Ground Tackle Acquisition - Chain, Rode, Claw

With all of the modifications and upgrades that we have made to our Gemini 3200, we thought it was time to upgrade some of our most important equipment, ground tackle.

When we purchased our boat back in June 2009, it came with 2 fair sets of anchor, chain, and rode. Our future plans call for us spending most of our time at anchor; therefore, additional chain and rode are a necessity.

The upgrades to our ground tackle include: 100 feet of 5/16 BBB chain with 150 feet of 1/2 nylon rode, 60 feet of 5/16 BBB chain with 150 feet of 1/2 nylon rode, stainless steel anchor shackles, and 33 pound claw anchor.

You know, insurance companies are always reminding people to re-evaluate their insurance as it relates to changes in their lives. We believe that ground tackle is the most valuable insurance you can have on a boat. With the additions to our ground tackle equipment, we believe that we are more than adequately insured ;).

Settee Cushions Redo - Part 2

Six large cushions later, the settee is fresh and new! I finished the last two seat cushions just before we left for the July 4th weekend in Savannah and assembled them, as soon as we arrived.

The assembly consisted of me shoving the foam into the cushion covers I made. (I did not assemble the cushions in Atlanta, because we had to travel with them and to make the best us of space, I had to fold the foam.) You can see from the photo that I needed to work the foam, so that the it fills in all of the turns. The bottom cushions looked smoother after working the foam, with only one or two rolls in the fabric. If these don't smooth out within the next month or so, I will add a little batting. This will make the cushions fuller, thus removing the rolls.

I finished off the settee with two outdoor pillows from Cost Plus World Market.

We wanted the boat for feel fresh and tropical. I think that we have accomplished those feelings in the main saloon.

Windex 15

Our Gemini 3200 is a sailboat and it is important for us to know the direction of the wind, as it relates to our boat. One piece of existing equipment, on the boat, that give us wind directional and speed information is our Horizon Wind Indicator. However, the information from the Horizon is not always correct and is hard to see from our cockpit.

Based on the recommendation from Dick at Sail Harbor Marina, we had the boatyard install a new Windex 15 on the top of the mast. The cost was around $50.

With the new windex, existing Horizon instrument, our flag, and coupled with some homemade telltales made from vhf tape we should always know the wind direction.

Masthead/Steaming Light

USCG navigation light requirements for any recreational boat under 12 meters (39 feet) include a red port sidelight - visible 1nm, green starboard sidelight - visible 1nm, white stern light - visible 1nm, white 360 degree anchor light - visible 1nm, and white masthead/steaming -visible 2nm. When we stepped the mast back in April, we found that our masthead/steaming light was non-existent, only bare wires. (For anyone not familar with a sailboat, the masthead/steaming light is not on top of the mast, but about 1/3 the way up the mast.) Given that we had to buy a new light, we investigated installing a combination LED masthead/steaming/deck light fixture. The cost for a new LED light fixture was way out of our budget, so we purchased a Forespar Combination Steaming/Deck light.

The Forespar light was chosen, because of the rugged construction, ease of changing the light bulb, and price. We had the boatyard install the light, while the mast was down. Now all we have to do is wire it to our Gemini 3200's DC electrical panel.

Boat Composting Toilet/Head Conversion Page

One of the more popular blog entry series on our site is related to our composting toilet conversion posts. Alas, some of those interested in the topic have emailed us sharing that they find it difficult to pull together the posts in a cogent manner.

We've decided we would remedy this by building out a project page that captures all the steps, images, and stages in one place. The full transformation, from a liquid toilet system to a dry one, would be documented.

So, without further ado, here is the composting toilet/head project page:

http://www.sailboatfamily.com/BoatCompostingToiletHeadConversion.php

For those searching on the topic of converting from a traditional boat head to a composting one, we believe this new page will be a valuable resource for you.

Trojan 6V 145s Installed In Boat!

On May 30th, one of those "must do" tasks was completed but I couldn't claim success quite yet. I had installed the new Trojan batteries but I needed the system to run for a week to be sure it worked right.

In one of the photos you can see the 5.5 year old swollen SeaVolt 115 batteries on the left, and the beautiful new T-145s stacked neatly on the right.

The batteries were very heavy; I'm so glad I went with the 6Vs as recommended by the Living Aboard members.

With one final double check of the connections, I deemed that the batteries were in. Switching from battery bank 1 to bank 2 to both to off, while operating the electronic equipment gave a quick and dirty proof of correct wiring. I also put a Volt meter on the wires and it showed the proper numbers.

Now that it is a week later, I can proclaim the transplant was a success! The batteries show a full charge (receiving charge from both the solar panel system and from the dock side plug in), all instruments work, and the event feels positive! :)

Yeah!

