Got tired of looking at all the green growth on the jib UV cover. Took it down and scrubbed it. Back to (almost) white. Took the opportunity put back the washed jib sheet set as well. It’s been sitting around for months now.
Scrubbed the jib
Wired in inverter
With help from Viktar, rewired the main panel to send shore power to the Inverter/Charger and then back to the AC panel bus. This allows to either pass-through power to AC loads, boost its amperage with batteries, or replace shore power with the inverter. Tested these scenarios and everything checked out OK.
The updated system diagram is something like this now (minus the Battery Protect, which I haven’t bought yet).
Major progress on dehumidifier
With foam in the saloon, pushed hard this weekend to get dehumidifier installation complete and get interior humidity to mold-unfriendly levels.
First, used the old battery support shelf to make new mounting shelf. Templated with cardboard to fit the curves of the hull and deck drain hoses.
Next, extended the ducts to wrap from port side to starboard. Added inline filters in an accessible place. Used protruding deck hardware bolts to hang ducts closer to the deck and away from potentially being squashed by stuff in the locker (e.g. anchor & rode).
Then, made new back panel for the unit with connectors and flanges that will simplify installation and any needed removal for servicing. My friend Viktar helped get all the connections right.
And finally, mounted the unit and connected intake ducts, cables, and drain hose.
Next on TODO: test operation, strap it down to the shelf, and cover with panels (with vents).
Extra latch for cockpit locker
Upgraded cockpit locker lid to be airtight and not let cold moist air inside.
Foam for saloon cushions / V-birth test
Got foam from Sailrite to make saloon cushions and cut it to size. Going with extra firm, 4in thick for seats and 3in thick for backs. No material (or time, really) to sew the covers yet. Used basic blankets to cover the foam and test it out. Sooooo much more comfy than sitting on bare fiberglass! I think the backs may be too high as I cut them initially. Will take them down by an inch or so when making the actual cushions.
Tested out both 4in and 3in thick pieces as mattress in the v-birth. Determined that 3 inches is totally enough for a comfortable rest so will order that thickness for all the sleeping cushions.
Re-done propane tank locker
While working in the stern, took the opportunity to fix all the mistakes I made with the propane locker:
- Box to deck join only had basic adhesive foam liner. The assumption was that rubber seal above it will keep moisture out. That turned out to be false and the locker had quite a bit of moisture inside and leaked water into the interior. Ripped out the liner and put in proper sealant.
- Drain hole was drilled about 2 inches from back wall to be more accessible; however, the condensation just accumulated in those last 2 inches and there was constant standing water in there. Moved the drain hole & hose to the very edge of the box, epoxied it in, and closed off the old hold with epoxy.
- The hole through which solenoid cable was entering the box was small so I figured it’s not really necessary to seal it. Wrong. Moisture/condensation dripped through it. Sealed it properly this time.
After all of that was done, the lid was remounted and the box was cleaned, sanded, and painted on the inside. Should keep all the moisture out from the inside of the boat now.
Reinstalled stern cleats
After reinforcing the deck to hull joint at the stern, I made out of G10 a couple of large/oversize backing plates for the cleats and re-bedded them with sealant. Should be much stronger and more waterproof now.
Finished wiring DC circuit
With help from my friend Viktar, the final motor wiring and remaining DC components were connected and tested. Batter charger / inverter is in place, 48V to 12V circuit for main DC panel is in place, batteries are charging, motor is hooked up. Was finally able to remove the last remaining old battery – house. Now the boat is 100% on the Victron Lithium-based system.
Replaced DC main switch
Since my main switch now works on 48V (upstream of the 48V -> 12V converter), a new beefier version was needed. Lucky for me it fit into the same slot/hole so the swap was fairly easy.
Mounted plaques
Mounted back the guardian of the boat and all the plaques that used to be on the bulkheads before I made the new ones. Boat’s history proudly displayed.
