Panta Rhei project continues

[SailingCal21]

The microwave is sitting on about a 3/8" piece of wood to elevate it above the counter rail so the door swings freely. The unit is strapped down with a non-Velcro tie-down strap system that I got from WM. Heavy-duty Velcro would work just as well. Where positioned, there's not much room for the microwave to move other than forward.

I'll post pics of the install when I get to the boat this weekend.

 

[jibes138]

Thanks Scott, I used to sit mine there but would remove it to go sailing. I noticed it was starting to mark the counter surface so now I just sit it on a cutting board on the chart table. A permanent mount would be nice in the location you are using.
Can you remove screws from the bottom of the case and screw it down from below by running screw through the counter?

 

[rajhnsn]

If you have not seen it, this month's Sail has a good article about propane verses alcohol stoves. After reading it, I'll be staying with propane. I do use my oven while at anchor from time to time. Microwaves would seem to have a pretty big power demand at anchor. Okay at the slip I guess.

 

[Panta Rei]

My wife says a microwave is out. Takes up too much space.

Did find and read the propane /alcohol article. My concern is the amount of gas to take along. The 39 can hold two standard (BBQ) tanks. This seams to be a bit of an overkill even with a (portable)propane powered generator along for back-up.
I just don't have a feel for usage. Any suggestions?

 

[jibes138]

A 25 pounder should last you all season. I only have room for a ten pound tank and it lasts me all year.

 

[Panta Rei]

OK, considering spring finally came this weekend and you have been sailing for months, I'm convinced 25 should do it. I'll use the other half for gasoline for the dingy outboard. The PO used the life raft compartment for Gas but that drain does not vent above the waterline. I'll find a waterproof bin for the generator and put it in the life raft locker.

 

[jibes138]

How do you fit 25 pounders in your stern lockers? I can only fit 10 pounders.

What is a life raft locker? Usually they are mounted on deck ready for deployment?

I used to use a lot more gas to boil water for coffee and tea, but the microwave is much faster so I don't use as much. Even so a 10 pounder would typically last me a season. Of course we eat all our meals in restaurants so maybe that's why we don't use much gas. :>) Seriously though I don't use the oven because I don't bake and the stove I typically stir fry on the boat so the whole meal is made in one pan on one burner.

 

[Panta Rei]

How do you fit 25 pounders in your stern lockers? I can only fit 10 pounders.

What is a life raft locker? Usually they are mounted on deck ready for deployment?

I used to use a lot more gas to boil water for coffee and tea, but the microwave is much faster so I don't use as much. Even so a 10 pounder would typically last me a season. Of course we eat all our meals in restaurants so maybe that's why we don't use much gas. :>) Seriously though I don't use the oven because I don't bake and the stove I typically stir fry on the boat so the whole meal is made in one pan on one burner.

I'm not sure what size it is. It's a typical home exchange BBQ cylinder.
My stern locker holds two of them. Keep in mind that the boat was sold into the Caribbean charter industry. I'm sure the idea is to have a handy backup if the tank emptys.
The life raft locker is something lost when aft staterooms became popular. The locker is just forward of the wheel I the floor of the cockpit. It's about 4' x 2' and two feet deep. The hatch is not water tight so whatever is stored there will get and stay wet. We will use plastic storage containers to keep what ever dry. Might not be an issue with the protection of the Bimini

 

[rajhnsn]

It takes at least two seasons to use up the smaller size. Not sure about the size but it sounds like it might be a 10 pound tank. We cook fairly often but use the stern mounted grill as well. As I stated before, I like and use the oven from time to time for caserole and such.

 

[Panta Rei]

Just checked , the tanks are 20 lb tanks.

