Sat TV Anti-Depression

T

TurboWarp

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Joined
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RO Number
27630
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352
Hi all. Am in deep depression now with espected downward turn as we go into deep freeze Jan. Can't wait till March. Using plans to install or have installed Sat TV on my carver 2005 33SS as anti-depresant. This is my first year with the boat. Bought late in season; used for 2 months.

Anyone have Sat TV? Any preferences in brands? Anyone have any spare Prozac?
 
I use the KVH TracVision M3 it works great at cruise and the dock. A little pricey but worth it for it's ease of use and easy installation. I have it on a Mainship 40' Sedan Bridge.
Regards Bill
 
I like the Raymarine Satellite system. I don't have one, but we install all of the brands where I work. We seem (to date) to have less problems with the Raymarine over the KVH. I would say Avoid KingDome.
 
Ram

Are you sure your response is not colored by any dealer bias?

Your recommendation list follows the units with best dealer margins. I'm partial to the Kingdome since thats what I picked after extensive research as to the models with least problems, best performance, simplest install, and overall market share. (Granted the marine market share is not as big but they OWN the RV market.)

Kingdome/Seaking offer the best bang for the buck IMHO.
 
not at all rommer...we are dealers for all three brands I listed...my response is from having to replace a KingDome on a 65 Marquis 5 times under warranty...that is just not acceptable. KVH is better, but has tracking problems, and the Raymarine's just always have worked (so far). We have one Raymarine about 6 hours from our location, so warranty work on that one would be, well, costly. So far (2 seasons) not even the smallest of glitches.
 
Thats interesting about the Marquis, everyone I know that has the Kingdome/Seaking have had no problems at all. What kind of problems have you seen?

Luck of the draw I guess...
 
Author Topic
TurboWarp

RO# 27630

Posted - Dec 24 2007 : 21:46:07
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Hi all. Am in deep depression now with espected downward turn as we go into deep freeze Jan. Can't wait till March. Using plans to install or have installed Sat TV on my carver 2005 33SS as anti-depresant. This is my first year with the boat. Bought late in season; used for 2 months.

Anyone have Sat TV? Any preferences in brands? Anyone have any spare Prozac?

Billylll

Is that the DX version? does it come with HD?
 
Billy,

I had KVH C3 on my Old Boat. Now I have Seatel on my Carver 2005 38SS. Seatel is much better unit. I've been in all types of conditions in Southern California waters and it's worked perfectly.I have 1898 Model. KVH worked as well, But the Seatel unit tracks better and had better options.

I hope this Helps

Sean H
 
LOL, I only WISH I had this problem. I was proud of myself last winter for redoing the head compartment...
 
Sean,

What features do you like that KVH does not offer? Can you tell me what happens when the KVH does not track as well? Do you know who makes the electronic components for Seatel or KVH?

Thanks...
 
The Seatel unit has a Signal Strength meter. I'm sure the more expensive units by KVH have a Meter as well. The M3 by KVH is a lot more expensive. My neighbor has it on his Cabo. They both work the same but His cost more. The C3 which is billed as a tracking unit would losing tracking. That means you lose picture. Then it has to reconfigure which takes time. KVH and Seatel are both the best out there in my opinion. Seatel is great unit for the price. I base my opinion from being on boats that have had all the different types of units. From Raymarine to Kingdome.

Sean H
 
So you like SeaTel better? It says it is HD ready b ut I don't know if that means you need another component like with the KVH. I am leaning towards seatel becuase they seem just as god as any other but they claim they use metal ball bearing as opposed to plastic. But plastic does not rust, so who knows.

TurboWarp
 
I just purchased the SeaKing 1500HD at the Atlantic City boat show, Feb 2008. I researched all modeled and found that the best price was the SeaKing. The 1500 HD is the same as the KVH M3DX. It comes complete with a splitter for up to three sat receivers and the proprietary HD converter. It does come with the display to view and change sats manually or automatically. I save 700-800 dollars with this model. I was planning to purchase the KVH M3DX, but I would have had to purchase extra equipment. The numbers just did not add up. I spoke to techs and sales reps from both KVH and SeaKing. Both very knowledgeable and informative. They both do the same.

If you go with KVH M3ST you are stuck to Direct TV only and no HD. That can be a limitation. The KVH M3DX and SeaKing 1500 HD or SeaKing 9815JR can use Direct TV and or Dish Network. The only issue with all Marine Sat systems is that they do not support the new HD channels on the new (KA) bird from Direct TV. I was also told that in the future, not sure when, Direct TV will be moving their existing HD channels from the KU bird to the KA bird. They rent space on Dish Network's bird. Currently no one supports the KA signal from Direct TV. I am sure in the future that will change. Only you may need to purchase a new dish in the future. Dish Network does have many channels in HD.

So now I am waiting for the weather to break so I can install my dish on my boat.
 
I'm wondering, with on demand downloadable free and pay per view TV shows being increasingly available, if marine sat systems will become a dinosaur, much like huge satellite dishes.
Personally, that's one reason I'm holding out.

