Be Free wrote: ↑Thu Dec 11, 2025 8:28 pm
That is an amazing transformation. It's hard to believe it's the same boat!
Good point. I think it was the old "frog in the heating water" phenomenon at work. I have kept my boat in a marina slip virtually the whole time I have owned her. Florida sun and weather were taking its toll. But it has been the tradeoff for having it ready to use in a doable fashion for my age and limitations. It was time to do something. This will give me another several years and allow her to retain her physical integrity and value. I will keep her at home during the holidays, then take her to another facility for a couple of weeks to have the Bimini replaced such that the cockpit enclosure will still zip and close the way it was designed. I'll put a coat of wax on the sides between the new top side paint (rub rail and up) and the new bottom paint. I guess I operate from one basic internal injunction---boats deserve the best we can do for them to extend their lives for as long as reasonably doable and then find a new owner who will continue what we have begun. I just can't bear to see boats just fade into forgotten derelicts. Not on my watch; not with my boats!
I got her home a few days before Christmas. The Admiral says this is my Christmas present...for 2025, 2026, 2027, and possibly 2028! I'll take it. Next we go for a new Bimini to fit the cockpit enclosure I already have which is in good shape. And I think it is time to replace the 6 circuit 12 volt breaker panel. Another fuse holder refuses to reseat itself. Second one to go. Got away with a repair to the one before, but it is clear they are all losing their battle with age (28 years). Hopefully back in the water by February.
That looks great. Now you own the nicest looking X in the world.
I replaced my fuse panel with a breaker panel. Many claim fuses are better and they are probably right. But I've blown fuses and when underway it's really hard to replace one.
Russ wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 6:36 am
That looks great. Now you own the nicest looking X in the world.
I replaced my fuse panel with a breaker panel. Many claim fuses are better and they are probably right. But I've blown fuses and when underway it's really hard to replace one.
Interesting. Yes, my 110 shore power has a breaker, but the 12 volt stuff is all on fuse panels with on/off switches, of course. Did you do the wiring? Mine looks like a plate of spaghetti back there. I'm hesitant to try it myself.
While I have a high regard for my X, I have to agree
Russ wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 6:36 am
That looks great. Now you own the nicest looking X in the world.
I replaced my fuse panel with a breaker panel. Many claim fuses are better and they are probably right. But I've blown fuses and when underway it's really hard to replace one.
