Bavaria Yacht Info

Member Forums => Modifications & Equipment => Topic started by: Bav32 on July 15 2018, 08:26

Title: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Bav32 on July 15 2018, 08:26
As the subject says: What is your best improvement on the boat and why? I'm curious to know what you have done to the boat that makes your life easier and more enjoyable.

Let us now forget about the autopilot and plotter. Those are pretty much standard theese days.  :)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Odysseus on July 15 2018, 09:54
2 things for me which have improved life on board for long periods:-

Fitting a proper shower in my heads. It just makes life better. Shower curtain over the door protects the only wood in there and an eco shower head.

Putting an hatch in under the bunk allowing easy access to a whole new world for storage.

Hope this helps
Odysseus Bag 38
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Salty on July 15 2018, 11:10
For me it has to be a full cockpit canopy that I fitted in 2012, it provides so much extra space that can be used when the weather outside is not too great.

The second thing that has given me immense satisfaction are my recently replaced hatch and portlight acrylics and the knowledge that with a little ingenuity I was able to do the job for a fraction the price they might have cost, and now I can see out from inside instead of looking at badly crazed acrylics.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Bav32 on July 15 2018, 12:06
Putting an hatch in under the bunk allowing easy access to a whole new world for storage.

I have looked at my bunk alot and thougt that it should have a hatch just like you have. Did you just cut out the hatch and put a pair of hinges on it?
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Odysseus on July 15 2018, 12:29
Email me and I will send all photos.
There is a post someplace on the forum.
Odysseus
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Yngmar on July 15 2018, 12:49
The 600W solar system, because it provides us with ample power and requires no effort apart from occasionally cleaning the panels. By the time we weake up, the batteries are already charging and on a sunny day they're full by noon (so we have power to spare for the watermaker we plan to install next). Bonus, the stern arch is handy for lashing lots of stuff onto :)

For smaller improvements, lubricating the Jabsco toilet pump plunger with a bit of silicon grease once every few weeks. Turns it from hard to pump and squeaky to easy and silent.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: tiger79 on July 15 2018, 15:26
Putting decent LED lights in the engine compartment has made any work in there much easier.

Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: tiger79 on July 15 2018, 15:30
Adding a gas strut to the chart table lid was worthwhile.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Bav32 on July 15 2018, 18:17
Jeez, I have a lot to do next winter   :D
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Moodymike on July 15 2018, 21:42
My B32 originally had a one piece washboard. Had it cut in two (60-40). Much easier to handle and store.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: dawntreader on July 16 2018, 07:59
A lot of the above-mentioned changes.....

..... but getting rid of the 'sock and suicide lines' then fitting a top-down furler and mast-mounted whisker pole is high on my list. Downwind sailing has never been so easy or safe  ;D
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: IslandAlchemy on July 16 2018, 12:04
Removing the two bunk cabins in front of the mast and turning it into a master cabin with en-suite and a big hanging wardrobe.

Oh yes, and turning one of our heads into a wet hanging locker.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Craig on July 17 2018, 21:27
1. Changing the 2000w water heater element for a 500w heater element. This then allows me to heat the fresh water and charge my batteries from the 1 kva generator at the same time.
2. Put an in-line strainer in the fuel line before the Off/On switch to stop diesel bug clogging the switch and stopping the engine.

Craig
"Shirley Valentine"
Australia
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Ricd on July 18 2018, 10:21
1. Replacing the MD2020 with a D1-30 on my B34 makes a great difference.  Hate using engine but when i want/need to use it in a big sea I now have the power to make good progress against the waves.
2. Fitted a cockpit enclosure around 2010 with full head room creating very usable extra space when moored in inclement weather or with back and sides up to give shake in very sunny weather.
3. Fitted a windlass and Rocna 3 years ago which has really improved our sailing ground/options.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: jonrarit on July 24 2018, 11:21
Abandoning the poorly insulated and inefficient house fridge (now used as a beer pre cooler) for a sodding great Dometec Fridge Freezer in the spare aft cabin.....ice cold beer and we can make our own ice for the G&T's ...... got to get your priorities straight here boys :)

Jonathan

PS Also binning the pathetic lewmar cockpit table & making a new cockpit table complete with extension so four can easily sit round the table

Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: SV Chill on July 29 2018, 13:39
B44. Adding insulation around the fridge. (Essential in Australia, beer MUST be cold) Gas struts on the saloon seat and hatch under f'wd bunk, getting rid of the plough and fitting a Rocna anchor, and Davits with solar and wind. And running a salt water galley pump at the galley sink.
Got no money left, but boat is great. 😀
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Lazy Pelican on October 20 2018, 07:28
Hi Chill,

I’m interested in how you added insulation around your fridge?

