I did some cleaning up inside the boat this past weekend. Since I wanted to replace the flat-head screws on the side paneling, like I did in the forward salon/v-berth area, I cleared out the port quarterberth and removed some screws. While I was at it, I added some of the same insulating material. Only able to do a couple parts as I ran out of what I had on hand. At the same time, I replaced a hose that went from the fresh water tank below the quarterberth to above it. I think it's for venting and to keep from the tank from being damaged from a vacuum when being used. The hose was a bit disgusting inside and it was sticky all around. I think something left over from when the boat was infested with bees.
close up of old hose
old hose in the trash
New hose in place along with some insulating material
Lastly, I got a small tube of Sikaflex 291 that was used to bed down the seacock. Once this was done, I attached a small piece of 1-1/4" ID hose. I closed the seacock, put some water in the sink until it came to the drain and waited. No loss of water, no leaks. Job well done! Still need to put the thru-hull on, but thinking to wait until I do some work on the bottom.
the other seacocks are waiting to be installed for the cockpit drains
In the meantime, I'm making plans for making an order of electrical supplies (wire, terminals) and waiting for it to warm up so I can continue on other projects. Sometimes, these small projects make a big difference in between the major projects.
Today was a nice day. Lately, I try getting to the marina early enough that I arrive around 7:30am in order to get more done during the day. This morning, I went next door to Harrington Harbor North and walked around the yard looking at boats. Some in the middle of, or in need of, repairs while others sit with for-sale signs waiting for the next dreamer. There's a lot of nice one's too.
There's a few people who think I'm in love with lapstrake hulls. I mean, why not? The Nor'sea is a nice looking hull. Well, I found this cute little wooden boat and showed a picture to friends who said "a real one, for once, not pointless fake GRP lapstrake"... I had a good laugh at it. Still, a cute little boat.
While I walked a little more, I found a familiar boat. The Albin Vega 27, St. Brendan, that Matt Rutherford sailed around the America's. I recognized it instantly from the stickers all over the sides that were in the news article photos. I believe it's for sale. Since I could only see the outside, I think it could just use a good scrub. With Albin Vega's reputation, someone is bound to have a good sailing boat.
Lastly, it was nice to see a little Cape Dory Typhoon. Nice well taken care of little boat. This was certainly a nice little gem for their owner. (enjoy, Bill 😀)
Rearranged the negative wire from the charger. Took it off the negative from the battery bank and reattached it at the shunt used for the battery monitor. Now, the monitor recognizes power going back into the bank. If power is drawn from the system, the number on the monitor will be negative. When more power is going back into the bank, the number is positive.
Started detaching the stern rail to get ready for trying to remove the wood trim for replacement. When I removed the bolts holding down the bent part of the rail, it popped back out. The whole rail untwisted. I think it'll be alright. Just need to straighten out or replace the vertical piece.
Starboard side
Port side
Lastly, I finished installing the last bit of radiant barrier insulation and then attached the wood slats on the starboard side.
I'm happy with how things are looking right now. Still plenty of work ahead of me, as always. Lately, the temperatures have been in the mid 20s at night. When I arrive at the boat, I plug in an extension cord and the electric heater starts up. Takes most of the day before it gets up into the mid sixties to even be comfortable, but even then, it's pretty much from the waist up, while standing. Everything else is still so very cold. I will still work on my projects throughout winter.
Things have been busy. Since reworking a little bit of the wiring for the house bank, I'm looking beyond it to the wiring the feeds into the rest of the boat systems. Some wires cross in front of the engine space, so I want to get those ones moved out of the way. I also looked into where the main wires go from the battery connections and found a single point of connection for the battery banks and what looks like a few other things. Looking to change that as well where I could label what each of the wires are for and use a bit larger bus bar to organize everything.
Positive connection
Negative connection
I'm also working on splicing lines that will be used as new halyards. It's a learning process. In this first picture below, I made the splice at the top while following a video and while it was a pain for part of it, I was told it wasn't the "right kind" of splice. Taking the recommendation to do a "Class II Double Braid" splice, following along to a video, I then did the bottom splice. Still in need of a lock stitch and wrapping the exposed cover. Both, I think, will still hold well. At least I'm getting some practice if/when I ever need to redo this.
The next picture below, is some Amsteel Blue that I made a Brummel eye splice on one end. Just the process of making that one locks it so it doesn't come undone. I'm expecting it to be used in the outhaul setup and will see how that works when the mast/boom goes back together.
The shop working on my mast also modified my mast step. Before the wires were coming up to the deck and all connections were made there. The shop owner said connections should be made below, out of weather exposure. So, they attached a short tube where the wires would pass through, down the compression post and exit below the cabin floor.
In an attempt to clean things up, this past weekend was spent cleaning up around the boat and putting things away that I didn't need at the moment. I also retightened the nuts for the chainplate bolts, reinstalled the insulation material I had up and started screwing in the boards along the side of the hull. I know the insulation will work well in the summer, but wondering if it'll help heat up the inside of the boat as well in winter.
While many people have their boats hauled out and any projects slow down, I'll still work through and do what I can along the way. Still a lot of work ahead of me and if I expect to launch next season, I need to keep at it. Still working on a lot of things so hopefully I can make some progress and be able to post here soon.
Just putting my hand against the hull early this morning, I could feel quite a bit of heat. Direct sunlight on the boat hull can still warm things up, even with AC.
I was able to easily cut the insulation and place it against the hull. Near the chainplates, I was able to get a couple layers. Other areas forward of the chainplates, I was able to squeeze in a third layer. I can still feel a little heat coming through but certainly better than going without. Better still when the wood slats are back in place.
This could be something to consider in keeping your boat cooler in these hotter temperatures.
