H37C Vanity Upgrade

[Ed Schenck]

Just remembered that I had posted a project from 2003 and was waiting for approval. Lo and behold it is there in "Hunter Owners Modifications" as "H37C - Replacing vanity sink" ( http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&cat_id=38&aid=7918&page=article&mn=37-cutter ). Anyway the molded sink which is part of the inner liner had discolored and had a lot of spider crazing. It was time.

 

[Johnb]

Nice. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[JustDucky]

Nice looking job!

 

[Jim Legere]

Nice job Ed!

That's one thick piece of fibreglass! Think I will let my sink get worse before I tackle that reno...(actualy its not all that bad).

 

[emilbec]

Ed,

Very nice. This one is on the "to do" list. Not sure how to work with formica. Want to replace the counter tops in the galley.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Now that I think back that really was thick f/g Jim. I assume the entire inner liner is the same thickness. And I actually liked that original molded sink with the molded soap dishes with drains. And "emil', formica is really easy to cut and glue. If you remember the Rainbow Chaser site Gene used ceramic tile for his galley upgrade.

 

[Johnb]

Emilbec, if you do that counter top job please give us a report. Mine is pink formica, in not too good shape and my wife hates the color.

John

 

[guidera48]

Well it seems that we are a busy lot. If you look at the H37c mods page, youll see we have the most postings. Here is another take on that vanity area (head?). I had to remove my bowl and lower the top so that the cabinet mirror door could open and clear the faucet after the new counter top was in. Cutting the fiberglass was very messy and itchi but the results are great looking. The sink is porcelaine and the faucet has a stopper incorporated in the drain. The stone is Venitian Gold.
Cheers

 

[Ed Schenck]

Wow, that is first class Jose! I had almost forgotten about the original level being too high for anything but the thinnest top. Even with my 1/4" plywood and thin formica the bottom of the mirror hits the faucet handles. So you had to lower the entire area, what a job! Obviously worth the effort.

 

[emilbec]

Ed,

Something I might have overlooked in planning this project. Can the sink and vanity be removed in one piece? My thought was to remove the molding around the sink and then take it in one piece. Obviously that does not seem to be the case. Is it glassed in to bulkhead? And used to provide stiffness to the boat?

 

[Ed Schenck]

It is part of the inner liner, came out of the mold as part of the whole interior. But cutting out the whole thing is exactly what Jose did above. The replacement would add any little structural strength that was lost.

 

[sandpiper10471]

OK - so if one likes the general shape of the counter and sink but not the colours or stains, then why not spray the fiberglass with either two part paint or gelcoat. Freshen up the look and if you wish, change colours. On my own boat, the sink is cracked, probably from getting full of water during a winter and freezing. However, no noticeable leaks yet. On my earlier MacGregor 65, I sprayed the galley sink, counter and rusty chrome faucet with gelcoat. A little buffing and polishing and it looked better than new with a European style faucet and at very little cost.

 

[Ed Schenck]

I'm with you Bill. If you can find an acceptable coating that would be the easiest and cheapest. I too liked the original size and shape. At the time I just didn't think I had any other options given the state of mine. Thing is you would lose almost nothing by trying. If the outcome is not good then do something else. Where is that recent thread about a spray on Corian-like product?

 

[sandpiper10471]

I think a spray on Corian-like counter would be attractive but I would still want a plain, texture free sink. Not familiar with the coating you suggest but would be very interested in truing it out. Anyone have the link?