New LED Tri/Anchor Light Installed

Our Gemini 3200 needed a new TriAnchor light, because our existing light was broken. We elected to upgraded to an Orca Green LED TriAnchor light with photodiode. The Ocra Green was chosen, because its durable and waterproof construction, LED bulb for its low amp draw of 0.5 amp at 12v, and the photodiode to turn off the anchor light in case we forget. The light was purchased from Sailor's Solutions for $390 (with shipping) and included our choice of mounting bracket. We had the light shipped directly to Sail Harbor Marina.

The boatyard at Sail Harbor Marina has already installed the new light on top of the mast and it looks great!

Composting Marine Toilet Conversion-Completed

Once the 3" Nicro Day/Night Plus Solar Vent was installed by Sail Harbor Marina and Boatyard, all that was left to do was to connect the hose to the vent and add the peat moss. Sounds simple right? It was simple after I noodled how to get the 1 1/2" hose to fit the 3" opening on the solar vent. I went out to Nature's Head's web site to see if they had an adapter or instructions that would help. They showed an adapter that came with my unit, but in it's original state would not work with our vent since the vent protruded below the ceiling. Using the "Contact Us" function on Nature's Head's web site, I sent an email asking for assistance. Within 24 hours I received an email from Larry at Nature's Head asking for my phone number so that we could talk. I sent Larry my phone number on Friday afternoon and didn't expect to he from him until after the Memorial Day holiday. To my astonishment, I receive a call from Larry on Saturday. We discussed the situation and come up with a solution together.

The solution was to trim the adapter that came with the unit down to fit the vent's opening. The Nicro Day/Night Plus Solar Vent has tabs on the inside, of the vent, for an insect screen. I trimmed the adapter down to size and notched out two notches for the tabs. After some tedious machining (trimming) using my Dremel, the adapter fit. I removed the adapter, connected the hose, place the adapter back on the vent, and checked if I could feel air being pulled out via the hose. SUCCESS!!

The last step was adding the peat moss. I added peat moss until the agitator could just barely touch it. Then I added water until the peat moss was a little moist.

Approximately, 6 months after starting this project it is complete!! YEAH!!!! (The only reason that we didn't complete this project earlier was we had more pressing projects, like getting the boat transported,etc.)

Nicro Day/Night Plus Solar Vents Installed

Sail Harbor Marina and Boatyard installed the 3 Nicro Day/Night Plus Solar Vents (2-4" vents and 1- 3" vent) that we had previously purchased.

We had the two 4" vents installed in the hatches at the galley and the head. The galley vent is an intake vent, while the vent located in the head is exhaust. Each of the 4" vents moves 1000 cubic feet of air per hour, which should be more than sufficient in keeping the air moving on our Gemini 3200. When we reviewed the installation of the vents, we noticed that the vent in the head was not working. After a little trouble-shooting, it was determined that the battery that came with the unit was bad. A replace battery is now on our "Need To Purchase" list.

The 3" vent was installed as an exhaust vent for our Nature's Head Composting Toilet, where the old pump out fitting was located (This is the 6th of 7 steps).

BTW:

**SAILRITE COUPON** I received an email this weekend from Sailrite with there latest deal. "Purchase an Ultrafeed Sewing Machine (#102500, 102600, 102700, 102800) from Sailrite between 5/28/2010 and 6/7/2010 and receive a free $100 Sailrite gift certificate for use on future orders."

Trojan 6v T-145 In Hand

Yesterday, I picked up the four new Trojan T-145 batteries we had ordered through Specialty Car Company, Stone Mountain, GA. I feel fortunate to have found the batteries and a company that provided me with excellent customer service, especially since I was an one-off customer. All of the other Trojan dealers in Georgia and South Carolina, that I talked to (which was everyone listed on the Trojan web site), told me that they did not carry the T-145 and ended the conversation. Jim at Specialty Car Company did the opposite, he told me when he could have the batteries and the price. How refreshing!

Our total cost for 4 new house bank batteries was $633. A great price and less than we had budgeted!

Lifeline Netting Installation

Last weekend, while in Savannah, we installed the lifeline netting purchased from On Deck Sports. The installation took approximately 2 hours. This short installation time is directly attributed to the construction of the netting. As mentioned in a previous post about the lifeline netting, it is trimmed with rope and has 2 stainless steel spring clips on each end. This made the installation easier, as we could see how the netting was going to fall before we started tying it to the stanchions and lifelines.

Our Gemini 3200 is 31'6" long. We purchased two 2'x40' nets, because we wanted the bow and most of the stern to be covered.

