A New Journey Begins for OverEasy - 2020/2022

This is a place to document your trips with your boat. Tell us about your journeys. Share your experiences. Post your pictures.
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Russ
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by Russ »

Inquisitor wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 4:53 am Aside - Your topic has kind of changed... and really this stuff might be more appropriately in the Repairs and Modifications section and broken up into multiple topics. There's lots of good information here. That way, in the future, when someone wants advice and searches on bilge pumps or electrical work, they'll get a concise topic versus digging through various portions of multiple posts in a topic with many other subjects.
Good point. Maybe one of the experienced admins can split this thread into the mods section.
--Russ
LeePierce
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by LeePierce »

As long as you are not afraid to mod the glass.
I took the floor out of the bathroom so that I can stand on the hull.
The ballast tank goes partially into the bathroom, so be careful and watch the depth.
This included taking out the sink and making a new platform where the sink was, and then placing the porta-potty there.
Gives a person a chance to put clothes in place before falling out the door.
I also cut the flotation and anchor locker out of the front so I can actually sleep in the front v-birth.
Anchor locker was not deep enough for anything other than the chain anyway.
Anchor is currently on a rail holder but will soon be on a roller with a pulpit.
Lee Pierce
Euless Texas (South of Dallas Ft-Worth Airport)
2000 Mac 26X
K9Kampers
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by K9Kampers »

Russ wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 6:36 am Some very nice work here. This is particularly impressive.

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I have the same view as Inq. When I see that panel, it says "This boat has had water problems. Look at all those bilge pumps and alarms on a 26' sailboat". Just curious, did K9 report water accumulated in the bilges?
That is impressive work indeed!

No, as the former owner, I never experienced nor reported any water accumulation issues to warrant such extensive modifications. Other than the occasional rainwater intrusion that others experience, my Over Easy was a dry boat.
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi LeePierce!

It’s funny that thing some people have about bilge pumps. Our philosophy is to follow the mottos of “Be Prepared” and “Plan for the Worst - Hope for the Best”.

There is no evidence of Over Easy ever having any water damage or intrusion (other than very minor chain plate, screw hole or window seam leaks which are to be expected. The primary purpose of any good system design for people is to mitigate for the adverse potential condition. Like seat belts and airbags in cars. Many people can and do spend an entire lifetime driving without ever having had to really use either a seatbelt or an airbag in a substantial collision. But, that said, IF and WHEN one were to be in a substantial collision one would be very grateful that both were preemptively installed, fully operational and utilized. (I can attest to that having spent many years as a Medic for a midsized city.) Having an adequate bilge pump system is a similar preemptive action we decided to invest in. Right now with 3 pumps we are actually at a minimum of the current guidelines for a 26 foot vessel. With the next 2 pumps we should be well within that design guidance.

In design and practice one should not use a bilge pump to address a persistent problem or issues with chronic measurable water intrusions. If anyone “needs” a pump to deal with a consistent problem they actually “need to solve” the water intrusion. (Note: Even just one of our bilge pumps is more capable than any person with a bucket. Never mind the aspects of finding/plugging the leak and getting to a safe place.)

In the event we ever do have an incident where we incur a substantial collision with something that results in water ingress the bilge pumps help us automatically “buy time” to deal with the problem instead of just relying on the built-in flotation.(Which is a GREAT thing that Macgregor did!)

We are planning on many extended trips in Over Easy on many different waterways and conditions. Having bilge pumps gives us options and peace of mind (within reason) that we have preemptively bought time to hopefully address an issue before it becomes an incident.

It works for us. 😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi All!!

Good thoughts and comments.
Our POs are great people and took good care of Over Easy. Our modifications are part of our choices and are not in any way shape or form a reflection on their good work. 😊😊 Again, our POs are wonderful people!👍👍

We view our work on Over Easy as part our own unique journey with our vessel as any particular transit along a waterway and hopefully is seen as such. As such we enjoy doing what we can to customize her to better suit our desires.

We have and can add some of what we have done, and will do, to the other forums.

This is just a very significant part of our personal journey with Over Easy as we prepare her and ourselves in becoming better equipped for the future.

😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi All!!

Good thoughts and comments.
Our POs are great people and took good care of Over Easy. Our modifications are part of our choices and are not in any way shape or form a reflection on their good work. 😊😊 Again, our POs are wonderful people!👍👍

We view our work on Over Easy as part our own unique journey with our vessel as any particular transit along a waterway and hopefully is seen as such. As such we enjoy doing what we can to customize her to better suit our desires.

We have and can add some of what we have done, and will do, to the other forums.