-Greg
 
Hello All,

Direct TV has just introduced OnDemand Beta - I have been experimenting with it at home. You have to have a internet connection for it to download guides and then shows or movies. It seems cool. I have a syrens system on the boat so I am thinking about hooking it up come spring - if I have enough interest in watching OnDemand - I do not use it too much on the boat as it is as there are so many other things that need my attention, such as relaxing - continuing education in "mixology", water sports etc.... I would think that it also takes up a lot of bandwidth - but the option is there.

Good purchase on the SeaKing Starry... how are you going to mount the dish? You may want to look into a dummy dome as I did... my thinking is that if they introduce another dish to receive the KA band that everything will be easy to mount. Besides, it looks better if you ask me.

BROOKINS1.jpg
 
Well after looking a lot, doing comparisons, and talking to a lot of people, the newest systems seem to be basically the same and all seem to work if you select the right one. I am leaning towards KVH becuase their installer and service offerings seem much more comprehensive and avaiable.

Still thinking on this though.
 
Mike,
First, I have to say, that is a great picture of you boat. Nice angle shot. I wish I had the Hard top and sunroof on mine. I called Carver to see if they still had the mold.. Unfortunetly they got rid of it. Darn..

Getting back to the Sat Dish. Thanks. I have entered into contract with PYI Seaview to build a custom mast. The mast is simalar to the Dual mount they sell with the open array. I have added wings and spreader lights, and gps mounts The dish will be above the Array set back. It should be complete in 3 weeks. Upon completion of installation I will post pics.

Question,
I am investigating a mounting system for my dink, what are you currently using. Do you like it and can it be removed while the kids are swimming so you do not stub your toes on it. Really it would probably be me stubbing my toes. (LOL) This would occur after a session of cocktails (I like your termonology, Mixology)

Also what size AC/Heat unit do you have in the cockpit, and were is it installed.
 
Hello Bob,

I love the picture - taken by a fellow member of Lakeside Yacht Club in Port Stanley, Ontario last summer. Too bad about the hard top. Talk to your sales rep and see what he has to say about any rumors he has heard about Sea Kings HD solution for the new KA band. My installer seems to think that the cheapest way to satisfy everyone is to offer a second dish - he claims they are working on it now - that is the only reason I brought up the second install. (for DirecTV) I like the idea of spreader wings, lights and mounts, they look great.

Ocean Marine Systems is the manufacturer of my dink cradle. It is a very simple unit - I have a soft floor dinghy and 8HP motor so it is lightweight - the unit tips forward and I just pull it up and on. For heavier dinghys they have a pulley system, two rings on the dinghy and two on the boat and it will pull it right up. The cradle is removable - the two parts that hold the assembly are two long u-shaped bars that overhang the platform. These are always there, only the cradle removes, so you still can "stub" your toe - but they are also large enough and so is the swim platform, that I have never done it. It is a little pricey but it is the smallest cradle that I found and I would recommend it to anyone. You do have to pull the throttles back slowly and watch that your wake does not catch up and lift the dinghy too much because our platforms are low. I have been in 6-7 foot following sea also and the water never touched the dinghy, it is up high enough.

My A/C unit is 18,000 BTU. Directly under the forward port passenger seat there is a large hollow area that is above the aft port stateroom and there is "just" enough room for the unit and tilt for the drain line - mine leaked into the stateroom once in rough seas because it was holding too much condensation, a little more tilt and a larger hole for the drain line fixed that. The airflow is split, one long vent in front of the seat and one smaller aft. It does a decent job of cooling and a great job at heat. Of course on a hot summer day it feels great just to sit in front of it. There is enough water pump to split into your existing cooling line - my installer checked with manufacturer and also there is enough amperage left on the #2 side of the panel for plenty of power. I run all three a lot, no hairdryers, vacuum or microwave with all three running, but that is normal anyway, I would not want to put that much stain on any power system or cord.

Just got over a foot of snow at my house here.... warmer days are coming and I can't wait.

P1040004.jpg


Mike Brookins
 
Mike,Thanks for all the information. I will definately have to keep a picture of the AC unit. This is definately on my list. I would like to have the ac for maybe a day when I really would like to sit topside but its just to hot. Main reason is for the cool nights and I would like some heat. I will also look into the cradle. I have a air bottom as well with a 10'2"zodiac and 15hp 2 stroke Merc. I am looking to sell my Yamaha 8 hp 2 stroke. I wanted a little more horse power.

I hope that SeaKing will offer an upgrade or something to allow us to get the
(KA) HD. I guess we can't complain. We have tv. I was thinking about putting a TV outside on the topside under the radar Arch on the starboarb side. I am trying to locate a TV that would work. I looked at the outdoor TV's by Sunbright TV's but they still too expensive. Have you added an outdoor TV yet?

Also do you have a davit in your Garage? If so what brand and weight limit. This is another item on the list. I have looked at two vendors so far.
 
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