Thursday, March 31, 2016

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?





Wednesday, March 30, 2016

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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

Sunday, March 27, 2016

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.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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!