Many 240DA Questions inside...

[edsmax]

Hello,

I have had my new to me 2002 240DA in the water for approximately 5 weeks and have been going through it in my spare time. I do have a few questions that the owners manual does not answer.

1. Anchor use. I have the anchor that is stored in the hatch with no roller assembly on the bow. Upon inspection, there does not seem to be a cleat installed inside the hatch. How does one set the optimum anchor line length with this setup?

2. My DA has no tv installed in the cabin and I would like to investigate adding a small 19-22" LCD. Where have you other Sea Ray owners installed yours? In ceiling? On the outside wall of the head?

3. Fridge. My fridge seems to be a "freezer" no matter how I dial it in. Freezes everything. Suggestions? Last night I disconnected the wire that is held by two screws onto the freezer section in hopes this will disable the freezer part of the fridge. I will be back to the boat in a couple of days to check it out. Just didnt know if anyone else has experienced this problem.

4. Anyone install privacy curtains to the cabin windows? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Ed

 

[Lazy Daze]

Hello,

I have had my new to me 2002 240DA in the water for approximately 5 weeks and have been going through it in my spare time. I do have a few questions that the owners manual does not answer.

1. Anchor use. I have the anchor that is stored in the hatch with no roller assembly on the bow. Upon inspection, there does not seem to be a cleat installed inside the hatch. How does one set the optimum anchor line length with this setup?

2. My DA has no tv installed in the cabin and I would like to investigate adding a small 19-22" LCD. Where have you other Sea Ray owners installed yours? In ceiling? On the outside wall of the head?

3. Fridge. My fridge seems to be a "freezer" no matter how I dial it in. Freezes everything. Suggestions? Last night I disconnected the wire that is held by two screws onto the freezer section in hopes this will disable the freezer part of the fridge. I will be back to the boat in a couple of days to check it out. Just didnt know if anyone else has experienced this problem.

4. Anyone install privacy curtains to the cabin windows? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Ed

Anchor: Use about 10' of chain - it will help dramatically. Use more if you don't mind the workout. Drop the anchor over the rail - it's easier than trying to put it under the rail without hitting the boat. Be sure to tie off directly to one of your bow cleats - meaning, the line should go: anchor... cleat... then over the rail; not anchor... over the rail... then cleat. Use enough rode (anchor rope) to equal about 3 times your depth (depth = water depth plus distance from water to cleat) in calm conditions. Pay out more rode if it's not holding or in rougher conditions.

TV: Just a suggestion, but you can buy a standalone, portable DVD player at Target for about $150. Then you can use wherever you want - cabin, cockpit, etc.

Fridge: They are usually pretty good. Can't give you a good answer on that one.

Curtains: You can get curtains from a Sea Ray dealer, or have them made (or make them yourself). You can velcro them to the SS trim, or install snaps.


If you haven't already, try using the "search" function - up top under the big boat. Lot's of questions you may have will probably have already been answered; you'll also see the discussions that went along with it.

 

[edsmax]

Thanks for your repsonse.

In regards to the anchor, I noticed it is already attached to a length of white chain and then to a nylon line. I have yet to take it out of the locker for measurements.

I know the portable DVD players are so cheap, but I would like to watch live tv and hook up the tv to radio antenna. Not exactly high on the priority list for me, just floating the idea around in my head for possible future upgrade.

Ed

 

[Lazy Daze]

just floating the idea around in my head for possible future upgrade.

Ed

That's part of the fun of owning a boat - changing it around and making "yours"!

 

[mwph]

Lazy Daze, you stated "Use enough rode (anchor rope) to equal about 3 times your depth (depth = water depth plus distance from water to cleat) in calm conditions.

I am certianly no expert so I am asking..... even in calm conditions would this even be close to enough? When I first tried to anchor my boat I ended up just slowly draggin the anchor along the bottom. I think recomended scope is almost 7:1. That may be overkill but 3:1 may not get it done.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Lazy Daze, you stated "Use enough rode (anchor rope) to equal about 3 times your depth (depth = water depth plus distance from water to cleat) in calm conditions.

I am certianly no expert so I am asking..... even in calm conditions would this even be close to enough? When I first tried to anchor my boat I ended up just slowly draggin the anchor along the bottom. I think recomended scope is almost 7:1. That may be overkill but 3:1 may not get it done.

Good question. It will depend largely on the bottom condition and the type of anchor being used. For example, a "fluke" style used on a grassy bottom is almost useless. With the right anchor and light conditions, 3:1 should be enough. Heck, there are times when the weight of 10' of chain alone will hold a 25' boat.

But, as you've experienced, there certainly can be times when you'll need more. 7:1 is the generally recommend scope (if using appropriate ground tackle) for rough weather. If overnighting, even in calm conditions, I would certainly increase scope. Chain increases the ability to get a "hook" A LOT.