This is just a very significant part of our personal journey with Over Easy as we prepare her and ourselves in becoming better equipped for the future.

😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

This is kind of technical and we will start a R&M topic thread on it.

On the two pre-existing thru-hulls.... We decided to plug them but still retain them.

As designed they came from the factory as glassed in 3/4 inch diameter PVC pipe. We used PVC glued fittings and properly sealed threads. We feel this is much more secure than the smooth pipe and vinyl tube band clamps originally installed.

😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Battery Switches.... Again kind of technical and we will open a new R&M topic thread on it.

Basically batteries ‘like’ to charge independently of each other. This is particularly true of “Start” batteries mixed with “Deep Cycle” and or combined use “Start/Deep Cycle” batteries.

Over Easy came with a good Start battery from April 2019. For our purposes we wanted more storage capacity so we decided that for our 2nd battery a combined use Start/Deep Cycle would work.

Our system allows for switch selectable battery isolation and usage or combined use/charge if desired.

The Aft (left) switch only addresses which particular battery(s) is gets charged from a shore power (or future generator) charger.

The Fwd (right) switch only addresses which particular battery(s) is currently being used by the vessel systems.

It is the same system we designed and have previously used on our former 30ft travel trailer for over a decade and a half.

Again, this is what we are comfortable with that meets our anticipated voyage needs.

😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

BTW: Yes I agree with the aspect of the minimalistic anchor locker!!! We are still struggling with that!🤔🤔

Not sure what we’re gonna do but we gotta do something. :D :D
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Inquisitor
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by Inquisitor »

OverEasy wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:18 am Battery Switches.... Again kind of technical and we will open a new R&M topic thread on it.

Basically batteries ‘like’ to charge independently of each other. This is particularly true of “Start” batteries mixed with “Deep Cycle” and or combined use “Start/Deep Cycle” batteries.

Over Easy came with a good Start battery from April 2019. For our purposes we wanted more storage capacity so we decided that for our 2nd battery a combined use Start/Deep Cycle would work.

Our system allows for switch selectable battery isolation and usage or combined use/charge if desired.

The Aft (left) switch only addresses which particular battery(s) is gets charged from a shore power (or future generator) charger.

The Fwd (right) switch only addresses which particular battery(s) is currently being used by the vessel systems.

It is the same system we designed and have previously used on our former 30ft travel trailer for over a decade and a half.

Again, this is what we are comfortable with that meets our anticipated voyage needs.

😎😎
In a mixed Lithium House/Lead-Acid start battery, I'm still studying some theories... viewtopic.php?f=9&t=28110 They seem to complement each other.

I think I see what you're saying... you can say... charge either battery while its not tied to the house AND simultaneously have the other draining on the house side, but not connected to the charging side??? AND you can also be charging both and using both? Way cool! 8)

Do you have a schematic? In this case, a pictures is worth far more than a thousand words. :?
Odysseus, expert on the Siren's call
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi Inquisitor!

Yes! You get it!😀😀

We’d love to but it has the two batteries in the way at the moment. When we get to detailing this aspect out as a R&M topic thread we will clear out the batteries for a photo. A hand schematic will be included there as well. 🙂🙂

We are currently in the midst of developing our new galley and we are in it’s throes at the moment. One more tool in here and the trailer tires may just give up :D :D


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It’s also about 85 F, the no-see-ums, midges, other bitey things are out on force today. Currently hiding behind a companionway screen our very nice POs provided with Over Easy!

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It has been VERY much appreciated! 😊😊

😎😎
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi Inquisitor

We made a new R&M thread titled “ Dual Battery Select Charge & Use Cuntrol Switch System Modification” with the technical aspects somewhat more detailed out and a schematic of how the Perko switches are wired.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

8) 8)
OverEasy
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by OverEasy »

Hi!

The Journey continues!
The past couple of weeks have been busy and exciting as the galley renovation has progressed to near completion!

The “stock” Mac26X galley is functional and many find it to be perfect for their needs for an occasional meal on the water. MacGregor did a good job providing a simple functional galley. At the same time the design leaves room for individual creativity to meet the changing needs that different plans entail. It also explains why galley mods are one of the more popular activities owner embark upon.

As part of what we intend to do with Over Easy we decided that as part of our preparations we would include a galley renovation as well.

