Electrics and Electronics
Navigation
Sea Orchid comes exceptionally well equipped with Brookes and Gatehouse 'Hydra ' networked
instrumentation including GPS position, speed, log, depth, wind speed and
direction, temperature etc.. She also has the Brookes and Gatehouse
Hydrapilot auto-pilot (new 1999). This can be operated under GPS, magnetic
compass or wind direction
data to provide accurate close hauled sailing or accurate course tracking.
To the left of the helm is the Lokata Racal-Decca Navtext unit for weather
forecasts and navigation information, Shipmate VHF, Generator control panel, TWC
Systems circuit control panel (battery charging) and the shorepower charger
control panel.
Click on photo for enlargement.
The most commonly used equipment is mounted where it can be seen
easily.
There is also a MLR differential GPS that is interfaced with the Furuno Radar
Main navigation data is repeated at the outside helm position where there is
also autopilot control, Bow Thruster control and anchor winch control. A second
VHF Handset can be connected here and there is a Man-Over-Board button connected
directly to the GPS.
Entertainment
There is a Pioneer radio cassette unit with remote control
The television aerial is atop the main mast with the socket on the over
galley shelf in the main saloon.
Alarm
Sea Orchid is protected by a comprehensive alarm system.
Batteries
There are separate batteries for engine start, general services and the
anchor winch and bow thruster. These are charged by twin engine alternators and
a Victron mains charger.
Main General service batteries is made up of six 2.2V deep cycle cells by Pb
Industrial Batteries 327Ah. All other batteries are Sonnenschein Gel units.
Generator
The
"Super Silent" Lister Petter Diesel Generator provides up to 4 KVA of
domestic 230V power and is used for battery charging, microwave cooking
immersion heater etc.
Shore power
There is a full shore power installation with input connectors at both bow
and stern to eliminate the need to have trailing cables along deck.
Heating
There are two built in thermostatically controlled electric fan heaters and a
thermostatically controlled diesel Eberspacher heater.
All electric circuits are protected by isolating switches and re-settable
circuit breakers.
Click on photo for enlargement.
The main circuit breaker panel is easily accessible and protected by a
polycarbonate door.