It will never hurt to let out more rode (other than observing your swing).

 

[edsmax]

I was wondering the same thing; a coworker of mine and fellow boater told me 7:1 ratio is ideal.

My question was in regards to how to set it in my 240DA -- which you answered quite well. :smt038

Ed

 

[Lazy Daze]

Please note that I am not advising against letting out more anchor line, just that it might not be needed. It really does depend on a number of factors. Another "example" is that a sailboat, even one that is heavier than a powerboat, will not require as much rope or as big of an anchor since it's hull is more hydrodynamic.

Also note that, from my experience, I have found a significant number of people don't account for the distance from the water to the cleat. If you're in 50' of water, it doesn't matter as much. But if you're in 10', look at it this way: Without accounting for distance above water, a 3:1 scope equals only 30' of rope - not enough. But, when you properly account for, say 5' from waterline to cleat, you'll actually need 45'.

Why put out more line than you need, you know? It just means you'll be pulling more back in - and if you don't have a windlass or someone on the throttle to help, you'll be pulling your boat, too.

In calm conditions, and using the right ground tackle, 3:1 (maybe 5:1) is certainly all you'll need.

Now again, with all that being said, there may be conditions where more scope is warranted. By all means if it makes you feel more comfortable, let more out. As I said before, it'll never hurt.

Maybe those friends are not using the appropriate ground tackle (possibly too small of an anchor; not enough - or any - chain)? Just a thought.

 

[Nehalennia]

The recommended chain length is twice the length of your boat. I currently only have 20' of chain (it's what I had)and I plan on replacing it with 50'. I have 200' of line on that 20' of chain. We anchor in 40-60 feet of water which means my scope is not the recommended 5:1 or 7:1.
We anchor in pretty protected locations so the 200' of rode and 20' of chain seems to work fine so far. I just want to replace the chain so I know the anchor pull point is down there.

I know you guys on the Right Coast don't have as deep of water, so longer lengths of chain will do you well if you don't have the scope too.

 

[Fishnut]

As to how much rope you need, the answer is just enough to keep you from moving. In Florida our average depth inshore is about 6 feet and offshore about 20-30. I rarely use more than 2x to hold the boat tight. I have 6 feet of chain and that's it. These are 240's not the queen mary. I can hold this boat with 2x out in a hill tide, enough said. Your conditions may warrant another set up but the numbers you are looking at are overkill.

As for setting the anchor, I know it's a pain but put the anchor between the rail and the deck when deploying unless you want to bend your railing. Sit down when setting the anchor. Put one foot in the edge of the locker opening and the other foot against the rail or the cleat. Trust me it works and you won't fall in again.

If you are of the mind, Searay now makes a roller to help. I'm not sure about your model but the later ones didn't contemplate ever using an anchor. Please no calls from the Sea Ray attorney it wasn't that bad of a comment.

TV? It's a boat, what do you need a TV for? Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a cocktail, do other things..... The DVD is a nice idea. We usually rent a movie for some late night entertainment after we do other things.

You need to get your Frig fixed.

The curtains are probably stuck in the bottom of the cupboard on the outside of the bathroom wall.

Good Luck! :thumbsup:

 

[edsmax]

As to how much rope you need, the answer is just enough to keep you from moving. In Florida our average depth inshore is about 6 feet and offshore about 20-30. I rarely use more than 2x to hold the boat tight. I have 6 feet of chain and that's it. These are 240's not the queen mary. I can hold this boat with 2x out in a hill tide, enough said. Your conditions may warrant another set up but the numbers you are looking at are overkill.

As for setting the anchor, I know it's a pain but put the anchor between the rail and the deck when deploying unless you want to bend your railing. Sit down when setting the anchor. Put one foot in the edge of the locker opening and the other foot against the rail or the cleat. Trust me it works and you won't fall in again.

If you are of the mind, Searay now makes a roller to help. I'm not sure about your model but the later ones didn't contemplate ever using an anchor. Please no calls from the Sea Ray attorney it wasn't that bad of a comment.

TV? It's a boat, what do you need a TV for? Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a cocktail, do other things..... The DVD is a nice idea. We usually rent a movie for some late night entertainment after we do other things.

You need to get your Frig fixed.

The curtains are probably stuck in the bottom of the cupboard on the outside of the bathroom wall.

Good Luck! :thumbsup:

Thanks for the advice on the anchor. It is hard to visualize without pics, but im sure I will figure it out. It seems I am getting conflicting advice in regards to having the anchor go over the rail or under it.

TV? I thought it would be somewhat inexpensive to have and install myself. During my first overnight, I thought it would be nice to have. What can I say? I got bored reading and listening to the radio.

I dont have a cupboard on the wall outside the bathroom...

