Long, strange trip ahead

[Keel_Hauled]

OK....Repairs and modifications currently on my list or underway on my :

DONE:
Resurface Rudders
New trailer lights and tires
Replace UP trim relay on Suzuki DF50
Purchase, register dinghy
Purchase Honda 7.5 outboard for dinghy

In progress or on the to do list (all parts purchased and waiting in garage):
Replace standing rigging
Replace swim ladder with BWY's version on port stern and install grab-bar
Install steering quick disconnect for outboard
Install Kicker-mount for 7.5 outboard on starboard stern
Remove and repair centerboard; ex-wife somehow cracked/split it head. I am very surprised it wasn't lost
Build and install TEAK swim platform over steering linkage and rudder sensor
Replace all 6 windows; stopping to repair bubbles and thin spots on black gel-coat (as came from factory and became evident over the years)-- resurface completely
Repair spider cracks in gelcoat along sides of upper deck, the most egregious being along the sides just aft of the windows and beside the cockpit
Remove pedestal from cockpit, remove autopilot head unit from behind 21" steering wheel and Fluxgate compass from front base (remount on removable board that will seat in the Mast support fitting and will also house small compass and Garmin 182C GPS and move Fluxgate compass underneath stairs inside bilge)
Disassemble used TEAK furniture for use as board-stock for projects on boat
Replace pedestal, install new plexiglass sides with speakers installed
Install hour and RPM gauges where autopilot head unit was on pedestal (patch fiberglass hole, first)
Remove VHF and AM/FM/CD from current location
Move GPS antenna so BIMINI top doesn't land on it and crack the casing anymore
Build and install new galley cabinet and counter top with TEAK, install new sink and propane stove
Remove crappy electric water system improperly installed by ex-wife and replace with proper, pressure activated system (maybe use old system as washdown pump)
Install permanent fuel tank under forward v-birth
Install permanent water tank(s)
Install deck fills for each of the above
Move house and starting batteries forward and add second house and spare starting battery (probably starboard just forward of the dinette seat) and move battery switch to easily reachable location
Install VHF and AM/FM/CD in new cabinets along with power panels
Replace grommets on mainsail with SS grommets
Replace anchor, steaming and deck lights on mast (rewire to deck and steaming light to new power panel)
Install fuel locker covers (hopefully for storage instead of fuel tanks, now)
Get boat off of trailer and into marina slip then replace leaf springs and mounting hardware on old crappy steel trailer (cleaning and repainting trailer)
Remove old, peeling and ugly bottom paint
Polish boat then install new custom, full color boat name and logo vinyls.
Wax boat


WOW. This list seems like a lot more now that I finally logged it all someplace.....Now, how to get all this done and STILL GET TO USE THE BOAT THIS SUMMER !!?!?!?!?!?!??!


~K

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Wow! Lots of work... may I suggest a new/different boat. But wait. It's a Mac so we cherish our projects!

Bob

[Keel_Hauled]

Hmm....New boat ? I'm seriously considering selling my X and getting an M when I'm all done with this project- but then I'd have to do it all over again!!!

~K

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Nothing like switching from oil to water colors. It's all about the medium!

[csm]

Hope you're well rested
If you're doing saltwater launching, you may want to look into having the trailer dip galvanized; don't know about Flprida, but runs about $500 in Texas.

[robbarnes1965]

I with the get a new boat crowd on that one.

[Québec 1]

I think you should post this on sailing anarchy!

[pokerrick1]

Tell us more about the permanent fuel tank(s) under the forward V-Berth

Rick

[vizwhiz]

Now, how to get all this done and STILL GET TO USE THE BOAT THIS SUMMER !!

Nothing says you can't sail while doing or in between some of the mods!! A little forethought into which mods go together...and you could still be sailing!

[Keel_Hauled]

I actually just completed one project that I forgot to put on my list... I completely stripped and repainted the Suzuki DF50 as it was corroded and pitted from a life in saltwater from the previous owner and what I think is bad grounded in the fresh water marina I had it in for 2 years. Well, I'm still gonna add one or two more coats today... Anyway, that and a complete tune up and replacing all the fuel filters, IAC valve and Exhaust Manifold Temp Sensor (corroded away completely!!) and the motor runs like new !! Now on to the rest; first stop- dropping and repairing the split head on the centerboard and maybe adding some weight to it while I have it out...



~K

[raycarlson]

save your money,if the outside was pitted and corroded,the inside jackets are twice as bad and theres no remedy but a new motor.

[Keel_Hauled]

Actually, the inside wasn't nearly as bad as the outside. I disassembled the entire unit and carefully inspected it prior to stripping and resurfacing. The interior was not bad at all and the outside was ugly but not pitted to an extent that it even came close to compromising anything. This was purely a cosmetic issue that didn't cost very much but several hours of my own labor and not too much money.

Then again, if you've got $6k laying around to lay out for a new outboard I'd be willing to take it. My ex has cost me over $49K in attorney's fees for the divorce already so I'm not in a position to purchase a new one

~K

[vizwhiz]

so I'm not in a position to purchase a new one

Wife or motor?

You might need to ask Rick about this...he seems to have PLENTY of experience!

[Keel_Hauled]

Lol, VizWhiz.... Not worried about the wife thing here at all

I do have good news to report, though. The DF50 is up and running very nicely with no more annoying alarms, having replaced the Exhaust Manifold Temp Sensor and she pulls water just fine and purrs like a kitten at a nice 800 RPM idle. NICE

Now to drop the centerboard and really get started !!

~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Centerboard out ! Removal was very easy thanks to the vast experience I had to draw upon from this board, so a big THANK YOU ! to everyone who discussed this before

It's not as bad as it looked, but still needs a bit of love and care. The split in the head is relatively minor and I should have it clean, repaired and re-installed within 3 days.
Better news is that now I have a great test piece for the best way to strip this god awful bottom paint off with the least fuss






w00t !

~K