GPS Upgrade for PerfectPass

[Wet-N-Frugal]

GPS Upgrade for Your PerfectPass Digital or Wakeboard Pro

Check it out:
http://moomba.com/msgboard/showthread.php?t=15115

Also I get frequent inquiries with regard to MDC/MMDC failures; for Malibu, Mastercraft, Sanger, and etc, used the same Medallion System on their boats (for the same years). Repeated to me time and time again, the owner states it died because water got inside. The water source is the pitot tubes. The usual cause is freezing in winter, but now it seems their age maybe catching up with them as well. And the damage is NOT always localized to just the speedometer circuits.
Remember to unplug the pitot hoses to winterize. Unplug and cork the hoses if you have pulled your stock speedo gauge all together (after a PerfectPass install).

We're finally getting some warm weather in the Pacific Northwest... I was still wearing my drysuit for a ski last Friday 

-WNF-

[sailtl]

I had to replace my MDC because speedo water got into the MDC. It did a lot more than take out the speedo circuit. It took out the whole system right now. I disconnected mine 3 years ago when it happened. Use either PerfectPass or buy a GPS speedo. The money you spend on a GPS speedo is about what a new MDC is but you will have piece of mind knowing that water will not get into your MDC after you plug the speedo pick ups at the transom.

[Supraman]

What's the proper procedure to winterize the pitot tubes?

[Wet-N-Frugal]

To my knowledge, there's no formal procedure in place. But I recommend at a minimum disconnect the pitot tubes from the MMDC computer. Snip the cable tie holding the hose to the nipple, and gently pull the hose(s) free of them.
Leave the nipple open for an extended period. Then Cap the nipple with a couple of paper towel layers and a rubber band... this draws moisture out, yet doesn't allow dust, and bugs back in.
Should you have the means, use compressed air to blow any water back down the hose and out the pitot tube.

I have had conversations with boat owners from the frigid north. They literally disconnect the MMDC completely from the boat, and store it in a warm place. This is a bit extreme, but they have replaced the MMDC more than once.

-WNF-