Outboard Trawler Updates:
June 20th 2023
Boat Work:
I spent a couple of days on the installation of the new solar panel, preparing the cabin top, cutting wood slats (angled) onto which the panel will sit, etc.
We manage to fit in some little outings with the boat on nice days and we were able to finalize the new solar panel installation one of these days at Smith's Island.
I had prepared a block of mahogany to serve as a base for the pass-through fitting and glued it to the cabin top with epoxy.
The photo below shows the installation, up and running. This 50W panel now charges the 'house' battery.
I located the control panel next to the main breaker panel. This way, the cables have a very short route between the solar panel, controller and battery.
Donna has been busy too. She is now sanding and varnishing the interior trim on all 7 windows.
After all the trim is varnished, she will paint the textured finish on all those wall sections.
For the last couple of days, I've been working on the installation of the windlass.
Yesterday, I glued a piece of 1" mahogany to a piece of 1/2" marine plywood. This will be the mounting block for the windlass.
It's a tricky installation (nothing's ever easy). Because the chain locker is situated aft of the thruster battery compartment (which is situated aft of the bow thruster compartment), the windlass will be installed about 4' from the bow roller. Without the thick mounting pad, the chain would not have the necessary horizontal run.
Also, to save trouble, I want to use the current anchor rode 'hawse pipe' in the foredeck. So, the windlass needs to squeeze right up beside the deck fitting in order for the chain to fall into the pipe. This meant cutting a 'relief' in the underside of the mounting pad for the edge of the hawse pipe fitting.
Stay tuned for more on the windlass installation!
Father's Day
Michael gave me the coolest gift. It's a tire inflating 'gun' with a pressure gauge attached.
This will definitely come in handy. Thanks Michael!
Yachts On The Go
While working the other day, I looked up to see a ship passing in the seaway. You can hear them coming. To my surprise, it was loaded with yachts.
Shipping ships by ship. Cool!
Thank you for reading our blog!
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