240 Winter projects

[Eric C Lindstrom]

A short list of my projects to get accomplished this winter on my 2000 Hunter 240. I would welcome any input from experienced putterers:1) Addition of access panel on countertop next to galley sink. Access to that storage area is horrible under the table so I plan on surface mounting and inspection panel to act as a locking lid.2) Teak flooring in the cockpit. The white bath tub is a terror to keep clean so I would love to fashion a raised teak floor (with app cutouts for the heel heel and mainsheet controller). Considered that plastic snap together stuff but think it looks cheap.3) Refrigeration. On a trailorable? I'm considering a small "cooler" in place of the removable and plan on installing a small refrig with full time battery and solar panel. Bad idea?4) Roller furling. Even with the small 100% jib that came with the boat I think we would have a more enjoyable sailing season with roller furling. How does this effect the raising and lowering of the mast?I'm sure other projects will creep up but this is off the top of my head.Thanks!Eric

 

[Jon Bastien]

Refrig -= Thermoelectric cooler

Hi Eric, In your area, I'd think that replacing the standard cooler in a 240 with a thermoelectric unit would work beautifully... The report I have seen on these units says they will cool to approximately 30 degrees below ambient temperature, which is enough to keep the beer plenty cold in Wisconsin! Here in the FL Keys, though, where the temperature RARELY drops below 85 degrees in the daytime, a thermo-unit isn't nearly as effective. We've found that plain old ice frozen into gatorade bottles is pretty effective for us... As for installing a reefer unit, I'd think REALLY hard about how much battery consumption, weight, and value they really add to your boat (versus a $75 thermo-cooloer).--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'