Propane Stove

While Windfall had a small alcohol stove top, Gracie has a fully-functioning propane stove and oven.  This is huge for us.  Fresh bread, the ability to heat up leftovers, bake etc.  Plus using a propane system is far more convenient.  The alcohol stove worked beautifully and we could do most anything we want including boiling several lobsters at a time, but this is definitely next level cooking for us. 

Pieces/Parts in Dan's kitchen awaiting disassembly, testing and final assembly

Regulator and cutoff solenoid

pressure gauge in need of some attention

pressure gauge cleaned up, new teflon installed and ready for reassembly

Preparing the propane system

Electrical locker

new breaker panel and fuel pump

new breaker panel mounted at navigation station

dan has a change of heart

Dan demos new electrical locker

for reference; Can we get a stereo in here?

Binnacle

One very different thing about Gracie vs. Windfall is she is piloted by helm instead of a tiller.  Dan decided to spruce up the binnacle.  The "pods" (which housed a compass and some readouts) were removed.  He mounted a new plotter in their place and relocated the emergency fuel cutoff to the engine there as well.

top of binnacle disassembled and fuel cutoff cable rerouted to it.  

new Raymarine Dragonfly plotter

Plotter mounted to custom binnacle top with fuel cutoff actuator

binnacle rear

Plotter test on binnacle

Engine

Dan reporting on bilge

The Catalina 30 originally shipped with a Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine.  Eventually, they changed over to the Universal 5411, 11 horsepower, diesel engine.  A fiberglass cowling was added (Dan's right hand is on it) to the engine-compartment cover to accommodate the slightly taller profile.  Unfortunately, this  cover is part of the port salon settee and can be felt through the cushion.

a large hole discovered in the exhaust header pipe

Out with the old exhaust...

In with the new exhaust.  
Dan was able to make his own exhaust header pipe rather than purchasing a pre-made.

Exhaust manifold and header removed.

exhaust manifold

old, worn-out, known-to-be-a-point-of-failure alternator bracket 

worn out mounting-hole on old alternator and previous-owner "fix"

This will have to be replaced...

new alternator bracket

new, beefier, alternator

working on the diesel tank.  Note the wood-covered hot air heater with the red and black hoses.  Dan removed this.

All clean!

working on the engine

testing the engine systems

Hot Water Heater

One of the first things to go.  The old water heater.  Years of stagnant water still contained within.  A truly disgusting job.  The water is rusty and putrid.

After much effort and many contortions the nasty water heater is finally out.

Dan has an amazing capacity for the fouler things.

Dan in the "hole" cleaning up after hot water heater removal.

Sailing 2.0 - a new beginning...

Windfall at Opechee

Well, the last two seasons with Windfall

have proven to be an indescribable pleasure for Danny and me.  Dan, in particular has found a joy and passion that will not dissipate anytime soon.  This past winter he started looking at larger boats.  With much traveling, several visits to boats for sale and uncounted hours researching, Dan and Janet have decided on a 1982 Catalina 30.

Dan had bilateral open carpal tunnel release surgery.  

Not an optimal time for tackling a new project, but great for being healed by spring!

There she is, a 1982 Catalina 30.

Gracie

Janet checking the v-berth.

Visiting Gracie

SO....

They arranged to have her brought to Hall Quarry

Checking out the bimini and dodger

Under her new roof for the winter

Tented and ready

Already thinking about next summer.

Me too!