We started with the stock Mac26X galley:
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Then we removed the black fiberglass front piece with the odd sized nooks and hatch.
Next we removed the single burner alcohol stove followed by cutting away the top surface and sink:
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We took advantage of the timing to get several of our other projects accomplished like preemptively adding bilge pumps, adding a dual battery system and upgrading the electrical system with an intermediate panel and new control switch panel box while things were opened up. Once those projects were completed it was now time to finally get on with the galley project! :) :)

Our planning was to maximize easy access storage, provide for easy access to support future maintenance/modifications, avoid having to fabricate custom drawers, allow for low maintenance and minimize wood structure if possible. (We liked MacGregor’s design philosophy of being able to ‘hose down’ the interior if need be and minimizing the need to refinish surfaces.)

To that end we chose to utilize off the shelf baskets for much of our anticipated adaptive storage needs:
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The baskets are plastic, have good handles, solid bottom and vented sides. The two sizes allow them to be fully removed and fit in the companionway to see what is there. This also allows for sufficient depth to make use of the available space and adapt to the narrowing geometry of the hull as one moves forward. The space allows for two large and one smaller basket per level.

We choose to use a two shelf approach with back stops and a high front lip to locate and retain the baskets for most anticipated water conditions. We also adding a top extension to raise up the working surface and provide further additional storage for a single burner induction cooktop and a dual burner foldaway propane cooktop should we decide to bring it. The top extension also allows for two small baskets and other storage container options as needed. Along the aft portion is a spice rack that holds 8 to 10 jars.

Within the top extension are two secure yet easily removable access panels. These removable panels are along the back and aft sides. These allow for quick and easy access to the wire raceway, thru-hull fitting, bilge discharge live and shutoff valve, and the back of the intermediate electrical panel.

The top surface is maple veneer 7 ply hardwood. This is the only wood used for this project. The side edges, top and bottom surfaces were sanded then four coats of a Minwax hard surface polyacrylic was applied (with 400 grit standings between coats). This is something that we have used previously on high use contact surfaces like bannisters and handrails with very good results. The top surface is a split design to allow access and a convenient place to put things as they are removed.

Along the back beyond the top surface and the port interior wall is a long trough to house several rice and pasta jars, cooking oils and/or bottled libations as required.

The structure was fabricated from dimensional exterior grade all weather PVC board. This is a nice product to work with in hat regular wood working tools and techniques can be utilized. One side has a nice faux wood grain embossed.it is durable, cleanable and impervious to moisture exposure.

The structure has been designed such that should the need arise the galley can be disassembled and removed to expose the hull structure.

The bottom shelf surface incorporates three removable panels that allow access to the port bilge area without tools if that is required.

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This has been a fun and rewarding adventure part of the New Journey for Over Easy for us.
This galley project has allowed us to visualize some of the fun day-to-day activities as we both enjoy cooking and preparing meals for ourselves and others ( once we can all have this COVID-19 in our rear view mirror someday).🙄🙄 Working through ideas and coming up with creative solutions to incorporate them has been really enjoyable for us. :D :D

Now we have to finish up some of the remaining items so we can get on the water!
- We inspected and decided we needed to replacethe engine control cables. The POs were kind enough to include a pair of new cable assemblies with Over Easy. These were very much appreciated. Thank you! This was a bit of a challenge for us but it all worked out with color coding the individual cable assemblies.
- We are installing our new sonar/depth sounder. The cable has been routed up to the pedestal. One of our concerns has been about leaving the transponder head in the water even when not in use at the slip. Marine growth can be a problem in this region of SC. We did some research and found a couple of alternatives to the traditional stern mounting. We decided that we would attempt to mount the transducer within the interior of the hull by bedding it down in silicone gel within an enclosure to make it into a “thru-the-hull” transducer. The only downside is that we lose the ability to monitor ambient water temperature.
- We took advantage of the loosened pedestal (done previously as part of the modification to enlarge the fuel locker cuddies to install new 12 gallon tanks) and reorganized some of the wiring to/from the engine. Some of the extra length of wires had been coiled on the interior floor of the pedestal collecting dirt and debris. Some of the extra wire length had been pushed though the cockpit floor opening into the lower aft berth. We gathered up each cable, coiled them and provided an adequate tether within the pedestal. Much-Much neater within the aft lower berth and the pedestal!!!
- Stiil have to get back to the addition of the fuel filter/separators, reinstalling the compass
- Reinstalling the steering bars, line change out for the centerboard, etc....

Anyway the galley mod was a good effort and fun!

8) 8)
K9Kampers
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by K9Kampers »

Looks very nice!!
👍
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Jimmyt
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Re: A New Journey Begins for OverEasy

Post by Jimmyt »

Great job! That looks fantastic. You got a lot of usable storage out of that space.
Jimmyt
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