Winter projects.

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Ed Schenck

Any major projects before Spring launch? I know, I know, some of you are ALWAYS launched. :) This is the first winter of five that there is nothing that HAS to be done. I could even forego bottom-paint but I won't. Planning one coat from the bootstripe about three feet down. Plus the rudder. I am finally going to fix the intermittent starter problem, see Related Link. But I will also have the starter rebuilt. And I will install the Hitachi 55-Amp alternator to replace the 35A. A related project is to install a new AGM starter battery and move the current starter battery to the house bank. Along with that is the Link 2000R from E-Bay. I keep reminding the First Mate how much money we are saving on E-Bay. Another E-Bay purchase, manual windlass, has to be installed along with 100' of chain. But first I will enlarge the anchor locker and also build the new anchor roller. The windlass will go in the locker. Both projects can be seen on the Photo Forum. Then there is that new instrument panel that Tom showed me how to build out of an $8.00 section of vinyl fence rail(picture attached). It's done, just has to be mounted with the Nexus display and the new Garmin Legend(also E-Bay). Now I have a backup GPS in case the sun is not out at noon for a sextant reading(I only know how to do a noon sighting). That should be enough to keep me out of the pubs until the April splash. How about the rest of you "old boat" owners?
 

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nels

fence rail?

How about some additional information on the instrument pod. It looks nice and I have several Navman units to mount.
 
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Ed Schenck

Lowes.

Related Link, if it works, shows the piece that I used. Cut 15" and installed two end caps. Then cut one hole in center for mounting Nexus "Multi" display. Still have not decided how to mount on pedestal. Tom used one clamp on bottom but I am afraid the grandkids would rip it off. The taller, offset, Edson grabbar would be ideal. The panel would sit right on the angled part. Darn, clicked wrong button. Here is the Lowes link just in case: http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=87348-61401-61401
 
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nels

great idea

I have the tall guard and had planned to mount the unit I was building with two u-bolts sized to fit the guard. You could mount the vinyl unit with u-bolts if you had a backing plate on the inside to take the load. The fence post idea is one of the neates ideas I have seen. It may not be as strong as the fiberglass unit, but sure a lot cheaper.
 
David Underwood

David Underwood

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Jan 22, 2008
275
Hunter 33_77-83 Lake Lanier GA
Wow, that looks pretty good...

Is it going to be water proof? Would have loved for you to have posted this a few weeks ago where I could have explored this idea. I have been working on a new pod for my new Navman instruments and chartplotter (still have to purchase). But wow, what a nice look. Well, when I finish mine, I'll post it, but this sure is a clever use of materials.
 
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Dave Simpson

Instrument Panel

Ed... That panel looks terrific! Who is Tom? If it's vinyl, it should last forever. I'm impressed!
 
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nels

winter project

Just finished making Windsong ready for winter. I added two long sleved shirts and some instant hot chocolate to the locker. I also installed the dodger in case of some really bad weather. Its terrible living in Florida.
 
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Ed Schenck

Another display panel picture.

I just knew someone like Nels would chime in, "two long-sleeved shirts"!? Rub it in. On the subject of strength of the vinyl fence I have attached another of Tom Hadoulias' pictures. You know Tom from this site, the only guy with more time and money in his H37C than Gene Greunder. :)
 

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OBX Sailor

Great Idea

I have been thinking about a new instrument panel too. I think I have found the answer. This idea should do the trick! Thanks OBX Sailor
 
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Mark F. Arena

what kind of fence rail?

Hi-really liked the instrument pod-what KIND of fence rail used? TIA Mark
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Home Improvement Centers carry this stuff.

Mark: Home improvement centers carry this fencing. I doubt that you can purchase a foot or two. If you have to purchase the entire rail, you may as well just purchase the mounting pods that fit your instruments! This is a very innovative way to mount the instruments if you cannot find something from the factory that is still mfg. or fits properly. The only down side is the fact that the instruments are not angled. Depending on the binical this may not be a problem either.
 
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Ed Schenck

Mark, earlier post. . .

has a Related Link directly to the fence. I have attached it again below. Yes, I have 6 foot left. But it would cost you more for me to mail you some then to go buy your own. It is less than $9.00 for 8 feet. Share it with your buddies in the marina. The end caps are about a buck each.
 
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Bob

Where did you get the clamp...

Where did you get the clamp for your instrument pod? It looks very compact and finished.
 
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Ed Schenck

Clamp for Pod.

Not sure where Tom got his but I have one that looks like it. It is a pieces/part from a rail-mounted antenna. You've seen the one, white nylon with a lever so you can ratchet it horizontal and out of the way. You just throw away the antenna part with the lever.
 
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Tom Hadoulias

ForeSpar, antenna rail clamp...

from West Marine (WM# 208306). About $30. I added a wooden stiffener inside the base of the pod to increase it's rigidity and it is quite sturdy. I will probably add a grab rail eventually for offshore passages but for coastal cruising it's pretty strong even if you grab it. It just has a tendancy to allow some rotation if you grab it hard but some side supports would eliminate that. It's been there a year with some pretty obliviated guests aboard using it as a hand support and it's still there! By the way, in response to Steve's comment on instrument angles, the whole pod is angled where you can view it sitting or standing. Tom Hadoulias S/V Lite Chop
 
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Sanders

A very long list

I shared some of this with Ed earlier, but here's a partial list for s/v Good News; -- A new battery charger to replace ole sparky; -- remove, repair and replace two broken stanchions; -- complete revarnishing in cockpit area; -- remove and rehab winches; -- Repair broken Autohelm 4000 locking lever; -- Replace old jib halyard; -- Minor soldering jobs(mike switch and bilge pump) -- Cut an access hatch between quarterberth and engine/hot water heater compartments; -- Replace oil pressure sensor; -- Two Leaky portlights; -- And, perhaps, replace bladder holding tank with solid-tank installation. I am also shopping for a windlass, and debating the relative merits of manual (no electrical problems but less flexible) and electric (might have to replace or add batteries). I want to install speakers in the cockpit, both for VHF and stereo. We've already done most of the varnishing forward of the cockpit, polished fuel and replaced filters, interior maintenance, sail lugs, routine engine stuff, pulled the broken stanchion ( a major job), and various other small things. There's just not enopugh time to work for a living and enjoy messing around with the boat. Cheers
 
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