Index

2023-25 CONVERSIONS - "I sent this list of projects and photos because you will notice that all but a few are from the Tech Tips.  Your site is where I got most of the ideas from AND how to do them properly...thereby minimizing the cost and time of trial and error.  Hopefully others will benefit from these pictures as I did."  Robert.
 

The following photos show the results of Robert's 2023/26 winter projects.  You get a definite impression that he hasn't been sitting around because the boat didn't have any of these modifications when he started. 
 

Fig 1, ELECTRICS

New power distribution panel with a complete rewire of the boat electrics, a battery monitor, and two MPPT charge controllers, one for each battery.  This more expensive but is a huge gain in redundancy.

in 2025 the miss matched MPPT charge controllers were replaced with dual Victron MPPT charge controllers to monitor each solar panel and battery.  They are a huge gain in charge performance and provide massive data to a cell phone to monitor status.  No RFI interference to the VHF.

Fig 2, ELECTRONICS

The chart plotter and sound system shelf swing out to face the cockpit.  All neatly installed on the aft bulkhead. 

The Ram arm locks and unlocks with about 1/3 of a turn.  Very easy to position the robust hinge inside or out for easy viewing from the cockpit. 

Really like the Blue Tooth speakers as no wires to deal with.  

Fig 3, FORWARD CABIN

Nice indirect LED lighting.  Note the roll up blinds over the small windows.  Pull it down to slip under the two latches.

The cushions get covered during construction time. 

Fig 4, BLINDS - These are both quite simple and slick.  What I like is they stay clean when rolled up.  It is amazing how dirty curtains can become.

Fig 5, Settee backrest.

Fig 6, MASTHEAD

The 12" length of 1.5" x .25" SS flat bar is to mount a spinnaker halyard block.  I drilled a .75" hole in the end, rounded the corners, and smoothed everything with an angle grinder. 

All standing rigging has been upgraded to StayLok mechanical fittings.

Fig 7, COMPANIONWAY COOKING TRAY

I love this idea.  Easy to cook on from inside or out. 
 

Fig 8, BBQ WITH STAND - A goofy looking stand for my kettle BBQ.  There are times when I don't want to sail with the BBQ on a stanchion, but the shape of it makes it impossible to set anywhere without it tipping over or rolling around.  This stand works.

The water tank below the galley was removed for more storage and a new tank installed under the forward berth to transfer weight to the bow.

The old tank was difficult to remove given the foam used for mounting it.  Drilling a series of holes to create a slot and then using a pry bar to extract it from under the counter was the key to remove it.  After that I built a new galley with new counter.

Fig 9, SHOE & GLOVE HOLDER

The shoe holder was made from a bigger version that had 5 rows for shoes.  I just cut off the bottom row for 4 shoes and put grommets through the top. 

Stuff dries out quickly.

Fig 10, SPINNAKER - Robert taught himself to sew using the videos from Sailrite.  From the looks of the stitches he is doing quite well making this spinnaker and sock.  Regular, even stitches tell a lot about the quality of workmanship and the strength of the sail.  It really helps to have a large room for a project like this.

It is accurate even when the boat is rocking.  If the 2x4 is bumped there is every chance it is going in the drink.