Installation began on the aft starboard side. We secured the netting to the lifelines and stanchions with a UV protected, poly twine and some simple to tie, but hard to untie knots. We melted the ends of the cut twine with a lighter. This will keep the twine from fraying. If we ever need to take down the netting, we can cut the twine.

The first 40' of netting ended almost in the middle of the bow. We clipped the second lifeline netting via the spring clips to the first and continued the netting down the port side to the stern. When it's time to anchor, we simply have to unclip the netting, anchor, and reclip the netting.

The deck of the boat is now 95% encapsulated by the lifeline netting. The only portion of the boat that is not covered, is the stern were our Honda outboard is located.

I now feel more comfortable with Dy being on deck. Before, I was afraid that she would slip through the lifelines and off the boat. The peace of mind is worth a ton more than the $100 for the netting and the 2 hours to install it.

Productive Weekend in Savannah

Hi Everyone! We had a very productive weekend in Savannah. The visit was to inspect the work of Sail Harbor Marina and Boatyard on our Gemini 3200, install the vinyl lettering, install the lifeline netting, and about 15 other boat related tasks.

We are very happy with Sail Harbor Marina and Boatyard. They have, so far, done excellent work on our Gemini 3200. The bottom of Ariel has been completely transformed from a void ridden gel coat to a smooth, protected surface. The picture on the top was taken after the old bottom paint was removed. Notice all of the small voids in the gel coat. Sail Harbor Boatyard faired out the surface, thus filling in the void with a fiberglass fairing compound. They then painted the bottom with 4 coats of Interprotect 2000E and 2 coats Pettit Ultima SR-60. There is now a noticeable difference, in thickness, between the side of the hulls and where the bottom paint begins. The picture on the bottom shows smooth, protected hulls.

The boatyard also installed 3 Nicro Day/Night Plus Solar Vents, that we had previously purchased. Two of the vents are for cabin ventilation and the last vent, for composting toilet exhaust. Upon inspection, we noticed that one of the vents was not working. After a little trouble-shooting, we were able to determine that the rechargeable battery that came with the unit was no good. We simply removed the battery and the fan started immediately. A rechargeable battery for the unit is now on our need to purchase list.

The mast is almost ready to be stepped. The boatyard has installed the new LED tri/anchor light, steaming/deck light, and windex wind instrument. All of the standing rigging had been inspected, using a liquid that highlight any cracks/fractures. All of the rigging checked out okay. Yeah, because it would have been expensive to replace and a big hit to our budget.

Bill and I were able to install the vinyl lettering and the lifeline netting. We also completed several of the other tasks on our list and got to spend some time with the girls at Tybee Island Beach. What a GREAT weekend!

Picking A 6V Trojan Battery For The Boat

2 weeks ago I faced a decision regarding the batteries on our Gemini, do I continue the current configuration of 2 six volt batteries per bank or go with a single twelve volt battery per bank. Based on all the reading I had done, I was pretty certain I could go with the single 12 V without issue. However, I elected to ask fellow forum members at the Living Aboard Forums their experienced opinions. After reading all the responses, I'm glad I did.

It seems the best bet is to go with the multiple 6V batteries as I'm more likely to get true deep cycle behavior I need from the batteries.

If the materials were guaranteed to be the same (actual metal on plates, their proportional thicknesses, the distances of the plates, etc.), then from a discharge perspective there should be no real difference between two 6V batteries and one 12V battery. Alas, marketing hype and the dissolution of the meaning “deep cycle” make this tough to guarantee short of taking the batteries apart and looking inside.

Other factors that are in favor of the 6V include being easier to lift 4 individual heavy blocks one at a time versus 2 heavier blocks one at a time. Additionally, if a cell fries then a smaller unit replacement is possible (e.g. just one 6V versus an entire 12V battery).

I'm also going after a true Golf Cart battery, and in this case it will be a Trojan T-145 6V Deep Cycle. It provides 215 Amp Hours at a 5 hour rate, and 260 Amp Hours at a 20 hour rate. Each battery weighs 72 pounds (eating nicely into our load capacity) and its dimensions match what we have space for.

With the configuration we have, two banks, with each bank consisting of two 6 volt batteries, we will have between 430 and 520 Amp Hours! With our switch out to LED lights, a low consumption electronic devices, and our election to use muscle power everywhere we can (e.g. I'm the windlass) means that we will have plenty of power capacity for our needs between charges.

Lifeline Netting - Prep for Installation

Now that we have the lifeline netting from On Deck Sports, we have one task to complete before installation. The task is searing the end of each and every piece of cut netting. This is a very time consuming and labor intensive task, but I would rather sear the ends today than replace the netting in 6 months because I didn't. Based on reviews provided by members of Cruisers Forum, this netting should easily last 3 years.