John
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: GeoffV on October 20 2018, 10:08
Hi Chill,

I’m interested in how you added insulation around your fridge?

John

Me too, as I cannot find a way in to do it.
Geoff
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Bav32 on October 20 2018, 14:37
Hi Chill,

I’m interested in how you added insulation around your fridge?

John

Me too, as I cannot find a way in to do it.
Geoff

You're not the only ones :)

I tried to find a way to remove the countertops, but the darn Bavaria builders made everything too hard to remove...
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Spirit of Mary on October 20 2018, 22:36
For Fridge isolation see topic Topic: b38 2003 fridge  (Read 3358 times) . A lot of information with good result
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: WAArete on October 21 2018, 04:41
I can't take credit, as the previous owner had a bow thruster installed on our B 36. Makes up for sail drive. Now, to locate anode for same....
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Symphony on October 21 2018, 11:04
What make of bow thruster is it?
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: WAArete on October 22 2018, 03:52

Vetus, I have the boat out of the water. I need to contact them for an anode. ...
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Salty on October 22 2018, 04:51
I can't take credit, as the previous owner had a bow thruster installed on our B 36. Makes up for sail drive. Now, to locate anode for same....

Yacht chandlers, eBay, plenty of anode suppliers online.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Laysula on November 12 2018, 23:17
I know it sounds daft, but a little bit of foam stuck behind the bin to stop it banging on the cupboard door. Gives us a good nights sleep. :) :) :)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Cabtrack on November 16 2018, 09:04
The most recent improvements is the folding cutting board for cleaning the fish, keeeping the mess out and the 25mm stainless tube handrails, could not stand the wire. The biggest improvement was epoxying around the companionway to get rid of the squeaks, absolutely no squeaks in this Bavaria. 

Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: SYJetzt on November 23 2018, 21:32
really impressive handrails!
I think i need something too :)
how did you attach the tubes to the stanchions?
Did you get new stanchions or did you adapt the present ones?
Did you do the job yourself or with a metalworker ?
How did you get the tubes so perfectly bent ?
If possible post some photos from the details !

Thx
Robert
SY Jetzt!
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Cabtrack on November 24 2018, 04:40
Hi Robert
             Thanks for the kind words. Yes I made it all up myself and this is how I Did it.
  1. Put a string line from the pulpit to the push pit where the hand rail will go. Measure from the string line to the stanchions at 90 degrees to the to the string line. Do the same for port and starboard.also mark the string line at each point where the stanchions are at 90 degrees to the string line and measure.
2. Measure from where your hand rail will start and finish at either end of the string line.
3. Draw a straight line on a long flat surface and measure the distance for each stanchions then measure out the distance to the stanchion.
4. Use a very long straight edge to scribe an arch that disscects all the stanchions and the start and finish.
5. Tig weld all the lengths of tube together allow a bit extra. Make sure you purge the tube as you weld
6. I made a roller to roll the length in a curve see photo. Make sure you roll it pretty close to what you have marked on the floor.
7. The had part is to bend the tube so it hits the push pit and pulpit rail at 90 degrees.
8. I used the same stanchions. Cut the top of the stanchion through where the wire goes and file to fit the tube and it gives you a bit more meat to weld too. Try not to put too much heat in when welding as the stainless distorts easily.
9. Cable tie the tube to the stanchions and fit ends to push pit and pulpit with hinged tees.
10. Weld it up if it looks good.       
11. Use the lever in the photo to take out distortion gently.
I shall take some more photos and post them. Hope this helps
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: SYJetzt on November 26 2018, 07:35
Hello cabtrack,

you did a great work !
It seems to be a bigger job than expected and the pipe roller bender is an extra project too  ;D

Due to the fact, that our boat is over 700 kilometers away from us, the project needs to wait until next spring.

Do you have any experience about the stability of the tube handrails and the whole construction, if hit when manouvering?
In our harbour basin two bigger charter companies operate a lot of boats and the da**** charter crews caused a lot of damages on our boat (3 bent stanchions, torn wires, and 4 loosened stanchion bases in only two seasons  :'(.
i´m afraid of welding all parts together, and if hit anywhere, i have to replace the whole railing including stanchions, pulpit and pushpit (means doing the job again!).
Any suggestions?
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Cabtrack on November 26 2018, 08:49
Hi Robert
             Yes probably a good idea to leave the wire on or find a quiet marina. We are at a quiet marina no traffic and no charter companies. Spend the money on more fenders. Col

Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Noelio Abrunhosa on December 09 2018, 13:20
 i have taken some ideas from Odysseus. the ones i enjoy are
1. fitted a proper shower with a tmv so temperature is constant regardless of any other taps being opened.
2. fitted a timer on shower bilge pump. i didnt have enough hands to hold the shower, the soap and press the shower bilge pump
3. fitted led lights in engine room
4. fitted cockpit table (great for summer sundowners)
5 . this is my favourite one. made 2 openings under front bed , one fitted sliding basket drawers and the other one a waeco freezer.
this job now only needs to fit the trimwork to make my skew cuts look tidy
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Sitesurfer on December 10 2018, 16:40
This weekend I'm trialing the first fit of a Raspberry Pi control centre (that's about the only way I can describe it) into my B36.
I'm using a 7" touch screen to provide environmental and boat data, create lighting systems and act as a data logger.

