I haven’t posted in a while but I wanted to put together a summary of a few upgrades I’ve done to my boat in my first year of ownership.
1. New mainsail from Precision Sails.
Super happy with this one. Quality and price were both satisfactory, but their service was really top notch. This was the first upgrade I did as when I bought my boat the original main was trash.
2. Lewmar 16 Winches
These fit perfect in place of the stock winches and I love having a little more muscle here. Much nicer for mast raising, bosun’s chair, centerboard raising, etc. I honestly don’t use them much when actually sailing, but I like to know they are there.
3. Spinlock Cam Cleats
The retrofit model fit perfectly in place of the stock cleats and I did not have to drill new holes. This has been a game changer for sailing ease. I know some people replace the horn cleats and the angle would be better, but I wanted to retain those and also be able to use my winches.
4. Iceco 12v Cooler
This one I was excited fit perfectly in the cooler area - almost like it was made for it. I did cut ventilation for it on the sides. I leave the counter up just for extra ventillation when the system is on, but you can close the lid and it is perfectly flush.
5. New centerboard bracket.
Replaced my old one which was roached. Model from SailboatOwners was slightly different in dimensions from the stock but was close enough and worked without issue.
6. Replaced the boom vang.
Factory one was anemic. Got this from a friend who has retired from sailing. Operationally its not a huge difference, but it is easier to use.
7. New mainsail cover from the Sailors’ Tailor.
This took months to get but the quality is excellent. I didn’t go with the forum store as my mainsail is larger than stock and I suspected the store one would be very tight.
8. Added a solar vent
This and resealing a leaking centerboard column totally eliminated surface mold issues in the boat.
Additional items w/o images:
Replaced all blocks and upsized the ones for the centerboard line (and replaced the line)
Added a 12” wire to the bottom of the mainsheet block to raise it up a bit.
Replaced masthead light and wiring connectors at mast.
Installed 2 speakers in the helms seat with a Fusion stereo head down below. My boat came with a Raymarine MFD and depth sounded and I liked that Fusion interfaces over NMEA2000 to be controlled in one place.
Added a 1000w Xantrex pure sine wave inverter and an ACR between my two batteries (also replaced those).
Replaced most running rigging from RiggingOnly. I bought a complete set but am just replacing things as needed
Bought a Fortress FX-11 anchor. I want to add a bow roller but it does fit in the anchor locker for now. I’m hoping to add a stern mount for the old anchor.
Replaced teak plywood cabin sole.
Added fishing rod holders.
Replaced cupholders with stainless
LED bulbs in cabin
Made new lower hatchboard to use with a window airconditioner in the companionway
Already bought but waiting to install…
Pressurized water
100 watts of solar + victron charge
New foam queen mattress + underlay for aft berth
1. New mainsail from Precision Sails.
Super happy with this one. Quality and price were both satisfactory, but their service was really top notch. This was the first upgrade I did as when I bought my boat the original main was trash.
2. Lewmar 16 Winches
These fit perfect in place of the stock winches and I love having a little more muscle here. Much nicer for mast raising, bosun’s chair, centerboard raising, etc. I honestly don’t use them much when actually sailing, but I like to know they are there.
3. Spinlock Cam Cleats
The retrofit model fit perfectly in place of the stock cleats and I did not have to drill new holes. This has been a game changer for sailing ease. I know some people replace the horn cleats and the angle would be better, but I wanted to retain those and also be able to use my winches.
4. Iceco 12v Cooler
This one I was excited fit perfectly in the cooler area - almost like it was made for it. I did cut ventilation for it on the sides. I leave the counter up just for extra ventillation when the system is on, but you can close the lid and it is perfectly flush.
5. New centerboard bracket.
Replaced my old one which was roached. Model from SailboatOwners was slightly different in dimensions from the stock but was close enough and worked without issue.
6. Replaced the boom vang.
Factory one was anemic. Got this from a friend who has retired from sailing. Operationally its not a huge difference, but it is easier to use.
7. New mainsail cover from the Sailors’ Tailor.
This took months to get but the quality is excellent. I didn’t go with the forum store as my mainsail is larger than stock and I suspected the store one would be very tight.
8. Added a solar vent
This and resealing a leaking centerboard column totally eliminated surface mold issues in the boat.
Additional items w/o images:
Replaced all blocks and upsized the ones for the centerboard line (and replaced the line)
Added a 12” wire to the bottom of the mainsheet block to raise it up a bit.
Replaced masthead light and wiring connectors at mast.
Installed 2 speakers in the helms seat with a Fusion stereo head down below. My boat came with a Raymarine MFD and depth sounded and I liked that Fusion interfaces over NMEA2000 to be controlled in one place.
Added a 1000w Xantrex pure sine wave inverter and an ACR between my two batteries (also replaced those).
Replaced most running rigging from RiggingOnly. I bought a complete set but am just replacing things as needed
Bought a Fortress FX-11 anchor. I want to add a bow roller but it does fit in the anchor locker for now. I’m hoping to add a stern mount for the old anchor.
Replaced teak plywood cabin sole.
Added fishing rod holders.
Replaced cupholders with stainless
LED bulbs in cabin
Made new lower hatchboard to use with a window airconditioner in the companionway
Already bought but waiting to install…
Pressurized water
100 watts of solar + victron charge
New foam queen mattress + underlay for aft berth
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