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One Project Leads to Another

While quite some time has passed since I finished my “big” project for this spring, I realized that I had failed to write an update showing the completion of the project.

If you had been reading before, you may recall I installed a windlass this spring, which turned into one of those projects where you might as well do this or that while the boat is torn apart, and was an opportunity to take care of some things that I’ve had my eye on for a while.  I’ve used the boat several times since finishing, and I’m pretty happy with the way things turned out.

In the process of installing the windlass, I had to pull some hefty wire to the bow of the boat, which required removing some interior panels.  This resulted in the headliner over the vee-berth being disrupted and was the perfect reason to replace it.  While replacing that portion, might as well do the entire thing.

Replacement began with ripping out the old, original vinyl material.  That part goes pretty quick, except for the thousand or so staples holding everything in place.

Continue reading “One Project Leads to Another”

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Operation Warm, Dry Boat

For a few years now, I’ve been lucky to be able to extend my cruising, and for all intents and purposes consider myself a year-round boater.  I’ve enjoyed four season cruising thanks to free time and decent weather.  Mostly I’d end up tied to a dock, plugged in to 20130209-001112.jpgshore power to keep the boat warm, but that isn’t where I want to spend all my time.

I’ve always wanted to explore the best anchorages in the colder months when the crowds are at home, and experience the changes of the landscape with the changes of the seasons. Oh, I’ve spent a few nights on the hook in the winter time, and it’s totally doable – It just gets butt cold!  Even in the summer, some dry heat will be a welcome treat on damp mornings, evenings, and when caught by the rain.

This is a project that I’ve considered over the years, but the cost of the equipment and considering mounting locations made me squeamish, and I’d put it off another year.  Like a lot of other projects on the boat, paying someone to do it was simply not an option, as it would be totally cost-prohibitive for me. Continue reading “Operation Warm, Dry Boat”

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Checking Some Projects off the List – Cockpit Headliner

It never fails, time gets away from me. I always have a list of projects and maintenance I’d like to get done prior to the summer cruising season, and inevitably I’m not able to cross every item off the list. You know, only so much time or money.

This year I have, or rather had, a rather ambitious list, and managed to tackle several items, leaving a few for future lists.

One of the projects I’ve been wanting to do for a while is replace the boat’s vinyl headliner. As far as I know, it’s all original. The entire headliner needs replacement, but I’m starting with the cockpit hardtop , as the interior cabin headliner is still in pretty decent shape.

It took a while to work up the courage to begin pulling down the old headliner material, but finally after the first rrrrrrrriiiiiiiippp I was committed.

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In short order the old headliner was out and in the dumpster along with the hundreds of staples that held it in place to the hardtop furring strips. Oh, and I forgot to mention I would be heading to the annual Tollycraft Rendezvous in a few weeks, so I am up against a bit of a timeline.

While everything was open, I had plans to install some handrails, relocate my antennas, and install a couple of stainless pad eyes for tying down kayaks. All hardware was installed with plywood backing and stainless fasteners.

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I also relocated some of my electronics from the dash to be mounted above the windshield. This involved some wire runs, which required some planning, and gave me an opportunity to clean up some old installations. I’m amazed at the time it can take for planning and layout, but I’m glad when I take that time. I’m learning the importance of such, hence the “clean up some old installations” remark…

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The new headliner will be white perforated vinyl material glued and wrapped on 1/8 inch mahogany ply. I cut and fit the panels, and was pleased that they fit pretty much perfectly. br />
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The fabric was cut to size, and mounted to the panels using 3M Spray Adhesive. After spraying both the fabric and wood, they were left to dry for five minutes or so. I was surprised at just how easy this process was. I layed the fabric glue side up on a flat surface, and simply dropped the panel glue side down into position and pressed the two together. I allowed about an inch of fabric beyond the edges of the panels,, and after spraying the perimeter of the back of the panel, the material was stretched and glued around the edges and through openings for for cable runs and recessed lighting.< 20130621-000628.jpg

The glued panels were left to set for a couple of days to allow the glue to cure and me to go to work.
Once at the boat, the panels were set in place and temporarily fastened with a few screws between the panels. Wiring of the recessed LED lights and electronics was completed.

The installation was finished with mahogany battens set over the seam between the panels and secured with screws. I made the battens by ripping one by three mahogany with my table saw into a one quarter by three quarter inch strips.

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I’m very happy with the finished project, and look forward to tackling the headliner in the cabin and vee berth area some day.

For now, it’s time to go boating.