We'll see how it gets on  ;D

I made a small video on the progress, which shows the super simple (but not gopping) interface - aimed at crew being able to use it rather than being super techie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3Ik1AIfPA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3Ik1AIfPA)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Bav32 on December 10 2018, 19:46
This weekend I'm trialing the first fit of a Raspberry Pi control centre (that's about the only way I can describe it) into my B36.
I'm using a 7" touch screen to provide environmental and boat data, create lighting systems and act as a data logger.

We'll see how it gets on  ;D

I made a small video on the progress, which shows the super simple (but not gopping) interface - aimed at crew being able to use it rather than being super techie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3Ik1AIfPA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3Ik1AIfPA)

That is exactly what I have been thinking of. I haven't tried raspberry, but I have worked with arduino a little bit.

Here is what I was planning to do:
- outside/inside temperature
- fridge temperature (and maby control)
- bilge water level alarm
- battery voltage meter
- motion sensors inside boat for alarming
- gps for anchoring and tracking
- internet access for monitoring and alarming remotely

This is all supposed to be installed in a way that I can remove everything easely if I would sell the boat at some point.

We really should start an own thread about these systems :)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: SV Chill on March 04 2019, 00:01
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Ziffius on March 04 2019, 12:28
I would be interested in your fridge notes - please send me a copy. Cheers
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: sy_Anniina on March 04 2019, 19:15
Likewise, please send me also a copy.

BR

Tommi

s/y Anniina, B40 2001
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Yngmar on March 05 2019, 08:21
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

The post size limit here is generous, and if you can't fit it in one post you can make another thread and link to it here :)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: landes_h on March 15 2019, 17:46
Solar Panels - 2x100W
Sterling A2B Charger
NASA Battery Monitor
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: SofiaB on March 16 2019, 15:51
Adult size toilet. Tecma 3G Ultra for fresh or sea water. (http://)
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Seagoon on July 21 2019, 08:08
Folding Lewmar wheel. Much easier to get past when swimming at anchor.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Jeffatoms on July 21 2019, 16:59
As a live-aboard owner of a 1998 Bavaria Ocean 38, there are TWO things that stand together equally as the best things we could do to make this great boat even better, both as a home and as a sailboat we actively use.

The first was a gift from the previous owner of fully enclosed Sunbrella cockpit canvas made by iversondesign.com.  It essentially makes the cockpit a "sunroom" here in the Sailish Sea where the sun is dim and the air moist much of the year.  There are 13 panels that stretch from the "windshield" to the traveler and the best part is that we can add and remove the zippered panels as the conditions dictate.  This makes sailing in inclimite weather very enjoyable and the bimini makes for a great sunscreen on hot days like we found sailing yesterday.

The other was an upgrade to a Torrid Marine 10 gallon water heater with a high temperature thermostatic mixing valve. (Disclaimer-I am a part owner of Torrid Marine).  This effectively doubled our hot water capacity so that all domestic activities including showers for two have enough hot water to get the job done.  Since this upgrade, Torrid introduced the Explorer Series 18 that was designed specifically for the 38 Ocean.  We look forward to a good excuse to upgrade again so that we can take advantage of the dual independent coolant heat exchanger coils and dual independent electrical heating elements.  The hot coolant coolant will route to both our engine and our Espar hydronic heater while the electric elements will be powered by shore power and likely solar.

The upgrade list is long but these two made a great sailboat a great home as well.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: GeoffV on July 22 2019, 08:17
i have taken some ideas from Odysseus. the ones i enjoy are
1. fitted a proper shower with a tmv so temperature is constant regardless of any other taps being opened.
2. fitted a timer on shower bilge pump. i didnt have enough hands to hold the shower, the soap and press the shower bilge pump
3. fitted led lights in engine room
4. fitted cockpit table (great for summer sundowners)
5 . this is my favourite one. made 2 openings under front bed , one fitted sliding basket drawers and the other one a waeco freezer.
this job now only needs to fit the trimwork to make my skew cuts look tidy

Do you get problems with condensation coming off the Waeco?
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Odysseus on July 22 2019, 09:03
I have a Waeco and I made a thermal jacket,  I get a very small amount of condensation on top when I take jacket top off to open lid..

