Hello Group,
Thought I would post my upcoming projects to get us all in the mood for spring. I purchased Tropicbird (1979 sloop) soon to be"Walkabout"late last summer and have had a little time on her.
To date have only added solar and davits which has worked out well. So far I love the boat. I should add that I am a liveaboard in New England 8 months out of the year.
The hull and rig are in good shape, she has a Hood furling main which is different for me, but I do see the merits when reefing. Jury still out on its overall utility as I believe it does cause a light air performance hit and these boats do not seem to be great light air boats on the first place.
The interior needs a makeover. Very tired and modified in some ways that I do not care for. First order of the day is to restore the galley area and resurface the galley counter tops. I noticed that the aft counter top seems to an inch and a half higher than the reefer counter top. This forces the lower rail of the cabinet behind the stove to take an awkward jog to bridge the two counters. I'd like to lower the aft counter to keep them in the same plane. Any thoughts about the efficacy of that plan? The galley sink currently drains very slowly and lowering it won't help so I'll need to noodle that a bit. I also want to make the sink a double...
Would like to improve the reefer design as it gobbles electricity and it is awkward to store items as the shelving and partitions are nonexistent. Any suggestions in that area appreciated. The compressor is unknown to me still, but it seems to be a pig, so a new compressor may be in the works after I determine the interior config and insulation needs if any. My impression is the box is moderately to poorly insulated.
The shower bulhead and pan were removed and the first mate and I would like to add them back. i Making a new pan seems to be the biggest hurdle-I don't think a stock shower pan will fit. Once that is done, new bulkheads will be relatively easy to add.
I have already added to (2) 140 Watt Kyocera panels on Kato dingy davits and begun the process of changing lighting over to LEDS. On a sunny day I have seen as much as 16 Amps going into the storage bank, but that is excptional and at peak illumination. Found a highly recommended LED distributer while on SailNet called Marinebeam for new light fixtures or replacement bulbs. Will be dropping some boat bucks there...
The last and final project will be trying to replace the rear main seal on Mr. Perkins, currently leaking a pint every eight hours of run time-am hoping to do it without pulling the engine completely out. thoughts on that project much appreciated. Have heard the stories about Dr. Diesel (Foley Machine), but am intrigued by his claim to have designed a better seal-has anyone tried it? I understand all 4/107/8 s leak, but a pint every eight hours seems ridiculous-is anyone else achieving a lot less?
Hope you all are beginning to think spring-its been a mild one hear in New England.
Jim Pendoley
s/v Tropic Bird soon to be "WalkAbout"
Nothing so full of promise as a project. A couple observations worth the price paid: nothing!
An inch of head won't be noticeable on sink drain. Checked drain line and trap?
Shower will be big project. Could you take a mold off another p365 and glass a new pan?
RV shower valves are direct fit if you need to redo that.
Good luck!
right now I'm consumed with the ice box-ripped the old one out and putting a new one in its place. woefully underinsulated. New box will have 6 inches on the bottom and four on the sides. Once thats put back together, new counter tops and a double sink if I can fit one. then we do the shower...
You're a step ahead of me on the ice box replacement.
https://picasaweb.google.com/111274927949602013478/6277666479842871489
My double sink is beat up and will be replaced. Here are some leads on possible replacement. I haven't tried any of these, but it's hard to find a ss double sink with that is 10" deep. A lot of them are 6" and the extra 4" are great/
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/VOL-102-1-1.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BOO-PB-DISINK101410-2.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BKR-BK-DIS-1014-2.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/VOL-102-1-2.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BOO-PB-DISINK101410-2.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BKR-BK-DIS-1014-2.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BOO-PB-DISINK101410-2-X.html
https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.com/BKR-BK-DIS-1014-2-P-G.html
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Vollrath 102-1-2 2-Compartment Drop-In Sink w/ 2" Drain, Stainless.
https://www.katom.com/002-10212.html
Skookster's idea of lifting a mold off of an existing pan is interesting. If you want to go that route, I'll think about it. I can probably pull it off, but it wouldn't be the full enclosure, just the pan and a few inches up the sides; it would be a male mold. It'd be interesting to try.
P69,
A lift off of the shower pan would be a HUGE help. I'd be happy to pay for your time as I am otherwise going to have to build a mold-I've got the skills, but it's definitely a bit of a complex process. I understand the enclosure will be stick built after the pan. I'm thinking marine ply for the enclosure 1/2 inch with either a mahogany or teak veneer on one face and I'll laminate formica to the inside (wet) face. We have a great outlet here in Mass (Boulter Plywood) that sell superb marine plywood.
As for the sink-the admiral poo poos the need to replace the single with a double-but I think in a seaway she will bless me. Thanks for the links! This site is a big boost to my confidence as I rip her apart.
Jim
Back in the water! New shaft hose, packing, cutlass bearing, shaft, working on head hoses. Still working on better lazy jacks on the main and reefing system for the main.
jpendoley,
Send me a PM, we'll exchange contact info, and talk about that shower pan. Once I get the engine back in and propulsion system working, I can get a shower pan mold for you. Realistically, not sooner than 2 months from now, but there might a gap in the work flow that will allow some time to get it done. I do want to talk with you about the process. I've made molds and parts, but never from an existing pattern, esp. nonskid. I'll do some tests on some non-skid I tore out of the boat a while back to make sure it releases.
Craig, email sent.
Jim,
The shower pan mold is done. I finally took the time to knock it out for you.
This mold is for the pan itself nad it's accurateup to about 7 or 8" up the sides
It still needs some additional layers of mat to stiffen the sides. I left them kinda thin to make for easier removal.
Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll ship it to you next week.
Attached are some pictures.
More pictures at: http://bodylens.com/Gallery/thumbnails.php?album=35
Wow! Craig that is just awesome thank you! Diesel heater install almost complete and contemplating the shower build. Willl shoot you a text in the AM with shipping information. Can not thank you enough-it will be great to put the shower back together again.
Jim