 

[Lazy Daze]

It seems I am getting conflicting advice in regards to having the anchor go over the rail or under it.

Conflicting, yes. But both ways will work. Try them both, do which ever way is easier for you. The main point is that there should be no stress on the bow rail. The way I mentioned makes it easier to deploy and retrieve the anchor without hitting the boat. The other way takes the guesswork out of tying up. I've done it both ways. While I prefer to stand up, the other way is perfectly fine.

When I had a smaller boat, I actually used the rail as a "bow roller". It enabled me to stand up straight and pull the rope over the rail. The rail is plenty strong - you won't damage it. I did try to pull the rope in near the first stanchion, though. Obviously, stop using the rail as a fulcrum when you get to the chain.

 

[Fishnut]

Oh, I hate to say what I did. I ran a cable through the locker (put fitting in 5200 to secure) down into the engine compartment, clipped it to the sides with electrical ties, and drilled a hole through the bulkhead, drowned it in silicone and continued along the port side fishing it behind the microwave and coming out right in the spot under the microwave and above the stove. One major pain in the rear but it can be done. I had to take apart a couple of walls and drilling I had to twist around like a gummy bear but got it done.

I've used it once. So unless you are a tv junkie it isn't worth it.

 

[Nehalennia]

As to how much rope you need, the answer is just enough to keep you from moving. In Florida our average depth inshore is about 6 feet and offshore about 20-30. I rarely use more than 2x to hold the boat tight. I have 6 feet of chain and that's it. These are 240's not the queen mary. I can hold this boat with 2x out in a hill tide, enough said. Your conditions may warrant another set up but the numbers you are looking at are overkill.............

No they are not overkill at all. They are what is recommended and proven safe. Keep in mind you're in 20' water and you pan out your 6' of chain and 40' of line. Now you're staying overnight and the wind kicks up to 25 knots. Can you sleep knowing it's pitch dark and worrying your not dragging?

The point is if you have 40-50' of chain and that's all you deploy in the 20' depth you have that may be all you need. If you are in the 60' of water I commonly anchor in, you don't want to move. I'll need that 40-50' of chain and + another 150-200 to feel safe. Going by the 5:1 ratio I'd need 300' paid out. Normally where I anchor it's calm and/or protected.

......... It seems I am getting conflicting advice in regards to having the anchor go over the rail or under it.

You don't mean having the rode go over your railing and attach to your cleat do you?

 

[mwph]

Todd, I think they are deploying & retrieving over the rail but tiing off below the rail.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Todd, I think they are deploying & retrieving over the rail but tiing off below the rail.

Correct. Thank you - I couldn't seem to put the correct words together to make it obvious. :smt001

 

[Fishnut]

No they are not overkill at all. They are what is recommended and proven safe. Keep in mind you're in 20' water and you pan out your 6' of chain and 40' of line. Now you're staying overnight and the wind kicks up to 25 knots. Can you sleep knowing it's pitch dark and worrying your not dragging?

The point is if you have 40-50' of chain and that's all you deploy in the 20' depth you have that may be all you need. If you are in the 60' of water I commonly anchor in, you don't want to move. I'll need that 40-50' of chain and + another 150-200 to feel safe. Going by the 5:1 ratio I'd need 300' paid out. Normally where I anchor it's calm and/or protected.

25 Knots!!!! That's a gale storm. LOL.

I usually find a harbor with less than 10 knot winds for staying on the hook. We don't get those kind of winds at night in Florida and if we do I am at home in bed. (One factor too is that our bottom is medium hard sand and the anchors dig in and hold hard on this stuff.)

On the hook in 10 feet of water I put at most 30 feet of line out. Anything more and you are floating all over the back country. If I have a stiff tide and not much room I use two anchors off the bow, one to port and one to starboard so I only pivot on that spot. Honestly, 95% of the time it's one anchor and 2x maybe 3x at most.

Now what I don't have much experience with is anchoring in deep water. The dynamics may be very different anchoring in 100 feet of water v. 10. We fish off shore (different boat) and anchor in about 30-45 feet of water. I only have 150 feet of rode and it doesn't seem to require more than 100 feet of line to anchor in seas up to 4 feet high.

Obviously, size of boat, water depth, current, wave height, wind, bottom structure all play a role in how much rode you need.

Tip of the day from me. Buy one of those buoys with the ring on the end of a line to assist with pulling up your anchor. You attach the ring to your rode and drive away. The buoy sinks for a few seconds and up comes your anchor.

So there's my two cents. Happy boating. :thumbsup:

 

[Nehalennia]

If you put double the length of your boat down in chain you'll be in much better shape in any condition.

Yeah 25knots is a big blow, but if I'm stuck in a harbor and a storm blows through at night, I don't want to have to move in that stuff.