The [current] List for our refit has kicked off with a huge Defender order! Special thanks to our friend Judi who helped us in getting the best deals during their annual sale with a volume discount.

The Dolphin 460 is a 2005 built boat with most of her equipment original. When we made the purchase, we knew that most things would need replacing after 13 years, so we saw it as a clean-slate to outfit the boat with exactly what gear we preferred.

We have experience with refits over the years… some forced by nature, and others due to hitting that cycle of preventative replacements needed every 10 years or so. Salt water and sun are extremely destructive, so regular refits are part of a life’s plan for boat living.

Our first few projects were kicked off after moving out and optimizing the Manta for new buyers. We took the LiFePO4 batteries over to the Dolphin and added another set of cells (4 x 3.2V cells). The custom way we use LiFePO4 batteries without an automatic battery management/balancing system is not something we wanted to pass on to someone cold.

First, the 4 new cells were top balanced in parallel to 3.65V. Next, the old cells were top-balanced again. Finally, all 12, 3.2V cells top balanced together and then combined in a 3P4S configuration to make one, large 12.6V battery (540 Ah nominal).

A huge bonus was removing six Trojan L16H's from the Dolphin at 125lbs each. These were quite a challenge to remove from the settee with the two of us; the weight and size difference of cells is significant. It was great to lose 750lbs and gain some space back (…more gin).

A few projects that have been knocked off over the last month include:

Install Morningstar MMPT solar controller
Replace (3) temperature controllers for AC/Heater
Install carbon filter in-line for fresh water
Replace outdoor speakers, add Amp and rewire entire Fusion stereo system (cussing involved!)
Replace courtesy lights
Install brushes and seals to slider door and window to keep the bugs out!
Re-plumb, rewire and install port toilet
Install Oceanair shades (2) saloon
Flip and rethread trampolines
Rewire shore power cable
Remove sump pump and install Whale shower pump
Install drawer sliders in galley

Our current gear list is shown below; most but not all ordered from Defender (e.g., most lines were purchased from Hamilton Marine, SSB/pactor individual sales, oven TBD). Most, but not all have been received… we need a bigger cockpit!

Running rigging:

Main halyard (Marlow D2 ~ replaced STT)
Main outhaul (Endurabraid)
(2) Main sheets (Endurabraid)
(2) Genoa sheets (Endurabraid)
Genoa furling line (Globe5000 II)
(2) Screecher sheets (MLX3)
Screecher furler (Globe5000 II)
Spinnaker halyard (Endurabraid)
(2) Daggerboard lines (Globe5000 II)
(2) Bridle 8-strand brait lines
(2) Sprit-stay lines (heatset Dyneema)
(2) Trampoline lines (Dyneema)
Topping lift (Endurabraid)

Antal rope clutch v-cam 814 silver (1 quad, 2 singles)

LunaSea tricolor/anchor/strobe LED Masthead Light

Harken 46ST Horizontal Electric Winch

Power:

SmartPlug 50 Amp Combo Kit
Victron Energy Multi Plus 12/3000/120-50 120V VE Bus Inverter/Charger
Victron VE.Net Blue Power Control GX
Victron Energy BMV 712 Smart Battery Monitor with Bluetooth

Plumbing:

Whale Grey IC Shower Waste Pump Kit
(2) Whale Gulper Toilet Pump
(2) Raritan Marine Elegance Toilet with Vortex-Vac
(2) Raritan Multifunction Toilet Flush Control

Navigation:

(3) B&G Triton 2 Multifunction displays
Airmar ST850 Smart™ Sensor Speed Transducer NMEA2000
Airmar DT800 Smart Sensor Depth Transducer NMEA2000
LCJ Capteurs CV7 Ultrasonic Wind Transducer
LCJ Capteurs WindyPlug, NMEA 2000 interface for LCJ Capteurs Wind Sensor
Maretron GPS200 GPS Receiver
B&G Autopilot

Radar:

Furuno NavNet TZT12F
Furuno DRS4D Radar Sensor
Furuno PSU017 Power supply
Mapmedia Jeppesen Vector Chart unlock code for Furuno - Central America & Caribbean

Saloon: