<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< PROGRESS REPORT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

                         Flash new Dometic methylated spirits stove complete with flash new kettle,              

In an earlier post titled "STILL AFLOAT" This is the list of jobs that I was working through and the current status of each job.

- An internal bow to stern clean. -  COMPLETED

- External repaint. ( DECKS, CABIN SIDES AND TOP, COCKPIT) - COMPLETED

- Installation of a new stove. COMPLETED

- Construction of a forward cabin door. COMPLETED

- The design and construction of a new spray dodger (new shape). IN PLANNING STAGE

- Installation of a new toilet. COMPLETED

- Installation of a solar panel and controller. COMPLETED

- Haul out and antifouling painting. COMPLETED 

- General motor maintenance (filters, new battery etc). COMPLETED 

Flash new toilet that has been recently installed.

As can be seen from the above list the only major job to complete is the spray dodger. I have the stainless steel dodger frames and fittings all ready to go but I am now thinking of constructing a solid timber / fiberglass spray dodger. Not, I hope some ugly boxy contraption, rather something that is aesthetically pleasing as well as being functional - So - watch this space.

 

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< SOLAR PANEL (2) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This is the other end of the solar panel installation. The solar panel controller is the digital display module with the blue facia. Basically, it controls the amount of charge going into the battery and prevents the battery from overcharging. The size of the solar panel is small (10 watts) so it is only a step above a trickle charge maintenance type set up. I have one battery which is the diesel engines crank or starter battery. The only other down stream consumer of battery power are the cabin and navigation lights and the Single Side Band Radio (of intermittent use). I don't run a fridge, freezer or any of the other whizz bang electronics such as a chart plotter or other electronic fan dangles that demand a continuous flow of electricity when underway. I work on the KISS principle - Keep, It, Simple, Stupid! - So simple it is and that's the way I like it.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< SOLAR PANEL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A solar panel is something I should have installed years ago. I have been relying on periodically running the motor to keep the battery fully charged. This has had the advantage that the boat gets opened up and aired out while the engine and all the other routine checks (mooring lines etc) get done. The disadvantage is that if for some reason there are extended periods where the boat is not getting visited and / or used (overseas travel or any other reason) then battery life is shortened.... and batteries are expensive. So, when a friend who is a qualified electrician and electronics engineer offered me a solar cell he no longer had any use for (along with installation advice and help), I jumped at the offer. The photo shows the first stage which is the external mounting and installation. Mounting the solar cell and running the wires has called for careful planning and execution - especially keeping the whole system watertight. I have to admit I had to gulp hard a few times before drilling into the cabin top roof and other structural components The first half of the job is now complete. The next stage involves running the wiring back to the solar cell controller and then attaching the whole system to the boats battery ..... roll on stage two - watch this space  : > )