Refit ~ Phase III
It turns out that 2020 was a good year to dedicate to boat projects. Back in Georgia for hurricane season, we’re here to tackle the final phases of our refit. July and August delivered the summer heat, so many of these indoor projects got knocked off while the the air conditioners are running.
As usual, boat projects almost sound easy once you make them into a list of bullet points, but we all know that these lists constitute a ton of work… and the occasional swearing. That said, Mark does make quick work of most projects thanks to his experience and careful planning.
Refit ~
Remove old mattress (inner-spring.. how did they get it in there‽)
Cut-out engine access starboard bunk
Dig out styrofoam along edges and frame hatch & cutout and fill with solid wood
Reinforce open structure with two wooden beams running athwartship
Install pneumatic struts and handle
Replace mattress with custom folding mattress (Mattress Insider)
Adjust diamond rig to put ~2” pre-bend in preparation for new sails (on their way!!)
Maintenance ~
Install new rivets in all stanchions
Replace all fuel lines from diesel tanks (forward, next to mast) to engines (aft) ~ remove old, brittle lines!
Empty fuel tank for inspection (surprisingly clean!) ~ integral fiberglass tank with 4 baffled sections
Refill & calibrate fuel tank (site tube) by jugging diesel ~ trapezoidal shape = non-linear calibration
Replace fuel pump on generator
Reseal molding around starboard shower
Replace old (barely acceptable) septic lines with new Trident Premium sanitation hose ~ feeding & chasing through tight and circuitous routes
Install alternator temperature sensors on both engines
Replace vented loop starboard engine (thanks to new-found engine access!)
Beautification ~
Add fan & strip lights (on a switch) around owner’s head mirror
Install full length [acrylic] mirror on door & in guest head
Replace old AC vents with ones that fit
Compound and polish cockpit floor to get out workspace grime (Thx @To Sea with New Eyes for use of the polisher!)
Replace old chrome lights with flush LED lights
Replace cracked Volvo engine panel covers
Now, everything is all lined up for the last couple of big projects to get completed in the next 6 weeks or so… stay tuned!
Time to gear up for some cruising. We are hopeful to be able to access the Bahamas this winter, with due respect to any testing requirements and quarantine.