Lifeline Netting

Just in, our new lifeline netting. We decided several months ago that lifeline netting would be an important safety upgrade to our Gemini 3200, especially with our two girls on board.

We researched the netting at all of the usually marine chandlers. The pricing and mixed reviews on the netting were discouraging. We then turned our research to sailing forums. Some of the members of Cruisers Forum recommend sports netting from On Deck Sports. We were encouraged by the forum's thread, product reviews, and price. An order was placed and within 1 week we received 2 custom lifeline netting (2'x40').

The netting exceeds every expectation. Instead of just getting netting, we received netting trimmed with rope and 2 stainless steel spring clips, on each end.

We can't wait to install them on our next visit to Ariel!

Complete Raymarine Super System Pack Plus for $2,065

With our recent win of a Radome, we've managed to create a fantastic boat electron super system for only $2,065. This is what we have:

1. C70 Multi-Function Display (MSRP $1455)
2. DSM30 Digital Sounder Module (MSRP $550)
3. Raystar 125 GPS Sensor (MSRP $365)
4. RD218 Radome (MSRP $1415)
5. SeaTalk Cables (MSRP $35)
6. P66 High Speed Transom Mount Transducer (MSRP $152)
7. Navionics Gold East Coast and Bahamas electronic maps (MSRP $169.99)

All for about $2K!

Pulling this stuff together only took patience. We lurked on craigslist, ebay, and marina bulletin boards and executed when the prices were right.

Our original budget for the Radar system was $2,500. This was to buy only a multi-function display and a radar. We spend $2,065 and got much more.

Radome RD218 Purchased on Ebay!

We found our Radome!! We had the winning bid on eBay for a "nearly new" RD218. We paid $835, and this includes shipping and the 15 meters of cable! After watching for months, we finally got the one we wanted.

While this unit's MSRP runs at $1,415 with the 15 meter cable., but have found it new for $1,059.99 without the cable.

We picked the RD218 for a few different reasons:

• Our boat's multifunction display is Raymarine
• Our desired scanning distance is only 7 miles, and this units maximum is 24 nautical miles
• Our low power consumption needs must be adhered to and this unit draws only 2.3 amps per hour in active mode and 0.75 amps per hour in passive mode

Major win for us! Our Radar system is now complete!

Now all we need to do is install it. :)

Seimens Solar Panels On Gemini 3200 Rear Arch

A previous owner installed 2 Seimens 75 Watt Solar panels (Seimens SP75) on the rear arch on our Gemini 3200. Based on the documentation, we believe the panels were installed in 2005.

All wires are routed through the arch and into the main cabin, where they are attached to a Seimens Solar Controller located on the electrical panel. The controller is then connected directly to the batteries.

When we add the D-400 Wind Generator, we will have an issue of multiple controllers and balancing battery top-off

levels. We will also have a problem with ghost loads appearing and we will need to put in a charge divert. This will be fun!

The photos are provided for others interested in Solar Panel configurations and installation approaches.

Readi Amp 8 - A Battery Killer?

This month, I've begun focusing in on the battery system. As shared previously, I'm in charge of the electrical systems. As such, I have to ensure we have plenty of charge for our needs, our boat is wired safely, and our components will withstand the rigors of full time cruising.

While dissecting our electrical system, I discovered a Readi Amp 8 battery charger. While doing some google searches, I found phrases such as "Battery Killer" and "Unreliable." How true are these statements? I don't know. The Readi Amp 8 on the boat appears to be original equipment, which means it is 19 years old.

The batteries on the boat are swollen and they need to be replaced. Were they over charged due to the Readi Amp 8? I don' t know.

The documentation for the Readi Amp 8 is very poor, and I want to install a system that I have confidence and knowledge in. Consequently, I will be acquiring a battery charger from Xantrex. These are not only high quality, but they are complimentary with the other Xantrex components we have (such as the inverter).

This change out will be fun and interesting. The spaces are confined. I wouldn't expect, or want, it any other way.

Raymarine C70 Acquired!

This past Saturday, our Raymarine C70 system that we purchased on eBay arrived!! With all the pageantry a 4 year old and a 1.75 year old can muster, we headed to the complex office to collect our package. Bringing it into the apartment, everyone was all smiles and tense. You never know when you buy stuff like this from eBay. After unwrapping the boxes, we found everything as promised in the ad! We are very happy with what we received. Next step is to install it on the boat. There are a few wires I will need to splice together, then we have to mount the transducer and GPS unit. After that, we will fire the unit up!