Boat clean up and modifications

[Two killicks]

I spent about 30 hours cleaning and modifying things on my boat. I bought this boat from a couple who add the boat for four years, nothing was modified or changed on it. I changed a few things around either because it was not in the proper place or because it would suit me better.

The compass was located right behind the GPS very close to the window, there was a magnetic influence that would change the proper bearing so I change the location of the compass in the center and moved it as far away from the window, now it's perfect the bearing is good.

I noticed that when the water tank was just about to be empty, there was a sweet smell and that's smell comes from the winterizing stuff that is put in the tank just before winter comes. No matter how many times that I would flush the tank, there was always some pink stuff coming out. To fix this, I opened the trap above the water tank and noticed that the tank was leaning inboard, the water on this side was unable to exit the tank, so I cut and inserted a piece of wood underneath in order to raise the tank so that it lean towards the outboard side. after 1 flush the water tank is good to go.

I don't know about you guys but the Helmsman seat was way too high for me, so I lowered it about 3 inches it was quite a job to get the bolt and washer to attach to the screw to hold the seat post right next to the fridge. After many attempts I did it but my arms are all scratched...

Last year we slept for five days on board and we thought that the bed was too stiff, so I got myself a three inches memory foam from Costco and cut it so that it fit all the way in the bunk, it's perfect now and I removed the cushion on both side as they do not really serve a purpose.

Other than that, I added a brass clock and also two binocular teak holder, and a toilet paper holder made of teak too.

I verified all the pipes fitting throughout the boat to make sure that everything is tight, it's all good to go now some were loose...

I installed a table between the engine and the back seat, with the baseplate mounted on the trap where the bildge pump is located.

I cleaned the sunbrella and applied some 303 fabric after. Did the portholes with the paste called prism, and cleaned and oiled the teak throughout the boat.

There are many other things that I did, not worth mentioning. I am very very proud of what the tug looks like! We are finally ready to go for summer cruise!

I wonder if there something that I missed to improve the boat? Any thoughts?

 

[Bruce Moore]

Sounds ship shape. Have an awesome cruising season.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Pilotnavigator]

You may find that keeping the front hatch open during rain is an advantage, I made a sunbrella awning that attaches to the two eyes used to support the mast when lowered, they are on the front of the cabin just above the eye shade. It rolls up like the old cowboy bed roll and rides on the eye Shade during the day. At anchor I unroll it and with elastic cords stretch it out and fasten to the rail on both sides. The downward angle sheds water and keeps rain and sun from getting into the sleeping cabin.
Good idea you had with the compass, I have been playing with mine all last summer to get it to point to north. I new there must be some interference but since this was the factory location I assumed it must have worked at one time. Perhaps as the plotters got larger the deviation became significant.
I got a bug buster screen, had it to cover the cockpit on my sailboat, and added snaps to it and mounted it above the sliding door. They are made and sold in Quebec. You need the big one they sell. It keeps the bugs out at night and allows the door to stay open.
Also had phifertex screens made that snap to the each cabin hatch. Allows air in but stops a lot of heat.
I changed the tap to the one they now ship with the boat, it folds down and the arm swings out to fill pots.

 

[Two killicks]

Good morning John,

I did not know about the water tap that swing out, this would be a great addition to my tug! The bug buster screen too!
I will do a research on the phifertex screen, I am curious about this nice feature.

Thank you for your input and by the way, I'll be on the Rideau for two weeks this year, most likely in mid august

 

[sheral]

Nice work. Seems we just have to put some time in to discover what additions/changes we need to make. I know others have done this but just simple things like organizing our ‘stuff’ (like the expandable boat hook and paddle) has helped immensely with storage space and convenience.

 

[Two killicks]

I installed mine exactly at same place. It is a convenient spot to put them when the boat hook are required in a hurry!

 

[tlkenyon]

John,

How about a photo of the bow sunshade....deployed and furled. Plan to make one and would love to see your idea....

Thanks

TK

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Ok, have that job today to fit it on the boat , will take and post pictures in my album

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Added pictures of the front rain sheild to the modification album for Wanderer

 

[tlkenyon]

That shade looks awesome. Thank you very much for the photos.

TK

 

[SGIDAVE]

Added pictures of the front rain sheild to the modification album for Wanderer

That's a neat mod. You should also post it in the Owner Customization forum too.

I'll be copying that one...a little shade from the SE summer sun is welcome!

/dave