Author Topic: What is your best improvement on the boat and why? (Read 34776 times)

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.

Odysseus · « **Reply #1 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

Salty · « **Reply #2 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.

Bav32 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15 2018, 12:06 »

Quote from: Odysseus on July 15 2018, 09:54

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?

Odysseus · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15 2018, 12:29 »

Email me and I will send all photos.
There is a post someplace on the forum.
Odysseus

Yngmar · « **Reply #5 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.

tiger79 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15 2018, 15:26 »

Putting decent LED lights in the engine compartment has made any work in there much easier.

tiger79 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15 2018, 15:30 »

Adding a gas strut to the chart table lid was worthwhile.

Bav32 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15 2018, 18:17 »

Jeez, I have a lot to do next winter

Moodymike · « **Reply #9 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.

dawntreader · « **Reply #10 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

IslandAlchemy · « **Reply #11 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.

Craig · « **Reply #12 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

Ricd · « **Reply #13 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.

jonrarit · « **Reply #14 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

SV Chill · « **Reply #15 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. 😀

Lazy Pelican · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20 2018, 07:28 »

Hi Chill,

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

John

GeoffV · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20 2018, 10:08 »

Quote from: Lazy Pelican on October 20 2018, 07:28

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

Bav32 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20 2018, 14:37 »

Quote from: GeoffV on October 20 2018, 10:08

Quote from: Lazy Pelican on October 20 2018, 07:28
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...

Spirit of Mary · « **Reply #19 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

WAArete · « **Reply #20 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....

Symphony · « **Reply #21 on:** October 21 2018, 11:04 »

What make of bow thruster is it?

WAArete · « **Reply #22 on:** October 22 2018, 03:52 »

Vetus, I have the boat out of the water. I need to contact them for an anode. ...

Salty · « **Reply #23 on:** October 22 2018, 04:51 »

Quote from: 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....

Yacht chandlers, eBay, plenty of anode suppliers online.

Laysula · « **Reply #24 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.