What Mods do you have planned for the winter?

Four Suns

Four Suns

Not a pot stirrer
TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 4, 2006
10,533
Williamsburg, VA
Boat Info
2003 480 DB
Engines
QSM-11 Diesels
I view Labor Day as the day to begin to figure out and budget for any mods my boat will see over the winter. It's also the "New Year's Resolution" type of thing to see how many I can keep and get finished. Last year was my electronics mast and computer, major "600 hour maintenance" on the engines (water pumps, heat exchanger flushing, coolant flushing, transmission service, etc), and a professional crew compounding and polishing the topsides.

For the 2008 season, these are my "top 5"

1. Audio/Video upgrade for the inside with HD LCD's and HDTV on the sat system along with a "real" audio and video distribution system.
2. New canvas (I'm at 5 years)
3. Watermaker
4. New overhead custom molded fiberglass electronics box on the bridge (original one is too small)
5. Finish SSB install and spare fixed mount VHF

So... what is everyone elses? We'll look back here in April and see what people thought they could do versus what they actually got done.

Maybe I'll actually get to the Bahamas next summer....
 
Anchor windlass
Re-upholster helm seat / cockpit side panels
Coat the entire cockpit in "Tuff-Coat"
Re-paint the dash / helm and install new gauges
New door and hatch panels / re-finish teak trim
 
- Inverter
- Second E-120 display
- Autopilot
- Computer hook-up to Nav system
- maybe Sirius weather hook up

hmmmmmmm, a watermaker...... I hadn't thought of that!
 
1. Restock fridge with beer.

2. Stop by after work, have a beer and relax.

3. Repeat Loop 2

4. Restock fridge with beer.

5. Repeat Loop 1
 
install smart tabs from bennett.

repair cockpict cover

find somewhere south to put my boat for the winter.

try not to buy a bigger boat

put a real mattress in the boat

see how much maint I can do myself without screwing anything up. taking bets in $20 increments.

Convince Gary to let me keep my boat at his dock.

Teach my dog how to pee in the water without peeing on the swim platform.

figure out how to make $800,000 in 6 month to buy a bigger boat.

find a place to mount my burgee
 
Raritan Sea-Era is on the way and the holding tank is already in. The portapottie will be destroyed with malice.

A/C and/or a bow thruster will be the major winter project. Not sure which would be more fun to use/install though?? :wink:
 
Our boat is approaching 10 years old and while the carpet is clean, the Sunbrella protectors are showing their age. I can't remove them because of the extra carpet glue Sea Ray thru in at no charge on our boat......its on top of the carpet. I'm probably going to replace the carpet with a teak and holley cabin sole if I can find a source for the teak and holley panels in 12 ft lengths.
 
Install:
Racor fuel/air separators
Auto trim tab retractor (I keep leaving them down)
petcocks on the Racor filter bowls
Engine (or generator) driven de-watering system
Sirius weather receiver
Remote for autopilot
camera in salon and maybe one in the cockpit
Wind indicator interfaced with the E-120

Funny how Dominic already has the first 4 items on MY list. :smt017
 
Sea Gull said:
Funny how Dominic already has the first 4 items on MY list. :smt017
Click to expand...

Jeff:

Don't forget to add some AGM batteries.... :grin:

Looks like I'm done for the winter.....I'm just gonna wait for spring and launch....
 
1. Take wife to look at bigger boats.
2. Continue to potty train the 3 year old by offering him some big dude "helm time" in the 420 if he will just get on with the potty thing.
3. Finally buy the handheld GPS I've wanted.
4. Take wife to look at larger boats.
5. Convince the dockmaster to give me the 55' slip that is available in order to prepare for the eventual bigger boat.
5. Take wife to look at larger boats.

regards
Skip
 
I only have one.

1) Add 6 feet in LOA and a second engine.
 
Alex D said:
Trading up to a 410DA (most likely) or 460DA (not so likely) :grin: :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

If things work out, I may know of a nice 410DA cominig available to trade on....that is....if the right 460DA comes in ..... :grin:
 
1. get I/O bellows, engine coupler & pump impellers replaced as preventive maintenance
2. install new stereo & remote, replace speakers, add speakers, including transom remote and transom speakers
3. get LED anchor lite
4. put roller guides on the trailer
5. look at bigger boats
6. go to Chicago boat show to look at bigger boats
7. install 2000 gph backup bilge pump & switch
8. replace holding tank vent fiter cartridge
9. replace fridge and cooktop
10. line cockpit ice chest with insulation
 
1. Install air conditioning in head.
2. Installing fixed mounted radio and antenna.
3. Purchase personal epirbs.
4. Install bow scuff plate.
5. Mount self wax and shine machine.
6. Install bow mounted rocket launcher.
 
Frank W

I would love to hear more about your plans for the teak and holly floor, we have been thinking about the same some day.....

My list this winter actually is not too bad.....

I have 600 hrs on the Westerbeke so I am going to do a full tune up plus pull the heat exchanger to have it cleaned.

Only non-normal winter maintenace on my engines will be to have the port side heat exchanger clean with the one from the Gen set. I did the starboard side last year to have it repaired and as a result the starboard motor has been running 5-10 degrees cooler this season.

I am going to take apart my entire exhaust system, clean the mating surfaces of the castings and replace all the gaskets. Risers have 4 seasons on them so they will probably go another 2 or so.

I am going to make a cutting board cover for the stove using some left over butcher block from a project I did at home last winter.

I may finally add the rub rail to my swim platform like Frank W has

I may install a drain in the very anoying space in the cockpit floor were water pools in front of my port side seat

If I get really motivate I may try and fix the EL lighting on the dash which just went on the blink and/or replace the dash pannels.

But first I have 1400 sq ft of pre finished hardwood floor to lay at home this winter before ANY boat repairs are made....
 
I would like for my 30ft hull to expand to about a 36 ft hull. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: I have found a couple of 360DA that are for sale by owner...but need to sell my boat first.
 
Winter Projects? My God, this past season I Have:

Added 4 AGM Batteries.
Added 4 cockpit speakers, 2 hanging from arch
Added 4 channel amp for the above
Repaired windlass motor
Installed Rod Holders (Just yesterday and today)
Replaced Bilge Blowers
Repaired Stbd Bilge Blower circuit
Changed engine oil
Changed Genny Oil, Impellar, Zinc
Re-wired TVs to actually work
Had Gel-Coat repair done - twice
Replaced cup holders with SS ones
Added Dinghy, Motor, Registration, fuel tank, numbers, insurance
Moved to new dock and customized it for protection
Drank a beer or 200
Outfitted interior with sheets, comforters, pillows, towels, blender, toaster, hot plate, blender, table cloth, blender
Replaced Coffee pot (Painful)

Still to go:

Underwater lights
Engine impellars
Transmission coolers

Next Year:

New Canvas with camper and heavy glass
 
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