Engine control panel replacement + intro

[tredychris]

Hi

I will be the 1st time boat owner of an '84 O'Day 28 (anniversary edition) by the end of this week. I will be sailing it out of Rock Hall on the Chesapeake while I learn the finer points of sailing (having completed 3 ASA courses).

The boat was surveyed and found to be in excellent condition (there are a few things that need addressing naturally), the PO let the yard do all the work on the boat over the years when anything was amiss.

One of the things that I noticed (and the surveyor) was with the engine control panel itself - cracks around the outside flange. Looking through this Forum (excellent advice btw on all matter of subjects) and even speaking to D&R (I also learnt from this forum), I cannot find anywhere to get a replacement panel. Does anyone know a suitable place? Even better would be one with a Perspex splash guard. The installed panel also comes with an Ammeter, and I have read numerous articles (www.pbase.com) that mention that this should removed from the circuit and replace with a voltmeter. I also fancy a tach as well.

After looking at many boats over the past few months, I realise one or two upgrades may be in order, such as ... [all nice to have but not critical]

- The mainsheet traveler is across the companion way. What does it take to move this to on top of the cabin deck? [I read of others who have done this].
- most things tcwaltz did to Conundrum (already have AC but need to add a 2nd shore power point as it is a bit of a dance with breakers to get it powered on with anything else running).
- upgrade the breaker panel and make the back more accessible - I saw an excellent implementation on an O'Day 34 that I had tried to purchase.
- move the input AC breaker panel inside the cabin near the DC breaker panel instead of only accessible via the lazarette.
- quarter berth opening port as mentioned by Coyote would be nice
- once I have the box I will do a complete inventory
- anything else anyone found that they had to do


I am an engineer (computers design, implementation and problem solving) and am unfazed by anything mechanical, electrical, electronics, carpentry or plumbing. Now that I have started on this boating path, it will be combining all these disciplines in 1 small space, which unlike a house, has the potential to end up at the bottom of the Chesapeake if things don't go quite right.

thanks in advance

Chris

 

[Stu Jackson]

1 One of the things that I noticed (and the surveyor) was with the engine control panel itself -

2 The installed panel also comes with an Ammeter, and I have read numerous articles (www.pbase.com) that mention that this should removed from the circuit and replace with a voltmeter. I also fancy a tach as well.

Chris,

Congratulations on your new boat. Sounds nice.

1 Don't know, but I'll bet either O'Day owners will know or most will suggest you just make one, assuming the old one is irreparable.

2 Do this first. Really. While all the rest is also important, two things to remember: 1) many boat owners with new-to-them boats make BIG lists and find later that some are not necessary; 2) only YOU can choose between fixing the rotten DC charging system or doing the A.C. side first 'cuz some think A.C. is more harmful than DC, which is arguable.

If you don't anchor out and stay plugged in, do the A.C. first.

For boats of your vintage, here's a list of things for you to consider that come from our boats, most of your vintage, too, (the 1986 to 1992-4 C34s were pretty much all the same electrically) that apply to lots of boats.

Critical Upgrades http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html

Good luck, you'll have lots of fun.

 

[njlarry]

Welcome aboard. The 28 is one of my favorites.
I sail an anniversary edition too. Frist check thru hulls, steering, standing rigging.
Good luck. We sail out of Rock Hall too. Will keep an eye out for you.

 

[tcwaltz]

Feel free to contact me about my mods. Moving the traveler to the companionway isn't hard because of the unit that was used its not cheap but it does allow for easier access to the salon, more room in the cockpit and the ability to have a full dodger and Bimini.