 

[SailingCal21]

This is how I installed the microwave on Karma. I used Igloo cooler mounting hardware which comes with adhesive and can be screwed in. I figured that if the mounting hardware was stout enough for a cooler of ice that the microwave would be secure. The shelf front was removed so I was able to push it back against the bulkhead. The leftover shelf front was the right thickness to lift the front of the microwave so the door would swing open freely. Overall it uses a good bit of previously wasted space and does not take up too much counter space. I store the coffeemaker against the bulkhead when not in use which allows access to the cooler (my liquor storage area)

 

[Panta Rei]

This is how I installed the microwave on Karma. I used Igloo cooler mounting hardware which comes with adhesive and can be screwed in. I figured that if the mounting hardware was stout enough for a cooler of ice that the microwave would be secure. The shelf front was removed so I was able to push it back against the bulkhead. The leftover shelf front was the right thickness to lift the front of the microwave so the door would swing open freely. Overall it uses a good bit of previously wasted space and does not take up too much counter space. I store the coffeemaker against the bulkhead when not in use which allows access to the cooler (my liquor storage area)

Looks great!
Do you have a inverter?

 

[SailingCal21]

Looks great!
Do you have a inverter?

Nope, haven't gone there yet. I have upgraded to 220AH GC batteries and have anticipated acquiring an inverter, however it brings up too many issues to resolve first. The first of which is: Pure or modified sine wave? Plus, it seems that when I imagine all the 110 VAC devices the potential load grows to needing more batteries, which leads or the large frame alternator, regulator project and to a bigger inverter, then the question of when to spring for the Honda generator, which means that I'd have to carry another fuel source.

Then I get into the diesel vs gas generator debate, or bigger solar panel with wind/aqua generator back up. Then read Nigel's post and articles about the relative cost/kwH vs payback of the various systems.

Which is about the time that I open my aft icebox, reach for the Jameson's and forget the whole thing till next year.

Any direction that you can provide would be a big help. In reality, refrigeration would be a nice upgrade. I'm becoming weary of the constant need for ice hauling and cleaning up the mess between sails.

 

[rajhnsn]

My boat came with an inverter but I disconnected it because of a short and have never really needed it since. If we are out on the hook, I plug in a small inverter into the cig lighter outlet to charge cell phone. My refrigeration runs off of the house bank, 4 (six volt) golf cart batteries. The batteries maintain charge at the dock and when motoring. Cold plate stays frosted for about 8 hours without power. It doesn't seem like a larger inverter is necessary.

 

[SailingCal21]

Sounds like you have a health 400 AHs at your disposal. Where did you put them?

 

[jibes138]

While digging around in the fuel tank project I notice that the battery tray is extremely weak and thin and the hold down is pretty weak. I know DaveM made a whole new arrangement for his batteries. While I'm in there I am thinking of beefing up the tray by cutting a slot in the front, inserting some wood to spread the loads of the hold down screws and then glassing it back together and beefing up the tabbing that holds it all to the hull.
I think I saw somewhere that MaineSail had put the batteries under the quarterberth in the first compartment on an O'Day. It might be on the Compass website, not sure. But that would be a great place for them if they will fit. Easy to get at and the wires to the battery switch would be shorter.

 

[rajhnsn]

The PO of my boat built a tray behind the motor. It seems pretty sturdy and is all epoxied. Here is a pic.

 

[Panta Rei]

on the road again

All ready to go. Panta Rhei is is heading 30 miles north to Manitowoc WI to a big time boat yard where the shaft will be replaced and a drip-less seal installed. I'll do my sea trials there with help close by then sail back south to Sheboygan for the summer.

Inverter, I have a $300, 1800 watt Xantrex. Runs completely automatic. never need to think about it but it sure is handy plugging anything in , tools, appliances, cell phones etc. It came in handy boosting up the power after a long 300 ft 110v run to the boat.

The fridge also switches automatically from 12 V to shore power. If I was not planning to cruise I would use a walmart fridge $89 and run it only on shore power. Throw it our when it rusted.

 

[Panta Rei]

Getting serous

Panta Rhei is now up with the big guys. Manitowoc is a big time boat yard. The ferry stops by three times a day. She looks pretty small compared to the others.
They have just begun to get boats into the water.
They are saying that they will have the shaft out next week. I'll be impressed with all the work they have getting boats in the water.