The New Journey of Over Easy Continues......
Part 3 of our journey has been our Spring 2021 modifications to and evaluation “sea trials” of them.
1) Electrical - Dual Battery & Selective Charge/Use Selector Switch System Modification
This has worked out very nicely. The system has given us the ability to charge and or use either of our batteries independently or together. This has given us a valid means for true “Master Switch” battery isolation from all onboard electrical systems, a manually resettable 60 Amp MAIN BREAKER and a digitally enabled battery charger/maintainer with WiFi remote monitor/control capability (this is useful both when in-slip at the marina as well as at home in the driveway or when traveling as an RV in campgrounds).
Testing to date has all been positive and reliable. The inherited START battery and new START/DEEP CYCLE battery both work well, charges, runs vessel electrical needs and preforms start functions independently and together without hesitation. Manual cycle testing of the marine grade 60 Amp breaker 50 times under and without load works very nicely.
2) Electrical - New Intermediate Electrical Panel and Control Switch Center (& associated wiring additions)
These have are working out very nicely for us. Removing the prior switch plate allowed for better space utilization over the seat aft of the galley where we will be using the square cooler that came with Over Easy as it no longer has to be moved to access the vessel electrical switches. We now have 12 switches protected by circuit breakers vs. 4 switches protected by fuses. The electrical wiring is routed through valid marine grade bus bars for Positive and Negative as well as proper terminal strips. Wire runs have been gathered and secured. Engine strat cables have been removed from potential moisture/water contact by routing through proper flextite conduit, connectors and electrical box with isolated bolted connection panel. The aft wiring has been cleaned up and secured to improve accessibility in the aft berth area.
The Control Switch Center is providing us with an easily accessed and visible status check location for vessel electrical circuits and the bilge pump control/status switches and alarm. Separate switches for separate circuits. Moving everything to circuit breakers give a great confidence in not having to fuss with fuse removal/replacement hassles and carrying spare fuses that have to be stored/remembered/retrieved when an incident occurs. It is so nice to see at a glance what is going on and have ready access. Very pleased with this improvement.
3) Pre-Emptively Installed Bilge Pumps and Pre-Positiond Bilge Vacuum Lines Systems
While Over Easy is a dry vessel (other than minor rain intrusion which is to be expected) we chose to add multiple bilge pumps pre-emptively for the central Port/Starboard/Center bilge pumps. These have worked out nicely and in the event of an incident will help buy us time to address the damage while the pumps out perform any manual bailing efforts and/or take other operational/navigational aspects. (Note: Bilge pumps should not be relied upon to address any known or persistent leakage issues which should be investigated and resolved to eliminate them at their source). A back-up central bilge high water alarm switch and monitor alarm are in place but as yet we have not completed installation/activation which is scheduled for later in May.
The auto/manual controls are functioning and active for the three current bilge pumps and have been tested for operation. These controls allow for manual switch and stay-on operation of the bilge pumps which is beneficial from our perspective should that function ever be needed rather than a momentary press and hold switch. (Note: The two additional bilge pumps for the aft center/stern are still TBD on the schedule but their controls are alseady in place on the Control Switch Box.
The pre-positioned vacuum out lines for the Port/Starboard/Center bilges have been tested they work great! These allow us to remove any residual water that collects/remains below the bilge pump pickup level by simply holding a wet vacuum to the companionway ports. These alleviate the need to physically open up the accesses to the bilges to remove any residual water. Got to admit these are working great and have been fun to play with! We will try to include an operational video of this or at least some still pictures of this in action.
VERY PLEASED WITH THESE!
4) Galley Modification
This is SO MUCH MORE USABLE and FUNCTIONABLE SPACE for us vs. the original galley arrangement. The two levels of six baskets makes organizing and storage a dream. Reorganizing basket locations is a snap. The raised top box structure is very convenient and the improve working surface height makes it so much easier when standing and when seated. The back storage cubby is very useful as a place to put supplies needed more frequently. The split two part top surface works nicely. The internal storage space access is very much appreciated already in just this brief time. Can’t wait to try it out on an overbite for breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks preparation.
5) Dual 12 Gallon Fuel Tank Modification
These are really nice and convenient to use. While there are issues related to the pressure sealing aspect of the tanks to comply with EPA mandates the 24 gallon storage capacity is very appreciated. Currently it would appear that we can cruise at 2800 rpm for 5+ hours per tank or 10+ hours total before needing to refuel. This is a rough estimate and distances depend upon multiple factors such as currents, winds, etc... (Note: Completion of the fuel system with tank selector valve, fuel filter and fuel demand valve (pressure regulator is currently TBD awaiting parts and S/B completed in May). It is nice to have the capability of operational time that these tanks afford us.
6) Interior “Through The Hull” Sonar Transducer Mounting
This has worked out nicely! Mounting amidships within the hull gives true relevant depth below the hull. Keeping it inboard saves us on the buildup of sea scum and related vegetation that n external transom mount might entail. This aspect has worked great for simple depth and fish finding but we have yet to familiarize ourselves with all the other functions this system is capable of.
7) GARMIN - Chartplotter and Sonar
The chart plotter works fantastic! Very easy to use and seems to be much more accurate than advertised.
Still need to continue to work with the unit to better understand and use all of its features and capabilities.
Vessel Handling as a Motor Cruiser
While it is taking a little bit of adapting on our part we are pleasantly surprised with the handling aspects of our Mac26X as a motor cruiser. Especially once we filled the ballast. Currently we are incrementally improving our skill set with each trip out. Improving but still a long way to go!
9) Engine Operation
The one aspect that has been problematic is the functional performance of our 20 year old 2-stroke engine.
It may very well be a tuning issue or something benignly simple. This is something we are currently and actively looking into.
Opps! Time is run out for now and we will upload photos later as time permits.
It is getting to a favorable tide window and we have to get ready to take Over Easy out again!
The Journey Continues....
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