Boat Improvements

Since January we've done quite a bit to the boat, not all very visible.  One item that has made a huge difference is the Shaft-lok.  This is an ingenious design that holds the shaft from turning while under sail.  It easily kicks off when the engine is started.  This tremendously reduces the noise in the aft cabin which is great when the off-watch person is trying to sleep.  It took a bit of engineering but the man who makes them was readily available via email and phone to keep us on track.

Another thing on the wish list was a double sink.  This will help to save water since not such much is required to wash and then rinse the dishes.  It was much harder than expected to find one that fit the space plus was deep enough to be able to hold pots and would hold up to sea air.  Another 424 owner clued us into searching in the bar sink area and we finally located one that works for us.  It was another engineering feat but David proved up to the task.  This will make cruising so much better.

Very close tolerances for the pipe and the trash can

Not an easy place to do final install

All PVC and hoses had to fit perfectly

Dry fitting before final install

Getting the T together

 



Finished

 

 

 



Another important item on our list of improvements was sail visibility.  The bimini was solid canvas so we could never see sail trim without poking our heads out of the cockpit.  During the winter when we had the enclosure all zipped in this was a challenge.  The answer was to cut windows in the bimini and install isinglass.  In order not to be baked by the sun, covers were made and stay in place with Velcro.  This was a real challenge for me as I'd never sewn through isinglass and didn't take into account how it would change the overall shape of the bimini.  David had to adjust the bars to make all the enclosure pieces fit together.  While we had it all apart, I also replaced a few zippers and added some extra flashing around the pieces that meet around the mizzen mast.  It is not completely waterproof but greatly improved.  Overall my work is ugly but when we eventually have the work redone by a professional they'll at least know what we're shooting for.

First we marked exactly where we wanted to have the windows.  We chose large spots on either
side of the mizzen

Laying it all out on the dining room table.

Window and cover.

 

We also have replaced the TV antenna, have a Roku streaming stick and now we start to prioritize the next projects.