First Boat C-27

[chris07182]

Hi everyone,
This is my first post so I'll give you a little background. I am a mid 20's guy who has been racing sailboats for years. I bought my first boat, a C-27 last spring and did minimal work to safely sail it last summer. After a short season last year I have a good idea of things I want to immediately upgrade as well as the future/wish list. I would like to document my work as well as ask lots of questions!!

The List:
Thru Hulls - Change valves, possibly completely replace (need advice).
Re-insulate the galley cooler
Transmission - Fix shifting problem?? (Need Help!!)
Alcohol Stove - Eliminate the stove and build and electronics mount area
Stereo - Add a stereo with a mobile speaker box
Radio - Test and replace if needed
Bilge Cover - Make new piece to replace original
Bilge Pump - Add electric bilge pump
Head - Remove original and new with separate holding tank
Potable Water Tank - remove original and replace
DC Wiring - Clean up and add charger
Anchor Light - Fix / Repair
Depth Sounder - Fix?
Compass - Replace original that leaked all its oil out

Future / Wish List
- Add AC panel with outlets
- Completely redo DC Power and panel
- Replace Steaming Light and add Deck lights
- New Cushions
- Replace collapsible prop
- Halyards - remove steel lines and replace with all running rigging

 

[chris07182]

My biggest concern is replacing the original gate valves before the boat goes back in the water. I have three thru hulls. Water intake for engine cooling, head intake water, and cooler/sink drain.

This is what the factory cooler/sink drain looks like:

I removed the valves and tried to take the T fitting off but the whole pipe broke free and turned.

This is just a pipe that is glassed in through the hull. Here is what the outside looks like:

I think the best solution is to probably remove the pipe and cut/sand the fiberglass smooth to the inside of the hull then add a correct thru-hull fitting. My question is as you can see from the photo the hole is drilled perpendicular to the ground NOT to the hull which I think would cause me problems with the "mushroom" fitting on the thru-hull not laying flush to the hull. Has anyone else replaced these and what/how did you do it? Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance to any responses!! I will post some info about the other two soon as well.

 

[FourPoints]

As for the thru hulls, Definitely replace those, I think you have the right general idea. Maine Sail may be able to give you some additional tips and advice on that. Check out my website (in my signature), I've done a number of the same projects and posted some information / pictures on there, plus a one or two that you didn't list. I will be completely replacing and re-wiring my DC panel later this summer, and details will be posted when I do.

Biggest thing I can suggest is that you prioritize and separate the things that NEED done, and the ones you WANT done. Things like Transmission, VHF Radio, Bilge Pump, Anchor Light, and Compass can all be considered safety items, so they need done asap (anchor light not so much if you aren't anchoring out at night, plus you can always hang a battery powered one from the flag halyard). The rest of that, you should wait till you've used the boat for a full season, and take the time to research each item and give proper consideration to each thing you do as once you drill that hole, it can't be undone.

I would give it some good consideration before you remove the stove, if you ever want to bring your girlfriend / wife out for overnight trips, you may need that to keep her happy with a hot dinner and a fresh cup of coffee in the morning.

 

[shipwreck66]

I removed my original stove, now sits in workshop. I carry a single burner butane stove in a case I need coffee, it stows away in the quarterberth. As for your transmission, I'm assuming you have the Universal 18, and before you do anything drastic get up behind the engine where the transmission cable is attached and check whether it is actually the transmission or just the cable, BIG money and logistical difference. Otherwise, gussy it up, I am currently experimenting with an evaporative Air system that runs on 12v and ice for cooling. Half the fun is experimentation. C27s already have too many thru hulls so I won't be adding a Marine AC, don't need another hole to worry about.

 

[philwsailz]

Shipwreck-
Keep us posted on ice AC or consider starting a new thread. I still need / want to get started on mine so blaze a path and let's compare results