What are your favorite 8) modifications you have made to your boats? So far the best thing I have done is remove the door to my vee birth, I like the easier access to the locker behind it and the extra 4" of passage way. I'd really like to put a pot storage locker below the stove.
Great Idea for a thread! A few things I've done;
Gas struts on locker lids,
Plastic shaving mirror in the shower,
Real mattress,
Lights in cabinets and lockers,
"Bus" heater off the engine,
Charcoal filter on holding tank vent.
I would say the bronze portlights from New Found metals. They look great and they all open.
And the new foam mattress.
Well for me it has to be.....
Number 1, while technically not an upgrade, is the installation of a below deck auto pilot.
http://www.sailingseadragon.com/AutoPilot.htm
Number 2 is the installation of a proper traveler in a better location (mid-boom on a 367).
http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Traveler.htm
Number 3 has to be the addition of a furler for the Staysail (P367) & easier reefing system
http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Rigging.htm
Garner
I've rebuilt or replace nearly everything on my boat but this device is by far my most favored improvement. It gets used several times each day.
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l505/banjoband/dualcontroller.jpg)
Controls 2 bilge pumps from a single float switch ( high volume Rule and a low volume Gulper). Empties the bilge down to 1/4". Prevents pump cycling. Continues to pump the Gulper for a programmable amount of time after the float switch goes low. Empties the shower bilge from a momentary push button located in the head (additional Y valve required) . Easily wires to a single existing bilge pump control panel. Draws no current when in standby.
Pete
Given the high freeboard, I added a swim platform that folds up against the hull while underway. I loving sitting on it with my feet dangling in the water, even in New England.
Projects I have done in the past 7 years:
rebuilt the Stearns furler
added Heart inverter/charger
added Adler/Barbour refrigeration
built a fold-out electrical panel
created pot storage under stove
converted CNG to propane and built propane locker
built folding companionway doors
built cockpit table
added new swim ladder per Dale's design
added windlass/capstan and new anchor rollers
new main with Dutchman, new jib coming
built an OB crane, beefed up davits
installed a new deepsink
built a new dining table
swapped original fuel filter for Racor 500
swapped Paragon for Velvet Drive
added 2 more 100ah batteries
added remote oil filter to engine
etc. As I look at this list I am both pleased and appalled. That's a lot of time (total enjoyment) and MONEY (boating ain't cheap!!!). This stuff just seems to creep up on you. I don't even want to think about the routine repair/replacement that constantly goes on. IT MUST BE LOVE!! I know this is all news to you folks. Ha ha. Spring is almost here. Jim
Favorite modifications..... Let's see.
Getting rid of the head. We are installing a Nature's Head.
Restoring the settee/ table layout, in process.
Upgrading electronics.
New windlass and washdown hose.
New compressor and cold plate, in process.
New countertops.
Heron will be gorgeous!!!!! And more important, we hope safe!
Some how I forgot my Nature's Head, that has been the best thing.