R21 Rain Water

[Speedbump]

With “Ice Out” just around the corner, I am planning our second season with Gene’s old “Tuglet” (’09 21EC).
As per “old salts superstitions” she maintains her original name.
Last year we enjoyed her and got used to going "fast", at least in comparison to sailing. But this year, we plan on some minor modifications.

First, because we have an open slip with no shore power available, I need to address the battery storage.
Tuglet is 2 ½ hours away during the week. Twice last year we had heavy rains and came up to find the house battery exhausted and the bilge full.
I am considering using the thruster batteries to operate a second bilge pump. My idea is to “toggle” them to a secondary bilge pump when we are away. By mounting the secondary pump higher I hope to only have them activate when the primary pump is overwhelmed or the house battery exhausts itself.
Has anyone attempted this, and or does anyone see an issue with this idea?

Additionally, I seem to remember a discussion where someone modified the cabin top rain gutter to NOT drain into the cockpit.
If you know of this thread, especially pictures, I would be very grateful to find it.
Try as I might, I can not find the thread.
If you have done this modification, how does it work and would you do it differently?
Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[rt11002003]

You have two batteries in the aft storage compartment. I thought they were for the AC unit. Those are the ones I'd use for extra bilge pump.

gene

 

[wefings]

I would suggest a solar charger on the roof or across the lazarette [removable for cruising]to make up some of the battery amp hours.Harbor Freight has cheap Chinese setups.
Gene , you are correct the batteries for the A/C have a lot of pumping potential.
Marc

 

[Speedbump]

Hi Gene, nice to hear from you.
Opps, you are correct, I had a brain freeze, it most certainly is for the Air Cond.
(and here in NH I have never even used the air conditioner).
As far as the Solar is concerned, that is already in the planning and hope to have it up and working this spring.
My thought on thethe A/C batteries are a potention backup that is untapped and eaisly utilized.
Thanks for the answers. The boat is still under winter cover and I am doing the planning now.

 

[mspaugy]

you could get a cover for the boat that fit snugly around the hull and avoid rain water intrusion that way and also keep paint and other things from sun fading??

 

[johnniethek]

Speedbump,

Here is the link I think you're looking for:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=620

Good luck,

JtheK

 

[Speedbump]

Thanks JtheK, that is exactly what I was searching for.
The picture does not show much of the dam/tube but I am sure that is a common sense poject.
I was mostly curious how he held the dam in place,and if it is removable.
Again THANK YOU.
If there is any interest I will post pictures late spring after installed.

 

[johnniethek]

The dam is a piece of plastic cut to fit in the runoff channel. I believe it is held in place by epoxy but don't quote me on that.

It's definitely not something that is removable, though.