What did you work on/fix today?

freedomvango

freedomvango

Well-known member
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Oct 13, 2024
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Location
jacksonville, fl
Website
www.freedomvango.com
I didn't notice a thread like this, but on all of the van and vehicle forums I am in there is one like it.

What little fix did you do today that you want to share? Did you reseal a thruhull that was giving you problems? Share the process so someone may benefit.

It's a fun way to show off the cool little things that we all have to do all the time so people can see the day to day stuff! I
 
I installed a solar wireless backup camera on my R21-EC. Got in on Amazon for around $100. Easy install, works great. Hey, when your only doing 6 knots, they come up on you fast!

​

 
After noticing my AIS signal was no longer showing up on Marine Teacker I checked on the boat and found my battery charger switch was off on my AC panel. It must have tripped when power went out on the docks a few weeks back. I checked my 4 batteries (1start,1 thruster, 2 house) for voltage to see if any of them were damaged from the full discharge of being off shore power for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, the isolator worked and my thruster and engine batteries were fine (98%). My house batteries did rebound once back on shore power to 90% capacity so not perfect but not damaged too badly from the full discharge (70% capacity I understand is the replacement benchmark for a failing battery).
 
Since my LifePO4 upgrade just finished, I've been tweaking the VRM portal setup, and I purchased some Ruvvii sensors to put on the boat so I can monitor temp/humidity/etc. through the VRM portal with those... Boat is pretty dialed in at this point and I just need to take her out and stretch her legs given its winter here in Seattle.
 
dbsea said:
Since my LifePO4 upgrade just finished, I've been tweaking the VRM portal setup, and I purchased some Ruvvii sensors to put on the boat so I can monitor temp/humidity/etc. through the VRM portal with those... Boat is pretty dialed in at this point and I just need to take her out and stretch her legs given its winter here in Seattle.
Click to expand...
Love the Ruvvii tags. Have them in all our vans that have VRM. Its crazy how easy it is to sync everything up now
 
My new-to-me R21 was having problems getting into forward gear after the oil warmed up. I adjusted the throw of the lever the other day, but it would still take quite a bit of throttle to engage once hot. Drained an overfilled transmission today and put in what appeared to be lighter oil. Seemed good after a little run, but I need a longer ride to make sure I can't repeat the problem. Fingers crossed. Tomorrow, if I'm really motivated I'll swap the exhaust elbow for a new stainless one and finish wiring a second down rigger outlet.
 
Today's project has been working on the permanently mounted fluid changing system for the engine compartment to make servicing easier. 12v Diaphragm pump with a generous 10' discharge hose coiled/hung up next to the lift muffler, intake hose coming from a 4-way manifold with individual angle stop valves.

Hose 1 - to engine oil drain hose
Hose 2 - to transmission drain plug (removed plug and replaced with hose barb)
Hose 3 - to generator oil drain hose
Hose 4 - spare, maybe for coolant drain?
 
Todd Tugnut said:
I installed a solar wireless backup camera on my R21-EC. Got in on Amazon for around $100. Easy install, works great. Hey, when your only doing 6 knots, they come up on you fast!

​

Click to expand...
What model/brand did you use? Does it work with the Garmin chart plotter on the Tug? (or need a separate monitor?)
 
Someday* said:
What model/brand did you use? Does it work with the Garmin chart plotter on the Tug? (or need a separate monitor?)
Click to expand...
It came with a monitor. Pemacon P15 on Amazon. Ask them for the metal plate (free). The camera is magnetic, so you need something for it to stick to. The whole thing is $99 right now.
 
Made a simple 3D printed holder for the drain plug behind the sink. I did not like the chain flopping around so I removed it. There is a little ridge on the holder so it wont bounce out. I don't know if all FM boats use the same sinks plugs or not. My plug is 2.00" x .60" with a .38" diameter chain mount nub.
drain plug holder.jpg
Here is the STL file if you want to print one:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khFok4651YxECS3-ICrRJs2WUrswzPtT/view?usp=sharing
Used removeable double sided tape to mount it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K58K13V?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1
 
venajeff said:
Made a simple 3D printed holder for the drain plug behind the sink. I did not like the chain flopping around so I removed it. There is a little ridge on the holder so it wont bounce out. I don't know if all FM boats use the same sinks plugs or not. My plug is 2.00" x .60" with a .38" diameter chain mount nub.
View attachment 24591
Here is the STL file if you want to print one:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khFok4651YxECS3-ICrRJs2WUrswzPtT/view?usp=sharing
Used removeable double sided tape to mount it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K58K13V?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1
Click to expand...
Brilliant!
 
venajeff said:
Made a simple 3D printed holder for the drain plug behind the sink. I did not like the chain flopping around so I removed it. There is a little ridge on the holder so it wont bounce out. I don't know if all FM boats use the same sinks plugs or not. My plug is 2.00" x .60" with a .38" diameter chain mount nub.
View attachment 24591
Here is the STL file if you want to print one:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khFok4651YxECS3-ICrRJs2WUrswzPtT/view?usp=sharing
Used removeable double sided tape to mount it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K58K13V?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1
Click to expand...
Made a few teak remote holders so I don’t have to search the boat over.
TugEtherness
 

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Love this thread. Have always found them very useful on other forums.

2014 R21-EC--Had recently seen a small bit of fuel accumulating under the engine. Today I was able to trace it to a very slow "weep" at the hose connection to the injector pump. Tightening the hose clamp stopped the leak. Was surprised at how much I was able to tighten the clamp so decided to check ALL clamps on the engine, fuel tank area and at the back of the cabin heater. Again was surprised at how much I could tighten on practically every clamp. Some of yours may need a little attention as well. Nothing like a little preventative maintenance. Writing this I just remembered I missed the clamps at the raw water inlet/seacock. Another task for tomorrow. There's always something.
 
Todd Tugnut said:
It came with a monitor. Pemacon P15 on Amazon. Ask them for the metal plate (free). The camera is magnetic, so you need something for it to stick to. The whole thing is $99 right now.
Click to expand...
Will this camera work with my Garmin 8612xsv chart plotter?

Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera | The GPS Store

Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera. View whats behind your vehicle with this simple to install backup camera. Adding enhanced safety in your vehicle. Available now at [store
www.thegpsstore.com www.thegpsstore.com
 
Pulled the door off my Nova Kool fridge today. The bottom frame is cracking from the weight of the front panel insert. Just ordered some small plastic corner brackets that I plan on screwing into each bottom corner. Should be a good fix. Look for pics next week after the parts arrive.
 
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Hated how dim the side overhead lighting was. Replaced the old strips with new RGBW strips and a remote control. Can dim, change color temp and colors of the leds as well. Gonna do the v berth and outside next. And then make some good to go kits
 

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