Modifications to R25

[rick&sue]

I put together a photo album of pictures describing modifications completed on our R25. The photo album is under POPEYE. Someday when I figure out how to attach pictures I'll add them to this discussion. :roll:

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for doing that. Interesting that I'm working on many of the same annoying little details. May clone some of your solutions.

 

[Rodeo]

Nice work! Is your weather station wireless and if so do you remember the brand? Have a Davis system at home but don't want to put that much money into one for the boat. Thanks.

 

[hughesdave123]

What about the solar panel ? I am looking to add one to my r25 , as I understand it , they didn't offer it as an option in 2008, but I am looking for info on where others have ran wiring. Also what charge controller was used and remote. I see your remote in one of the pics.

 

[rick&sue]

To answer the above questions:
The weather station is from La Crosse Technologies, which is located about 20 miles from my house. I think it was about $80.00. It is wireless. I remove the anemometer when I trailer it (one snap connection).

The solar panel was on the boat when I purchased it (used). Doing the research, it appears to have come with the boat when purchased new (2007). The wires run into the smoke stack and wires run on the port side between the panel at the v-berth and the controller which is located on top of the house batteries on the port side aft cockpit hatch.

Many of these mods are from other tug nutters, so please use any that make sense to you.

 

[baz]

Awesome and well thought out modifications. The Airhead looks very tidy, purposeful and clean.

I liked the vertical side boards in the V-berth and the small trays you installed on the V-bert entry bulkheads (very handy for worthy night time knick·knack 🙂 )

The ladder fixture on the trailer certainly looks odd and must cause some people to wonder "what on earth...", but I can see it to be useful.

Can you explain further about the turn-buckle to lessen the stress when trailering ? .... I'm a bit puzzled about this mod. Thanks.

Nice job. 😀

 

[Tug@myHeart]

I installed a 130w 12v panel and ran the wire thru the starboard side of the doorway, drilled thru with a bulkhead wire rubber fitting., tucked it behind the door frame,...down the edge of the door across under the step, to the controller in the cave....to the batteries just behind that. All accessible without removing anything. It keeps the boat batteries full up without plugging in, to hold a charge and work the bulge pumps. I keep a small 5watt panel on my 20' fishing boat and that is always in the water....never dead.

 

[rick&sue]

Responding to the question on the turn buckle on the anchor:
The picture is not the best. It is 1/2 of a turnbuckle with a hook end. The hook goes through the shackle on the anchor and captures the cleat on the boat. Turning the barrel of the turn buckle clamps the shackle to the cleat. This takes the pressure of the anchor off the winch. I went with a over sized Ronca 15. It is a little clumsy to handle and doesn't fit the rollers well. That is why I added the turn buckle. I add a safety strap when we are trailering.

 

[Bel Canto]

Thanks for a lot of good ideas. I especially like the fuel vent collector, but it was only one of many good ideas.

 

[tlkenyon]

I also like the fuel vent overflow collector. What is the big red thingy and where did you get it. That is the only part that is not readily identifiable. Thanks in advance.....

 

[rick&sue]

Thanks everyone for the positive comments.
I have more projects to do, so I will add as I complete them. The red gasket on the overflow bottle is a gasket that goes between the toilet tank and the bowl in your home. I got it from our local home improvement store. They come in black and red - no idea what the difference is. I used a small amount of silicone caulk to adhere the gasket to the PVC.