie.

Like Don B., I'm not much of a techno geek. What does it take to receive local TV channels on a laptop. I'd like to make that upgrade myself.

Thanks for the help.

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2005 : 23:13:34

The device is called a Mpeg USB TV Box. There are a number of them on the market. mine is from Kworld. If you type Mpeg USB TV into google you will have many choices.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 01:12:17

Ditto on the tv/DVD combo. We use an Audiovox with a flat screen. An Audiox D1210 I think. We only use it for DVDs for the kids on long (probably motoring) runs. Best part- Came with 2 wireless headphones. That means the kids can watch Miss Congeniality whatever without disturbing the captain.
Only time I've used it is when for the occassional movie at the the dock when I'm down "working" on the boat.

Edited by - Doug on 11/06/2005 11:16:10

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 08:46:40

so how do you protect your laptop computer from the high humidity/salt water environment? I saw some pelican boxes made forlaptops in Latts and Atts. Would this work? How do you keep the salt air off your computer? Or am I just looking for a problem which doesn't exist?

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 11:13:17

Frank, I just don't get your adversion to good food on board. A mess? Thats what shopvacs are for. My boat is always stocked with the following:

beef jerky
applesauce
chocolate pudding
juice bags
assorted sodas
pringles chips (I like the little cans)
gorp and dried fruit mix
chocolate
tea
coffee

A sail on Indiscipline almost always starts with a trip to the deli just down the dock.

I have a barbeque on the rail, and 2 cockpit tables.

As to the question, I almost never watch TV at home, but do take my laptop to the boat for overnights. DVDs and computer games make long passages shorter for the crew. Im now equipped with Verizon broadband wireless, plus verizon blackberry wireless and a pager - they work fairly well offshore (all Department provided - your tax dollars at work). Hey, I'm on call 7x24x365.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 15:03:59

No food onboard!

Heck, the only way I can get the kids, nieces, nephews, and their friends to spend any time on the boat is to lure them with FOOD!

Chips, pretzels, Doritos, and anything else they can munch. With an A&W the only thing nearby, coney dogs are rather popular onboard too!

The main reason I dumped the stove and installed a microwave was so my wife could have her favorite extra butter movie popcorn. I keep a dirt devil vacuum on board to clean up the mess. A small price to pay for their company and the good times we share.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 18:50:37

You should see the stains from dark beer spills in my gelcoat.

Bleach gets them out

Spilled containers of chinese food makes a good mess too (Moo Shu deck)

But back to computers, how do you keep them from getting sticky from the humidity (or spilled beer)?

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 20:11:53

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">But back to computers, how do you keep them from getting sticky from the humidity (or spilled beer)?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">I kept mine on the boat all summer, and the only time it acted up was in the rainy spring. After a couple of dry days, it worked fine again. On another forum, a salt water sailor said that when it acts up, she puts her laptop computer in an oven at 100 degrees for about 30 minutes, and that dries it out.

It sounds risky, but 100 degrees of dry heat isn't as hot as the inside of a closed car on a hot summer day.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 11/05/2005 20:16:57

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2005 : 21:18:14

Quotes:
and the only time it acted up was in the rainy spring - But back to computers, how do you keep them from getting sticky from the humidity (or spilled beer)?

Shrinkwrap does the trick - two wraps around the screen and a couple of wraps around the keyboard. Trim away for the mouse and for any vents that dissipate heat from the processor. Replace as required. My new laptop has a giant screen and desktop POWER!!!! But, it wipes the battery out in under an hour - 3 fans - and trips the inverter when plugged in.... LOL!

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2005 : 22:17:29

I use one of those vacuum storage bags, the ones you see on tv when they suck out all the air and 4 bulky sweaters are 2 inches tall.
I actually tried them for bedding and clothes. Be sure of this..... the air finds its way back into the bag. but the small ones are great for laptops.

Frank: I refrained in my previous post to jump on the food thing, but since every one else did, sailing and food, I really can't imagine two things that go together better. I learned the craft of cooking on board from my mom who was a veteran cruiser. she baked made caseroles, so I really go for the best. When we raft up for the evening I feel bad sometimes when my friends open the dinty moore and I lite the grill and lay on a Filet Mignon. I like making a curried chicken with cous cous. You can use the Sue Bee pouch chicken, sauteed in butter and wine add the curry and let it it simmer.

Sorry I didn't mean to start a cook book but like I said food and sailing go so very well together.

Edited by - on

SailFisher
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 23:43:15

Bananas on a boat ???

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2005 : 00:30:37

we use our laptop to watch DVDs and we have an iPod with a docking station - so we use the docking station speakers to give us boat-theatre sound. No wires. Easy storage.
And as for dining - my rail mounted Sea-B-Q ensures an excellent dining experience.I do most of the cooking at home and almost all of the cooking on the boat...whenever I can, I cook with a BBQ. We eat as good on the boat as we do at home.
My preference for boating is to keep things as simple as possible - the Sea-B-Q and the laptop and iPod deliver. (so does the porta-potti but that's another topic)

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2005 : 15:00:48

Peanut butter, honey and crackers, lunch and dinner. Fix one bite, put it in mouth.
SlimFast for breakfast, (the steel cans are nice, they sink quickly).

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2005 : 16:02:18

I used to sail with a guy on his O'Day 272. We would bring out a black and white 9" AC/DC TV and watch the Redskins games while sailing up and down the Potomac. We would just keep set the TV on the leeward seat in the cockpit. Of course, you needed to move the TV with every tack. I tried to find a TV like that now, but have had no luck. Radio shack has a TV / DVD player for about $200, but I haven't gone there yet.

Edited by - on

roberoo
Navigator

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USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 11/20/2005 : 08:37:21

I have a similar setup to John V.

I Use an older thinkpad x30 with an ultrabase.
I Have wifi at my Marina. It is a small 12" unit that runs as P3 w/512mb ram.
The dvd is in the ultraport base wich I have a velcro tabs on it to attach to the cushions or on the table.
I also have the USB TV converter from KWorld (ok for what it is).
I did this as an extra last year and it has worked great.
I "cannibalized (?) a 15" Flat Screen Monitor and mounted it to the bulkhead.
It is great fro everyone to see a movie or even the computer.
The nice thing about the small unit I use is that in the cockpit I have it attached to GPS for a plotter and other navigation tools.
This year I am going to do more sailing as my time has freed up considerably.

Also I race, not real good at it yet.
But I can remove all of the extras in about 30 minutes and re intall them in the same time.

List of extras:

PC/DVD
Flat Screen (2 thumb screws)
BBQ Grill (Just unscrew a thumb screww.
I have a travel bag with Plates and plastic wear etc. ( you would be surprised how much can
fit in one of those cordura travel bags. I think I got mine from Apple at a trade Show).
I put it all in the deck box.

Not perfect but my daughter and her friends will use the boat in the summer. And my girl-friends daughter 10 is occupied while we sail in the summer.

Edited by - on

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