Had this for 4 years now and has been a great success as we buy in bulk from supermarkets.

It draws 3.5 amps when running, much less than the fridge and with the jacket runs a lot less.

Hope this helps

Odysseus
Bav 38
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: avelzian on July 22 2019, 10:59
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

Yes please. I’d also like to see your fridge notes.
Many thanks,
Alastair
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Yngmar on July 22 2019, 13:46
The first was a gift from the previous owner of fully enclosed Sunbrella cockpit canvas made by iversondesign.com.

I'd love to see a few photos of this for inspiration, as I'm not very happy with ours. Does it stay well clear of the mainsheet at all angles of sail? This seems to be the biggest issue on the centre cockpit boats.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Sitesurfer on July 22 2019, 14:11
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

Oooh yes please, I feel a winter job coming on.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: MarkTheBike on July 22 2019, 16:19
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

Yes please, Chill. Constant thorn in my side. Which twit thought it was a good idea to run unjacketed warm air ducting under the fridge??? Idiots...
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Baltic on July 23 2019, 14:53
Yes please, Chill.
Send.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Jeffatoms on July 26 2019, 01:54
The first was a gift from the previous owner of fully enclosed Sunbrella cockpit canvas made by iversondesign.com.

I'd love to see a few photos of this for inspiration, as I'm not very happy with ours. Does it stay well clear of the mainsheet at all angles of sail? This seems to be the biggest issue on the centre cockpit boats.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Jeffatoms on July 26 2019, 02:12
Yngmar,  here are a couple showing the full enclosure just before the haulout survey during a rainy Seattle February.  As mentioned previously, this is a standard design by Iverson and the panels come off as needed.  Currently we are cruising with just the bimini sunshade up and all side curtains removed. 

The traveler and main sheet are not impeded in any configuration.  We recently circumnavigated the San Juan islands and moored between a 2001 B38Ocean and Tartan 3700(?) with a similar Iverson enclosure.  The other B38O owner appreciated (envied) their two covers.  The Tartan design was similar but it was a custom fit to the boat that had accommodations and modifications made to the bimini to allow for solar panel mounts and related wiring.   

We liked it and contacted Iverson and they said, "we can modify your existing bimini to work with your planned solar upgrade when you are ready."  What a bonus having a world recognized leader in sailboat enclosures ready willing and able to work with our changing needs.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Yngmar on July 26 2019, 08:18
Thanks Jeff!
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: Atlantica on July 27 2019, 19:12
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

I would like to have your notes too. Thank's a lot in advance!
Cheers,
Juha
B38, 2003
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: kavok on July 31 2019, 23:22
I’ve sent notes on my fridge insulation to those asking. It’s a bit long, so if anyone else is interested, let me know.
Chill

Yes Chill, I am very interested about insulation.
Angelo
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: kavok on August 14 2019, 21:58
Modified rudder top bearing plate.


Due to a banging noise from rudder on my Cruiser 40 2008 twin wheels. The  upper rudder bearing aluminium plate slip sideways due to the elongate holes. The two stop screws are not efficient when movements came from rudder (when load was reversed on the rudder.), I changed these two Parker little screws with through 6 mm bolts and nuts. Also I  add up an down two big aluminum custom washers  8 mm thickness, bolted whith six 6 mm bolts ad nut. All side movements are now impossible. I also changed the two bearings with new Jefa roller bearings and adjusted chains tension not too loose not too tight. Now sensibility and lightness windward are excellent.
Title: Re: What is your best improvement on the boat and why?
Post by: cegri on December 19 2019, 12:01
Nice topic... As a new member, let me reactivate it:

- Thermostatic mixing valve for water heater. Avoids scalding. Also saves valuable hot water lost trying to adjust temperature.
- Sea water pump that feeds kitchen sink. Not the manual foot pump! A proper elecrical unit.
- 600 Watt solar panels
- Folding helm for the B39C, thanks to previous owner
- Daewoo wall-mounting washing machine (https://www.google.com/search?q=daewoo+washing+wall&tbm=isch)
- Bigger cockpit table from Tischlerei Kurt Behn KG (https://www.tischlereibehn.de/cgi-bin/serien_eng.pl?LinkFAQ=faq_test.htm&LinkBack=../english/Serienyachten_eng.php&LinkName=Bavaria-Programm&Profil=650BV0098%27650BV0099%27650BV0161%27500BV0047%27700BV15%27500BV04%27500BV05%27700BV17%27700BV18%27500BV02%27650BV0100%27600BV05%27350BV27%27350BV26%27350BV25)
- Remote controlled windlass