When is it too much?. . .

[OS2Dude]

I tend to go a little overboard in fixing up my boats. Our current boat is a 1985 Catalina 30. The hot water does not seem to work and the refit to make a 'fridge out of the cooler was punctured. Is it worth getting these things replaced/repaired? We sail on a lake and spend most nights tied up to a dock with shore power. (We did add an A/C for my wife's health.) We have dropped a fairly pretty penny on this boat so far, probably way more than we'll ever see if we should ever decide to sell her.

For now, we have a dorm fridge to handle the cold food needs, and a microwave and/or induction cooktop to boil water for hot water needs. Still, washing dishes and selves with hot water from the tap would be so much easier...

Constructive comments are welcome.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I hear you. We bought our boat knowing that the icebox doesn't cool. We have been using ice but I don't like to see systems not doing what they were made for. I'll probably suck it up and fix it soon. We've spent some $$ fixing and improving. The fridge just hasn't been a priority and it's probably more expensive to fix than the other smaller things. Now I have an inverter giving me grief.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'd repair or replace the water heater and add a marine gas grill...microwaving does not improve steaks or burgers! Keeping drinks in a cooler and putting only food in the fridge keep things colder by reducing the need to open the fridge door when away from the dock. Putting some re-freezable ice packs in the fridge will also help it stay cold.

Once this heat wave is over, there will be nights when you'll want to stay out on an anchor or rafted with friends overnight...and there are many nights when it's delightful sit out in the cockpit, but stifling in the cabin. A couple of 12v oscillating fans in the cabin to move the cooler air through it can make all the difference.

 

[markwbird]

I have found that as I use the boat my improvement plans evolve. As you use the boat, what things do you notice that you wish were better? What things don't really matter? For example, I replaced the winches because I really hated using the old ones. I added refrigeration because I hated hauling and digging through ice to get to my wet groceries. I had planned to install an electric head but after using the boat I have come to realize that I really don't care about that so much.

 

[jssailem]

+1 on the fans. Bug screens on the openings. Lots of openings. Lots of screens. Just replaced my 1974 Water Heater with a shiny new Quick water heater.

Other than finding the correct fittings
it went fairly easy. Next I will replace all the fresh water lines (also from 1974 - old boat). But that's a winter project. Sailing is the current priority.

 

[JRacer]

BOAT - Bring Out Another Thousand!

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Probably the first dime is too much to put into her from a pure economics standpoint. But, obviously, that's beside the point.

 

[BudGates]

I'd ask "How much is your own pleasure and comfort worth to you?" Sure, I've put a lot of work and money into my boat but, to my wife and me it's been worth it. It's not only made sailing more enjoyable but it's also given me a sense of pride and a chance to become intimately familiar with every aspect of the boat.

 

[agprice22]

I am about to install a double Peltier refrigeration unit on my 272 icebox. I am familiar with their limitations in terms of power and cooling rate, so I plan to use it only at the dock, unless I install some serious recharging capability. I can use refreezable "blue" ice packs when away from the dock, which is only while sailing, so far, as we sail on a lake.
The "cool" part is that the Peltier unit costs only $25. This is the same unit used by the electric coolers, like my Coleman PowerChill. It works great, and the unit I chose for my boat icebox is twice the size.
I will let you know how it goes. So far, the Coleman PowerChill, at $34.97 has been a real value. No ice, no melted ice, and a lot less weight and mess to carry onboard each weekend.

 

[Benny17441]

Check the Atmor AT-900-03 Tankless, 110V, instant water heater. It is $93 at Amazon.

 

[whatfiero]

Everyone keeps speaking of using blue ice to keep things cold but I just can't see the benefit there . block ice weather frozen in water bottles or milk jugs or even freezer bags are so much more usefull and to me are a lot colder than those blue things plus you can drink the thawed really cold water

 

[BudGates]

Everyone keeps speaking of using blue ice to keep things cold but I just can't see the benefit there . block ice weather frozen in water bottles or milk jugs or even freezer bags are so much more usefull and to me are a lot colder than those blue things plus you can drink the thawed really cold water

I tend to agree. Especially if you're talking about a multi-day trip. Ice is easy to replenish almost anywhere and is a source for fresh water.

 

[Dalliance]

I've easily spent as much on my boat as I paid for it. Probably more. Certainly more at this point than I would get out of the boat if I sold it, but it's really not about monetary return on investment. It's about enjoying the boat, getting to the most use out of it, pride of ownership, etc. You are talking about relatively small investments in refrigeration & hot water; things that make life on the boat more comfortable. Unless there are more critical issues on the boat in need of attention first, then it's money well spent in my opinion.
Regarding the water heater, I replaced mine a few years ago. Considered the tankless type but thought the amps drawn might overload my electrical system, so went with a six gallon tank type like the original, which by the way, they apparently built the boat around. A real pain getting the old one out and new one in, but worth it.